Undergraduate course
BA (Hons)
Product and Furniture Design with Foundation
The foundation pathway offers an alternative entry to the BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design course. It helps you build key practical, academic, and creative skills needed to confidently progress into and succeed in the undergraduate programme.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
Design with purpose
Bring ideas to life through thoughtful, practical products that respond to real-world needs — from sustainable furniture to innovative consumer goods.
Immersive learning
Develop hands-on skills in wood, metal, ceramics, and digital fabrication, working in fully equipped workshops to turn concepts into crafted prototypes.
Launch your creative career
Build a standout portfolio through live projects, exhibitions, and industry collaborations, preparing you for roles in design studios, self-employment, or further study.
About
Our interdisciplinary design studio inspires you to challenge, disrupt and rethink design practices to create unique and compelling objects, artefacts and user experiences. Go hands-on with materials in our extensive workshops to design products, furniture, ceramics and lighting. Develop a rich portfolio that is relevant to the evolving needs of professional design practice and become a Designer Maker, or a Designer for Industry, or combine areas of 3D design practice.
What is a foundation year?
A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
Â鶹´«Ã½ courses with Foundation years
.
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
- To build your confidence to study at university level.
- To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you're keen to develop skills that are relevant to the evolving needs of the design industry
you’re passionate about designing objects, furniture or lighting that combine form, function and sustainability
you’re driven to build a distinctive portfolio and find your voice as a designer‑maker or industrial designer
you’re keen to learn from industry professionals and work on diverse, real-world design projects
Details
Foundation year
You'll become part a vibrant creative community through an engaging learning environment with a focus on active exploration and discovery across a wide range of methods and media. Working in our open-plan studio, you'll learn by doing, putting teaching into practical outcomes. Upon successful completion of this year, you'll enter the first year of the BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design or BA (Hons) Interior Design.
Core modules
ADA001
Materials, Methods and Media
30 credits
This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.
100% Coursework
ADA002
Image, Type and Narrative
30 credits
Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.
100% Coursework
ADA003
Risk and Resolution
30 credits
Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.
100% Coursework
ADA004
Critical Themes in Art & Design
20 credits
This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.
100% Coursework
Year 1
You learn core design principles and technical skills within our interdisciplinary studio culture. Project work introduces hands-on making skills in a range of materials, including wood, metal and ceramics, alongside CAD and communication skills. You develop an awareness of opportunities through specialisms within product and furniture design and make choices about where your own practice might fit.
Core modules
FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
PFD400
Product and Furniture Discovery, Exploration, Enquiry and Culture
80 credits
Through the development of a portfolio of project work, Product and Furniture Design is introduced relative to the varied nature of three-dimensional design. Studio practice is linked with historical, cultural and critical contexts. Processes of discovery, exploration and enquiry introduce specialist design knowledge, core skills and stimulate reflection. The module informs the student’s choice of areas of specialism to develop further within the subject of Product and Furniture Design.
100% Coursework
TDD400
Introduction to Studio and Workshop Practice
20 credits
Students will be introduced to the wide range of materials and processes available to them as designers, and will have the opportunity to develop workshop skills in the selection and processing of materials. Students will also be introduced to CAD and digital presentation software and gather a wide range of presentation skills to develop their confidence and ability to communicate confidently, effectively, clearly and efficiently.
100% Coursework
TDD450
Design Carousel 1
20 credits
This Level 4 module runs in parallel with a Level 5 module, enabling collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios. Working with senior peers enables the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and establishes cross year interdisciplinary peer learning opportunities within the design studio.
100% Coursework
Year 2
Your second year challenges you to explore design philosophies in more detail, developing more advanced technical skills. You develop your own unique design voice and establish how you express yourself. We celebrate our achievements with an end-of-year show.
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Core modules
PFD500
Product and Furniture Specialist Exploration and Culture
40 credits
This module develops specialist knowledge and professional practice skills in Product and Furniture Design. It develops making skills, design awareness, aesthetic judgement and approaches relating to self-determined practice or live project briefs. The module includes Design Culture exploration of major issues and concepts affecting design with the development of research, critical evaluation and contextualisation skills as a primer for Level 6 dissertation modules.
100% Coursework
PFD501
Product and Furniture Specialist Skills and Progression
40 credits
This module develops specific skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the practice of Designer Makers and Designers for Industry. Project work develops practical and digital skills in 2D and 3D, knowledge of materiality and the relationships between people and products, and associated contextual and cultural issues relating to contemporary design practice.
100% Coursework
TDD550
Design Carousel 2
20 credits
This Level 5 module runs in parallel with a Level 4 module to enable collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios.Working with junior peers develops interpersonal and organisational skills valued by professional practice, and sustains peer learning opportunities within the design studio.
100% Coursework
TDD560
Common Challenge: Interdisciplinary Design
20 credits
This module celebrates the interdisciplinary nature of professional design practice and acknowledges the role designers can play in addressing the big challenges posed by complex sustainability themes and issues relating to global society, culture and ecology. Interdisciplinary teams contribute to a series of Design Sprints inspired by a proposed theme or issue to produce individual and group work.
100% Coursework
TDD500
Stage 2 Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Stage 1 Placement Preparation module and to assist students in their search and application for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Optional placement year
You can add an optional year between before your final year of study. This enables you to take a year-long work placement and gain first-hand knowledge and professional experience within the design industry or to study abroad for a year within the University’s international exchange programmes.
