BA (Hons) Product Design with Integrated Foundation Year

During Year 1 you will focus on:

• Fundamental 3D Design Principles: ergonomics, materials, scale, size, form, and function
• Essential UX principles: user-centered design, information architecture, hierarchy, visual flow, and accessibility
• Proficiency in software and applications for prototyping and extended reality (XR) experiences (Photoshop, Rhino, Blender, Figma, SketchUp, Unity)
• Applying visual language, form principles, and 3D thinking to communicate meaning
• Techniques for shaping, visualizing, and communicating 3D forms while balancing hybrid experiences
• Understanding technical workshop operations and using specialist immersive Design facilities
• Employing creative strategies to generate, test, and evaluate design concepts.

During Year 2, 3 and 4 of the course you will explore:

• Usability
• Aesthetics
• Ergonomics
• Sustainability
• Application of technology
• Concept generation
• User research: how to understand people's needs
• Prototyping.

This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of 3D design and user centred information. This foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your creative identity, build confidence and prepare for the demands of studio-based, project-led learning.

Modules are as follows:

• Module 1 Diagnostic exploration: making informed choices 
• Module 2 Technical: Technical knowledge in practice 
• Module 3 Specialist: Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4 Integration: Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

Students will learn essential skills in 2D and 3D design, user research, the iterative design process and current design software packages.

They will begin to develop their own approach to product design and build confidence and self-discipline in responding to live and self-initiated briefs.

Throughout this stage we encourage students to start thinking about their contextual studies research.

Modules include:

• Design Approaches
• Design Skills
• Ergonomics, Inclusion and Empathy
• Interacting with Products
• Professional Life Practice: "Developing your Practice"
• Professional Life Practice: "Exploring your Practice"

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the design process, from prototype development leading to the study of materials and manufacturing techniques.

We set briefs that encourage students to collaborate with other students and we encourage them to take up work-based learning opportunities in the design industry.

Modules include:

• Sustainable Design in Practice
• Interface, Experience and Service Design
• Open Innovation
• Professional Life Practice: "Applying your Practice"
• Work-based learning.

We nurture student's independence as designers with a self-directed major product design project, ready for exhibition at the Degree Show.

They will be assessed on a collaborative brief and are required to enter competitions and engage with industry design challenges. At the same time, they will produce a portfolio for entry into the industry.

We ask students to show their contextual studies research and thinking in a long form dissertation.

Modules include:

• Negotiated Brief
• Final Major Project
• Portfolio and Promotion
• Professional Life Practice: "Situating your Practice"

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course.

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design. 

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.

Graduates often proceed to a career in product design, packaging, service retail interior design, 3D promotional design and user experience design. For example, our graduates often help to develop new electronic devices, food packaging and better customer experience in industries such as finance, transport and entertainment.

We encourage you to take up work-based learning opportunities in industry to help shape your future career path.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website.  The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate application form.

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne has strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students