product and furniture design personal statement

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Product Design Personal Statement Examples

Find below two examples of product design personal statements written by successful applicants. These samples are intended to provide inspiration and guidance for students who are applying for product design programmes at UK universities . Both product design personal statement examples demonstrate the critical elements of a strong UCAS application and can help you show your own unique qualifications, skills, experience and passion for design.

We hope that these product design personal statement examples will give you the motivation and confidence to write a compelling UCAS statement that will convince admission tutors you are the right candidate.

Product Design Personal Statement Example

As an aspiring product design enthusiast, I am deeply passionate about the impact that industrial designers have on the world we live in. From James Spangler’s invention of the first vacuum cleaner to the recent advancements in electric cars by Tesla and Toyota, I have always been fascinated by the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of these innovative individuals. The ability to create something that not only looks good but also serves a practical purpose is truly inspiring to me. One designer who particularly inspires me is Jonathan Ive. I admire his perseverance and determination to find solutions to complex challenges. His work at Apple has resulted in some of the most iconic and game-changing products of our time, such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad. His ability to combine form and function in a way that is both visually stunning and user-friendly is truly remarkable. Additionally, the rapid advancements in materials and technologies such as rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and simplifying products have further fueled my ambitions in this field. I am excited by the possibilities that these new technologies offer and can’t wait to see what kind of impact they will have on the world in the future.

My passion for engineering and product design has been shaped by my experiences in the workshop and my involvement in various projects. For example, I recently worked on designing and improving a flyover in Leeds, which required detailed research and careful consideration of various solutions. This project has helped me develop my design, CAD, and communication skills and has solidified my desire to pursue a career in the design sector. I am particularly drawn to the design process, from the initial concept and research stages to the final product development and testing. It’s a challenging and ever-evolving field, but the sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing a project through to completion is second to none.

In addition to my academic and extracurricular experiences, I have also gained valuable work experience at an architectural firm and have developed my professional skills and attributes through my part-time job at a local sweet shop. I am also an active and determined individual, who keeps fit by doing yoga and fitness training and I am preparing for a cross-fit challenge. I believe that my determination and drive will be an asset as I pursue my career in the design sector.

After completing my degree, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the field of product design and design engineering. My ultimate goal is to be the change I want to see in the world and to inspire and encourage other young women to pursue careers in this male-dominated field. I am aware that it can be difficult for women to break into this field, but I am determined to prove that we are just as capable and talented as our male counterparts. I believe that diversity in the design sector is essential, and I want to be a part of that change.

I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the field of product design and design engineering . I am determined to make a meaningful impact in this field and to inspire others to pursue their passions, regardless of their gender. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your program and further develop my skills as a designer and engineer.

Product Design Personal Statement

Designing for the future, creating for the present: that’s my passion and my purpose as I apply for the Product Design BSc course. From the moment I discovered my love for design in high school, I’ve been on a quest to master the perfect balance between form and function in my creations. My interest in design has been constantly growing since I first started Design Technology as an academic subject in secondary school, and I believe that the BSc course in Product Design will allow me to deepen my understanding and develop my skills in the field.

At the core of my passion for design is my belief that technology can solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. I’ve chosen higher-level IB subjects such as Design Technology, Physics, Business and Management to support this goal, and I’m eager to continue my education in product design to gain the technical understanding necessary to develop commercially viable products that make a real impact. I am particularly interested in the intersection of design and technology, and I am eager to explore how new technologies can be adapted to solve existing problems in the industry.

I understand the importance of being able to think critically and independently, and I’ve honed these skills through my IB studies. I’ve also had the opportunity to put my skills to the test through my Extended Essay, where I evaluated the feasibility of using cheap materials for solar water heating in underdeveloped countries. This experience, combined with my visits to the Web Summit in Lisbon and my own practical experience in a personal workshop, has only reinforced my desire to be a part of this industry.

I am also a strong leader and team player, with a calm and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. In my leisure time, I enjoy staying active through swimming, running, and advanced motor diving. I am also the captain of my school swimming team in Sydney where I live. These activities have taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork and perseverance, skills that I believe will be transferable to my studies and future career in product design.

