Product Design

UCAS code: W243

Here's what Birmingham City University says about its Product Design course.

Contemporary product design spans industries such as consumer electronics, furniture, medical devices, automotive and more. It combines creativity, functionality, and technical knowledge to create innovative, sustainable products that meet user needs and are feasible to produce. Today's designers must navigate rapid technological advancements, sustainability challenges, and user experience to create functional and socially responsible designs.

Our BA (Hons) Product Design course provides an enriching experience, offering you the essential knowledge, skills, and understanding to create relevant products and furniture. With a strong emphasis on 'learning through making', our approach integrates innovation, user-centred design, social awareness, sustainability, and commercial understanding.

Furniture Design specialism All students will be introduced to core modules exploring the fundamentals of designing products and furniture. You will have the opportunity to focus exclusively on Furniture Design from semester 2 of your second year, starting with the Design Focus module, before specialising further in your final year. If you choose to specialise in Furniture Design, you will cover the same curriculum but opt for furniture-related project briefs.

This option will suit those students who wish to develop and enhance their making skills through the design, development and production of furniture and related products. You will be able to explore furniture design across various production scales, from bespoke to mass manufacture. You will graduate with BA (Hons) Product Design (Furniture Design).

Professional Placement Year This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies. 

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.