Course summary
The Product Design BA course contains a blend of specialist and interdisciplinary modules at each level of study.
At Level 4, you will learn digital and physical making skills to enable the visualisation of their design ideas, alongside specialist 2D and 3D CAD drawing workshops to support the communication of your designs. You are introduced to the fundamental principles of design where you will gain an understanding of Design Thinking, and the historical and contemporary context within which Product Design sits as a discipline.
The University also offers several optional modules to provide you with the opportunity to learn a language and study abroad.
Level 5 builds upon this foundation to develop a deeper understanding of materials and the skills to design for manufacture and an introduction to the commercial aspects of product design. A focus on contemporary issues for tomorrow’s designers, creates opportunities for collaborative working on live briefs whilst an Experiential Learning module prepares you for the workplace.
At Level 6, you will develop your specialist practice and undertake design research and investigation in preparation for your Final Major Project. This is a self-directed, independent project that integrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies with a focus on professionalism and commercial product design. This is complemented by a Workplace-Readiness module which focuses on portfolio development and prepares you for graduate employment.
You can see what we do on Instagram: @productdesign.chester
Foundation Year courses have been designed for students who do not have the necessary academic qualifications needed to enter directly into the first year of a degree but who have the ability and commitment to do so. Once the Foundation Year has been completed successfully, you can then go on to complete your degree.
Modules
For the latest example of curriculum availability on this degree programme please refer to the University of Chester's Website.
Assessment method
The course is assessed through ongoing coursework and there are no written exams. There will be a broad range of deliverables that you are expected to produce for assessment, to ensure that you are exposed to the different types of tasks that they might encounter in the workplace.
For example, this might include coursework in the form of:
physical artefacts
development work
curated client books & technical packs
pitch presentations (verbal and visual)
posters
and written work (both long and short form).
We continuously review the assessment methods to ensure that they authentically represent the requirements of employers in current workplace roles and adequately prepare you for future graduate-level employment.