I am confident that pursuing my passion for product design at the undergraduate level will be both fulfilling and rewarding, and I am excited for the opportunity to further my studies at your university. I look forward to the opportunity to create meaningful products that shape the future and make a real difference in the world. I will bring to the course my passion for design, my technical understanding, my practical skills and my willingness to take on challenges. I am excited to be part of the product design community and to contribute to its development. I believe that I will be able to learn a lot from the professors and the students and I am eager to work with them and exchange ideas and perspectives.

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BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design

Sculptural ceramic work by BA Product Furniture Design student.

BA Product and Furniture Design at Chelsea College of Arts offers you the chance to explore our social, physical and emotional connection to objects.

Apply to start in September 2024

This course has places available for Home applicants only. If you don’t need a student visa to study in the UK, read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September through Clearing and complete our self-apply form. You'll find this in the "Apply now" section of this course page - click on the "Start your application" button to find the form.

We are no longer accepting applications from international students for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

For a full list of UAL courses open for 2024/25 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.

Subject to re-approval

This course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Course overview

BA Product and Furniture Design puts making at the centre of design production, ensuring you develop your practical skills. You’ll combine these skills with a critical and investigative approach to objects.

What to expect

A diverse approach: Develop a flexible and open-minded approach to materials and practice.
Discipline pathways: You’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding and alignment with a specific approach to design e.g. social design, designer maker and design for production.
User-centred design ethnography: Study people’s interaction with objects and gain insights by exploring the social sciences.
Co-design: Learn to understand design needs by working closely with users to develop responses to community, diversity and access issues.
Opportunities: Take part in live projects including with museums and heritage sites, community groups, manufacturers and design sector partners.
Experimentation: Use new and existing technologies and materials to develop new forms of approach to practice.
Sustainability: The consideration of innovative sustainable practices such as repair, re-use and biodesign.
New and emerging technologies: Develop an understanding of emergent technologies – AI, AR, VR, generative design, collaborative platforms, 3D print and immaterial objects.
New and emerging practices: Gain an understanding of emergent approaches to design theory – speculative, emotional, ecological and anthropological design.
Research and analysis: Develop critical reflection, risk- taking and communication skills.
Collaboration: Gain experience and knowledge of collaborative co-creative methods.
Skills: By the end of the course, you’ll have a range of creative, technical and professional skills relevant to employment in product design, furniture and related areas.
Access to Chelsea's shared workshops: View the Chelsea facilities.

Industry experience and opportunities

You’ll have the optional opportunity through the Diploma in Professional Studies to undertake work placements during the course.

You’ll be able to take part in the college’s international exchange scheme to study abroad for a term in the second year of your degree.

Mode of study

BA Product and Furniture Design is offered in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage consists of 30 teaching weeks. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Course units

Unit 1: introduction to product and furniture design.

This unit is an introduction to your course, the College and the University. You'll begin to look at contemporary and historical product and furniture design contexts.

Unit 2: Product and furniture design - methods and processes

This unit aims to establish a practice-based approach to the designing and making of objects. You’ll have an introduction to the tools and techniques of making processes and material practices. You’ll develop your drawing and model-making skills.

Unit 3: The social object

An introduction to the relationship between users, objects and environments. You’ll consider how users interact with objects and artefacts. Through observation you’ll explore and evaluate their existence, meanings and purpose of objects in use. You’ll reflect upon these considerations through an illustrated report.

Unit 4: Form, function and ornament

You’ll investigate the relationship between your identity as a design practitioner and objects. You’ll design and make a series of objects. Your work will include 2D/3D visualisations, technical notes, sample materials tests, models, prototypes and finished objects. You’ll be introduced to ways of considering approaches to practice. This will be supported by Design Dialogues: an evaluation of a discussion between staff and students into the roles and responsibilities of designers.

Unit 5: Collaborative and collective practices

You’ll be introduced to different ways in which collaborative working can help you to focus and enhance your own creative strengths. You’ll have the chance to work with fellow students and creative communities.

Unit 6: The means of production

This unit will look at methods of production and scalability appropriate to a range of design practice approaches. You’ll study emerging approaches to design manufacture that take account of the effects of the Anthropocene.

