BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design
Nottingham - City Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the UK offers a prestigious BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program that combines creative innovation with practical skills to prepare students for careers in the design industry. This program provides a comprehensive education in the principles of design, materials, manufacturing processes, and user-centered design methodologies. With a focus on both traditional craftsmanship and digital design technologies, NTU's Furniture and Product Design program equips students with the skills and knowledge to design and create furniture, products, and spatial experiences that are both functional and aesthetically compelling.
Curriculum: The curriculum of NTU's BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program is carefully structured to provide students with a well-rounded education in design theory and practice. Students study a range of subjects, including design history, materials and manufacturing, design drawing and visualization, 3D modeling and rendering, and design research methods. They also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as furniture design, product design, interior design, or spatial design, tailoring their studies to their individual interests and career goals. Practical studio-based projects, workshops, and industry collaborations are integral components of the curriculum, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world design challenges.
Research Focus: NTU emphasizes research within its Furniture and Product Design program, encouraging students to explore new ideas, materials, and design concepts through research-led design projects. Whether investigating sustainable design practices, emerging design trends, or cultural influences on design, students have the opportunity to conduct original research and experimentation that informs their design practice. Faculty members support student research endeavors and encourage critical reflection and creative exploration in the design process.
Industry Engagement: NTU's Furniture and Product Design program maintains strong ties with the design industry through industry partnerships, guest lectures, and design competitions. Students benefit from opportunities to collaborate with design firms, manufacturers, and industry professionals on real-world design projects, gaining valuable insights into industry practices and trends. Industry placements, internships, and design exhibitions provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to the professional design world, helping them build connections and develop a portfolio of work that showcases their design skills and expertise.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly globalized design landscape, NTU's Furniture and Product Design program emphasizes a global perspective in its curriculum. Students explore design trends and influences from around the world, gaining insights into different cultural aesthetics, design traditions, and market preferences. Additionally, NTU offers opportunities for international study exchanges, design collaborations, and research partnerships with universities and design institutions worldwide. Students graduate with a broad understanding of global design issues and the skills to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts.
Location
Nottingham - City Campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17200
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NTU are typically required to have completed their secondary education or its equivalent. NTU expects international students to have achieved a minimum of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 81, with at least 19 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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 meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
These scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Nottingham Trent University:
International Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: NTU offers the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for international students. This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, with a focus on the applicant's achievements and potential contributions to NTU and their chosen field of study.
International Undergraduate Scholarship: NTU provides undergraduate scholarships for international students, which are awarded based on academic achievement and cover a percentage of tuition fees for each year of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: NTU offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic achievement or residency in a particular country.
External Scholarships:NTU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. There are various organizations, foundations, and governments that offer scholarships to support international students studying in the UK. NTU provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these external scholarships.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.
Graduates of Nottingham Trent University's (NTU) BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program possess a diverse skill set that prepares them for a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the design industry. With a strong foundation in design theory, practical skills, and creative problem-solving, NTU graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors of the design field.
Furniture Designer: Furniture designers create innovative and functional furniture pieces for residential, commercial, and public spaces. NTU graduates may work for furniture manufacturers, design firms, or as independent designers, conceptualizing and developing furniture collections, creating prototypes, and overseeing the production process from design to manufacture.
Product Designer: Product designers specialize in creating consumer products that are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. NTU graduates may work for product design consultancies, manufacturing companies, or start-ups, designing a wide range of products such as electronic gadgets, household appliances, consumer goods, and lifestyle accessories.
Interior Designer: Interior designers focus on creating interior spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and reflective of the client's needs and preferences. NTU graduates may work for interior design firms, architectural firms, or as independent designers, designing residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail spaces, selecting furniture, finishes, and materials, and collaborating with architects and contractors to bring designs to life.
Spatial Designer: Spatial designers specialize in creating immersive and experiential environments that engage and inspire users. NTU graduates may work in exhibition design, museum design, event design, or experiential marketing, designing temporary or permanent installations, immersive environments, and interactive experiences that tell stories, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences for users.
Design Researcher: Design researchers investigate trends, user behaviors, and market opportunities to inform design decisions and drive innovation. NTU graduates may work for design research firms, design consultancies, or as independent researchers, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, analyzing data, and providing insights and recommendations to support the design process.
Design Educator: Design educators teach and mentor the next generation of designers, sharing their knowledge, skills, and passion for design with students. NTU graduates may work as lecturers, tutors, or professors in universities, colleges, or design schools, teaching courses in design theory, studio practice, and professional development, and guiding students in their creative journeys.
Design Entrepreneur: Some NTU graduates choose to start their own design businesses or design studios, leveraging their creativity, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to create and sell their own products or design services. As design entrepreneurs, graduates may develop and launch their own furniture collections, product lines, or design brands, building a portfolio of work and establishing themselves as leaders in the design industry.