BSc (Hons) Product Design Bachelor's degree at the University of Brighton

Fundamental knowledge, skills and abilities needed for product design. Areas covered include 2D, 3D and digital skills; using workshop facilities; making practices and skills which will give you an understanding of prototyping; and design for manufacture. Design methods, approaches and ways of thinking that will give you an insight into how designers research, develop and communicate ideas.

Introduces the designers, global design styles and movements that have helped shape the world we live in and the way we design today. Develop analytical skills such as critical thinking so you can understand design more fully and become a better designer. Explore the importance of history and geography, including the legacies of power that have shaped design as a practice, as a material culture and body of knowledge.

Work with other students to create ingenious solutions to an everyday problem for a real person. Your group will research, develop, test and propose viable human-centred design solutions using research methods, creative techniques, prototyping and testing methods, communication and storytelling techniques. Enhance 2D, 3D and digital skills, building on your ability to design and present using CAD and supporting your ability to record and communicate using film-making and editing. Learn methods a

Introduces digital fabrication principles, methods and tools which are explored and applied in a practical way through a series of mini design exercises followed by a 'stretch' exercise enabling you to apply what you've learned in an area that interests you. Make a variety of prototypes using CAD/CAM, 3D printing and scanning, electronics design and production, and wired and wireless communications. Examine underlying theory of digital fabrication technologies.

Explore technologies that enable the development, prototyping and functionality of interactive objects. Exploring and experimenting with technologies that allow objects to behave intelligently, to react to stimulus, to connect to the internet and other devices. Further develop a practical and theoretical understanding in assessing design development technology in an ethical and responsible way.

Design and develop prototypes for affordable and useful products that can be produced in batches using accessible materials and processes. Learn to apply principles of design for manufacturing and assembly, consider approaches to sustainable design and calculate the production cost of and selling price of a product. Develop the ability to identify and communicate the benefits, features and functions of a product to a wide audience.

Increases the breadth and range of your knowledge around design and its cultural context. Develops the critical thinking skills that enable deeper understanding of the practice and theory of design as a social and culturally embedded practice, combined with enhanced communication skills allowing improved expression and application of your own analysis and ideas. Develop a personal research project in preparation for Level 6.

Building on your understanding of responsible design, you will use projects and activities to explore concepts of regenerative design, design for the circular economy and disruptive design as approaches to address global challenges. Expand your understanding of the design process to take on more systemic approaches and learn to identify suitable design project themes and opportunities.

Work on design briefs to help you develop as a design practitioner. Through self-directed study and tutorial support you will build specialist knowledge and skills relevant to your design interests, values, principles and career ambitions. Develop your abilities to combine research, development and validation in the creation of coherent design outcomes and proposals.

Undertake a dissertation based on research into a subject, theme or issue within the field of design which is of particular interest to you. Allow you to consolidate the learning you have done in the past two years and investigate one area in detail. Through self-directed investigative research and writing you will gain in-depth knowledge and establish a critically reflective position on your chosen subject.

Refine the skills that enable you to independently prototype ideas, evaluate performance and present your ideas in context. Apply research skills to gain the knowledge and understanding needed to make optimal technological choices. This will help you in resolving the design of products/services in relation to their specification, functionality, manufacture and feasibility.

Advance your ability to independently manage a complete design project by setting project goals and managing time, relationships, risks and resources. Strategically apply appropriate research and creative methods, design strategies, technical knowledge and skills in generating and developing well-considered novel ideas and proposals in response to complex design challenges.