BA Product and Furniture Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in Product and Furniture Design, a design degree focused on the creation of consumer goods, furniture and three-dimensional objects through studio practice and workshop experimentation. Core topics include Research Methods, Project Management, Engineering Design, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can undertake an optional professional placement year or a period of study abroad. The first year introduces foundational workshop techniques through modules such as Introduction to Studio and Workshop Practice and Product and Furniture Discovery, Exploration, Enquiry and Culture, alongside preparation for industrial placements. The second year builds professional awareness and collaborative methods through modules like Common Challenge: Interdisciplinary Design and Product and Furniture Specialist Skills and Progression. The final year centres on independent inquiry and major practical work, featuring compulsory modules such as Major Project, Research Project, and External Factors and Feasibility. Optional modules in the final year include Product and Furniture Consolidation and Extended Dissertation, allowing further specialisation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: 104 from a minimum of two A levels. BTEC National Diploma modules: DMM (any subject, preferably Art and Design). If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. Access to HE Diploma: Pass an Access to HE Diploma with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction. T level: Merit in digital production, design and development. International Baccalaureate: 26 points. Portfolio: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, with an optional informal interview, for entry onto this course. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Team; drop us an email at applications@plymouth.ac.uk or alternatively give us a call on +44 1752 585858 . Learn more about submitting your portfolio Other qualifications: Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
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What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 74%
- Learning opportunities: 59%
- Assessment and feedback: 54%
- Academic support: 64%
- Organisation and management: 25%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 39%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 25%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 185 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 11%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 65%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) the professional body for design with free student membership and leading to Associate Membership (Assoc. CSD).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Design Industry Placement / Exchange
- Stage 1 Placement Preparation
- Product and Furniture Discovery, Exploration, Enquiry and Culture
- Introduction to Studio and Workshop Practice
- Design Carousel 1
- Product and Furniture Specialist Exploration and Culture
- Product and Furniture Specialist Skills and Progression
- Design Carousel 2
- Common Challenge: Interdisciplinary Design
- Stage 2 Placement Preparation
- External Factors and Feasibility
- Major Project
- Research Project
- Product and Furniture Consolidation
- Extended Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £32,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth?
74% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 115 UCAS points.
Is BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) the professional body for design with free student membership and leading to Associate Membership (Assoc. CSD).
Does BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Product and Furniture Design at University of Plymouth?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.