📖Program Curriculum
Year 1
Core Modules
Credits
Craft Skills
20.00
This module provides a practical understanding of the use of basic hand tools and the safe operation of machinery used in the making of products and furniture. The core skills cover the following cognate areas: craft and hand skills; furniture and 3D making principles and processes; machine induction; tool & machine maintenance; Computer Aided Desi...
Materials and Processes
20.00
This module introduces students to the creative potential of a range of materials including metal wood and plastics. Understanding of these materials will be achieved through hands on experience and demonstrations of associated core processes. Overarching design and make briefs will underpin the delivery of these and help to guide thinking towards...
Design Communication
20.00
This module provides an understanding of the design fundamentals needed to be proficient in furniture design. It will cover design thinking user centred design and design applications for furniture design and manufacture. This will include several methods to communicate design processes problem solving using design principles; drawing and sketchi...
Sustainable Practice
20.00
This module introduces students to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where the basic objectives of sustainability in relation to products are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources minimize waste and create healthy productive environments. It will highlight the role of the design and furniture industry in minimising the impact ...
Critical and Historical Thinking
20.00
This interdisciplinary theory-based module introduces students to the skills and perspectives needed to research analyse speak and write about images objects and designed spaces. It familiarises students with a number of historical and contemporary topics and issues alongside the development of skills in research critical analysis and communic...
Design Project
20.00
This module aims to develop students' understanding and appreciation of design as a systemised process with distinct interdisciplinary stages and to further develop the toolbox of design and skills such as creative thinking problem solving group work and communication skills through group projects. It aims to show how these skills can be applie...
Year 2
Core Modules
Credits
Design Visualisation
20.00
This module will develop students understanding of the methods and benefits of computers in the design and manufacture of products and furniture. It will provide opportunities for the use of CAD and CAM software to include draughting design control of CNC machine tools and to produce models and prototypes. In addition there will be introduction...
Sustainable Design
20.00
This module will explore the challenges and opportunities related to current sustainability issues in the furniture and product design sector. Learners will investigate a current industry issue that aligns with their developing area of interest. This may be a topic that relates to circular economies; product lifetimes; eco labelling; material sourc...
Design Research and Theory
20.00
Drawing on the knowledge understanding and skills acquired in Year 1 this module offers a more focused and critical approach to issues and concerns surrounding visual and material culture and contemporary art & design practice. Students will engage with a range of theoretical approaches and methods of research and analysis. In preparation for Ye...
Professional Studies in Product Design
20.00
This module encourages learners to consider and evaluate their product design practice within a professional context and to develop an understanding of the key considerations required to support practice. It informs students about the structures and organisations which underpin professional practice within the design industries preparing them to ...
Applied Production and Manufacture
20.00
This module will enable students to apply their understanding of a range of materials including ceramic metal wood and plastics towards a series of overarching design briefs with an emphasis on small scale batch and mass manufacture. Its principal aims are: To advance learners’ understanding and experience of design materials manufacturing an...
Industry Brief
20.00
This industry focused module helps students better understand the professional standards needed to work in the contemporary design industry and encourages a wider appreciation and understanding of the creative sector and its social and ethical responsibility. Students will apply an evidence-based creative process to identify cognitive and emotion...
Year 3
Core Modules
Credits
Final Major Project
40.00
This module helps students better understand the professional standards needed to work in the contemporary design industry and encourages a wider appreciation and understanding of the creative sector and its social and ethical responsibility. Students will apply an evidence-based creative process to identify cognitive and emotional needs of users...
Professional Practice
20.00
This module will enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the roles relationships and responsibilities that can play a major part in progressing and sustaining their professional practice. Extending their work in relation to career aspirations students will develop visual verbal and written presentation skills to support communicatio...
Dissertation
40.00
The Dissertation is a response to the students' emerging subject specific interests. It is a culmination of the contextual work learners have completed over Year 1 and Year 2 a chance to showcase their academic and communication skills in their chosen format. Through workshops and supervision this module provides a supportive framework to help s...
Design for Manufacture
20.00