Unit 7: Design proposals

You’ll explore the way in which a design proposal can be conceived and developed for a specific context. You’ll examine issues of scale, function, narrative and location. You’ll consider how design can support a sensitivity towards a particular environment’s human and non-human actors.

Unit 8: Ecologies of action

In this unit you’ll deliver a resolved design concept for a specific context.

Unit 9: Professional futures

This unit aims to address the 3Es: employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship. You'll reflect on your learning and skills across the entirety of your study. You’ll have an opportunity to showcase your outcomes and intentions. You'll consider your next steps as you enter industry or continue with your education.

Unit 10: Critical practice 1 - definition

This unit will allow you to define your approach to practice, through experimentation, iteration and design development. You will refine and contextualise your individual approach to practice.

Unit 11: Critical practice 2 - resolution

You'll produce of a substantial body of work presented to a professional standard. This will form part of your final degree show. You’ll also reflect upon this practice through a written report that consolidates your approach.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course you’ll also have the option to undertake 1 of the following additional UAL qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design (with Creative Computing).

Diploma in Apple Development

This optional diploma can be taken between years’ 2 and 3. You’ll have the opportunity to become an accredited Apple developer, undertaking a learning programme designed by Apple for UAL. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design (with Apple Development).

Learning and teaching methods

Access to digital design archives and databases
Cross discipline projects
Digital software instruction 2D/3D CAD
Drawing workshops
Group crits
Group and collaborative projects
Lectures and seminars
Live projects with course partners and competitions
Model making workshops
Technical inductions, demonstrations and workshops
Visiting lecturers

Student work

Chelsea-College-of-Arts-BA-Furniture-and-Product-Design-Josephine-Bourdariat-2000.jpg

Designing Interpretation project

Jason Cleverly - Course Leader
Tim Carson - Senior Lecturer
Michael Hurley - Senior Lecturer
Fabiane Lee-Perrella - First Year Leader and Senior Lecturer
Shane Waltener - Senior Lecturer

Opportunities for all

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on [email protected] or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.

Information for disabled applicants

Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
A sensory impairment
A physical impairment
A long-term health or mental health condition
Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Fees and funding

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status .

International fee

£28,570 per year

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status .

Scholarship search

Or view all

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
2 A Levels at grade C or above
Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum
And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional reference
A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our English language requirements )

Selection criteria

We look for:

An ability to explore, articulate and develop ideas
An ability to research information and visual material to support your ideas
Your portfolio to demonstrate a range of appropriate skills and technical abilities
An ability to communicate your ideas visually, verbally and in writing
An ability to self-direct and evaluate your own work

Places available 2024/25

This course has places available for Home applicants only for 2024/25 entry.

If you don’t need a student visa to study in the UK, complete our self-apply form by clicking the "Start your application" button to make an application to UAL.

Please note that the guidance below relates to the main UCAS application process. The application process is different for students applying through Clearing. To find out more, read our Guide to applying through Clearing .

Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

Apply to UAL

Applications closed 2024/25

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
Have you got any work experience that might help you?
Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

be maximum 30 pages
include 3D objects, models and any other types of work that demonstrates your ability to question, solve problems and work sensitively with materials
include work in progress as well as final outcomes to demonstrate your creative and developmental processes
include any supporting research, inspirations and influences

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice .

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you.

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal .

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer . This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

Rosie Brewer
Rhian Malin
Dan McMahon - Designer of the Plume mudguard
Gil Mueller - Co-Founder of Shore Rugs
Harry Owen - Owen Leather
Saadiqah Rahman
Jaxon Pope and Ricardo Centazzo - Selce Studio
Simon Taylor - Two Makers
Zoe Tynan Campbell -  Stumped Studio
Jordan Watson - Happenstance Workshop

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.

Chelsea College of Arts

64 points required

There are places available on this course.

product and furniture design personal statement

Product and Furniture Design - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry . Switch to 2025/26 Entry

September 2024 — UCAS code W243

Clearing places available

See hotline opening hours

Two ways to apply now

Call the hotline

Apply Online
Level Undergraduate
Study mode Full Time
Location City Centre
Award BA (Hons)
Start date September 2024
Fees View course fees
School Birmingham School of Architecture and Design
Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

Clearing 2024

64 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

Apply now Call the hotline

Doris Van Roojen: Everything we use in our lives has been designed from your pen, your phone. So, designers is really underpin everything that we do and it is really important that universities teach these courses and give us the tools to do that because without design, we'll never move forward. We'll just stay where we are at the minute.

