Introduction to Product Design

The Product Design BSc (Hons) course at Bangor University is a unique program that offers students the opportunity to develop skills in bringing innovative products to market and managing commercial projects professionally. With a strong focus on human-centered design and design thinking methodologies, this course is ideal for students who want to make a positive impact on people's lives and the environment.

Course Overview

The course is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in design, including live projects with companies and industrial experience. The program consists of four modules in each year, including Workplace Experience, Design Subject Study, and Professional Practice. Students will have the opportunity to work on 'live briefs' provided by external clients and develop their technical proficiency in CAD software and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with students taking 120 credits from a range of modules each year. The modules include:

• Design Projects 1a and 1b
• Tech Skills 1a and 1b
• Team Task 1
• Work Placement 1
• Design Projects 2a and 2b
• Technical Skills 2a and 2b
• Team Task 2
• Work Placement 2
• Video Poster Portfolio 3
• Technical Skills 3
• Team Task 3
• Work Placement 3
• Major Project

Teaching and Assessment

Students will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, group work, practical sessions, self-study, work placements, and seminars. Assessment will be based on a range of methods, including design projects, assignments, work placements, presentations, portfolios, manufactured artifacts, and reports.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students must meet the following entry requirements:

• Interview: Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to a portfolio review meeting (interview)
• Offers are tariff-based, 96 - 128 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification
• A Levels: including a grade C in Design and Technology or an Art/Engineering subject
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM
• Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: MMM- DDM
• City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080): considered on a case-by-case basis
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: accepted
• Access: pass required
• Welsh Baccalaureate: We will accept this qualification in conjunction with other level 3 qualifications
• T Levels: T Levels in a relevant subject considered on a case-by-case basis
• Extended Project Qualification: Points can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent

Careers

Graduates from the Product Design course have gone on to work in a range of industries, including:

• Agency designers
• Product designers in consultancies
• Technical specialists in engineering and CAD
• Production engineers
• Production managers
• Technical designer
• Interior design
• Furniture design
• Design engineers
• Graphic designers
• Digital designer
• Jewellery designers
• Marketing managers
• Business development managers
• Innovations solutions lead
• Strategy managers
• Self-employed business owners
• Independent consultants
• Teachers in secondary education

Fees and Costs

The tuition fees for the course are:

• UK and Ireland: ｣9,790
• International: ｣21,000
• Placement Year Fee: ｣1,958
• International Experience Year Fee: ｣1,468

Welsh Provision

There are many opportunities to use and develop Welsh-language skills at Bangor University. Students can study through the medium of Welsh and receive financial support, including scholarships and bursaries. The university offers a range of services to support Welsh-speaking students, including a Welsh-speaking personal tutor and accommodation for Welsh-speaking students.

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Degree Overview:

This program offers three distinct workplace experiences, enabling students to tailor their learning to their career aspirations and gain valuable practical experience in their chosen field. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to bring innovative products to market, manage commercial projects effectively, and become changemakers within the design industry.

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Outline:

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Overall Structure:

The program comprises three years of study, with each year including four modules: Workplace Experience, two Design Subject Study modules, and Professional Practice.

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Workplace Experience:

This unique aspect of the program provides students with a dedicated 8-week block of workplace experience every year for a total of 24 weeks over three years. This allows students to work on real projects for companies of their choice, gaining valuable industry insights and practical skills.

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Design Subject Study:

The curriculum delves into human-centered design and design thinking methodologies through modules such as:

• Principles of Design Thinking
• Creativity
• Design Communication and Modelling
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
• Manufacturing Skills
• Prototyping
• Sustainable Development and the Circular Economy
• Presentation Skills

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Professional Practice:

Through lectures and seminars, this module equips students with essential skills for success in the design industry, covering topics like:

• Design Innovation for industry
• Strategic leadership
• Project Management
• Organisations and Management
• Marketing
• Presentation Skills

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Modules:

The specific modules offered in a given year may vary. You can find up-to-date information on the modules for the current academic year on the Product Design (English Medium) BSc (Hons) Modules page.

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Assessment:

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They typically include a combination of:

• Coursework (e.g., essays, reports, projects)
• Exams (written or practical)
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Workplace experience assessments

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Teaching:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Guest lectures by industry experts
• Project supervision

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Careers:

This is due to the program's strong focus on industry experience and the development of transferable skills.

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Examples of careers pursued by our graduates:

• Product designers
• Design engineers
• Graphic designers
• Marketing managers
• Business development managers
• Innovations solutions leads
• Strategy managers
• Teachers in secondary education
• Self-employed business owners
• Independent consultants

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Other:

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The University's multi-million pound facilities provide students with access to cutting-edge equipment and technology, including:

• A multi-materials prototyping workshop
• A CAD suite with 35 high spec machines
• A dedicated team of technical staff to support student learning and development

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Additional Information:

• The program is available with a Placement Year option, allowing students to further enhance their industry experience.
• The program is also available with an International Experience Year option, enabling students to study or work abroad during their degree.

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Conclusion:

The Product Design BSc (Hons) at Bangor University offers a unique and comprehensive learning experience for aspiring designers. The program's emphasis on industry experience, design thinking, and innovation prepares students for successful careers in a variety of fields within the design industry.

Bangor University

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Overview:

Bangor University is a public research university located in Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious degree awarding institutions in the UK, founded in 1884. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its beautiful location surrounded by nature.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Bangor University offers a vibrant student life with a welcoming community. Students can enjoy a range of social activities, including free events and trips organized by the International Student Support Office. The university has a variety of clubs and societies, with over 200 to choose from, catering to diverse interests. Bangor's location between mountains and the sea provides unique opportunities for outdoor activities and sports.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Bangor University is recognized for its high-quality teaching and world-leading research.

Beautiful Location:

The university is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Vibrant Student Life:

Bangor offers a diverse and welcoming community with a wide range of clubs, societies, and social events.

Strong Career Prospects:

The university provides resources and support to help students achieve their career ambitions.

Guaranteed Accommodation:

International students are guaranteed accommodation in the university's vibrant student villages.

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Academic Programs:

Bangor University offers a wide range of courses across the sciences, arts, business, humanities, and law. These include undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programs.

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Other: