MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy
The MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy program at London Metropolitan University is desi...
MA Product Design
Aldgate
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Product Design program at London Metropolitan University is an innovative and comprehensive course aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary to design functional, aesthetically appealing, and sustainable products. Focused on contemporary design principles, the program is designed for individuals who are passionate about the intersection of creativity, technology, and user-centered design. It fosters a deep understanding of the entire design process, from conceptualization and prototyping to production and market launch. The program encourages students to explore sustainability, technology integration, and social impact in product design, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to become thought leaders in the evolving world of design. Graduates of the MA Product Design program are well-prepared to work in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, consumer electronics, industrial design, and design consultancy.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Product Design program at London Metropolitan University is a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Core modules cover essential areas such as Design Innovation, Product Development, and Materials and Manufacturing Processes. Students engage with design thinking methodologies, focusing on how to approach product challenges through creative problem-solving and user-centered design principles. Additionally, students explore digital design tools like CAD (Computer-Aided Design), 3D modeling, and rapid prototyping, which are crucial for creating accurate representations of product ideas. Elective modules offer opportunities to specialize in areas such as Sustainable Design, Smart Products, and User Experience (UX) Design. The program is structured to provide a strong foundation in both traditional product design techniques and emerging technologies, ensuring that graduates are versatile and adaptable in the fast-changing design industry.
Research Focus: The MA Product Design program has a strong emphasis on research-led practice, encouraging students to investigate both practical and conceptual aspects of product design. Research areas include the exploration of sustainable materials, smart products, design for social good, and innovation in manufacturing. The program promotes critical thinking, encouraging students to question traditional design methods and explore new ideas that challenge the status quo. Students are encouraged to explore how emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, IoT (Internet of Things), and augmented reality (AR), are transforming the design process and product functionality. The program’s research focus is aligned with the latest trends in the industry, ensuring that students are at the forefront of innovation and can contribute meaningfully to the future of product design.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement plays a key role in the MA Product Design program at London Metropolitan University. The program has strong links with design consultancies, technology companies, and manufacturing firms, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world design challenges. Collaborations with industry partners allow students to develop products that meet current market demands while gaining practical insights into the design process. These collaborations often involve live projects, guest lectures from industry professionals, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including workshops and digital labs. Internships and work placements are also an integral part of the program, giving students firsthand experience in professional settings. By engaging with the design community and industry professionals, students are able to build valuable networks that can help them secure employment after graduation.
Global Perspective: The MA Product Design program offers a global perspective on design, ensuring that students understand the international context in which product design occurs. With an emphasis on sustainability and global design trends, students explore how products can be designed to meet the diverse needs of users worldwide while adhering to ethical and environmental standards. The program encourages students to consider cultural influences in design and explore how different markets approach product aesthetics, functionality, and user preferences. Through research and practical work, students gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in global product design, including the integration of technology in everyday products and the impact of design on international markets. The program's global focus ensures that graduates are prepared to work in international environments, with the knowledge and skills to design products that can meet the needs of a diverse, global consumer base.
Location
Aldgate
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: 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:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.
International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.
Postgraduate International Scholarships: International students applying for postgraduate courses at London Metropolitan University may be eligible for specific Postgraduate International Scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving students and are available for a range of master’s degree programs. The scholarships provide a discount on tuition fees for international students and are typically awarded based on the applicant’s academic performance, relevant qualifications, and professional experience.
Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.
Alumni Scholarships: For international students who are graduates of partner institutions, the Alumni Scholarship offers financial support for those seeking to pursue postgraduate studies at London Metropolitan University. This scholarship is typically offered as a fee reduction for alumni who wish to continue their education at the university. The goal of this scholarship is to foster long-term relationships between the university and its international partners while providing continued academic opportunities for its alumni.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.
