MA Creative Direction for Fashion
The MA Creative Direction for Fashion program at UCA is renowned for its nurturing crea...
BA (Hons) Product & Furniture Design
Canterbury
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Product & Furniture Design program at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is designed to nurture innovative designers capable of conceptualizing and creating functional and aesthetic products and furniture pieces. Through a combination of practical workshops, design studios, and theoretical studies, students develop a comprehensive understanding of design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics. The program encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, preparing students for careers in the dynamic fields of product and furniture design.
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Design Process and Methodology: Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of design thinking and methodology, learning how to research, ideate, prototype, and refine their design concepts. Emphasis is placed on user-centered design approaches, sustainable practices, and innovation, enabling students to develop products and furniture pieces that meet user needs while addressing societal and environmental challenges.
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Technical Skills and Craftsmanship: Practical workshops and studio sessions provide students with hands-on experience in various design techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes. From sketching and 3D modeling to digital fabrication and traditional craftsmanship, students acquire the technical skills and expertise needed to bring their design concepts to life, whether through physical prototypes or digital simulations.
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Contextual Studies and Design History: The program explores the historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects of product and furniture design, helping students contextualize their work within broader social, cultural, and economic frameworks. Through the study of design history, theory, and contemporary trends, students gain insights into the evolution of design practices, styles, and movements, enriching their creative perspectives and critical awareness.
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Industry Collaboration and Professional Practice: Students have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, design studios, manufacturers, and retailers through live projects, internships, and collaborative ventures. These real-world experiences provide valuable insights into industry practices, market demands, and professional standards, preparing students for the transition to professional practice and entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Design Projects and Portfolio Development: Throughout the program, students undertake a series of design projects, both individual and collaborative, focusing on diverse briefs, contexts, and scales. These projects allow students to explore different design challenges, experiment with materials and forms, and develop their design aesthetics and identities. Through regular critiques, presentations, and portfolio reviews, students refine their design portfolios, showcasing their best work and design process to potential employers or clients.
Location
Canterbury
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16950
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications:The minimum percentage required for undergraduate courses at UCA is average percentage of 60% in HSC.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: The minimum required overall score is usually between 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
- PTE Academic: The minimum required overall score is 56.
- TOEFL: The minimum required score is 80.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that entry requirements may vary across different programs and courses. Additionally, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as the number of available places and competition for certain courses.
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) recognizes the importance of providing financial support to students pursuing their creative arts education. University for the Creative Arts offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to help students with the costs of tuition fees and living expenses.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: University for the Creative Arts offers Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are open to both domestic and international students. The scholarship amount varies and can contribute towards tuition fees or living expenses.
International Scholarships: University for the Creative Arts offers scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The eligibility criteria, application process, and scholarship amounts may vary.
University for the Creative Arts Creative Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and creative potential in their chosen field of study. The Creative Excellence Scholarships are available for various disciplines within the creative arts, such as fine arts, design, fashion, media, and more.
External Scholarships and Funding: University for the Creative Arts encourages students to explore external scholarship opportunities and funding sources. There may be scholarships offered by government organizations, charitable foundations, or industry associations that are applicable to creative arts students. University for the Creative Arts provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.
The BA (Hons) Product & Furniture Design program at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) prepares graduates for a wide range of exciting career opportunities within the design industry. The BA (Hons) Product & Furniture Design program at UCA opens up diverse and rewarding career pathways in product design, furniture design, consultancy, entrepreneurship, sustainability, user experience, exhibition design, and academia. Graduates emerge as versatile and innovative designers equipped to make meaningful contributions to the design industry and society as a whole.
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Product Designer: Graduates can pursue roles as product designers, conceptualizing and developing innovative products for various industries such as consumer goods, technology, homeware, and lifestyle. They may work for design consultancies, in-house design teams, or as freelance designers, creating products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Furniture Designer: Students can embark on careers as furniture designers, specializing in the creation of bespoke furniture pieces, mass-produced designs, or sustainable and eco-friendly furniture solutions. They may work with manufacturers, retailers, or design studios, focusing on residential, commercial, or outdoor furniture design.
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Design Consultant: With their expertise in design thinking, problem-solving, and creative innovation, graduates can work as design consultants, offering strategic advice and solutions to businesses seeking to enhance their products, brands, or user experiences. They may collaborate with companies across various sectors to improve their design processes, products, and market competitiveness.
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Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to establish their design studios or start their own product and furniture design businesses. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a solid understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes, they can develop their own product lines, collaborate with artisans or manufacturers, and market their designs to a global audience.
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Sustainable Design Specialist: Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness in the design industry, graduates may specialize in sustainable product and furniture design. They can advocate for eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and circular design principles, contributing to the development of more sustainable and responsible design solutions.
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User Experience (UX) Designer: Graduates may pursue careers in user experience design, focusing on the holistic user experience of products and furniture. They can apply their design skills to create intuitive, user-friendly, and engaging products that meet the needs and preferences of diverse user groups, enhancing usability and customer satisfaction.
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Exhibition and Set Design: Students may explore opportunities in exhibition design, creating immersive and interactive experiences for museums, galleries, trade shows, and events. They can design exhibition spaces, installations, and displays that showcase products, concepts, or narratives, blending creativity with spatial design and storytelling.
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Academic and Research Positions: Some graduates may choose to further their studies through postgraduate degrees or pursue academic and research positions within universities or research institutions. They can contribute to the advancement of design education, theory, and practice through teaching, research, and scholarly publications.
