Course summary

Become a creator of the future. Design and Make innovative, contemporary products from domestic furniture to sustainable products, housewares and ceramics to high levels of craftsmanship using a diverse range of materials, processes and practical skills. The emphasis on ‘Thinking through Making’ provides a hands-on holistic approach where students not only learn technical skills but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through creativity. Our course is taught by leading academics and practitioners who will be at your side throughout your journey to provide you with the knowledge, skills and support you need to take the first step to a successful career in Product, Furniture, or Ceramics in our dedicated design studios and 3D workshops. Your work will be promoted through design competitions, major graduate shows and external exhibitions. Our students have won prestigious national and international awards, including the Tom Faulkner award for Distinct Furniture and Craftsmanship, New Designers Best Stand, M&S Homeware Award, Pentland Brands Award, Sainsbury's Homeware Award, Formica Award for Excellence and consecutive year on year winners for excellence from both Valentine Clays and Potclays. Through our strong links with industry, you will get to work on live projects with global leading brands such as Vitra, Wedgwood, Habitat, M&S Home, Tom Faulkner furniture ltd, SCP, Kevala ceramics, KEF and Robert Welch. You will get the chance to visit leading design studios, manufacturers and exhibitions both in the UK and internationally on our vibrant optional educational visits, to places like New York, Copenhagen, Milan and London. You can choose to specialise in the third year, tailoring your projects to your target career, whether you want to be a Product Designer, Ceramicist, Furniture Maker or Entrepreneurial Designer-Maker. Our course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD), that recognises the quality and relevance of our course content. A number of modules are industry-sponsored, with free materials for students, prizes and placement opportunities. On successful completion of our course, you will have created a professional portfolio of work that will make you employable as a distinct individual. Our students graduate as competent individuals - some become designers with companies like M&S Home, Habitat or Wedgwood. Others setup their own businesses as designer-makers, or progress onto postgraduate study. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Product, Furniture, Ceramics