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ADA001
Materials, Methods and Media
30 credits
This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.
100% Coursework
ADA002
Image, Type and Narrative
30 credits
Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.
100% Coursework
ADA003
Risk and Resolution
30 credits
Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.
100% Coursework
ADA004
Critical Themes in Art & Design
20 credits
This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.
100% Coursework
FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation
0 credits
If you’re undertaking a company placement in your third year, this module helps you find a suitable placement, and prepares you for the placement itself.
PFD400
Product and Furniture Discovery, Exploration, Enquiry and Culture
80 credits
Through the development of a portfolio of project work, Product and Furniture Design is introduced relative to the varied nature of three-dimensional design. Studio practice is linked with historical, cultural and critical contexts. Processes of discovery, exploration and enquiry introduce specialist design knowledge, core skills and stimulate reflection. The module informs the student’s choice of areas of specialism to develop further within the subject of Product and Furniture Design.
100% Coursework
TDD400
Introduction to Studio and Workshop Practice
20 credits
Students will be introduced to the wide range of materials and processes available to them as designers, and will have the opportunity to develop workshop skills in the selection and processing of materials. Students will also be introduced to CAD and digital presentation software and gather a wide range of presentation skills to develop their confidence and ability to communicate confidently, effectively, clearly and efficiently.
100% Coursework
TDD450
Design Carousel 1
20 credits
This Level 4 module runs in parallel with a Level 5 module, enabling collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios. Working with senior peers enables the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and establishes cross year interdisciplinary peer learning opportunities within the design studio.
100% Coursework
PFD500
Product and Furniture Specialist Exploration and Culture
40 credits
This module develops specialist knowledge and professional practice skills in Product and Furniture Design. It develops making skills, design awareness, aesthetic judgement and approaches relating to self-determined practice or live project briefs. The module includes Design Culture exploration of major issues and concepts affecting design with the development of research, critical evaluation and contextualisation skills as a primer for Level 6 dissertation modules.
100% Coursework
PFD501
Product and Furniture Specialist Skills and Progression
40 credits
This module develops specific skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the practice of Designer Makers and Designers for Industry. Project work develops practical and digital skills in 2D and 3D, knowledge of materiality and the relationships between people and products, and associated contextual and cultural issues relating to contemporary design practice.
100% Coursework
TDD550
Design Carousel 2
20 credits
This Level 5 module runs in parallel with a Level 4 module to enable collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios.Working with junior peers develops interpersonal and organisational skills valued by professional practice, and sustains peer learning opportunities within the design studio.
100% Coursework
TDD560
Common Challenge: Interdisciplinary Design
20 credits
This module celebrates the interdisciplinary nature of professional design practice and acknowledges the role designers can play in addressing the big challenges posed by complex sustainability themes and issues relating to global society, culture and ecology. Interdisciplinary teams contribute to a series of Design Sprints inspired by a proposed theme or issue to produce individual and group work.
100% Coursework
TDD500
Stage 2 Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Stage 1 Placement Preparation module and to assist students in their search and application for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
TDD651
Design Industry Placement / Exchange
A period of professional training of 24 weeks or more spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company, or 2 semesters of study with an overseas partner institution. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant external experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices
20 credits
The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.
100% Coursework
TDD606
External Factors and Feasibility
40 credits
This module encourages students to challenge and develop their professional practice skills, and their emergingdesign identity, by conducting distinct projects concurrently. A significant external project brief and a self-initiatedproject brief develop a platform of knowledge and experiences on which the character of their graduating portfoliowill be based.
100% Coursework
TDD607
Major Project
40 credits
Students identify, plan, evolve and review a summative design project in the programme and awardspecialism. It allows a substantive body of work celebrating all the learning outcomes and specific skills setsattained. The project culminates with a 1 to 1 viva with an external examiner and a degree showexhibition.
100% Coursework
PFD600
Product and Furniture Consolidation
This compact module offers students the option to develop their professional practice skills to a higherlevel. Professional and creative attributes are developed to prepare students for the evolving future ofdesign practice. Sustainability principals are blended with increased knowledge and understanding ofbusiness and project management issues relevant to areas of specialism within Product and FurnitureDesign
100% Coursework
TDD600
Extended Dissertation
20 credits
This module offers students the option to develop an Extended Dissertation that builds on a proposal,structure and literature review generated within the Critical Practices module. It provides the opportunityfor extended in-depth research and to write an illustrated dissertation. Students use their creative andanalytical skills on a concentrated topic area, with a word count of 8/10k
100% Coursework
UCAS tariff
32 - 48
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
Student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,250 |
International | £17,100 | £17,600 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £770 |
* UK Government announcement on tuition fees
On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.
Introducing what you'll see, do and make.
Introducing Product and Furniture Design
Watch an overview of the course.
Product and furniture design facilities
Gain access to extensive workshops for wood, metal and ceramics, including steam bending, casting and digital ceramics printing.
Studio platforms
Become a designer maker or designer for industry – follow your interests with our studio platforms.
Inspiring stories from our students.
Student projects
Develop your skills through diverse projects from international competitions to live briefs, student exhibitions to professional graduate shows.
Tackling social issues through award-winning design
Graduate Sarah Boot won a Royal Society of Arts (RSA) award for her Unmissable Food Organisation project (U.F.O.).
Careers in product and furniture design
Our alumni work in design practices or establish design consultancies, set up as designer makers or move into education and research.