BA in (Hons) Product Design (with Placement)

Manchester

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Product Design program at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in the field of product design. This four-year program, which includes a placement year, provides students with a solid foundation in design theory, technical skills, and industry-relevant experience, preparing them for diverse careers in product design and related industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Product Design program at MMU is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics essential for product designers. Students study subjects such as design thinking, sketching and visualization, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), prototyping, materials science, manufacturing processes, and design ethics. They engage in studio-based projects, workshops, and design critiques to develop their creative abilities, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skills.

Research Focus: Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to fostering research excellence in product design, and students in the BA (Hons) program have the opportunity to engage in research projects that explore emerging trends, innovative technologies, and design methodologies in the field. They learn to conduct user research, analyze market trends, and apply design research methods to inform their design solutions. Through research-led design projects, students develop critical thinking skills and gain insights into the role of design in addressing contemporary challenges.

Industry Engagement: MMU maintains strong connections with industry partners, design consultancies, manufacturing companies, and design organizations, ensuring that the Product Design program remains relevant to the needs of the design profession. Through industry placements, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience working in real-world design environments, applying their skills to solve design briefs and collaborate with professionals. Industry engagement enriches students' learning experiences and enhances their employability upon graduation.

Global Perspective: With a diverse student body and a commitment to global collaboration, Manchester Metropolitan University offers a global perspective within its Product Design program. Students have the opportunity to explore design trends and cultural influences from around the world, participate in international design competitions and exhibitions, and collaborate with students and designers from different cultural backgrounds. MMU also encourages study abroad programs and international design exchanges, allowing students to gain cross-cultural understanding and broaden their design perspectives.

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Location

Manchester

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6

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Tuition Fee

£ 18500

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at MMU are typically required to have a minimum academic qualification of 65% or above in their previous studies. This may vary depending on the specific course and country requirements.

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 88, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 59.
  • 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.

Scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship offers a partial tuition fee waiver of up to £5,000.

International Undergraduate Scholarships: MMU offers a range of undergraduate scholarships for international students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees, with values ranging from £2,000 to £5,000.

Country-Specific Scholarships: MMU offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and provide financial assistance to support students from specific geographic areas.

Sports Scholarships: MMU recognizes the achievements of talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting aspirations. These scholarships provide financial support and additional training opportunities for student-athletes.

External Scholarships and Funding: MMU also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by governments, organizations, and foundations in their home countries. The university provides guidance and support in accessing external funding options.

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

Graduates of Manchester Metropolitan University's (MMU) BA (Hons) Product Design program, which includes a placement year, are well-prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities in the field of product design and related industries.

Product Designer: Many graduates pursue careers as product designers, working for design consultancies, manufacturing companies, or in-house design teams. They create innovative product concepts, develop detailed designs using CAD software, and collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to bring products to market. Product designers work across a wide range of industries, including consumer electronics, furniture, automotive, and medical devices.

Industrial Designer: Industrial designers specialize in creating products for mass production, focusing on factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and manufacturing processes. They work on a diverse range of projects, from consumer goods and household appliances to transportation and healthcare products. Industrial designers collaborate closely with engineers, marketers, and clients to ensure that designs meet user needs and market requirements.

UX/UI Designer: With the increasing importance of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design in digital products, graduates may pursue careers as UX/UI designers. They design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and software applications, conducting user research, creating wireframes and prototypes, and collaborating with developers to ensure seamless user interactions.

Design Engineer: Some graduates choose to work as design engineers, combining their design skills with engineering expertise to develop functional and manufacturable products. They use CAD software to create detailed product designs, conduct feasibility studies, and collaborate with engineering teams to optimize designs for performance, cost, and manufacturability. Design engineers work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Packaging Designer: Packaging designers specialize in creating packaging solutions for consumer products, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and functional requirements. They design packaging that protects products during shipping and storage, communicates brand identity, and enhances shelf appeal. Packaging designers work closely with product designers, marketers, and manufacturers to create packaging that meets the needs of both consumers and businesses.

Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit may choose to start their own design businesses or product startups. They develop innovative product concepts, prototype designs, and launch their own brands or design studios. Entrepreneurial product designers may focus on niche markets, sustainable design practices, or emerging technologies, leveraging their creativity and business acumen to succeed in the competitive design industry.

Design Educator/Researcher: Some graduates pursue careers in education or research, teaching product design courses in universities or conducting research in design-related fields. They inspire the next generation of designers, mentor students, and contribute to advancing knowledge in areas such as design theory, materials science, sustainability, and human-centered design.


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