Core modules
TDD651
Design Industry Placement / Exchange
A period of professional training of 24 weeks or more spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company, or 2 semesters of study with an overseas partner institution. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant external experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
Final year
Your final year develops the skills and experiences you need to build a professional portfolio. You enhance your knowledge of design and business, write a dissertation, produce a significant personal major project and enter high-profile competitions. Graduate shows and exhibitions celebrate your design identity and provide a launchpad to your ideal design job, your own design studio, or progress to postgraduate study.
Core modules
ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices
20 credits
The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.
100% Coursework
TDD606
External Factors and Feasibility
40 credits
This module encourages students to challenge and develop their professional practice skills, and their emergingdesign identity, by conducting distinct projects concurrently. A significant external project brief and a self-initiatedproject brief develop a platform of knowledge and experiences on which the character of their graduating portfoliowill be based.
100% Coursework
TDD607
Major Project
40 credits
Students identify, plan, evolve and review a summative design project in the programme and awardspecialism. It allows a substantive body of work celebrating all the learning outcomes and specific skills setsattained. The project culminates with a 1 to 1 viva with an external examiner and a degree showexhibition.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
PFD600
Product and Furniture Consolidation
This compact module offers students the option to develop their professional practice skills to a higherlevel. Professional and creative attributes are developed to prepare students for the evolving future ofdesign practice. Sustainability principals are blended with increased knowledge and understanding ofbusiness and project management issues relevant to areas of specialism within Product and FurnitureDesign
100% Coursework
TDD600
Extended Dissertation
20 credits
This module offers students the option to develop an Extended Dissertation that builds on a proposal,structure and literature review generated within the Critical Practices module. It provides the opportunityfor extended in-depth research and to write an illustrated dissertation. Students use their creative andanalytical skills on a concentrated topic area, with a word count of 8/10k
100% Coursework
Progression routes
Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of
BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design
or
BA (Hons) Interior Design
or one of the following visual communication-related degree programmes after a successful interview:
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Hands-on creativity
As a Product and Furniture Design student at the Â鶹´«Ã½, you'll shape your own design identity while building a professional portfolio that reflects your unique design voice. You'll take part in visits to leading design studios, hear from industry experts, and benefit from our Professional and Creative Attributes programme – all designed to connect you with real-world opportunities in contemporary design. You’ll showcase your work at graduate exhibitions, enter high-profile competitions, and even sell your designs through pop-up shops, preparing you for a successful career in the creative industries.
Where ideas take shape
Discover the tools, spaces and inspiration that will define your creative path.
Watch a brief overview of the course.
Product and furniture design facilities
Gain access to extensive workshops for wood, metal and ceramics.
Studio platforms
Become a designer maker or designer for industry – follow your interests with our studio platforms.
Learn in a creative studio culture
Be part of an interdisciplinary community where you’ll collaborate, experiment, and grow.
Core to your time here is your own desk space in our vibrant, open-plan studio where you’ll work alongside a range of design disciplines, evoking the multi-disciplinary environment of design consultancies and co-worker maker spaces. Our modules encourage collaboration and teamwork – giving you a great opportunity to work with, and learn from, your peers.
Student projects
On this course, you’ll develop a strong, industry-ready portfolio by working on a diverse mix of projects – from international competitions and live client briefs to student-led exhibitions and professional graduate showcases.
Meet our experts
Our international team have diverse professional practice and research experience to inspire and guide your creativity.
Mr Jonathan Forster
Associate Head of School (Marketing and Recruitment)
Ms Polly Macpherson
Associate Head of School
Mr Mike Woods
Lecturer in 3D Design
Life in Â鶹´«Ã½
Â鶹´«Ã½'s maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Â鶹´«Ã½ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
It was the creativity that I really connected with in my degree. With the freedom we were granted, I tried to figure out what I was enjoying the most, and that was making things with wood.
Preparing you for a creative career from day one
Graduates from this course go on to a huge variety of careers, including working in the design studios of top manufacturing companies like Lego, Dyson, Macpac and Princess Yachts. Others work for leading design agencies like Seymour Powell and Tangerine, or for independent designers like Paul Cocksedge Studio and Pinch.
Many graduates freelance or establish their own entrepreneurial studios, like furniture designer Huw Evans, Laura Lane Ceramics and Otter Surfboards, while others move into teaching and research, or use their design background to succeed in completely different fields.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
3D Design is now split into two separate degrees: BA (Hons) Interior Design and BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
On Monday 20 October 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Along with other universities in the UK, the Â鶹´«Ã½ intends to apply this new fee. Whilst the exact details have not currently been announced, it is expected that the increase will be in the region of £400, increasing the annual tuition fee to £9,935 for 2026, which will then be subject to automatic inflationary increases thereafter. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to further Government guidance and legislation.
The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as the Government has issued further information. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
£17,600 per year
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
A levels
32 UCAS tariff points. A minimum of two A levels; General Studies accepted.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
PPP from any subject.
T level
Pass overall with D or E on the core. Any subject may be considered.
International Baccalaureate
24 points from any subjects.
We will accept other pre-entry qualifications or combinations of different qualifications. Applications may also be considered from candidates who do not meet these minimum entry requirements. We welcome individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and previous educational or professional experiences, including those with non-standard qualifications.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
W245
W245
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Assessment breakdown
100% coursework
100% coursework
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
Â鶹´«Ã½
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
W245
W245
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Assessment breakdown
100% coursework
100% coursework
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
Â鶹´«Ã½
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the Â鶹´«Ã½.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.