BSc (Hons) Product Design 2022/23

YEAR ONE - LEVEL 4

• Design Methods - 40 credits
  The module is an introductory experience for students on the BSc Product Design course and covers the majority of practical work to be undertaken at first year level – design methods, process and projects. Using design projects as a vehicle, students will cover design methodology, physical prototyping, workshop skills, and an introduction to materials and manufacturing technology. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Visual Communications – 20 credits
  As a designer you need to communicate your ideas to other people and to develop your design concepts and ideas in two dimensions. This module includes free hand drawing and sketching, technical drawing, graphic communication and digital visual tools. You will learn to draw (and to use drawing as a design thinking and problem solving tool) and how to present your work in a clear and professional way. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• CAD 1 - 20 credits
  The module provides an introduction to the principles and use of Computer Aided Design techniques and software for Product and Engineering design. It includes a grounding in Engineering Drawing techniques and conventions. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Inclusive Design and Usability - 20 credits
  This Module is an introduction to principles of human centred design, universal design, user profiling, anthropometrics and ergonomics. Many areas in our society require a radical rethink to allow all individuals to live fuller, more socially integrated, independent and inclusive. The module contributes to develop a user centred design literate graduate by introducing design thinking methods that encourage well-being and people’s empowerment. It leads to systems, products and/or services that are physically, cognitively and emotionally intuitive to use with an aesthetic awareness. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Design for a sustainable society - 20 credits
  Knowledge of sustainability is of paramount importance to designers because they make a significant contribution to the majority of designed products. Therefore, this module introduces students to the three fundamental principles of sustainability (environmental, social and economic factors) and highlights the importance of their integration in order to create properly sustainable design output. The module also helps students also develop their creativity and problem solving skills to produce aesthetically pleasing and intuitive design proposals at the same time as developing fundamental understanding of technological principles and applications (general mechanical, electrical, electronic concept, trigonometry etc.) Furthermore in addition to learning about sustainability, the module educates students for sustainability by encouraging them to practice sustainability in other aspects of their lives and become sustainability literate graduates. Assessment: 100% Coursework

YEAR TWO - LEVEL 5

• Design Thinking and Applications - 20 credits
  The module will build on the experience in the Design Methods and other first year modules and aims to develop design thinking methodology and product development practice for the placement (sandwich) year and the final year projects. The module will allow students to experience a thorough range of design process cycles and develop various resolution prototypes in relation to the weighting of the assignments. You will need to reflect on the increasing diversity in product, service interaction design and “design thinking” as a component of business development. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Design Contexts and Communications - 20 credits
  The module will enhance fundamental employability skills for a graduate in the contemporary design industry. It builds on the concepts that were introduced in level 4 modules, with a view to creation of a professional portfolio that reflects the design capabilities of the student, in order to leave them in a strong position for gaining a work placement and/or graduate employment. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• CAD 2 - 20 credits
  This module develops advanced Computer Aided Design skills and introduces students to the principles of Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), and communication and demonstration of these ideas through photo-realistic rendering and digital animations. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Design Futures and Emerging Technologies – 20 credits
  The module raises students’ awareness of new design approaches, emerging technological and scientific research as well as ethical, economic and socio/cultural changes in society. It enhances students’ ability to address and think critically about future challenges and emerging technologies. It also explores new design methods to provide opportunities for interdisciplinary projects. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Design Interactions – 20 credits
  This module explores new roles, contexts and approaches for design in relation to the social, cultural and ethical impact of existing and emerging technologies. Projects will encourage students to be informed by different perspectives, people and disciplines, enabling collaborative exchange of knowledge. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Design and Manufacture Project - 20 credits
  The module will allow students to apply ‘design thinking’ techniques and methods coupled with their technical specialist focus and practical skills, to the design, development and production of a working prototype of a product. It provides an opportunity to showcase your product design skills at the highest level yet in preparation for seeking an industrial placement. Assessment: 100% Coursework

YEAR THREE - SANDWICH WORK PLACEMENT

• Optional Placement Year
  Students benefit enormously from spending a period of time in industry, whatever course you undertake. This module is designed to provide students with first-hand knowledge and experience in an appropriate industrial setting. Some design and creative industries work largely on the basis of long-term salaried positions, others work on the basis of subcontracted and specialist working, usually of a short-term nature. Students are required to work in a situation where you are accountable to an outside company or person for the work you carry out. The employment in total needs to be the equivalent of at least a complete academic year (30 weeks) in some form of appropriately employed or voluntary capacity within the industry, in its broadest terms. You are required to have access to the local management in order to understand the ways in which management decisions and actions take place as well as concentrating on achieving the best performance possible in the technicalities of the placement work.

