Bachelor of Science (Hons)

PRODUCT DESIGN (TOP-UP)

Buckinghamshire New University's course reflects the realities of working as a professional in the industry. Everything you do on the course is working towards you getting your first job in the sector. If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.

On this course, you’ll view product design as a science, creating technical products such as electronic devices and complex 3D images. Create flawless designs and craft sleek products from scratch, taking them from scale drawings to the final prototype.

Why study this subject?

If you find yourself admiring the small details of a product, wondering how it was made and thinking how you could make it more efficient then this course may be perfect for you.

Use your love of Product Design and problem solving attitude to bring your ideas to life, and change the future in all things tangible. Design products that answer a need whilst ensuring ethical and social issues are addressed, your role can influence the blueprints BNU's future.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.

A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.

Embracing the technical side of design, you’ll use a range of industry standard 3D CAD and CAD/CAM systems, and some fantastic workshop facilities to produce 3D models, fully working prototypes, computer models and animations to demonstrate your design solutions. You’ll explore different solutions for a number of areas, working with real clients as you use your expertise to create products with a purpose.

What facilities can you use?

Using BNU's state-of-the-art facilities, you will undertake computer-aided design with our 3D CAD and CAD/CAM systems. As well as having access to some fantastic workshop facilities to produce 3D models, fully working prototypes, computer models and animations.

What will you study?

With your skills as a product designer, you’ll be able to adapt to many different areas. BNU look at special effects, medical equipment design, games environment design, technical illustration, model making and architectural visualisation. Part of the role involves working closely with clients as you examine exactly what they want as an end product.

BNU believe that Product Design has a major role to play in the technological revolution. They are developing students who can make a difference. Already, their graduates have gone on to work with huge companies such as Maclaren, Nokia and Microsoft. Even their current students create products that get taken forward into manufacture.

How will you be taught and assessed?

The product design skills you will learn on this course, can equip you to work in areas such as special effects, medical equipment design, games environment design, technical illustration, model making and architectural visualisation. Part of the role includes working with clients and getting to understand exactly what they want as an end product.

You will also learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops;
• Guided research and reading;
• Laboratory experiments;
• Examination of projects, simulated or real;
• Analysis of work-based scenarios;
• Independent learning through individual learning plans;
• Tutored classroom sessions;
• Visiting speakers and guest lecturers.

To achieve the full BSc (Hons) in Product Design you will need to complete a major project, a dissertation as well as undertake a Professional Practice module.

The major project and dissertation will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within product design. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.

The Professional Practice module gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.

What are your career prospects? 

With a range of new skills and experience working in a professional environment, you’ll have many qualities employers look for. Some of our graduates work for BMW, Hasbro, Nokia and Sony. Others have gone on to start their own design businesses. Or you can continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New University they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU also help you find employment after graduation. 

BNU's BSc (Hons) Product Design (Top-Up) course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:

• Product Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Automotive designer
• Model maker
• Design Engineer
• Exhibition and Event Designer
• Furniture and Kitchen Designer
• Display Designer
• CAD Visualiser and Technician
• Production and Set Designer or Prop Designer and Maker.
• Design Engineer
• Exhibition and Event Designer
• Furniture and Kitchen Designer
• Display Designer
• CAD Visualiser and Technician
• Production and Set Designer or Prop Designer and Maker.