MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
BSc (Hons) Product and Furniture Design
Swansea
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), situated in the United Kingdom, offers a dynamic and innovative BSc (Hons) Product and Furniture Design program at its Swansea College of Art. This degree is designed to cultivate designers who can creatively solve problems, combining aesthetic appeal with functionality and commercial viability. The program distinguishes itself by challenging students to develop a unique creative voice while engaging with the contemporary challenges of design, including sustainability and ethical considerations in manufacturing. Students gain proficiency in a broad range of skills, from traditional craft techniques and model making to cutting-edge digital tools such as CAD software, 3D printing, and CNC machining. UWTSD fosters a studio culture that mirrors professional practice, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking, and preparing graduates to create innovative and commercially successful products and furniture for an evolving global market.
Curriculum: The BSc (Hons) Product and Furniture Design curriculum at UWTSD is structured over three years to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning journey. The first year establishes foundational skills and introduces students to core design principles. Modules typically include "Learning in the Digital Era," "Ways of Thinking," "Visual Studies," "Contemporary Challenges: Making a Difference," "Design for Production," and "Design for Context." The second year builds upon this foundation, focusing on developing a more refined design process, exploring materials, and engaging with broader industry contexts. Modules like "Research in Context," "Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation," "Designing for Market," "Designing for User Experience," and "Responsible Design" encourage students to tackle complex design briefs and consider their environmental and social impact. The final year is dedicated to advanced design exploration, professional practice, and portfolio development, culminating in a major "Independent Project" and a "Graduate Portfolio" project designed to showcase their individual design identity and industry readiness.
Research Focus: The research focus within the BSc (Hons) Product and Furniture Design program at UWTSD is inherently applied, centered on problem-solving, material innovation, and the contextual understanding of design. While not a traditional academic research degree, the program encourages students to engage in design research methodologies throughout their projects. This involves investigating user needs, market trends, manufacturing processes, and sustainable materials. Modules such as "Research in Context" and the culminating "Independent Project" provide opportunities for students to conduct in-depth inquiries into specific areas of interest, such as circular economy principles in furniture design, biomimicry in product development, or the impact of new manufacturing technologies on design aesthetics. The program aims to develop designers who can approach their work with critical insight and contribute to innovative solutions within the design industry.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its BSc (Hons) Product and Furniture Design program, ensuring that graduates are "industry-ready" and possess highly sought-after skills. The program actively fosters links with leading designers, manufacturers, and design consultancies through live projects, workshops, guest lectures, and opportunities for industry visits. Students benefit from collaborations on real-world briefs and have the chance to exhibit their work at national and international design shows, gaining exposure to potential employers and building professional networks. This hands-on approach, combined with access to industry-standard workshops and digital facilities, provides students with invaluable practical experience and insights into professional design practice, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Product and Furniture Design program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing that design trends, manufacturing processes, and market demands are increasingly international. The curriculum encourages students to explore the impact of global challenges, such as sustainability and ethical production, on design practice. By exposing students to diverse design contexts, materials, and manufacturing techniques, they are prepared to work in a globalized industry. The program aims to develop designers who can create products and furniture that resonate with international markets, adapt to various cultural contexts, and address universal user needs. This global outlook is further reinforced by the potential for graduates to work for multinational companies or to exhibit their work on international platforms, demonstrating the worldwide applicability of the skills and knowledge gained.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 13500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% 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 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: International students applying for undergraduate programs at UWTSD are eligible for Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievements and help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are available for international students who meet the academic criteria, making it an excellent opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
A BSc (Hons) in Product and Furniture Design from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) at its Swansea College of Art equips graduates with a versatile and highly sought-after blend of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills. The program emphasizes the development of a unique design voice, marrying aesthetic sensibility with functionality and commercial viability. Through hands-on experience with both traditional craft techniques and advanced digital tools, combined with a strong focus on sustainable and ethical design practices, UWTSD graduates are well-prepared to innovate within the product and furniture sectors.
Product Designer: Designing and developing a wide range of consumer and industrial products, from electronics and household goods to medical devices and packaging. This involves concept generation, prototyping, material selection, and working with manufacturing processes.
Furniture Designer: Specializing in the design of furniture pieces for mass production, bespoke commissions, or interior spaces. This can involve designing for residential, commercial, or public environments, considering ergonomics, aesthetics, and manufacturing feasibility.
CAD Technician/3D Visualiser: Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models of products and furniture, essential for visualization, prototyping, and manufacturing specifications. This role is crucial in design consultancies and manufacturing firms.
Design Engineer: Bridging the gap between design and engineering, focusing on the technical aspects of product development, ensuring designs are structurally sound, manufacturable, and meet performance requirements.
Exhibition Designer: Creating engaging and functional displays and environments for trade shows, museums, galleries, and retail spaces, often incorporating elements of product and spatial design.
Model Maker/Prototyper: Specializing in creating physical or digital prototypes and models of products and furniture for testing, presentation, and design refinement. This role requires strong craft skills and proficiency in digital fabrication.
Materials and Process Specialist: Advising on the selection and application of materials for product and furniture design, understanding their properties, sustainability, and manufacturing processes to optimize design outcomes.
User Experience (UX) Designer (with focus on physical products): Applying design principles to enhance the user experience of physical products, considering ergonomics, intuitiveness, and interaction. While often associated with digital products, physical product UX is a growing field.
Designer-Maker/Entrepreneur: Establishing their own design studio to create and sell original products or furniture, taking responsibility for design, production, marketing, and sales. Many graduates choose this path, particularly in the bespoke furniture sector.
Production Designer (Film/TV/Theatre): Designing and overseeing the creation of sets, props, and visual elements for film, television, or theatrical productions, requiring a strong understanding of 3D form, materials, and aesthetic presentation.