YEAR FOUR - LEVEL 6

• Research Methods for Design Projects - 20 credits
  In this module students identify a suitable subject for the Product Design Project; you then develop a project brief and work plan, which are presented visually and verbally in addition to their preliminary contextual research and justification for the proposed project. Students also develop brand identity for the Design Degree Show, which may be pitched to experts and/or design professionals. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Service and System Design – 20 credits
  This module is for students in the Product Design cluster and aims to augment the students design portfolio with subsidiary projects in addition to their major design project it also allows students to investigate how their ‘design thinking’ techniques, methods and practical skills can be applied to other aspects of commerce and society. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Design and Culture – 20 credits
  In this module final year students engage in primary and secondary source research to investigate and critically analyse a subject related to the profession and practice of Product Design in order to produce a well written and illustrated dissertation that broadens their understanding of the various factors that influence the design process and profession. Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Product Design Project - 60 credits
  The Design Project requires students to develop an engineered solution from concept through to artefact based on the subject that is identified via Research Methods for Design Projects module. The artefact may be physical and/or digital. The project deliverables include, a detailed record of the design development process, a fully developed artefact, and an analytical report that demonstrates the application of human centred design expertise to the proposed solution. The project provides an opportunity to explore a chosen specialist field in order to develop expertise and demonstrate depth of understanding. In order to execute their individual projects students will draw on selected tools and resources learned in previous modules and produce a coherent and professional methodology for the intended solution. Assessment: 100% Coursework

Assessment

This course is assessed entirely through coursework: there are no formal exams

Each module is assessed by the process that is deemed most appropriate to the subject matter. In many engineering subjects, this may mean that there is a combination of coursework and examination, whilst in design and business-based modules assessment is by 100% coursework. When and where appropriate assessment is undertaken as group presentations and critiques. During and after critiques, students benefit from oral and written feedback. As and when appropriate, assignments are submitted to the faculty office or digitally through the VLE and are assessed by academic staff who provide written feedback and tutorial advice.

The product design project at level 6 (final year) is assessed by a variety of means, including the public display of work in the annual degree show, and the opportunity to be selected to display their projects at the New Designers exhibition.

Combining flair and vision with practical skill, Product Design is an exciting course that will set you on course for a creative, fulfilling career.

Our recent graduates are pursuing successful careers with companies like LEGO, VosLED, Cogent Healthcare Systems, BDP and Complete Fabrication. Others have set up businesses or work as freelance product designers. From design consultancies to manufacturing companies, there’s a wealth of choice for you.

The course has a focus on studio-based design assignments and design project work. You'll learn how to propose workable and functional solutions within financial constraints whilst still delivering compelling, aesthetic products. These are the very skills that will set you in high demand from industry employers!

Take a look at some potential careers, including product designer, in our Prospects section.

Graduate success stories

As well as recent graduates going into jobs with design consultancies and manufacturing companies, they have also excelled in design competitions:

• Jack Ogborn (winner, IED Student Design Award)
• Matilde Rodriguez and Izzatullah Ahmadi (winners, Design Factory @ Design Museum)
• Andrew Hodgson (winner, DFI furniture design)

After graduation I went to work for LEGO in Denmark where I spent four years working as a design/model maker before coming back to London to work for WOW Toys as a Design Manager.

Peter Grinsell, Alumnus, BSc Product Design

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Our teaching staff are experts, with a great deal to share. Whether they're teaching, carrying out research or involved in consultancy for industry they have the skills to make a difference to you. You'll learn both intellectual and practical skills in a modern, well-equipped environment that blends traditional manufacturing equipment and sophisticated technology.

Applied approach to learning

You'll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work. Taking on both group and individual projects, we assess your work through a mixture of coursework and exams, with project and laboratory work counting towards your final award. We also teach you the life skills of effective communication, problem solving, project planning and team working that will set you apart and give you the best chance of getting the job you want after you graduate.

• A Level BBB or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions 21 Merit  including a minimum of 3 Merits in Design Technology, Maths and Physics or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 122 UCAS points
• Level 3 qualifications must include art/ design or show evidence of engagement with creativity
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C

We normally require a portfolio of work and in many instances will also interview potential applicants to assess suitability for the course.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 201 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 201 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.