MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BSc (Hons) Design and Business (with a foundation year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Design and Business (with a Foundation Year) at the University of Sussex provides students with a unique opportunity to blend the creative aspects of design with the strategic and practical elements of business. This program is designed for individuals who want to develop skills in both design thinking and business management. It allows students to explore the full spectrum of design processes—ranging from product design to digital and interaction design—while gaining insights into business principles such as marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. The foundation year is ideal for students who may not have the requisite background or qualifications to enter the full degree directly, providing them with the essential academic skills and knowledge needed for success in the following years.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Design and Business program is carefully structured to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in both creative and business environments. In the first foundation year, students will develop core academic skills, including research techniques, academic writing, and critical thinking. From the second year onward, the curriculum dives deeper into subjects like design principles, product development, consumer behavior, business strategies, and innovation. Students also gain hands-on experience in design projects, with a focus on applying business concepts to creative processes. Additionally, modules in digital design, branding, sustainability, and entrepreneurship prepare students for the demands of the modern business landscape. Throughout the course, there is a strong emphasis on developing problem-solving abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Research Focus: At the University of Sussex, research within the Design and Business program is closely aligned with industry trends and real-world challenges. The faculty members are engaged in research that explores the intersection of creativity and business, with particular focus on innovation, sustainability in design, and the business strategies that drive successful design enterprises. Students benefit from these research-driven insights, as the program integrates current industry practices and emerging trends into the curriculum. The university encourages students to participate in research projects, which not only helps to build their academic and practical skills but also prepares them for careers that require critical thinking and innovation in design and business contexts.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex has strong ties with a wide range of industries, providing students with numerous opportunities for professional development through internships, placements, and collaborative projects. The BSc (Hons) Design and Business program includes opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals, attend guest lectures, and take part in design and business competitions. These connections help students bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges and expectations of the design and business sectors. Furthermore, the university’s proximity to London and other major business hubs enables students to network with potential employers and partners, ensuring they are well-positioned to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Design and Business program emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in both design and business. With a diverse student body and international research collaborations, the university fosters an environment where students can explore global design trends, international business practices, and the challenges faced by businesses and designers worldwide. The program’s global perspective is further enriched through opportunities for study abroad, industry placements in international companies, and exposure to global design and business innovations. Students gain a broader understanding of how design and business strategies differ across cultures, preparing them to work in a globally interconnected world.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Design and Business (with a Foundation Year) program at the University of Sussex are well-prepared to embark on diverse and dynamic career paths in both creative design and business management sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, which blends design thinking with business acumen, equips students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to succeed in the fast-evolving global marketplace.
Product Design and Development: With a solid foundation in both design principles and business strategy, graduates can pursue careers in product design or product development. As product designers, they work on conceptualizing, designing, and developing products that meet consumer needs while adhering to market trends and business objectives. Graduates can work in industries such as consumer electronics, furniture design, automotive design, and sustainable product development. They can also become product managers, overseeing the lifecycle of products from conception to launch, ensuring that business and design goals align.
Branding and Marketing: The program's focus on business principles, combined with creativity, makes graduates well-suited for roles in branding and marketing. They can work as brand managers, marketing strategists, or advertising professionals, helping businesses craft their identity, launch products, and engage with consumers effectively. The combination of design skills and business knowledge enables graduates to create compelling marketing campaigns, design brand aesthetics, and ensure that products resonate with target audiences while achieving financial objectives.
Design Management: Graduates can pursue a career as design managers, where they oversee design teams, coordinate design projects, and manage the execution of design strategies within a business context. Design managers play a key role in ensuring that design solutions align with the company’s goals, budgets, and timelines. This role combines leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both creative and business processes, making it ideal for graduates of this program.
Entrepreneurship and Startups: The program's emphasis on entrepreneurship prepares graduates to start their own businesses or work in innovative startups. With knowledge in both design and business management, graduates can launch design consultancies, product design firms, or lifestyle brands. They can also start tech startups that focus on innovative product development, leveraging their design thinking skills to create user-centric solutions while managing the business side of the operation. The program nurtures entrepreneurial thinking, helping students to understand market needs, business models, and how to scale their own ventures.
Digital and Interactive Design: As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, graduates are well-positioned to pursue careers in digital design, UX/UI design, and interactive design. They can work in web development companies, app design firms, or digital marketing agencies, designing user-friendly interfaces and digital experiences that support business objectives. With a strong understanding of both design processes and business principles, graduates can help organizations create effective online platforms and digital products.
Sustainability and Innovation Roles: With a growing emphasis on sustainable business practices, graduates of the BSc (Hons) Design and Business program can pursue careers in sustainability design and corporate social responsibility. They can work as sustainability managers, product development managers in eco-friendly businesses, or sustainability consultants, helping companies integrate sustainable design practices and environmentally friendly business strategies into their products and services. The program’s focus on innovation prepares graduates to meet the demands for creative, socially responsible business solutions.
Supply Chain and Operations Management: Graduates are also equipped to pursue roles in supply chain management or operations management, particularly in industries where design and production are key components. As operations managers, graduates can oversee the production process of goods, ensuring that designs are executed efficiently and effectively while meeting market demands. They may work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure the timely and cost-effective production and delivery of products.
Consulting: With expertise in both design and business, graduates can work in consulting, advising companies on how to integrate design thinking into their business strategies. As design consultants or business consultants, they can help organizations innovate, improve product development processes, and create design strategies that align with business goals. Consulting offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, providing flexibility and variety in day-to-day tasks.
Retail and E-commerce Management: Graduates with a background in design and business are well-suited for roles in retail management or e-commerce operations. They can work as e-commerce managers, visual merchandisers, or retail managers, overseeing product development, digital store experiences, and online sales strategies. Their understanding of design principles ensures that retail displays and online stores are visually appealing, while their business knowledge helps them optimize sales, marketing, and customer experiences.
Creative Project Management: Graduates can also pursue careers in creative project management, where they manage and coordinate projects that involve design and business elements. This includes overseeing timelines, budgets, teams, and resources to ensure the successful delivery of design projects in both creative agencies and corporate settings. The program’s focus on both creativity and business prepares graduates to handle the complexities of project management while ensuring creative output meets business objectives.
