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BA (Hons) Product Design (with an industrial placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Product Design (with an industrial placement year) program at the University of Sussex offers students a comprehensive education in the design process, from initial concept development through to manufacturing and user experience. Combining creativity with practical application, this program prepares students to become innovative product designers capable of solving real-world challenges. By incorporating an industrial placement year, students gain hands-on experience in the design industry, working directly with professionals in a live environment. The program aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping students with the skills to create sustainable, user-centered products across various sectors, from consumer electronics to medical devices and sustainable solutions.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Product Design program is carefully structured to ensure a strong foundation in design principles while allowing students to explore specialized areas of interest. In the first year, students are introduced to core design concepts, including 3D modeling, materials science, ergonomics, and the fundamentals of product design. They learn to use design software and develop practical skills in prototyping and product visualization. The second year delves deeper into advanced design techniques, product sustainability, and the role of design in problem-solving. Students also learn about the principles of user-centered design, focusing on understanding user needs and incorporating them into the design process. The industrial placement year, typically taken between the second and final year, provides invaluable industry experience, allowing students to work on real projects, collaborate with design teams, and develop their professional network. In the final year, students apply their learning to a major design project, which requires them to design a product from concept to prototype, demonstrating their creativity, technical skills, and understanding of design theory.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex emphasizes the importance of research-driven design in the Product Design program. Research is central to understanding the needs of users, as well as the technological, environmental, and cultural contexts within which products are developed. Faculty members at Sussex are involved in cutting-edge research in areas such as sustainable design, material innovation, and the integration of new technologies in product development. Students are encouraged to engage with research as part of their projects, exploring topics like user behavior, design ethics, and the environmental impact of products. This research focus ensures that students not only learn the practical skills of product design but also understand the broader societal and ecological implications of their work. The program is designed to foster a creative and critical approach to design, enabling students to become thoughtful designers who can tackle contemporary challenges in innovative ways.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BA (Hons) Product Design (with an industrial placement year) program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. The industrial placement year is a unique opportunity for students to work in a professional design environment, where they can apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. This year-long placement is facilitated through strong links with industry partners across a variety of sectors, including technology, consumer products, automotive, and healthcare. Sussex’s close collaborations with industry leaders, design firms, and startups provide students with access to valuable networks and insights into the latest design trends and technologies. In addition to the industrial placement, students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects with industry professionals. These experiences not only enhance students' employability but also ensure that the skills they develop are aligned with the needs of the contemporary design industry.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Sussex incorporates a global perspective by exploring design challenges on an international scale. Students are encouraged to think beyond local contexts and consider global issues such as sustainability, accessibility, and cultural diversity when designing products. The program fosters an understanding of how products are used in different parts of the world, taking into account varying cultural norms, economic conditions, and environmental factors. The industrial placement year also offers students the chance to work with international companies, gaining exposure to global design practices and trends. Additionally, Sussex’s involvement in international research and collaborations enables students to be part of a global network of designers, enriching their learning experience and broadening their horizons. Through these global opportunities, students gain a deeper understanding of the universal challenges faced by product designers and the importance of designing for a global audience.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 23175
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 BA (Hons) Product Design (with an industrial placement year) program at the University of Sussex are well-equipped to pursue a diverse range of career paths within the product design industry and beyond. This program’s combination of hands-on industry experience, advanced design techniques, and a focus on user-centered design ensures that students are prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving global design landscape.
Product Designer: The most direct career path for graduates is to become product designers. Product designers are responsible for creating functional and aesthetically appealing products that solve specific user problems. These products could range from consumer electronics, furniture, home appliances, to medical devices and more. Graduates can work with design firms, large corporations, or start their own design businesses. They use their skills in 3D modeling, prototyping, and user experience design to bring concepts to life and develop innovative products for various industries.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers focus on the design and development of mass-produced products, including everything from consumer goods to industrial machinery. They play a crucial role in ensuring that products are not only visually appealing but also functional, durable, and cost-effective. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for industrial design roles, where they can work on designing everything from vehicles and electronics to household products and tools.
UX/UI Designer (User Experience/User Interface): With a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, graduates can pursue careers as UX/UI designers. These professionals work to improve the interaction between users and products, particularly in digital products like mobile apps, websites, and software. UX/UI designers focus on enhancing usability, ensuring a smooth user experience, and optimizing user interfaces for ease of use and accessibility. Their expertise in designing intuitive and user-friendly products makes them highly sought after in the tech industry.
