Furniture and Product Design (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom, Nottingham

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593

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Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

W247

Campuses

City Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 17,500 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Furniture and Product Design (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

About

Introduction:

Your Foundation Year will introduce you to the skills you’ll need to prepare you for your future studies. From perfecting freehand drawing and sketchbook use to learning about materials and fabrication, you’ll gain practical experience through real-world briefs and develop your confidence in presenting your ideas.

Embark on a journey of creativity with our Furniture and Product Design course. Explore crafting innovative products for diverse markets, striking a balance between commercial and conceptual work. Immerse yourself in a hands-on, empirical approach that emphasises designing through making, fostering experimentation with materials and processes

We'll explore function, form and the relationships we forge with the everyday objects with which we live. Alongside technical skills like sketching, model-making and prototyping, we’ll look at key human issues of ethically responsible design, analyse the ways that our lifestyles are changing and how this impacts on consumer choice, and experiment with innovative means of furniture and product production. You’ll test your skills across live projects, and you can even complete a year-long work placement, throwing yourself into the cutting edge of real-world industry.

We don’t produce cookie-cutter designers. Our students graduate as distinct individuals — some become successful freelancers, and others secure diverse roles with companies like Habitat, John Lewis, DFS and The Design Council. Some are designer-makers; others become journalists and curators. By exploring your craft, developing your own design identity, and making the most of some genuinely unique opportunities, you’ll be a stand-out prospect in the world of design.

Explore the work of our graduating students in our Student Showcase.

Compare our courses to find out how this course differs from BSc (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) and BA (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year).

Main image: Joe Cassidy, BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design student.

2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).
NTU is ranked top 15 for Art & Design (Complete University Guide 2025).
You’ll be using the same equipment as the pros. From 3D printers to water-jet cutters and bandsaws, plus dedicated workshops for wood, metal and concrete working, we’ve got the lot — minimising the jump from uni to industry.
We’re industry-focused with great connections. Through live projects and placements, you’ll be working face-to-face with some huge names — the likes of John Lewis, Pearson Lloyd, Hasbro, Philip Watts Designs, and deVol Kitchens.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Entry requirements by country

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Foundation courses leading to undergraduate study at NTU

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

English Program Requirements

Career

Careers and employability

Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the design industry, through work placements, working on real projects from industry, input from industry professionals, and regularly updated course content.

Sandwich placement year

If you choose to do so you may take an additional, year-long, full-time design placement to apply your skills in a real-world setting and explore career options. The skills developed during your studies, along with a curated design portfolio, are complemented by support from our Employability team, assisting with opportunities, CVs, and interview preparation. This industry experience not only enhances your final year work but also establishes valuable connections, with some students returning to their placement companies post-graduation.

Students typically gain placements in product design companies across the UK and abroad. Recent destinations have included: deVOL Kitchens, 2MZ & Pluck, Spiral Product Design,Whitemeadow Furniture and Philip Watts Designs.

NTU is 2nd for the number of Undergraduate students studying Design studies (HESA, 2021/22).

Professional qualification

Successful completion of the 36 weeks leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice, which will further enhance your CV.

Where do Product Design graduates from NTU work?

NTU has a strong product design alumni community, with many graduates working in senior positions in leading national and international companies.

Recent graduate destinations include: G-Plan, John Lewis, Next, Benchmark, Nestlé, FBC London, Object Design, DFS, Roundhouse Design, Kitchen Architecture.

Our Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.