MA Product & Furniture Design

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 21 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and  Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59 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.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

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.

Kingston University is dedicated towards supporting talented and deserving students from around the world through a range of scholarships and financial aid programs. These scholarships aim to provide opportunities for academic excellence and promote diversity within the student community. 

1. International Scholarship: Kingston University offers the International Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £4,000 for the first year of study. The scholarship is merit-based and available to international students with outstanding academic achievements.
2. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to exceptional international students. These scholarships provide a full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the undergraduate or postgraduate degree program. The selection criteria are based on academic excellence, personal achievements, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on society.
3. Postgraduate Scholarships: Kingston University offers a range of scholarships specifically for postgraduate students. These scholarships include the Postgraduate International Scholarship, which provides a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for international students. Additionally, subject-specific scholarships are available for students pursuing certain disciplines, such as business, engineering, and health.
4. International Foundation Year Scholarships: For international students entering the International Foundation Year program, Kingston University offers scholarships to support their transition into undergraduate studies. These scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £4,000 for the International Foundation Year program.
5. External Scholarships and Funding: Kingston University encourages students to explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. The university provides guidance and support in accessing external scholarships from various organizations and governments to supplement the financial assistance available.

The MA Product & Furniture Design course at Kingston University equips graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and industry exposure to pursue successful careers in the design industry.  

1. Product Designer: Graduates can work as product designers in design studios, consultancy firms, or in-house design teams of companies. They can contribute to the development of new products, from conceptualization to production, by applying their design skills, creativity, and knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.

2. Furniture Designer: With their specialization in furniture design, graduates can pursue careers as furniture designers. They can work with furniture manufacturers, design firms, or as independent designers, creating innovative and functional furniture pieces that meet the evolving needs of consumers and the market.

3. Design Entrepreneur: The course equips graduates with the skills to start their own design businesses or become design entrepreneurs. They can establish their own design studios, produce and sell their own product and furniture designs, and develop a unique brand and design philosophy.

4. Design Consultant: Graduates can work as design consultants, providing expert advice and guidance to businesses and organizations seeking to enhance their product and furniture design capabilities. They can assist companies in developing design strategies, conducting market research, and improving their design processes.

5. Design Researcher: With their research skills and critical thinking abilities, graduates can pursue careers as design researchers. They can work in academic institutions, design research centers, or research-focused design consultancies, exploring emerging trends, conducting user research, and contributing to the development of design knowledge and theory.

6. Design Manager: Graduates can take on roles as design managers, overseeing the design process within companies and ensuring the successful execution of design projects. They can coordinate design teams, collaborate with other departments, and contribute to the strategic integration of design into business operations.

7. Sustainable Design Specialist: With a strong emphasis on sustainability in the course, graduates can specialize in sustainable design practices. They can work with companies committed to environmentally conscious design, focusing on reducing waste, incorporating eco-friendly materials, and promoting sustainable manufacturing processes.

8. Design Educator: Graduates interested in sharing their knowledge and passion for design can pursue careers as design educators. They can teach at universities, colleges, or design schools, inspiring the next generation of designers and contributing to the development of design education.

9. Design Strategist: Graduates can work as design strategists, helping organizations align their design activities with their overall business goals. They can contribute to the development of design strategies, design thinking workshops, and user-centered design approaches, driving innovation and enhancing the customer experience.

10. Exhibition Designer/Curator: Graduates can explore careers as exhibition designers or curators, working on the design and curation of product and furniture design exhibitions. They can create engaging exhibition spaces, showcase design concepts, and communicate design narratives to a wider audience.

Kingston University's MA Product & Furniture Design course prepares graduates for diverse and dynamic career opportunities within the design industry. The combination of practical design skills, research capabilities, industry engagement, and the university's strong connections with the design industry contribute to excellent career prospects for graduates. With the growing demand for innovative and sustainable design solutions, graduates of this course are well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field of product and furniture design.