MSc Accounting and Finance
The MSc Accounting and Finance course at the University of Northampton offers a compreh...
BA (Hons) Product Design
Waterside
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Northampton, UK, offers students a comprehensive education in the field of product design. This undergraduate degree equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to develop innovative and user-centered products for various industries, including manufacturing, technology, consumer goods, and healthcare.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Product Design program covers a broad range of topics essential to product design, including design theory, materials and manufacturing processes, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), prototyping, and user research. Students learn to conceptualize, design, and prototype products that meet user needs, market demands, and technical requirements. The program integrates studio-based projects, workshops, and real-world briefs to foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Research Focus: Research is a central component of the BA (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Northampton. Students engage in research projects that explore user behaviors, market trends, sustainability principles, and emerging technologies relevant to product design. They learn research methodologies, design thinking processes, and user-centered design principles, applying them to identify opportunities, generate ideas, and evaluate design solutions. Research findings inform students' design decisions and help them develop products that address real-world challenges and opportunities.
Industry Engagement: The University of Northampton emphasizes industry engagement to enhance students' understanding of the professional product design field. The BA (Hons) Product Design program offers opportunities for students to collaborate with industry partners, participate in design competitions, and undertake work placements or internships with design firms, manufacturing companies, or product development agencies. Students also benefit from guest lectures, studio visits, and design critiques delivered by practicing designers and industry experts, providing insights into current industry practices, technologies, and trends.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly globalized marketplace, the BA (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Northampton adopts a global perspective on product design. Students explore diverse cultural, social, and environmental factors that influence product design decisions and consumer preferences worldwide. The program encourages international collaboration and exchange through partnerships with universities, design firms, and industry organizations globally, exposing students to different design philosophies, markets, and user needs. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse cultural contexts and contribute to the development of products that resonate with global audiences.
Location
Waterside
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Northampton are typically required to have a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their secondary 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 70, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 with no individual score below 59.
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 Northampton offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, promote diversity, and provide assistance to those who may face financial constraints.
International Scholarships: The university offers a range of international scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are merit-based and provide partial tuition fee waivers. The eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes may vary.
Chancellor's Scholarships: The Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and potential. These scholarships provide a significant reduction in tuition fees and are highly competitive. Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application for admission.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Northampton also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may be in partnership with governments, organizations, or educational institutions from those countries. The eligibility criteria, application process, and award amounts may vary depending on the specific scholarship.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at the university may offer subject-specific scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic excellence in a particular field of study. Students pursuing specific courses or disciplines may be eligible for these scholarships.
External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the university's own scholarships, international students can also explore external funding options, such as government scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and charitable organizations. The university's international office or scholarship team can provide guidance and information on external funding opportunities available to international students.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Northampton, UK, possess a diverse skill set and are well-equipped to pursue various career opportunities in the field of product design. With their understanding of design principles, technical proficiency, and problem-solving abilities, graduates can explore roles across different industries, including manufacturing, technology, consumer goods, and healthcare.
Product Designer: Product designers conceptualize and develop innovative products that meet user needs, market demands, and business objectives. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, marketers, and manufacturers, to translate design concepts into tangible products. Product designers may specialize in specific industries or product categories, such as furniture, electronics, medical devices, or automotive design.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers focus on the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of product design, creating visually appealing and functional products for mass production. They use CAD software, prototyping techniques, and materials knowledge to design products that are user-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective. Industrial designers work for design consultancies, manufacturing companies, or in-house design departments.
UX/UI Designer: UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) designers specialize in designing digital products, interfaces, and experiences that optimize user satisfaction and usability. They conduct user research, develop wireframes and prototypes, and create intuitive and visually engaging interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and software applications. UX/UI designers may work for tech companies, digital agencies, or start-ups.
Design Engineer: Design engineers integrate design principles with engineering principles to develop products that are technically feasible and manufacturable. They collaborate with product designers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing teams to refine product concepts, validate designs, and optimize product performance. Design engineers work for engineering firms, product development companies, or research institutions.
Creative Director: Creative directors oversee the artistic direction and creative vision of design projects and teams. They lead multidisciplinary teams, develop design concepts, and ensure that design solutions align with client objectives, brand guidelines, and market trends. Creative directors may work for design agencies, advertising firms, or in-house design departments of corporations.
Design Consultant: Design consultants provide strategic advice and design expertise to businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs seeking to develop or improve products and services. They conduct market research, identify opportunities, and offer recommendations on product development, branding, and user experience. Design consultants may work independently or for design consultancy firms.
Product Manager: Product managers oversee the entire lifecycle of a product, from ideation and development to launch and maintenance. They define product strategy, prioritize features, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver products that meet customer needs and business objectives. Product managers may work for tech companies, consumer goods companies, or start-ups.
Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Entrepreneurs and startup founders leverage their design skills and creativity to launch their own product-based businesses. They identify market gaps, develop unique product concepts, and bring products to market through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs may start small businesses, design studios, or tech start-ups, pursuing opportunities in product innovation and entrepreneurship.