Mat Jones: So the courses in the School of Architecture and Design are all about enabling students to find their own voice, to bring their own ideas to their studies, and develop the projects that are of interest to them in places that they're interested in.

Miruna Oprean: It was quite interesting because all this project for me has been a roller coaster, but then the tutors were very, very supportive and they were there to kind of like, help me out, get out of those moments. And now, of course, they love it.

Mat Jones: I think the purpose of the inspired festival is really to connect the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media with the city and with the people of the city through the different events, the activities, the billboards and advance and so forth. It's a really strong way of connecting our students with the city and the communities that they live in and work in.

Doris Van Roojen: You've worked on this for so long and it's your little baby, and then it's like, well, well, what's next? And the inspired festival is really allowing us to kind of present our work and get it out there, which is just an amazing opportunity.

Edith Chirapa: Making all of this and then showcasing it and people actually talking about it and actually thinking, Oh wow, it looks really good. And I'm thinking, actually, I did make that.

Mat Jones: For the students, it's a really proud moment to see their work exhibited, see the outcome of their studies shown to a broader audience, shown to industry professionals, to the creative industries.

Murina Oprean: I just feel like it's highly important to have this space to show, because it just felt like a massive reward after all these years of hard work. Um, to kind of have this little space of yours and people see what you're capable of.

Doris Van Roojen: And it's absolutely amazing. It really kind of makes us feel as well, like, they're reaching for us and they're helping us make the next steps by getting our work out there and hopefully noticed by someone.

Edith Chirapa: In all builds on something. But every day is a learning experience. So just enjoy it.

Our Product and Furniture Design course focuses on the design and development of creative, contemporary and innovative products, considering user-centred design, sustainability, social context and commercial understanding. From ideas to production, you will be equipped with specialist knowledge and skills to help you design and develop products that address real-world challenges and enhance user experience.

Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to explore materials, techniques and processes in relation to scales of manufacture, from one-off bespoke design to design for standardised mass production. You will learn a range of research and design methods alongside continual practical skills development. Live student projects take place throughout the course to enhance your employability, communication skills and professional practice.

You will learn a range of research and design methods alongside continual practical skills development. Live student projects take place throughout the course to enhance your employability, communication skills and professional practice.

Product and furniture design student work created by Doris-van-Rooijen-Tilt

What's covered in this course?

You will examine the process of designing and developing functional, inclusive and sustainable products and furniture, examining how social and cultural factors influence design decisions. You will develop knowledge and understanding of design in response to collaborative, professional, commercial and economic considerations.

Alongside research and design development skills, you will also increase your practical knowledge through extensive hands-on exploration. Engaging with making from the outset enables you to fully realise design concepts and create convincing models and prototypes. Underpinned with strong contemporary design thinking, you will explore the breadth of scales of manufacture across product and furniture design to be able to position yourself within a global industry.

By working on live projects, work placements and collaborative projects, you will explore how businesses operate at a commercial, technological, ethical and sustainable level. You’ll also benefit from the insight of guest speakers from across the design spectrum from designer-makers to industrial designers and product and furniture developers.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to study design. The facilities are incredible and the tutors are really supportive and helpful. I have learnt so much and developed as a designer more than I expected to. Thanks to this course, I was able to win the Made.com award at New Designers which was an incredible experience. I was also shortlisted for 3 other awards too! Throughout New Designers I was approached by several companies who were hiring and interested in seeing my portfolio. Fortunately I secured a job before the end of final year as a Product Designer for Foresso. I really love my job and I'm so grateful to BCU for providing me with the skills I needed for the industry.

2022 Graduate - Aamana Bibi Nawaz (Winner – New Designers 2022 – MADE.COM Collaboration Award)

Why Choose Us?

