BA (Hons) Sustainable Product Design Bachelor's degree at Falmouth University

This module focuses on the creative methods designers use to inspire and develop design ideas. Through a series of creative exercises, you'll develop specialist skills in design communication including sketching, graphical presentation of ideas, Adobe Photoshop and 3D CAD. Local field trips to the coast, gardens and woodlands will inform observational drawing and creative design thinking inspired by nature.

You'll investigate the materials, methods and tools product designers use to reduce the environmental impact of their design concepts. You'll learn about sustainable design strategies and apply this to your design practice. There will be a particular focus on wood as a material. To support model-making and prototyping activities, you'll learn how to use a range of basic wood workshop equipment.

This module introduces a range of tools to assess the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifetime. The examination of existing products will underpin discussions relating to material selection, manufacturing processes, use and disposal. 3D CAD skills will focus on parts, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings. Adobe InDesign sessions will help you to present final outcomes of project work in a professional and coherent way.

In this module, you'll examine key global issues that are informing design debates for sustainable change. The connection between theory and practice is emphasised and explored through human-centred studio projects aimed at developing innovative design solutions. You'll continue to develop your woodworking skills by prototyping design concepts in response to the module brief.

In this module, you'll investigate re-design opportunities for existing products to reduce environmental impacts. While questioning the commercial viability of your concept, you'll also consider social and environmental impacts. Business skills will focus on Intellectual Property and design protection. Throughout the module, you'll work collaboratively using digital design and manufacturing tools.

This module introduces the principles of inclusive design and human-centred design strategies. You'll learn primary research methods such as observation, shadowing, simulation and empathy. You'll also cover data collection techniques, recording and documenting research findings, as well as evaluation strategies.

Working as part of a team, you'll work on 'Challenge Briefs' that reflect the sort of assignments you could expect to be working on in industry. Developing your 'soft skills', like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership, you'll sharpen your ability to work well as part of a group to produce outstanding work.

You'll be challenged to respond to live projects with industry to support the design of innovative products or services that engage with the circular economy. Your design skills will be tested in real contexts through project partnerships and mentoring with external organisations.

You'll establish the direction of your final year studio project by investigating the contextual and theoretical drivers that will underpin your design work. You'll engage in secondary and primary research techniques to develop a strong rationale that drives your creative practice. This will be articulated through a written design report.

You'll develop and articulate critical rationales and professional practice skills in preparation for your final year studio design practice modules. You'll apply research in and to real-world contexts, providing insights that inform and guide the creation of a personal design brief and the creative process.

This module will create an opportunity to reflect on your skills and ambitions, helping you define a career pathway for life after university. It is about 'career readiness' as you transition from university to the workplace, self-employment, or postgraduate study.

The final module of the undergraduate programme will provide you with the time and support to develop resolved design outcomes to a professional standard through advanced prototypes and communication materials.