MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) Product Design
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Sussex is crafted to develop the next generation of innovative designers who are ready to tackle real-world challenges through creative and user-centered solutions. Combining artistic creativity with technical proficiency, the course emphasizes sustainable, practical, and aesthetic design. Students learn how to conceptualize, prototype, and refine products that are functional, user-friendly, and commercially viable. Located in a vibrant academic environment, Sussex provides students with access to modern workshops, studios, and collaboration spaces that foster an entrepreneurial and inventive spirit.
Curriculum: The curriculum for BA (Hons) Product Design is carefully structured to provide a strong foundation in design theory while promoting hands-on skills in making and prototyping. Students explore key areas including design processes, user research, materials and manufacturing technologies, digital design tools such as CAD, and sustainable design practices. Modules such as Design Thinking, User-Centered Innovation, Advanced Prototyping, and Visual Communication ensure that students build a diverse skill set. As the course progresses, students undertake individual and group projects, often working on live briefs provided by industry partners, culminating in a final major project that showcases their capabilities to future employers.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is internationally recognized for its interdisciplinary and impact-driven research, and this ethos permeates the BA (Hons) Product Design program. Research focuses on sustainable product innovation, smart technologies, inclusive design, and emerging materials. Students are encouraged to engage with research-led teaching, exploring how design can address global issues such as climate change, accessibility, and technological disruption. Collaboration between design, engineering, and social sciences departments enriches the academic experience, giving students exposure to a broad spectrum of cutting-edge research developments.
Industry Engagement: Strong industry engagement is a hallmark of the Product Design program at Sussex. The university maintains close ties with leading companies and creative agencies, offering students opportunities to work on real-world design projects, attend guest lectures by industry professionals, and participate in exhibitions and design competitions. Placement opportunities, industry internships, and collaborative projects provide students with valuable insights into professional design practices. The University’s Career Hub further supports students with workshops, networking events, and mentoring to build a strong portfolio and gain employment in the competitive design sector.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Product Design program at Sussex embraces a truly global perspective, preparing students to operate in an interconnected and culturally diverse world. Students examine how design can respond to global challenges and are encouraged to incorporate inclusive, sustainable, and ethical practices into their work. Study abroad options and international project collaborations enhance global exposure. Furthermore, the diverse international student community at Sussex enriches classroom discussions and fosters cross-cultural understanding, giving students a broader context for their design thinking and future professional roles.
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 program at the University of Sussex have a broad range of exciting career opportunities available to them. Thanks to their comprehensive education in design principles, practical skills, and industry experience, Sussex graduates are well-prepared to enter diverse fields within the creative and engineering industries. The program’s emphasis on user-centered design, sustainability, and innovative product solutions equips graduates with the tools to make a significant impact in the product design and development sectors.
Product Designer: The most common career choice for graduates is to become a product designer. In this role, professionals are responsible for designing consumer products that are functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically appealing. Product designers work across a range of industries, from consumer electronics to furniture and industrial products. They are tasked with conceptualizing, prototyping, and refining designs, often collaborating with engineers, manufacturers, and marketing teams.
Industrial Designer: Graduates can choose to become industrial designers, where they focus on designing mass-produced products such as vehicles, home appliances, and tools. Industrial designers emphasize the balance between aesthetics, function, and manufacturability, ensuring products are both practical and visually appealing. Many industrial designers work for design consultancies, manufacturing firms, or large corporations producing consumer goods.
UX/UI Designer (User Experience/User Interface): With expertise in design thinking and user-centered design, many graduates pursue careers in UX/UI design. UX/UI designers specialize in creating digital products that are intuitive, engaging, and easy to use. They focus on improving user experience by conducting research, creating wireframes, and testing interfaces for websites, apps, and software platforms.
Sustainability Consultant: As sustainability becomes a major focus in product design, many graduates transition into roles as sustainability consultants. These professionals help organizations develop eco-friendly and sustainable products by advising on materials, manufacturing processes, and life-cycle impacts. Sustainability consultants work across various industries, including fashion, consumer goods, and automotive design.
Design Engineer: Graduates with a strong technical background may choose to become design engineers, working to develop functional and manufacturable products. Design engineers bridge the gap between creative product design and engineering, ensuring products meet technical specifications and are ready for mass production. They often collaborate with product designers to refine designs for efficiency and manufacturability.
Packaging Designer: Packaging designers specialize in creating the packaging for products, focusing on both its visual appeal and functionality. Their role involves ensuring that packaging is aesthetically aligned with the product's branding while protecting the product during transportation and use. Packaging designers also consider environmental factors, creating packaging solutions that reduce waste and use sustainable materials.
Creative Director: With experience and leadership skills, graduates may pursue roles as creative directors, where they lead design teams and oversee the visual and functional direction of products. Creative directors manage design projects from concept to completion, ensuring that the final product aligns with the company’s goals and vision. They work in various industries such as advertising, fashion, technology, and design consultancies.
3D Modeler and Visualizer: For graduates with strong skills in 3D design software, a career as a 3D modeler or visualizer can be an exciting option. These professionals create digital models and simulations of products, allowing companies to visualize designs before production begins. They use software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to develop detailed renderings and prototypes that aid in product development and marketing.
Medical Device Designer: Graduates interested in healthcare and innovation can specialize in designing medical devices. In this role, product designers create functional, safe, and user-friendly medical equipment, from diagnostic devices to prosthetics. The field of medical device design requires a deep understanding of user needs, safety standards, and technical design to improve patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Automotive Designer: With a focus on vehicle design, automotive designers work on creating the exterior and interior of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. This field combines creativity with engineering to design products that are functional, safe, and visually attractive. Graduates can work for automotive manufacturers or design consultancies, contributing to innovations in vehicle design, including electric and autonomous vehicles.
Entrepreneur / Product Design Start-up Founder: Equipped with design skills and industry knowledge, graduates can launch their own product design businesses or start-ups. This career path allows them to create and market their own products, focusing on unique niches or emerging trends in the market. Entrepreneurs may also offer consultancy services to businesses seeking innovative design solutions.
Design Consultant: Graduates can choose to become design consultants, offering their expertise to businesses seeking assistance with product development and design strategies. Consultants help companies improve their products, from conceptual design to final implementation. They often work in industries such as technology, consumer goods, and sustainability, providing expert insights into design trends, consumer needs, and market opportunities.
Furniture Designer: For those with an interest in interiors and architecture, furniture design offers a unique career path. Furniture designers create functional and beautiful pieces for both residential and commercial spaces. They work with a variety of materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure the design is both aesthetically pleasing and practical for everyday use.
Retail Designer: Retail designers focus on the design and layout of retail spaces, including stores, exhibitions, and point-of-sale displays. They aim to create environments that enhance the shopping experience, engaging customers and encouraging sales. Retail designers work closely with brands to ensure that the design reflects the brand's identity and engages shoppers effectively.
Teaching and Academia: Graduates who are passionate about education may pursue a career in teaching or academia. They can become lecturers or researchers in product design, teaching future generations of designers. Many graduates also opt to continue their education by pursuing postgraduate degrees (Masters or PhD), contributing to research and innovation in the field of product design.