Live projects and industrial collaborations provide you with invaluable real-world experiences and hone your communication and professional development skills.
You will develop practical skills through extensive workshop practice within our Ceramics, Plaster, Wood and Metal workshops.
From water jet cutting, to 3D printing, you will develop skills in rapid prototyping and digitally driven techniques.
The course has achieved notable success in design events, securing major awards and commendations at New Designers and the Young Furniture Makers Exhibition.
Two-thirds of the impact of our research was judged to be very considerable (3*) or outstanding (4*) - REF2021.

Awards Success for Alumni Hans Ramzan

Hans is a multi-award winner for his HIV testing device, CATCH, including Design Museum’s Design of the Year, Dezeen’s Product Design of the Year and the Best of the Best award.

Where our students go

Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:

Sunseeker Yachts
Norton Motorcycles
Crofts & Assinder
MacMaster Design
Mookie Toys
HF Contracts
Kirkdale Studios

And in jobs such as:

Lighting Designer
Design Engineer
Interior Designer
Product Designer
Furniture Designer
CAD Designer

Similar Courses

Product and Furniture Design with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) 2024/25 Entry

Art and Design - BA (Hons) 2024/25 Entry

Jewellery and Objects - BA (Hons) 2024/25 Entry

Jewellery and Silversmithing - HND 2024/25 Entry

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 28 September 2024

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25..

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Alternative options

If you do not have 64 points, you may like to look at our other courses available.

View Clearing courses

Or explore your options if you don't have enough points for any of our courses.

Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.

Essential requirements

112 UCAS tariff points

Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate .

Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio .

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below.

Qualification	Entry requirements
A Level / AS Level
Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate)
T Level
Access to HE Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications	112 UCAS tariff points
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications	112 UCAS tariff points
WJEC Level 3 qualifications
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	Minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher	112 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC)
Welsh Baccalaureate	112 UCAS tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma	Merit overall
Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media)	Distinction overall
EU / International students	Please see for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. .

Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us .

Fees & How to Apply

International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students .

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2024

£9,250 in 2024/25
Apply via Clearing

International students

£16,085 in 2024/25

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Project materials (mandatory)

This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio or collection. You'll be expected to provide the materials for use in your individual major projects; costs will vary depending on the materials selected, but are likely to be in the region of £50 to £100 in year 1, £100 to £150 in year 2 and £200 to £300 in year 3.

Clothing and safety equipment (mandatory)

This course requires the purchase of safety equipment in order to use the workshop facilities, including safety shoes/boots.

Media consumable items (mandatory)

You may use outside processes that will incur charges such as plating, powder coating, casting or specialist 3D printing. Depending on the processes used, you may spend between £200 to £600. The total cost for art supplies, such as sketchbooks, markers, drawing equipment and consumables is likely to be between £120 and £300.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our .

Places available to start in September 2024

If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.

International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.

Want to start in September 2025? You can start your application via UCAS now.

Portfolio guidance

If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.

Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

First-year modules introduce key principles, processes and methods.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)

Modules include:

Design Principles and Processes 20 credits

Studio and workshop based activities will introduce you to a range of fundamental design principles to broaden and improve your knowledge and understanding of the design process. You will explore a variety of issues, guidelines and general design considerations that are relevant for designers.

Contextual and Cultural Studies 20 credits

The module introduces you to some of the critically defining key events and precedents that have influenced and shaped historical and contemporary design. This module engages with the key design ideologies of the 20th and 21st Century, developing an understanding of the principles of design analysis, critical analysis, academic writing, questioning and debate.

Design Visualisation 20 credits

This module introduces students to fundamental elements and key methodologies of visual expression and communication. Through drawing and image building assignments, students will develop a comprehensive range of 2D and 3D skills in order to develop a visual language to respond effectively and creatively to design tasks and formal briefs.

Materials and the Made Object 20 credits

The design process relies on a rich understanding of the nature of materials; their physical properties, inherent qualities, and how they can be manipulated (processed). This module seeks to embed an understanding of material and process technologies that will enable you to design with specific parameters in mind and appreciate the limitations of what you are designing with. This will encourage you to embrace material qualities as part of the design process, and actively explore the creative application of current and future technologies.

Scales of Manufacture 40 credits

This module will introduce basic principles and considerations when designing for various scales of manufacture, helping you to develop an awareness of the impact of economies of scale and sustainability on design thinking. The module will introduce fundamental strategies in designing for different markets and you will explore the relationships between scale, context and implementation.

