Course summary

Your Foundation Year will introduce you to the skills you’ll need to prepare you for your future studies. From perfecting freehand drawing and sketchbook use to learning about materials and fabrication, you’ll gain practical experience through real-world briefs and develop your confidence in presenting your ideas. Embark on a journey of creativity with our Furniture and Product Design course. Explore crafting innovative products for diverse markets, striking a balance between commercial and conceptual work. Immerse yourself in a hands-on, empirical approach that emphasises designing through making, fostering experimentation with materials and processes We'll explore function, form and the relationships we forge with the everyday objects with which we live. Alongside technical skills like sketching, model-making and prototyping, we’ll look at key human issues of ethically responsible design, analyse the ways that our lifestyles are changing and how this impacts on consumer choice, and experiment with innovative means of furniture and product production. You’ll test your skills across live projects, and you can even complete a year-long work placement, throwing yourself into the cutting edge of real-world industry. We don’t produce cookie-cutter designers. Our students graduate as distinct individuals — some become successful freelancers, and others secure diverse roles with companies like Habitat, John Lewis, DFS and The Design Council. Some are designer-makers; others become journalists and curators. By exploring your craft, developing your own design identity, and making the most of some genuinely unique opportunities, you’ll be a stand-out prospect in the world of design. Key Features

• Professional Accreditation | Our course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD), recognising the quality and relevance of our course content. It also means you can become a student member of the CSD for free whilst studying.

• Inspiring Spaces | You’ll be using the same equipment as the pros. From 3D printers to water-jet cutters and bandsaws, plus dedicated workshops for wood, metal and concrete working, we’ve got the lot — minimising the jump from uni to industry.

• Live Projects | We’re industry-focused with great connections. Through live projects, you’ll be working face-to-face with leading companies such as John Lewis, Pearson Lloyd, Hasbro, Philip Watts Designs, and deVol Kitchens.

• Exhibitions and Shows | Exhibit your work at our final year Degree Show and nationally at events including New Designers in London.

• Top 2 Ranking | NTU is 2nd for the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).

• Top 2 Ranking | NTU is the 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).