Five Reasons to Study Product and Furniture Design at BCU

Are you passionate about product functionality combined with aesthetics? Have you got a flair for innovation and a desire to shape the future of design? If so, a Product and Furniture Design degree might be the perfect choice for you. Here are five reasons why you should consider this exciting and dynamic course.

Nurturing creativity and innovation

On the Product and Furniture Design course, you'll have the opportunity to explore your creative boundaries, experiment and develop innovative solutions to real-world design challenges.

BCU annually hosts Inspired Festival, a fortnightly long showcase of work from students from the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media. Work is exhibited throughout June across Birmingham city centre at a range of venues and allows students to show off the hard work of their final major project and gain recognition for it through the succeeding New Designers festival.

Former Product and Furniture Design student, Aamana Nawaz, went on to design a lamp for MADE.com after winning an award at New Designers.

Expert faculty and industry connections

This course boasts a team of experienced and industry-connected faculty members who are passionate about design. They bring their real-world expertise to the classroom, providing you with valuable insights and mentorship. Lecturer Wayne Pottinger had his own design practice before starting work at BCU, and Course Tutor Andrew Trujillo designed luxury yachts and did work for companies in this industry.

We also have strong ties with the design industry, offering you opportunities for placements, collaborations and networking with professionals in the field. Students have worked with or for brands such as Philips, Minima, Luma-iD and more.

Versatile facilities

A Product and Furniture Design degree equips you with a versatile skill set that is highly sought after in various industries. You'll learn the fundamentals of design, including sketching, 3D modelling, prototyping and material exploration. These skills are not only applicable to furniture and product design but can also be leveraged in areas like interior design, architecture and even film and animation.

Our facilities include woodworking and metal workshops, CAD room, 3D printing facilities and plenty of collaborative studio space to ensure your designs come to life.

Sustainability and ethical design practices

In today's world, sustainability and ethical considerations are paramount in design. This course places a strong emphasis on sustainable design practices, teaching you to create products and furniture that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible and built to last. This commitment to sustainability will prepare you for a design landscape that prioritises ethical considerations. Take a look at our student stories to find out more about a week long exhibition they participated in with Minima.

Diverse career opportunities

Upon completing your degree, you'll be well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates of the Product and Furniture Design degree have gone on to become furniture designers, product designers, interior designers, design consultants and entrepreneurs.

The skills and knowledge gained during your studies will open doors to a world of exciting and fulfilling design-related careers. If you're passionate about design and aspire to make a positive impact on the world through your creations, the Product and Furniture Design course can provide you with the foundation and support you need to turn your dreams into reality.

Amelia's story

Product and Furniture Design student Amelia is living proof that you can overcome adversity and follow your dreams no matter what life throws at you.

Find out more

What should you do next?

Find a course

We offer an extensive selection of more than 100 courses, spanning a wide range of subjects for you to explore.

Find a course

Come to an Open Day

Expert academics, state-of-the-art facilities and an inclusive student community - there's so much going on at Birmingham City University. Be at the heart of it all at one of our Open Days.

View our upcoming Open Days

Sign up to find out more

Our emails are a great way to learn more about the University and find out what it's really like to study with us!

Sign up to hear from us

Download one of our helpful Guides

Our guides contain expert advice and guidance designed to help you before joining university.

Follow us on social media

Follow our social media channels to stay up-to-date with everything that's going on at BCU.