Employability-focused modules during your second year year enhance industry knowledge and experience.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits)

Design Communication 20 credits

The main focus of this module is to enable you to develop more advanced CAD skills (SolidWorks) and use these in relation to the design process. As your skills develop you will be expected to utilise and correctly synthesise the SolidWorks program in line with industry recognised production methods and techniques. This will enable you to develop and realise designed concepts using digital technologies and to effectively communicate design intentions within the context of manufacturing and industry.

Design Synthesis 40 credits

This module will apply the ‘user-needs’ design philosophy as a framework to enable you to build upon and synthesise core design skills introduced at level 4 of the programme.

Design Synthesis will engage our students in the appropriate observational and analytical approaches required to develop user-centred design outcomes. The module will address the philosophy behind human-centred design and will encourage you to develop your own reasoning by putting the ‘needs and requirements’ of the ‘person/client/user’ at the centre of the process.

Design Focus 40 credits

This module will give you the opportunity to ‘focus’ your studies through self-directed practice, researching a personal area of interest and creating outcomes that reflect your developing knowledge of Product and Furniture Design. This gives a guided introduction to the largely self-initiated study you will experience in level 6.

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

Collaborative Practice 20 credits

The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by enabling you to create an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines, or with academic staff. Collaboration is a vital employability skill within the Creative Industries and this module allows you to develop these skills, making use of University facilities and with the support of academic staff. Within this module framework, several kinds of collaborative opportunities are available.

For example, with the approval of your supervisor, you can determine a project based on your own interests; your supervisor may set you a predetermined project to enable you to work with other students in a way that is appropriate to your subject area; or there may be opportunities for you to collaborate with staff on research projects. In all cases, you must apply your subject skills to an interdisciplinary project which will be agreed in advance with your supervisor.

Live Project 20 credits

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be set by an external client/ agency, in consultation with your supervisor, and it could be a ‘real life’ problem to be solved, or a simulation. It is an opportunity for you to engage in a professional manner with an aspect of your subject area, which contributes to the development of employability skills within the supportive infrastructure of the University. Where appropriate, the project may involve interdisciplinary collaboration with students from other courses. In this way, it reflects the collaborative, flexible nature of employment within the Creative Industries.

Work Placement 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and ADM Careers+.

Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Professional placement year

Professional Placement 60 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.

Modules in your final year encourage individual direction through live projects/competition and a self-written major design project.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)

Design in Context 20 credits

This module seeks to familiarise you with the initial stages of client contact in terms of responding to a brief and analysing an opportunity/problem. You will produce and evaluate appropriate innovative concepts with a view to selecting the most suitable for presentation back to the client/organisation as a series of options.

The source of the briefs for the module may be a competition such as the Royal Society of Arts or a live client company contact. In all cases, the briefs would be industry facing.

Major Project: Product and Furniture Design 40 credits

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.

Major Design Project 60 credits

This module provides the opportunity for you to undertake a major self-directed design project derived from the major project research undertaken in the previous module Major Project. In consultation with academic staff you will be responsible for the planning and implementation of a programme of work that will enable you to showcase the skills you have attained throughout the course.

Download course specification

Taught by experienced designers, makers and academics, this course combines practice with theory to give you a fully rounded learning experience.

Extensive workshop facilities will help you to realise your proposals, creating functional and commercially viable designs. This hands-on approach allows you to understand the opportunities and limitations of materials and construction methods.

BOSS X BCU project

Product and Furniture design work created from the Boss and BCU project

Working in collaboration with BOSS design, second-year students were tasked with exploring and developing innovative products, artefacts or furniture concepts that enhance, improve and better facilitate the future multi-generational workspace, in either the residential office environment, ‘conventional’ onsite office or both.

Students engaged with a variety of discipline-aligned methods including: drawing to explore ideas, model making to varying scales which are appropriate, engaging and researching ergonomics and anthropometrics, as well as, researching ‘real world’ manufacturing processes and techniques utilised within industry.

Communication of ideas visually and verbally, also formed a significant part of this project, with students gaining invaluable employability skills by presenting directly to a client and possible future employer.

