Product Design BA
Driven by a passion for understanding people and technology – exploring innovative solutions driven by real opportunities, addressing challenges faced by industry and society
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Viewing course details for 2024 year of entry
- Code
- W240
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Start
- September 2024
EU/International: September 2024 - Fees
- £9,250 (UK) | £16,600 (INT)
- Duration
- 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time (with placement)
- Course Leader
- Kate Herd
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 112 UCAS points
- Placement year
- Optional
- School / Department
- Design Engineering and Mathematics
Our product design degree gives you the knowledge, practical skills and industry experience to build a portfolio that will help you launch a career in a wide-range of sectors.
Why choose Product Design BA Honours at Middlesex?
Develop the confidence, knowledge, skills and experience to launch a successful career across the product design sector.
What you will gain
Sat within the Faculty of Science and Technology, we strive to develop product designers who are creative, confident, responsible and insightful in responding to user needs, but who also have a fundamental understanding of how to design and make things that work.
As well as studio-based design skills, you will gain extensive expertise in 3D CAD, physical prototyping and design for manufacture. We will help you to understand the wider context that surrounds our subject, developing the theoretical and practical skills, experiences and attitudes needed to enter the profession, across a wide range of sectors and emerging practices.
Accreditations
Our BA course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and meets the requirements of Registered Product Designer (RProdDes). You will get student membership to the IED for the duration of your studies. This accreditation validates the relevance and content of the degree programme to current industry requirements and practice.
What you will learn
Through project-based practice, we will support you with the experience, advice, feedback and encouragement you need to grow as a product designer.
You will develop skills in:
- Graphical communication and sketching
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Design process and iteration
- Design research
- Design for manufacture
- Sustainability
- Innovation
You will be able to demonstrate high-level 3D CAD and rendering, and the development of physical prototypes.
You will graduate from the programme with a portfolio of work that demonstrates your own creativity, process and skillset, culminating in a final-year project tailored to the pathway you want to take into the profession. You will have the opportunity to showcase yourself as a designer through our final-year exhibitions.
The programme content is enriched through industrial engagement and collaboration, such as live projects with industrial partners, external competitions, workshops and projects run by staff in professional practice, and our industry guest lecture series. Through these experiences, you will come to understand design in a commercial context and appreciate the nature and breadth of the design industry.
Student work
Find us on Instagram @MDXPD, follow out hashtag #mdxpd and take a look at our annual MDXPD magazine that showcases staff and student work.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
In your first year, we will help you build the foundational technical and practical skills of the subject through hands-on exercises and mini-projects. You will develop core skills in 2D and 3D design including: Sketching, visualisation and communication skills Understanding users and developing ideas Prototyping and workshop practice 3D parametric CAD modelling. You'll also develop a Developing the mindset and approach of a product designer.
Year 1 - Compulsory
This module introduces you to core skills in design and studio practice. The focus of the module is on developing both an intellectual awareness and a practical application of design process methods, ideas generation and communication techniques and creative conversations.
This module introduces you to core skills in prototyping. The focus of the module is developing confidence in an awareness and practical application of prototyping techniques appropriate for different stages of the design process.
This module offers an introduction to core computing skills for design practice. It enables you to develop skills in CAD modelling, design visualisation, design communication and product prototyping. It introduces strategies for engaging with distributed communities or practice and developing an online presence.
This module introduces you to core skills in design and studio practice. The focus of the module is on developing both an intellectual awareness and a practical application of design process methods, ideas generation and communication techniques and creative conversations.
This module introduces you to core skills in prototyping. The focus of the module is developing confidence in an awareness and practical application of prototyping techniques appropriate for different stages of the design process.
This module offers an introduction to core computing skills for design practice. It enables you to develop skills in CAD modelling, design visualisation, design communication and product prototyping. It introduces strategies for engaging with distributed communities or practice and developing an online presence.
This module provides the opportunity for you to develop your design knowledge, practice and experiences and to apply their design skills through workshops and selected external collaborative projects covering a range of sectors. You will focus on deepening theory, process and contextual knowledge, and applying that knowledge in responding to complex briefs.
This module equips you with the prototyping tools and approaches to enable you to successfully engage in a range of prototyping activities to develop, explore, test and validate design proposals. The module will develop your capability to analyse design problems, to develop effective prototyping strategies and to explore creative approaches to prototyping. You will develop your knowledge and skills in building working prototypes, at a range of fidelities, and employing a range of methods for exploring prototyping
This module develops your advanced CAD and CAM capabilities. It focuses on advanced surface and feature-based modelling techniques as product design tools and enables you to develop competence in the use of these processes, techniques and tools. The module develops students’ understanding of reverse engineering, mass manufacture design requirements and related design optimisation techniques.
Optional Placement
The aim of this module is to strengthen, extend and apply your knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained from your programme in the context of a working environment and to complement, stimulate, reinforce and encourage the development of discipline-specific technical knowledge and your transferable skills.
The aim of this module is to strengthen, extend and apply your knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained from your programme in the context of a working environment and to complement, stimulate, reinforce and encourage the development of discipline-specific technical knowledge and your transferable skills.
This module provides the opportunity for you to synthesise your design project experiences and to develop your practice to a professional level, through selected external collaborative projects and through the generation of your Final Major Project. The focus of all projects is on various forms of innovation. The Final Major Project is self-initiated and self-directed, taking place over an extended period of time across the academic year. It requires you to make a significant personal contribution to all phases of the design development process and to your personal professional goals.
This module develops your design research, strategic planning, theoretical background and contextual and commercial framework for your Final Major Project and your personal practice. You will prepare and publish a range of technical and contextual texts, and a professional and personal reflection upon your project work.
