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BDes (Hons) Product Design

Edinburgh

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BDes (Hons) Product Design program at Edinburgh Napier University offers students an immersive and interdisciplinary education focused on the conception, development, and realization of innovative product solutions. Through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on studio-based projects, students explore design thinking, human-centered design, material exploration, and prototyping techniques. With an emphasis on creativity, sustainability, and user experience, students develop the skills and knowledge needed to address contemporary challenges and opportunities in product design across various industries. The program fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, where students are encouraged to experiment, iterate, and push the boundaries of traditional design practice.

  1. Design Thinking and Ideation: The program introduces students to the principles of design thinking, encouraging them to approach design challenges with empathy, curiosity, and creativity. Students learn how to identify user needs, define design problems, and generate innovative solutions through brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping. They explore ideation techniques, such as mind mapping, storyboarding, and concept mapping, to generate and evaluate design concepts that address user needs and preferences.

  2. Human-Centered Design: Students learn how to prioritize user needs and preferences in the design process, applying principles of human-centered design to create products that are intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly. They conduct user research, usability testing, and iterative prototyping to understand user behaviors, preferences, and pain points, ensuring that their designs meet the needs of diverse user groups. Students also explore universal design principles and accessibility standards to create inclusive and equitable product solutions.

  3. Material Exploration and Selection: Materiality plays a crucial role in product design, and students explore a wide range of materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes to inform their design decisions. They learn about material properties, performance characteristics, and sustainability considerations, selecting materials that are suitable for the intended application, function, and aesthetic of their designs. Students experiment with traditional and innovative materials, such as bioplastics, composites, and smart materials, to create sustainable and environmentally friendly product solutions.

  4. Prototyping and Iterative Design: Prototyping is an essential part of the design process, allowing students to test and refine their design concepts before production. Students learn how to create prototypes using a variety of techniques and tools, including 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and handcrafting. They iterate on their prototypes based on user feedback, performance testing, and aesthetic considerations, refining their designs to improve functionality, ergonomics, and manufacturability.

  5. Sustainable Design Practices: With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, students explore sustainable design principles and practices throughout the design process. They learn about life cycle assessment, eco-design strategies, and cradle-to-cradle principles, incorporating sustainable considerations into every stage of the design process. Students explore strategies for minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and selecting environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes, ensuring that their designs have a positive impact on people and the planet.

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Location

Edinburgh

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6

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Tuition Fee

£ 17580

Entry requirements for Undergraduate Programs

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs are required to have a minimum academic qualification of 65% or above in their high school or equivalent qualification.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0, with no individual component score below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80, with a minimum score of 17 in each component.
  • PTE: A minimum overall score of 56, with no individual score below 51.

These scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Edinburgh Napier University.

Global Scholarships:Edinburgh Napier University offers Global Scholarships for international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs.The Global Undergraduate Scholarship provides a deduction of £3,000 from the tuition fees for the first year of study.The Global Postgraduate Scholarship provides a deduction of £3,000 from the tuition fees for the first year of study.These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, so students with excellent academic achievements have a higher chance of being awarded the scholarship.

Country-Specific Scholarships:Edinburgh Napier University also offers scholarships specific to certain countries or regions.These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions and may provide financial support towards tuition fees or living expenses.The eligibility criteria and application process may vary for each country-specific scholarship, so interested students should visit the university's official website for detailed information.

Alumni Scholarships:Edinburgh Napier University offers scholarships exclusively for its alumni who wish to pursue further studies at the university.These scholarships are aimed at recognizing and supporting the university's graduates and providing them with opportunities to advance their education.The specific eligibility criteria and benefits of the alumni scholarships may vary, so interested students are encouraged to contact the university's alumni office or visit the official website for more information.

External Scholarships:Edinburgh Napier University provides information and guidance on external scholarships that international students may be eligible to apply for.These scholarships are offered by external organizations, governments, or foundations and are open to students from various countries or specific fields of study.The university's website and scholarship databases provide comprehensive information on external scholarships, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

Graduating with a BDes (Hons) in Product Design from Edinburgh Napier University opens up a wide array of exciting career opportunities in the dynamic field of design and innovation. The BDes (Hons) Product Design program at Edinburgh Napier University equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and creative versatility needed to succeed in diverse and rewarding careers within the field of product design.

  1. Product Designer: As product designers, graduates can work in design consultancies, manufacturing firms, or start-ups, creating innovative and user-centric product solutions across various industries. They conceptualize, develop, and refine product concepts, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, usability, and manufacturability. Product designers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, marketers, and stakeholders, to bring products from concept to market, ensuring that designs meet user needs and business objectives.

  2. Industrial Designer: Industrial designers focus on the design of mass-produced consumer goods, appliances, electronics, and transportation products. They apply their design skills and technical knowledge to create products that are visually appealing, ergonomic, and sustainable. Industrial designers work closely with manufacturers, engineers, and marketers to develop products that are manufacturable, cost-effective, and marketable, contributing to the success and competitiveness of their clients or employers in the global marketplace.

  3. UX/UI Designer: With the increasing importance of user experience (UX) design, graduates can pursue careers as UX/UI designers, focusing on creating intuitive and user-friendly digital interfaces and interactive experiences. They conduct user research, wireframing, and prototyping to design user-centered interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and software applications. UX/UI designers collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to create seamless and engaging digital experiences that delight users and drive business outcomes.

  4. Design Engineer: Design engineers combine their expertise in product design with engineering principles to develop innovative and technically feasible product solutions. They use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and simulation tools to create detailed 3D models, perform structural analysis, and validate design concepts. Design engineers work closely with cross-functional teams to optimize product performance, functionality, and manufacturability, ensuring that designs meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements.

  5. Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset can start their own design consultancy or product-based start-up, bringing their innovative ideas and designs to market. As entrepreneurs, they have the flexibility to pursue their passion projects, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and create products that address unmet needs or solve pressing societal challenges. Entrepreneurial graduates leverage their design expertise, business acumen, and networking skills to attract investors, secure funding, and grow their ventures into successful and sustainable businesses.

  6. Sustainable Design Specialist: With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, graduates can specialize in sustainable design, focusing on creating products that minimize environmental impact and promote a circular economy. They integrate sustainable design principles, such as life cycle assessment, eco-design strategies, and material selection, into every stage of the design process. Sustainable design specialists work with manufacturers, policymakers, and NGOs to promote sustainable practices and develop products that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

  7. Design Educator/Researcher: Graduates with a passion for education and research can pursue careers as design educators or researchers, teaching and conducting research in academic institutions, research labs, or design think tanks. They share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of designers, inspiring and mentoring students to explore new ideas, methodologies, and technologies. Design educators and researchers contribute to the advancement of knowledge in product design through empirical research, theoretical analysis, and critical inquiry, shaping the future of design practice and education.

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