BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
The BSc Acoustics and Music Technology program at The University of Edinburgh offers a ...
BA Product Design
Lauriston Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA Product Design program at the University of Edinburgh offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of product design. This interdisciplinary program combines elements of design, engineering, and business to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of product development. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on practical experience, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to conceive, design, and bring innovative products to market.
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Design Thinking and Innovation: The program emphasizes design thinking and innovation, equipping students with the ability to identify opportunities, generate creative ideas, and develop solutions to real-world problems. Through projects and coursework, students learn to apply human-centered design principles to create products that meet the needs and preferences of users.
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Technical Skills Development: Students acquire a range of technical skills essential for product design, including sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and computer-aided design (CAD). They learn to use industry-standard software and tools to visualize and communicate their design concepts effectively.
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User-Centered Design: A central focus of the program is on user-centered design principles, where students learn to conduct user research, gather feedback, and iterate on their designs based on user insights. By understanding the needs, behaviors, and preferences of users, students develop products that deliver meaningful experiences and address specific user needs.
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Collaborative Projects: Students have the opportunity to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with peers from different backgrounds, including engineering, business, and the arts. Collaborative projects provide valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and project management, mirroring real-world industry dynamics.
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Industry Engagement: The program maintains strong links with industry partners, providing students with opportunities for internships, industry projects, and guest lectures from industry professionals. Through these engagements, students gain practical experience, industry insights, and networking opportunities that enhance their employability upon graduation.
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Sustainability and Ethical Design: With growing concerns about environmental sustainability and ethical practices, the program emphasizes the importance of designing products that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and ethically sound. Students explore topics such as sustainable materials, lifecycle assessment, and ethical considerations in design decision-making.
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Entrepreneurship and Business Skills: In addition to design skills, students develop entrepreneurial and business acumen, learning about product marketing, branding, intellectual property, and business models. They gain an understanding of the commercial aspects of product design and learn how to bring innovative ideas to market successfully.
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Portfolio Development: Throughout the program, students build a portfolio of their design work, showcasing their creativity, technical proficiency, and problem-solving abilities. A strong portfolio is essential for securing internships, job opportunities, or further study in the field of product design.
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Design Studio Culture: The program fosters a vibrant and collaborative design studio culture, where students have access to dedicated studio spaces, workshops, and state-of-the-art facilities. The studio environment encourages creativity, experimentation, and peer learning, providing students with a supportive and inspiring learning community.
Location
Lauriston Campus
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 34800
Undergraduate entry requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance in their secondary education or equivalent qualifications. The typical academic requirement for entry is approximately 80%, calculated based on the applicant's secondary school grades or examination results.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.0.
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 92 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 62, with no less than 54 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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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.
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available to overseas undergraduate students applying for full-time programs at the university. The scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees for the duration of the undergraduate program.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
The BA Product Design program at the University of Edinburgh prepares graduates for dynamic and rewarding careers in the field of design. With a strong foundation in design thinking, technical skills, and business acumen, graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to industries, drive innovation, and shape the future of product development. The program's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on creativity, user-centered design, and sustainability ensure that graduates are well-positioned to succeed in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
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Product Designer: Graduates of the BA Product Design program are well-prepared for careers as product designers, where they conceive, develop, and refine innovative products across various industries. They work closely with stakeholders to understand user needs, conduct research, sketch concepts, create prototypes, and oversee the production process.
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UX/UI Designer: With a strong emphasis on user-centered design, graduates can pursue roles as UX (User Experience) or UI (User Interface) designers. They focus on enhancing the usability, accessibility, and visual appeal of digital products, such as websites, mobile apps, and software interfaces.
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Industrial Designer: Industrial designers develop concepts and designs for a wide range of products, including consumer goods, furniture, appliances, and medical devices. They combine artistic flair with technical knowledge to create products that are functional, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing.
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Design Researcher: Some graduates may specialize in design research, where they investigate user behaviors, preferences, and market trends to inform design decisions. Design researchers contribute insights that shape product development strategies and enhance the user experience.
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Design Consultant: Graduates may work as design consultants, providing expertise and creative solutions to businesses seeking to develop new products or improve existing ones. Design consultants collaborate with clients to translate ideas into actionable design concepts.
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Entrepreneur: The BA Product Design program equips graduates with the entrepreneurial skills needed to start their own design businesses or ventures. They can develop and launch innovative products, manage design projects, and navigate the complexities of running a design-focused enterprise.
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Brand Strategist: Some graduates pursue careers in brand strategy, where they leverage their design expertise to build and strengthen brand identities. Brand strategists develop cohesive visual narratives, positioning strategies, and marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
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3D Modeler/Animator: Proficiency in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software equips graduates for roles as 3D modelers or animators, creating digital representations of products for visualization, simulation, and marketing purposes.
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Product Development Manager: Graduates with strong project management skills may work as product development managers, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from ideation to production. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and ensure products meet quality standards and market requirements.
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Innovation Manager: Some graduates pursue roles as innovation managers within companies, where they drive creative solutions, foster collaboration, and lead initiatives to develop new products or improve existing ones. Innovation managers play a pivotal role in driving organizational growth and competitiveness through innovative design strategies.