Several Product and Furniture Design students participated in alternate weeklong placements with Boss Design. This provides invaluable industry experience and significant personal development opportunities, which undoubtedly helps those students during their final year on the course and after graduation.

Employability

Enhancing employability skills.

The course has a vocational emphasis and is focused on employability. Throughout your study you will engage with real briefs, collaborative opportunities and external industry links. You will develop skills in a broad range of working approaches, from synthesising and applying problem solving and creative thinking skills, to 3D computer modelling, where you will use the latest industry standard software.

Extensive workshops support modelling and prototyping skills, and you will create high-quality outcomes using a wide range of materials, techniques and processes. The course supports personal development as a creative, knowledgeable designer, maximising the potential to obtain positions in national and global companies.

The course develops skills and experience in and around the subject of scales of manufacture, from bespoke, one-off and batch production to standardised mass production. The interdisciplinary nature of design engages relationships across a broad spectrum of specialist areas of study, and we nurture this philosophy through collaborative and professional practice approaches.

This BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design course offers you the opportunity to gain invaluable work placement experience during the second year of the course, through modules and industry collaborations.

The Faculty also offers a specific optional work placement module, which can be taken up in your second year. The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes as well as subject and transferable skills through experience in the work place, and tasks course participants to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. Students are normally expected to arrange their own placement, with support from academic staff and BCU Careers.

As part of the work placement module, students have the opportunity to attend specific sessions, which relate to the development of their digital presence, portfolio content and presentation, and the formulation of CV’s and covering letters for potential work placement providers and future employers.

We also have a continually evolving and expanding data base of industry partners within and outside of the West Midlands, who have collaborated with the course on various projects and have taken on students within their practices, either whilst students continue to study on the course, during the summer break or once their academic studies are completed.

My internship at Kirkdale Studios during my third year was a great creative experience and helped me to navigate the transition from a student to a working designer. I was given the opportunity to work on live projects, communicate directly with factories, and learn professional skills before even graduating.

Evie Mcginley – Kirkdale Studio

More about our placement opportunities

Our Graduates

Emily Cross

"Studying Product and Furniture Design at BCU prepared me for my next step into the design industry. For me, the supportive set of tutors helped me develop myself as a designer. By using industry-standard software, cross-disciplinary group projects and navigating the iterative process of design I feel confident in my new role as a junior product designer for Crofts and Assinder. I am eternally grateful to BCU for the opportunities that have been made available to me such as selling my products at the Minima Showroom and exhibiting my furniture pieces at New Designers and Young Furniture Makers.”

Charlie Adlem

“ Without my second-year summer placement at HF Contracts, I simply wouldn’t have my current job. The skills and expertise gained during the 8 weeks were enough for HF to take me on full-time after I graduated.

"It gave me an invaluable taste of the real world that fed into my education, it not only taught me workplace skills but motivated me in my university degree to strive for more and reach my full potential. ”

Hugo Parnell-Hopkinson

“ In the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of design industries. Consequently, I have collaborated with many remarkable design teams to bring projects from sketches to reality. From luxury wrist-ware technology to cabin designs of bio-fuelled transportation in city centres. Towards the end of 2021, I moved to Hong Kong to further expand my design experience and career. I now work for the Jacal Group, originally a business with its roots in interior design, but more recently a collection of companies devoted to creating beautiful things no matter the industry. I was brought on as their Design Strategist and Project Manager to help direct design decisions within the company. My goal is to launch a product and furniture series alongside my fellow in-house designers for use in new clubhouses and apartments across Hong Kong and China. ”

Katy Thompson

" Currently, I am working as a junior furniture finisher at Matthew Cox. A small (but perfectly formed) furniture company making bespoke, made-to-measure and range pieces in Stamford, Lincs. My job role covers a lot, from sandblasting and metalworking to oiling and painting. I really love my job, working with a great team of like-minded and creative people in a very varied and always interesting role, I feel truly lucky. In the finishing department, we work on everything that comes through from the making department. Projects vary in scale from small stools and chairs to large kitchen islands and grand dining tables. We are the last point of call before the furniture is sent to customers, making my job very important and very rewarding! "

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Details of the entry requirements for our courses
Some of the good reasons why you should study here
How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
Information relevant to applicants from your country
Where to find financial support for your studies.