Design Engineer: Design engineers combine engineering principles with creative design to create innovative products. They are responsible for ensuring that designs are both functional and manufacturable. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design program can pursue careers as design engineers, applying their technical knowledge in areas such as material science, structural integrity, and manufacturing processes to bring design concepts into reality. They typically work closely with manufacturers, engineers, and production teams to refine designs for mass production.
Sustainability Consultant: As sustainability becomes a critical factor in design, many product design graduates find opportunities as sustainability consultants. These professionals focus on minimizing the environmental impact of products by recommending eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient production processes, and sustainable product lifecycle strategies. Product designers with a strong understanding of sustainability practices can help companies develop products that meet both consumer needs and environmental standards.
Packaging Designer: Graduates can work as packaging designers, specializing in designing the packaging for a wide variety of products, from food and beverages to electronics and beauty products. Packaging designers focus on both the aesthetics and functionality of packaging, ensuring that products are protected, attract consumers, and meet industry regulations. With a growing emphasis on sustainable packaging, this field offers opportunities for graduates to innovate in eco-friendly packaging solutions.
3D Modeler and Visualizer: 3D modelers create digital models of products that can be used for visualization, prototypes, and presentations. Graduates with strong skills in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and 3D modeling can pursue careers as 3D modelers and visualizers in industries like product design, architecture, animation, and video games. These professionals use advanced software to create highly detailed and realistic representations of products before they are manufactured, aiding in product development and marketing efforts.
Furniture Designer: Graduates interested in working within the furniture and interiors industry can specialize as furniture designers. These professionals create functional, aesthetic, and innovative furniture pieces for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Whether working for a furniture company, a design consultancy, or as an independent designer, graduates use their product design skills to meet the demands of the market, which increasingly values sustainable, customizable, and ergonomically designed furniture.
Medical Device Designer: The healthcare industry offers numerous opportunities for product design graduates, especially those interested in creating medical devices or healthcare products. Medical device designers work on products such as diagnostic tools, prosthetics, surgical instruments, and wearable health technologies. Graduates who choose this path must have a strong understanding of safety standards, regulations, and the unique needs of users in the medical field.
Automotive Designer: Graduates with an interest in automotive engineering can pursue careers as automotive designers. These professionals are involved in designing both the interior and exterior of vehicles, focusing on functionality, safety, aesthetics, and user experience. Automotive designers work closely with engineers to ensure that designs are manufacturable and meet safety standards. They may work for car manufacturers, automotive design consultancies, or even in electric vehicle companies.
Retail Designer: Retail designers focus on creating engaging shopping experiences by designing store layouts, displays, and signage. They use their design expertise to craft environments that are both functional and visually appealing to consumers. Graduates of the product design program can work with retail brands, both online and in physical stores, to enhance the customer experience and drive sales through effective store and product display designs.
Design Consultant: Graduates can work as freelance design consultants or with consulting firms, advising companies on how to approach product development, branding, and user experience. Consultants typically work on a project basis, offering expert guidance on design solutions and strategies. They may work in a variety of sectors, including technology, fashion, consumer products, and sustainability, helping clients to create innovative and marketable products.
Creative Director: For those with leadership ambitions, a career as a creative director is a possible trajectory. Creative directors oversee the overall design vision for a brand, project, or product line, leading design teams to ensure that the creative direction aligns with business goals. Graduates with a combination of product design skills and leadership experience, gained through the industrial placement year and final-year projects, can transition into this senior role.
Entrepreneur / Product Design Start-Up Founder: Many graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design program decide to become entrepreneurs and start their own product design businesses. The skills learned throughout the course, combined with industry experience from the placement year, provide graduates with the tools needed to launch and manage design-driven start-ups. Whether designing their own line of products or offering design consultancy services, these graduates often leverage their creativity and practical knowledge to build successful businesses.
Design Educator or Lecturer: For those passionate about teaching, a career as a design educator or lecturer in higher education can be a fulfilling option. Graduates can pursue a master's degree or Ph.D. in design-related fields and enter academia, where they can teach future generations of designers. This role allows them to share their knowledge and experience with students while continuing their involvement in research and industry practices.
