Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons)
Immerse yourself in the future of sustainable product design on a course that’s driven by society’s big issues.
Key details
| Location | Falmouth Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | W250 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Apply
Introduction
You’ll explore social, moral and ethical aspects of product design, learn how to create products with a lifetime far beyond what’s typical and explore how to change human behaviour and improve sustainability.
You will:
- Be able to tailor projects to your own areas of interest.
- Develop your creativity to design innovative solutions that address global sustainability challenges.
- Be encouraged to take a proactive approach to building your network, with opportunities to meet industry practitioners through study visits.
- Take optional study week trips to places such as Stockholm Furniture Fair and Milan Design Fair.
- Design and create your own projects in your third year; you’ll have the opportunity to link with an industry partner or work on an independent project.
What our students do
Sensory Toolkit Showcased at London Design Fair
Sensory educational toys created by Sustainable Product Design students are currently on display...
Learning from the Best: Design Students Explore Milan
If you’re dreaming of becoming a designer, Milan is the place to be.
As first-year...
Product Storytelling with Paul Tudor
Getting fresh insights from industry professionals is an important part of the offering at...
Design Students Create Toys for Sensory Beings
In collaboration with the award-winning Joanna Grace, second-year...
Sustainable Product Design Student Lighting Eden
You never know where an idea that could change the world is going to come from. For...
Titanic Collaboration with the Maritime Museum
Falmouth University staff and students have assisted in the creation of two replica lifeboats...
Student Win at Packaging Designer of the Year Awards
Sustainable Product Design student Jayden Newman has won the Opening, Closing and Resealing...
What our graduates do
Our graduates have taken on careers ranging from in-house toy designer for Hamleys, to product designers for Tangerine and Lowe Alpine, to consultant for Environmental Resources Management.
Graduate Finalists in Nike Sustainable Design Challenge
Three forward-thinking Falmouth graduates have created a sleek set of modular furniture and won...
Creative Conscience Honours Design Graduate
Sustainable Product Design graduate and Creative...
Tom Raffield's Design Success
When your customers are people like Brad Pitt, Madonna and Tommy Hilfiger, it might be easy to...
News: Steaming Ahead
When your customers are people like Brad Pitt, Madonna and Tommy Hilfiger, it might be easy to...
Course details
What you'll learn
You’ll develop creative and conceptual skills by exploring major modern issues, the visual language of sustainable design, and its critical and theoretical processes. We’ll help you professionally communicate your ideas by teaching you drawing, model-making and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) skills, and introducing you to digital Rapid Manufacturing technologies.
You’ll also have the chance to go on local, national and international trips to exhibitions and events like the Milan Furniture Fair.
Modules
Design in Context
Materials, Form and Aesthetics
Sustainable Design Concepts
Designing in the Real World
Digital Manufacturing
Sustainable Design Practice
You’ll study inclusive design and user-focused research, before collaborating on projects with industry partners. This will build your teamwork skills and uncover possible career paths. You’ll also develop your CAD skills and debate the contexts, concepts and ethics of the industry.
Focusing on the business of design, you’ll explore what’s involved in producing a product - from intellectual property to cost and profitability. And you’ll have the chance to study abroad in countries like Finland, Iceland and the Netherlands.
Modules
Inclusive Design
Community
The Business of Design Networks
Personal Project
Design Portfolio
You’ll explore current and original design opportunities, develop your ideas through tutorials and team discussions, and turn your concepts into prototypes using skills like digital manufacturing. By delivering one-to-one and group presentations, you’ll focus on professional practices and management.
There’ll be opportunities to gain real-world experience by working with external project partners, and make potential work connections through external networks, project partners and start-ups.
Modules
Design Vision
Designing Change
Dissertation Project
Change Maker
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details
How you'll learn
On top of regular project work, you’ll take on live projects with local and national organisations, supported by lectures, demonstrations, seminars and tutorials. You’ll also evaluate your own and other students’ work in a small learning team, and attend masterclasses and workshops on career planning and business skills.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study |
1 | 25% | 75% |
2 | 25% | 75% |
3 | 23% | 77% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
1 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
2 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.
Assessment methods
- Continuous assessment with no formal examinations.
- Visual, verbal and written assignments, and your final-year projects.
Staff
You’ll learn from practising designers, researchers, journalists and academics, as well as our visiting professors like Sir Kenneth Grange.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
Drummond Masterton
Drummond trained as a 3D designer, at Grays School of Art, Aberdeen and at postgraduate...
Clive Goodwin
Clive Goodwin has over 25 years of experience in the design business having worked with, and for...
Gary Allson
MA (RCA)
Gary Allson trained as an industrial designer at the RCA in London. He worked...
Martin Pemberton
Design & Engineering Director, Martin has more than 30 years experience as a general...
Simon Andrews
Simon studied Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University, graduating in 1999. Shortly...
Facilities
- High-spec workshops and exhibition space.
- Rapid prototyping equipment.
- CAD/CAM equipment including laser cutters, CNC milling and routing machines.
- A range of digital printing capabilities, plus industry-standard 2D and 3D software.
- Sustainable auditing and lifecycle design (LCD) software.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.
- University code: F33
- Course code: W250
Applying as an international student?
International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard, which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration)
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Interview information & application advice
How to Apply
See the whole application process, get advice on your personal statement, interview and portfolio, and find out how you could receive a...
Portfolio advice
What is a portfolio and how do you make one? Read our guide.
Personal statement guide
How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.
Interview Information: Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons)
Find out what to expect from your Sustainable Product Design interview.
After you apply
Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Understands drawing/mark-making, including composition, colour, form, graphical presentation, creative exploration and development.
- Knows about 3D/product design practitioners or other artists and designers, and can relate this knowledge to their own work.
- Understands the design process, including concept development, investigation into materials and production methods, and technical skills.
- Has research and analytical skills.
- Shows commitment and enthusiasm for the subject, as well as motivation, communication skills and creative thinking.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees 2020-21
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£16,000 - full-time international
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
Typical course costs
- £380-£700 - Recurring annual costs
- £250-£370 - One-off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
- £550 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page
Ask a student
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