BA (Honours) Product Design

Sheffield Hallam - City Campus

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BA (Honours) Product Design program at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), situated in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, offers students a dynamic and innovative education in the field of product design. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and creative mindset needed to develop innovative products that meet user needs, market demands, and sustainability criteria. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical studio work, and industry collaborations, students gain hands-on experience and prepare for careers in diverse sectors such as industrial design, consumer goods, furniture design, and automotive design.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Honours) Product Design program at Sheffield Hallam University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the product design process from concept generation to prototype development and production. Students study core topics such as design principles, materials and manufacturing processes, user-centered design, design thinking, and digital design tools. They also have the opportunity to explore specialized areas such as ergonomics, sustainability, design aesthetics, and design for manufacturing. Through studio projects, design workshops, and industry collaborations, students develop their design skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Research Focus: Sheffield Hallam University is committed to fostering research excellence in product design and promoting innovation in design practice. Faculty members and students engage in research projects exploring emerging trends, technologies, and design methodologies in product design. Research areas may include user experience (UX) design, human-centered design, biomimicry, inclusive design, and sustainable design. Students have the opportunity to participate in research activities, collaborate with faculty members on research projects, and pursue their own research interests through independent study or undergraduate research projects. Through research-based learning, students develop critical thinking skills, design literacy, and a deeper understanding of contemporary design issues and challenges.

Industry Engagement: SHU maintains strong connections with industry partners to provide students with valuable insights and experiences in the field of product design. Through guest lectures, design competitions, industry-sponsored projects, and internships, students have the opportunity to interact with professionals working in design firms, manufacturing companies, and creative agencies. Industry-relevant assignments, case studies, and practical projects further enhance students' understanding of real-world design practices and challenges. Additionally, SHU's partnerships with professional organizations and design networks provide students with networking opportunities and potential employment prospects upon graduation.

Global Perspective: As a globally-minded institution, Sheffield Hallam University offers students a global perspective on product design, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, market awareness, and sustainability in design practice. The BA (Honours) program explores international design trends, consumer preferences, and design philosophies from different regions and cultures. Students have the opportunity to study global case studies, participate in international design competitions, and collaborate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, students develop a broader understanding of the global design landscape and prepare for careers in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural design industry.

Pollster Education

Location

Sheffield Hallam - City Campus

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 15860

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Sheffield Hallam University are typically required to have a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their high school or equivalent 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 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60 with no individual score below 51.
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is required.
  • 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.

Sheffield Hallam University offers a range of scholarships to international students to support their academic journey and recognize their achievements. These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance and enhance the overall student experience.

Transform Together Scholarships: These scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students and cover a significant proportion of the tuition fees. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and applicants are required to demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact in their home country after completing their studies.

Chevening Scholarships: Sheffield Hallam University is a Chevening partner, offering scholarships to exceptional students from Chevening-eligible countries. Chevening scholarships are fully funded and cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. Recipients of Chevening scholarships become part of the influential global network of Chevening Alumni.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Sheffield Hallam University offers scholarships specifically designed for students from certain countries. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, or other specific criteria.  

Sports Scholarships: Sheffield Hallam University recognizes the achievements of talented student-athletes by offering sports scholarships. These scholarships support athletes in balancing their academic and sporting commitments. Recipients of sports scholarships receive financial assistance, access to training facilities, coaching support, and other sports-related benefits.

Partnership Scholarships: The university has established partnerships with various organizations and institutions, leading to the availability of partnership scholarships. These scholarships may be offered to students from partner institutions or through collaborations with industry partners. They provide financial support and unique opportunities for academic and professional development.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary from year to year.

Graduates of the BA (Honours) Product Design program at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, have a wide array of exciting career opportunities in the field of design and innovation. With their strong design skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, SHU graduates are well-prepared to pursue diverse roles in industries such as product design, industrial design, user experience (UX) design, and design consultancy.

Product Designer: One of the primary career paths for graduates of the BA (Honours) Product Design program is becoming a product designer. Product designers are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing innovative products that meet user needs, market demands, and brand objectives. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, marketers, and manufacturers, to transform ideas into tangible products. Product designers use their creativity, technical skills, and understanding of user-centered design principles to create products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable. They may work in design firms, manufacturing companies, or start-ups, developing a wide range of products such as consumer electronics, furniture, household goods, and medical devices.

Industrial Designer: Graduates may pursue careers as industrial designers, focusing on the design of mass-produced goods for industrial manufacturing. Industrial designers work to improve the functionality, usability, and aesthetics of products while considering manufacturing constraints and cost-effectiveness. They create sketches, renderings, and prototypes to communicate design concepts and collaborate with engineers to ensure that designs can be efficiently produced. Industrial designers may specialize in specific industries such as automotive design, consumer electronics, or furniture design, contributing to the development of products that enhance people's lives and experiences.

User Experience (UX) Designer: Graduates may specialize in user experience (UX) design and pursue careers as UX designers. UX designers focus on understanding user needs, behaviors, and preferences to create intuitive and engaging user experiences for digital products and services. They conduct user research, create wireframes and prototypes, and conduct usability testing to optimize the usability and accessibility of digital interfaces. UX designers work closely with product managers, developers, and graphic designers to ensure that designs align with business goals and user needs. They may work in technology companies, digital agencies, or design studios, contributing to the creation of user-friendly websites, mobile apps, and software applications.

Design Consultant: Graduates may work as design consultants, providing strategic design advice and solutions to businesses seeking to enhance their products, services, or brand experiences. Design consultants work with clients to identify design opportunities, develop design strategies, and implement design-driven solutions that drive innovation and competitiveness. They may offer services such as design research, trend analysis, concept development, and design management, helping businesses translate design thinking into tangible outcomes. Design consultants may work independently or as part of design consultancy firms, collaborating with a diverse range of clients across industries such as retail, healthcare, and technology.

Entrepreneur: Graduates may choose to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and launch their own design businesses or start-ups. Entrepreneurial designers have the opportunity to bring their creative ideas to life, develop innovative products or services, and build their own brands. They navigate the entire product development process, from ideation and prototyping to production and marketing, leveraging their design skills, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit to create successful ventures. Entrepreneurial designers may specialize in niche markets, disruptive technologies, or sustainable design solutions, contributing to the growth and diversification of the design industry.


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