A short description of each unit and what you can expect.

Year 1

Unit 1 - Introduction to  BA Product and Furniture Design

This unit is an introduction to your course, the college and the university.

Unit 2 - Product and furniture design methods and processes

This unit aims to establish a practice-based approach to the designing and making of objects.

• Have an introduction to the tools and techniques of making processes in wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, digital
• Develop your drawing and model making skills needed to process and communicate ideas.  
• Begin to develop your own visual language through the practice and evaluation of research

Unit 3 - The anthropology of the object

This unit introduces you to the relationship between users, objects and environments.

• To consider how objects are constructed and how they support different kinds of user interaction
• To undertake detailed observations of people using objects in everyday contexts
• To explore and evaluate the existence, meanings and purposes of those objects, both in relation to the individual and larger social groups
• To develop and make a series of material prototypes that test use and user understanding   

Unit 4 - Form, function and ornament

The aim of the unit is to investigate the relationship between your personal identity as a design practitioner and objects.

• To design and make a series of objects
• Your design development work will include 2D/3D visualisations, technical notes, sample materials tests, models, prototypes and finished objects
• To photograph the finished objects in context 
• Produce a report on the successes and shortcomings of your design work

Year 2

Unit 5 - Design proposals 1

In this unit you will engage with external partners and apply your ideas in a real world context.

• To be asked to develop concepts for a design object in a domestic, commercial or community context
• Your project might be a competition brief, an initiative from industry, work for a charitable organisation or social services. They may include design problems concerning health and wellbeing, leisure and cultural capital, education or food consumption
• To consider function, sustainability and activity
• To produce an illustrated report communicating the results of your design practice and a record of professional presentations
• Design development work will include including 2D/3D visualisations, materials tests, models and prototypes

Unit 6 - Collaborative and collective practices

This unit aims to introduce you to different ways in which collaborative working can focus and enhance your own creative strengths. This unit has 3 core purposes: 

• To engage with fellow students with different practices and interests in a collaborative project
• To engage with external audiences, participants or institutions to consider new contexts for your work
• To develop your creative attributes to enable you to take on future challenges in a variety of contexts

Unit 7 - Design proposals 2

This unit looks at the way in which a site-specific design proposal can be conceived, developed and adapted.

• To examine issues of scale, function, narrative and location
• To consider audience engagement, interaction, social conduct as well as client needs
• To gain an understanding of the users, client and audience by working on a range of concepts and prototypes
• To produce a design proposal report, design development and material evidence 

Unit 8 - Designer maker - Ecologies of action

The unit will include an external group project. You will work collaboratively on an event or exhibition.

• Lectures covering project briefs, concepts, project working methods, site analysis, site specific practice, visitor and user analysis methods 
• Site visits that will include discussions with venue staff
• Workshops, presentations and crits
• Production of prototypes and a finished object

Year 3

Unit 9 - Critical practice 1 - The reflective practitioner

This unit aims to encourage a critical understanding of the historical, cultural and global contexts within which design practice operates.

• An illustrated contextual research essay or written project that communicates your understanding of the design arena
• A studio design practice project

Unit 10 - Critical practice 2 - Design futures

This final unit requires you to integrate your practical, professional and critical position into a resolved body of work.

Professional Practice Project:

• To help you develop an awareness of the range of career and postgraduate opportunities available.
• To produce a professional practice report and research file including a professional action plan and personal promotional materials

Final Major Project:

• To write a proposal for a final major project
• To produce of a substantial body of work presented to a professional standard
• The work you produce will form part of the college degree show

Optional Diploma between year 2 and 3

Between year 2 and 3 you can opt to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the Diploma in Creative Computing.