BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design (Sandwich)
Nottingham - City Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design (Sandwich) program at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers students an immersive experience in the design and creation of furniture and consumer products. This program is tailored for individuals with a passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable furniture and products. Through a blend of design theory, practical workshops, and industry collaborations, students explore the entire design process from concept development to production, preparing them for careers in the furniture and product design industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, and digital technologies. Core modules cover topics such as design thinking, sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and design management. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as furniture design, product design, or sustainable design through elective modules. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through studio-based projects, design critiques, and industry-led briefs, allowing students to develop their creativity, technical skills, and design expertise.
Research Focus: Research plays a crucial role in the BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program, enabling students to explore design trends, materials innovation, and user needs in depth. Students engage in research projects that involve user-centered design methodologies, market analysis, material experimentation, and design exploration. These projects encourage students to think critically, identify design opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to real-world design challenges. Additionally, students have the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners on research initiatives, gaining practical experience and insights into current design practices and trends.
Industry Engagement: NTU places a strong emphasis on industry engagement in the BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the design profession. The sandwich placement year provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through placements with furniture manufacturers, design studios, or product development companies. During these placements, students have the chance to apply their design skills in professional settings, work alongside experienced designers, and gain insights into industry practices and processes. Additionally, NTU maintains partnerships with industry stakeholders, offering guest lectures, design competitions, and collaborative projects that expose students to current design trends, technologies, and career opportunities.
Global Perspective: While rooted in the UK design context, the BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design program at NTU also incorporates a global perspective into its curriculum. Students learn about international design movements, cultural influences, and global design markets through case studies, research projects, and international study opportunities. Additionally, NTU encourages students to participate in study abroad programs, international design competitions, or design collaborations with international partners, providing opportunities to gain cross-cultural understanding and experience different design contexts and perspectives. This global perspective prepares students to work in diverse cultural settings, address global design challenges, and contribute to the development of sustainable and inclusive design solutions on a global scale.
Location
Nottingham - City Campus
Score
IELTS 6
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 the BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design (Sandwich) program at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) possess a diverse skill set and a solid understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in the furniture and product design industry. With their creative vision, technical expertise, and practical experience, graduates are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors.
Furniture Designer: Furniture designers create innovative and functional furniture pieces for residential, commercial, and public spaces. They conceptualize designs, sketch ideas, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop detailed drawings and prototypes. Furniture designers collaborate with manufacturers, craftsmen, and clients to bring their designs to life, considering factors such as aesthetics, ergonomics, sustainability, and production feasibility.
Product Designer: Product designers specialize in the creation of consumer products ranging from household goods and electronic devices to fashion accessories and industrial equipment. They research user needs, market trends, and technological advancements to develop innovative product concepts that meet consumer demands and address societal challenges. Product designers work closely with manufacturers, engineers, and marketers to refine designs, prototype products, and launch new products into the market.
Design Consultant: Design consultants provide expert advice and guidance to businesses, organizations, and individuals on matters related to design strategy, product development, and brand identity. They assess client needs, conduct market research, and recommend design solutions that align with business objectives and target audiences. Design consultants may specialize in areas such as branding, user experience (UX) design, or design thinking, offering their expertise to help clients enhance their competitive advantage and achieve design excellence.
Design Entrepreneur: Design entrepreneurs combine their passion for design with business acumen to establish their own design studios, brands, or product lines. They identify market opportunities, develop unique product concepts, and create compelling brand identities to differentiate their offerings in the marketplace. Design entrepreneurs manage all aspects of their business, including design, production, marketing, and sales, taking on roles such as creative director, brand manager, or product developer.
Sustainable Designer: Sustainable designers focus on creating environmentally friendly and socially responsible design solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. They incorporate sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and circular design principles into their projects to reduce waste, conserve resources, and support ecological balance. Sustainable designers work for design firms, architecture firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, advocating for sustainable design practices and promoting the adoption of green technologies and initiatives.
Design Educator/Researcher: Design educators and researchers work in academia, research institutions, or design organizations, teaching courses, conducting research, and advancing knowledge in the field of design. They inspire and mentor the next generation of designers, facilitate creative exploration, and contribute to the development of innovative design theories, methodologies, and practices through research projects, publications, and scholarly activities.
Interior Designer: Interior designers specialize in the design and decoration of interior spaces, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and hospitality venues. They collaborate with architects, clients, and contractors to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors that reflect the client's style, needs, and budget. Interior designers select furniture, fixtures, finishes, and accessories, considering factors such as space planning, lighting, and color coordination to create harmonious and inviting environments.
