Modules

Foundation year Term 1 will concentrate on analogue skills, introducing you to observational and hand-drawing skills as well as physical/3D modelling techniques, enabling you to understand different scales. In term 2, you’ll build on the skills you’ve learned and combine them with digital practice. You’ll be introduced to digital drawing, modelling and fabrication, and representation and communication techniques. Projects will develop your knowledge of the design process and technical ability.   Term 3 focuses on a final project within your chosen discipline and course. You’ll produce a portfolio where you’ll document your development and your final design project. The project will be specific to your discipline and draw together all the skills learnt over the year, preparing you for your degree. It will include physical hand drawings, photography, models, digital work and discipline-specific outputs. Year 1 Your first year introduces the foundations of product design, focusing on creativity, making and critical thinking. You’ll develop essential skills in 2D, 3D and digital design, learn prototyping and design for manufacture and explore inclusive design through real-world problem-solving projects. You’ll also gain an understanding of design history and global movements, building analytical and critical thinking skills to challenge dominant narratives. Technical workshops will introduce you to digital fabrication and manufacturing technologies, including CAD/CAM, 3D printing, electronics and wireless communication, giving you hands-on experience with industry-standard tools. Core modules Design Practice: Creativity, Prototyping and Communication Design Cultures: Histories and Theories Design Practice: Inclusive Design Design Technologies: Digital Manufacturing Year 2 In your second year, you’ll focus on designing products for real markets, taking ideas from concept through to prototype. You’ll explore interactive technologies and smart systems, learning how to make products responsive and connected while considering sustainability and responsible design approaches to address global challenges. Alongside this, you’ll deepen your understanding of contemporary design issues and begin shaping your own research interests, preparing for your final year project and future career pathways. Core modules Design Practice: Design to Market Design Cultures: Contemporary Issues in Design Design Practice: Responsible Design Design Technologies: Interactions and Experiences Optional Placement Year After year two, you can choose a salaried professional placement, gaining hands-on experience with product design consultancies, manufacturing companies or innovation teams. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects such as prototyping, digital fabrication and sustainable product development. The placement builds your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in product design and related fields. Final year In your final year, you’ll define your design specialism and focus on your professional ambitions. Early projects help you refine your approach and build specialist skills, while your dissertation allows you to explore a subject in depth and develop a critically reflective position. In the second part of the year, you’ll undertake a major self-directed project that integrates everything you’ve learned across design practice and technologies. This is your opportunity to create a fully resolved product that demonstrates your creativity, technical expertise and strategic thinking. You’ll showcase your work at Brighton’s end-of-year show and New Designers in London – an exciting chance to present your vision to industry professionals and the public. Core modules Design Practice: Professional Practices Design Cultures: Dissertation Design Practice: Self-directed Project Design Technologies: Self-directed Project