The Design Manifestation module continues the making experiences from Year 1 & 2 modules to develop a high level of technical capability and an equivalent level of reflective practice sensitivity. It interweaves with the final year modules to create a coherent and supportive final year experience which will prepare them for their chosen future. The module will equip final year students with: - the understanding and experience of HOW to evolve great ideas and manifest them in appropriate and high-quality ways. - the ability to consider WHY the manifestation process they pursue is best suited to them, their project, their practice and the wider world. - the confidence to engage with challenges early in an active, exploratory and open manner, and to apply their knowledge and experiences in effective ways.
To find out more about this course please download the Product Design BA specification (PDF).
We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.
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Teaching
We will provide a supportive, encouraging and collaborative learning environment that allows each student to explore and develop their creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills. You will gain your knowledge and understanding of the subject through a variety of practice-based learning approaches including: Interactive guest lectures Design workshops Creative exercises Project-based learning (from directed through to self-initiated and self-directed) Lab-based IT classes Visits Group and individual project work. Central to the teaching and learning is ongoing engagement with industry (through guest lectures, live projects, visits, staff teaching on the programme etc.) This supports each student in building their personal creative network. Every staff member teaching on the programme is currently engaged in professional practice (design practice and/or design research) alongside their teaching.
You will be based at our north London campus with access to industry-standard equipment and software within our design studio, CAD and workshop facilities.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
Independent learning
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Teaching vs independent learning
Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Year 1
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
24% |
288 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
76% |
912 |
Independent learning |
Year 2
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
26% |
312 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
74% |
888 |
Independent learning |
Year 3
|
Percentage |
Hours |
Typical activity |
|
26% |
312 |
Teaching, learning and assessment |
|
74% |
888 |
Independent learning |
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.
Your learning will be assessed regularly and is made up of 100% coursework.
As product designers, we learn through our design practice. Within the BA Product Design programme, this happens through activities such as projects, workshops, reports and set exercises both within taught sessions, and as independent work.
You will receive regular feedback on your work and progress, and will be supported in developing the skills and confidence to engage in creative conversations around design ideas. There are formal assessments for each module. Your knowledge and understanding is assessed through a series of creative tasks, ranging from portfolios of work, oral or recorded presentations, completed projects, physical or digital product prototypes or models, through to more formal design documentation
The first year is graded as pass/fail (with extensive feedback), providing a supportive learning environment that supports exploration, experimentation, taking risks and making mistakes as a core component of design practice.
Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback your work. This is central to skills development within the subject and is embedded throughout each module as a core part of our design practice. This includes approaches such as creative conversation around ongoing project work, peer feedback, individual tutor feedback, interim submissions etc.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
Learn more/101x0:851x634/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/Sheppard-Library-Facilities-2014-40.jpg)
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent Support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Careers
How can the BA Product Design support your career?
As a product design graduate from a course accredited by the IED, you will leave the course with a skill set appropriate for contemporary product design practice in a wide range of sectors that fall within the new definition of ‘product design’ and ‘product design engineer’.
Graduate job roles
Potential employers exist across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Graduates enter employment taking up positions including industrial designer, product designer, service designer, interaction designer, UX/UI designer, designer/craftsperson, creative technologist, and more.
Graduate employers
Our graduates are employed across the design industry, from high profile organisations such as Apple, Tesla and Lego, through to London-based design consultancies, government organisations, and start ups. Alternatively students can set up their own businesses in a creative field.
Check out our '5 years on' and '10 years on' alumni showcase.
Transferable skills
The transferable nature of the skill set (communication, problem solving, critical thinking, etc.) means that transition is possible to adjoining creative disciplines.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money 2023 and a top 10 university for producing CEOs (Novuana, 2023).
MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support
Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.
Global network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Work placements
Placements and internships can greatly improve your future job prospects after you graduate. They usually boost your confidence and academic results by giving you the opportunity to practice what have learned in a professional setting.
The course offers a 4 year sandwich option with a year long industry placement at the end of year 2. Successful completion of this placement year results in an additional qualification - a Diploma of Industrial Studies.
Our specialist employability service will support you in finding placement opportunities, and the product design staff team will work with you throughout your programme to develop your CV and portfolio for placement application.
Entry Requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way. We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
Qualifications
- UCAS Points
- 112 points including GCSE: Grade 4/C in English and mathematics
- A-level
- BBC
- BTEC Requirements
- DMM
- Access Requirements
- Overall pass: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
- Combinations
- A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 UCAS Tariff points
We'll accept T Levels for entry onto our undergraduate degree courses (including our extended courses with a foundation year) with the standard application of science requirements and GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.
Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.
Foundation year
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Academic credit
If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Career support to get you where you want to go after university
- Global alumni network and connections
English language
You'll need good English language skills to study with us. That's usually an IELTS 6.0 qualification (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections). And, if you need help, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.
Qualifications
112 UCAS Points
In addition to qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate, we accept a wide range of international qualifications.
Find out more on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.
Entry onto this course requires a portfolio of work. Please view our interviews and portfolios page for more information.
Your portfolio is an important part of the application process for the programme. It helps us to understand a little more about you, and supports meaningful conversation about your interests, skills, and experiences. It is important to remember that when we review portfolios we are looking for passion and potential, rather than a complete set of existing skills. You are coming to university to learn to be a designer, so we don’t expect you to know how to do it all already (that’s what we’re here for!)
Please apply via UCAS using the UCAS code W240.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free e-books and e-journals for key course texts
- Free access to everything on your reading list
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors
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Unistats information
Discover Uni provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Middlesex.
Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for Animation.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.