MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BSc (Hons) Product Design
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Product Design at the University of Sussex offers a dynamic and forward-thinking education for students who aspire to become innovative product designers with a strong technical foundation. Combining creative design with engineering principles, this program prepares students to design products that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and manufacturable. Through a blend of creativity, scientific understanding, and technical skills, students at Sussex learn to create solutions that address real-world challenges. Set in a vibrant academic community, the course encourages experimentation, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Product Design program is structured to build comprehensive expertise in both design and technical aspects. In the early stages, students cover core topics such as design fundamentals, materials science, manufacturing techniques, 3D design and CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and human-centered design. Advanced modules delve into sustainable design, innovation management, mechanical principles, and electronics for designers. Project-based learning is emphasized throughout the degree, allowing students to develop prototypes, conduct user testing, and refine their ideas. The final year includes a major design project where students demonstrate their ability to deliver a market-ready product backed by research, technical precision, and creative vision.
Research Focus: Research at the University of Sussex greatly enriches the BSc (Hons) Product Design program. Faculty research areas include sustainable product development, advanced manufacturing, smart materials, human-machine interaction, and digital fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and rapid prototyping. Students are encouraged to engage with research projects that challenge conventional thinking and promote innovative solutions. The program emphasizes the role of design in addressing global issues such as climate change, aging populations, and technological disruptions, providing a platform for students to work on cutting-edge research initiatives that influence future product innovation.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex is deeply connected with industry, offering BSc Product Design students multiple opportunities to engage with real-world design challenges. Through live projects, guest lectures, industry collaborations, and internships, students gain valuable insights into professional practice. Strong links with companies in sectors such as consumer products, healthcare, automotive, and technology provide practical exposure and networking opportunities. The option to undertake an industrial placement year gives students hands-on experience, helping them build strong portfolios and enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Global Perspective: Global thinking is a core component of the BSc (Hons) Product Design program at Sussex. Students are encouraged to design products that are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities worldwide. The course content integrates international case studies and design practices, promoting a deeper understanding of global markets and cross-cultural user needs. With a diverse international student community and opportunities for study abroad, Sussex fosters a global learning environment where students are prepared to work on design projects for international audiences and collaborate across cultural boundaries.
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 BSc (Hons) Product Design program at the University of Sussex are equipped with a diverse skill set, offering them numerous career opportunities in both creative and technical fields. By combining design thinking with engineering and technology, students are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in various industries.
Product Designer: The most direct career path for graduates is becoming a product designer. In this role, designers are responsible for creating innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products. They work across a wide range of industries such as consumer electronics, furniture, medical devices, and more. Product designers at Sussex are taught to incorporate sustainability and user-centered design into their work, ensuring products are both innovative and practical.
Industrial Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as industrial designers, focusing on the design of large-scale products such as vehicles, machinery, or household appliances. Industrial designers balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that their designs are not only visually attractive but also manufacturable and efficient. This career offers a range of possibilities in both design consultancies and manufacturing firms.
UX/UI Designer: With a strong foundation in human-centered design, many graduates choose to specialize in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design. UX/UI designers work on digital products, such as apps and websites, to ensure they are intuitive and easy to use. Their work includes conducting user research, creating wireframes, and improving the digital user experience.
Design Engineer: Graduates with an interest in both design and engineering can pursue a career as a design engineer. These professionals work on developing and refining products, ensuring they are technically feasible, cost-effective, and ready for mass production. Design engineers collaborate closely with other teams to optimize design functionality and performance.
Sustainability Consultant: Sustainability is an essential aspect of modern design. Many graduates choose to work as sustainability consultants, advising organizations on how to develop eco-friendly products. Sustainability consultants focus on minimizing environmental impact, selecting sustainable materials, and recommending energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
Packaging Designer: With an emphasis on material innovation and sustainability, packaging designers create functional and visually engaging packaging solutions. This role involves designing packaging that protects the product, is easy to use, and reflects the brand’s identity. Many graduates work in industries like retail, consumer goods, and e-commerce.
3D Modeler and Visualizer: Graduates with strong skills in 3D modeling and CAD software can pursue careers as 3D modelers and visualizers. These professionals create digital representations of products and prototypes, allowing designers and clients to visualize ideas before physical production begins. This role is crucial in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and architecture.
Creative Director: With experience, graduates may step into roles such as creative directors, leading teams of designers and overseeing the design process from concept to completion. Creative directors are responsible for ensuring that design projects align with the client’s brand and vision, and they play a key role in developing creative strategies for product development.
Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder: Armed with knowledge in both design and innovation, many graduates choose to launch their own product design businesses or start-ups. This entrepreneurial path allows them to develop and market their own products, while also offering consultancy services to other companies. Entrepreneurs with a background in product design have a solid foundation in both creative and business aspects of product development.
Furniture Designer: For those with a passion for interiors, furniture design is another possible career path. Graduates can design functional, sustainable, and visually appealing furniture for both residential and commercial spaces. This role often involves understanding the relationship between materials, ergonomics, and space planning.
Retail Designer: Graduates can also specialize in retail design, which involves creating the layouts and displays for stores, exhibitions, and pop-up shops. Retail designers aim to enhance the shopping experience by creating environments that reflect a brand’s identity while optimizing space for customer interaction and product visibility.
Medical Device Designer: Medical device design is a rapidly growing sector for product design graduates, especially those interested in healthcare. Designers in this field develop medical equipment that is both functional and easy to use for healthcare professionals and patients. The role requires a deep understanding of user needs, safety regulations, and technical specifications.
Automotive Designer: Automotive designers are responsible for designing the exterior and interior of vehicles. Their work involves both creative aspects, such as styling, and technical considerations, such as aerodynamics and safety features. With the growing trend of electric and autonomous vehicles, automotive designers have exciting opportunities to shape the future of transportation.
Teaching and Academia: Graduates who enjoy academia can pursue careers in teaching and research. With a passion for design, they can become educators at the university level, imparting their knowledge to future generations of product designers. Some graduates also choose to further their education through postgraduate study and contribute to research in design innovation.
Design Consultant: Many graduates pursue careers as design consultants, working with companies to improve or develop new products. Consultants offer expertise in areas such as product innovation, user research, and design strategy. They may work for established firms or as freelancers, providing valuable insights to businesses looking to improve their product offerings.
