Program Overview

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Introduction to BA (Hons) Product Design

The BA (Hons) Product Design course at Birmingham City University is a comprehensive program that combines practice with theory to provide students with a fully rounded learning experience. The course focuses on developing skills in design, making, and production, with an emphasis on creativity, functionality, and technical knowledge.

Course Overview

The course is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and understanding to create innovative, sustainable products that meet user needs and are feasible to produce. The program covers a wide range of topics, including design principles, materials, processes, and digital manufacturing. Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry partners, and develop their professional attributes and subject-specific skills.

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in product design. The course includes a range of core and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their learning to their interests and career goals.

Year One

In the first year, students will study core modules that introduce them to the fundamentals of design, including design essentials, design for production, and design in context. These modules will provide students with a solid foundation in design principles, materials, and processes.

Year Two

In the second year, students will build on their knowledge and skills, studying core modules that focus on design for industry, professional futures, and design focus. Students will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules, including industry project, independent creative entrepreneur, and work placement.

Year Three

In the final year, students will study core modules that focus on professional futures, major research project, and major design project. These modules will provide students with the opportunity to develop their professional attributes, conduct in-depth research, and create a significant self-directed design project.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students must meet the following entry requirements:

• Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points
• Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: Not applicable
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent)
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma / Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • T Level: Merit overall
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3
  • Accepted subjects: Construction, Planning, and Built Environment subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall
  • Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design, and Media): Distinction overall

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are as follows:

• UK students: ｣9,790 in 2026/27
• International students: ｣18,570 in 2026/27

Employability

The course has a strong focus on employability, with opportunities for students to develop their professional attributes and subject-specific skills through real-world projects, collaborations with industry partners, and work placements. The course also provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a range of areas, including design, making, and production, which are highly valued by employers in the industry.

Facilities and Staff

The course is based in the Parkside Building, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, computer labs, and workshops. The course is taught by experienced designers, makers, and academics who have a wide range of expertise and experience in the field of product design.

Research Areas

The course covers a range of research areas, including design principles, materials, processes, and digital manufacturing. Students will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research and develop their skills in a range of areas, including design, making, and production.

Conclusion

The BA (Hons) Product Design course at Birmingham City University is a comprehensive program that provides students with a fully rounded learning experience. The course covers a wide range of topics, including design principles, materials, processes, and digital manufacturing, and provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional attributes and subject-specific skills through real-world projects, collaborations with industry partners, and work placements. With its strong focus on employability and its state-of-the-art facilities, the course is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in product design.