The MA Product Design program at London Metropolitan University offers students a robust education in the dynamic field of product design, combining creativity, technical skills, and strategic thinking to prepare them for a variety of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience enables graduates to enter diverse industries such as consumer electronics, automotive design, furniture design, sustainable product development, and design consultancy. With a strong focus on innovation, user-centered design, and sustainability, graduates are equipped to become leaders in shaping the future of product design across a global market.
Product Designer: Graduates of the MA Product Design program are well-prepared to pursue careers as product designers, where they will conceptualize, design, and create products for various industries, such as consumer goods, electronics, and furniture. Product designers combine creativity with technical expertise to develop functional, aesthetically pleasing, and market-ready products. They work closely with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure that products are not only visually appealing but also practical, efficient, and cost-effective.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers focus on the design and development of products that are mass-produced. This can include everything from household appliances to mobile phones, furniture, and transportation devices. The role of an industrial designer requires a deep understanding of ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes. MA Product Design graduates can pursue careers as industrial designers in design consultancies, manufacturing companies, or as freelancers, using their creativity and technical skills to develop products that improve user experience and solve real-world problems.
User Experience (UX) Designer: As technology continues to evolve, the demand for User Experience (UX) designers has grown rapidly. These professionals are responsible for designing products and systems with an emphasis on user interaction and experience. They focus on how users engage with products, ensuring that designs are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable. Graduates of the MA Product Design program who are interested in human-centered design may choose to work as UX designers in industries such as software development, digital product companies, and e-commerce.
Sustainability Designer: With increasing global focus on sustainability, many graduates from the MA Product Design program pursue careers as sustainability designers. In this role, professionals design products with a focus on eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and sustainable production methods. They aim to minimize the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle, from design and production to use and disposal. Sustainability designers work in various industries, including green technologies, eco-fashion, and renewable energy sectors.
Design Consultant: Design consultants work with businesses to provide expert advice on product design, user experience, and innovation strategies. They analyze market trends, consumer needs, and industry developments to recommend solutions that enhance product functionality and user satisfaction. Design consultants may work independently or with design firms and consultancy agencies. Graduates from the MA Product Design program can leverage their knowledge in product development and design strategy to guide companies in creating innovative and successful products.
Prototyping Specialist: Prototyping specialists play a critical role in the product development process by creating functional prototypes that represent the final product. They work with design teams to bring product concepts to life, allowing for testing and evaluation before full-scale production. This role requires expertise in CAD modeling, 3D printing, and materials science. Graduates with strong technical skills in prototyping and digital fabrication tools can pursue careers as prototyping specialists in industries ranging from automotive and consumer electronics to medical devices and consumer goods.
Packaging Designer: Packaging designers are responsible for designing the packaging of products, ensuring that they are not only functional and protective but also visually appealing and aligned with the brand identity. This role requires a deep understanding of material properties, graphic design, and consumer behavior. Graduates of the MA Product Design program can pursue careers in the packaging industry, working for consumer goods companies, design agencies, or packaging consultancies, helping to create innovative packaging solutions that appeal to consumers and stand out on the shelves.
Design Manager: As graduates gain experience in the product design field, some may choose to take on leadership roles as design managers. These professionals oversee design teams, coordinate product development projects, and ensure that design work aligns with client objectives, budget, and timelines. Design managers combine creativity with business acumen, managing multiple stakeholders in the design and production process. They work in various sectors, including manufacturing, consumer goods, and design consultancies.
Entrepreneur / Product Design Start-up Founder: For those interested in starting their own business, the MA Product Design program provides the skills needed to become an entrepreneur or launch a product design start-up. Graduates with a passion for innovation and product development can create their own design firms, develop their own product lines, or launch new businesses that address unmet needs in the market. With a strong understanding of the product design process and the business side of design, graduates are well-positioned to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
Design Educator: Graduates who are passionate about teaching and sharing their knowledge may choose to become design educators. By teaching in universities, colleges, or design schools, they can inspire the next generation of product designers. This career path requires not only expertise in design but also a passion for pedagogy and mentoring students. Design educators contribute to the growth and development of the design community by nurturing talent and helping students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the industry.
