University of Hertfordshire - BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design

University of Hertfordshire

BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design

This Product and Industrial Design degree provides an opportunity to experience and develop the skills and processes involved in the professional practice of product and industrial design. Approaches are centred around consumer goods, where issues surrounding everyday manufactured products are developed and explored. The degree investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design.

The study includes branding and methods of identifying consumer needs and aspirations as an approach to creating the right product. Industry partners include Ford, Xerox and Herman Miller, with strong working relationships with Imagination Ltd., Conran & Partners and London Associates. The staff team is drawn from nationally and internationally experienced designers who bring their research and professional interests directly into the student environment.

  • This Product and Industrial Design degree is industry focused which has excellent links to industry
  • This unique degree provides the depth of skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Product or Industrials Design as a career
  • As a student on the degree, you will learn the development process of taking a product to completion, not only in terms of the design but also in terms of the knowledge of influencing factors needed to make the product successful
  • This exciting degree fosters students to be experimental, explore and challenge their design ideas to push the boundaries on traditional Product Design

What's the course about?

This course provides an opportunity to experience and develop the skills and processes involved in the professional practice of product and industrial design. Approaches are centred around consumer goods, where issues covering everyday manufactured products are developed and explored. The degree investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design.

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTECIB
112-120BBC-BBB - Including formal or informal qualifications in Art or DesignDMM-DDM112-120 UCAS

Access course: Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

Career Prospects

Graduates from our previous Product and Industrial Design courses have go on to a wide range of careers in the industry, with many choosing to continue their creative and professional practice on a freelance, self-employed basis. Graduate jobs include: Design Manager at Tesco; Marketing Co-ordinator - WH Smith; Designer - SKK Lighting; Designer - Product Partners Ltd; Designer - Mira Bathroom Fitments.

Our graduates offer employers advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing skills, and are well placed to develop successful careers with leading companies in the field of product design. These careers include 3D modellers and visualisers, product designers, CAD specialists, designer-makers and design teachers. Your strong 3D, IT and design skills will benefit a wide range of employers.

Graduates from our previous Product and Industrial Design courses have go on to a wide range of careers in the industry, with many choosing to continue their creative and professional practice on a freelance, self-employed basis. Graduate jobs include: Design Manager at Tesco; Marketing Co-ordinator - WH Smith; Designer - SKK Lighting; Designer - Product Partners Ltd; Designer - Mira Bathroom Fitments.

Course Details

 Teaching on this programme is largely focused around project based work. All projects are supported by focused lectures, seminar discussions. At Year One and Year Two, there are a range of additional workshop sessions that are designed to address the broad range of design skills required by Product Designers, these include 3d workshop skills, 2d CAD, 3d modelling through to issues relating to the presentation and visualization of project ideas.

Students tackle a variety of briefs ranging in complexity and time scales, some that are directed and others in which students negotiate their direction of the brief. Some projects will take many weeks to complete whilst others will be solved within a matter of hours. There's also a huge variety to the pattern of learning experiences with some projects being team based and others are worked on individually. Tutorials and seminars include one-on-one, small group, medium sized groups for workshops and large groups for lectures. The project critique is a fundamental part of our design teaching. The critique is a forum in which students present and defend their project proposals in front of their peers; this mirrors the real life scenario when designers present their ideas to clients.

You will also take advantage of industry professionals who contribute to the programme including:

  • Thomas Howcroft – 3D Artist
  • Kate King – Design Researcher and Strategist
  • Joshua Elgood – Industrial Designer
  • Tom Portlock – Head of Creative Design, Careshield
  • Chris Woodward – Principal Design Consultant. CWD Industrial Design
  • Sam Costidell – Toy Designer/Modelmaker
  • Sebastian Conran - Honorary Doctorate

Year 1

Introduction to core design skills
Introduction to design principles
Professional design studio (1)
Design theory (l4)

Year 2

Core design skills (2)
Professional design studio (2)
Design theory (l5)
Design principles (pid)

Optional
Year abroad
Professional work experience 30: design

Year 3

Professional design studio (3)
Major degree project (pid)
The degree essay (l6)

Optional
Year abroad
Sandwich year (creative arts)
Employment experience (creative arts)
Study abroad (creative arts)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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