Our international students

Our course is popular with students from around the world, particularly China, Hong Kong, Brazil and Malaysia.

Studying abroad is one of the most fulfilling decisions you could make, going away from your country is a bold decision because you have to start a new life from scratch, but that’s the amazing part.

This semester at BCU has been an experience that has broadened my perspective, the university was very welcoming to international students, and the instructors and staff of the program were a tremendous help to learn as much as possible in my time here, offering their guidance in every step I needed and inspiring me to work with many different materials and processes that were new to me. The support towards design is outstanding, and it encouraged me to make an extra effort in all my projects.

Overall, I’m very grateful for this experience and would highly recommend coming here to anyone that is thinking about it.

Paola Buitron Quiroz – Study Abroad Exchange - Mexico

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the exceptional quality of our campuses. With an investment of over £400 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.

You will be based in our multi-million pound Parkside building – a state of the art facility located within our City Centre Campus. Here you will have full access to our recently upgraded, high spec CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) workstations situated within our dedicated computer labs and open access areas. We also provide access to leading edge digital design software, enabling you to explore technical drawing, graphics, 3D modelling, visualization, animation, computation, simulation, and virtual reality.

The Parkside Building is also home to our digital fabrication labs, where you will be able to explore 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, ceramics, glass and traditional model-making, guided by our team of expert technicians with access to our on-site material store, and professional printing facilities.

You’ll also benefit from:

Design studios
Physical and digital library
Loanable laptops
Dedicated social spaces

Take a look around on our virtual walkthroughs

Photo Gallery

From industry-standard software, to our workshops and studio spaces, everything you need will be at your fingertips from day one. Working with our dedicated teaching teams and expert technicians, you'll be supported from concept through to completion.

The Parkside Building is also home to analogue and digital workshops, where you will be able to explore 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, ceramics, wood and metal processes, guided by our team of expert technicians.

Jason Nicholson

Product and Furniture Design Course Leader

From a career journey beginning in metalsmithing and related products, Jason has a wide experience in various product design sectors – in particular furniture and lighting design. He has taught across a range of specialist courses, focussing and developing ‘making’ as an integral part of the design process. A ‘hands-on’ member of staff with...

Wayne Pottinger

Product and Furniture Design lecturer

Wayne Pottinger is a lecturer and coordinator of the level five (second year) Product and Furniture Design course. Before joining Birmingham City University Wayne established his own design practice alongside Natalie Cole. Pottinger and Cole’s practice designed and developed products for retail and their objects were stocked in well-respected...

Product and Furniture Design Lecturer

Emma is a Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design program, currently teaching across all three levels of the course. Before joining the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Media as a full-time member of staff in January 2022, she was a Specialist Lecturer in the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, delivering 3D design...

Andrew Trujillo

Product and Furniture Design Tutor and Interior Architecture Tutor

Andrew grew up in Colombia, and came to the UK to study a degree in Industrial Design (Transportation). He worked in the marine sector mostly, gaining 30 years of experience and designing yachts from 10M to 107M; Motor and sail, slow and fast. Andrew also designed motor homes, private jet interiors and residential interiors and exteriors, and...

UK prospective students

Contact the enquiries team
T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

E: International enquiry form
T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

Already applied?

E: Contact the admissions team
Accommodation

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Sample Statement of Purpose – Product Design

This sample SOP was used by a non-native English speaker to apply to a master’s program in Product Design in the UK.

If you need help writing your SOP, check out our SOP Writing Service

Statement of Purpose – Product Design / Industrial Design

I first found my interest in product design while in high school, and ever since I have been devoting my education and work to this field. I have always been a creative person, and I am fascinated by the many opportunities for designing products that can improve people’s lives. However, in my career in recent years I have been yearning to return to school and continue onto more advanced courses related to product and industrial design. This is what leads me to your master’s program. By studying in the UK, I hope to broaden my artistic vision while honing my design skills, learning in a multicultural environment and soaking up the inspiration from the diverse people in your school. With my previous training and work experience, I believe that I will be a good fit for your program.

In 2011, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Creative Product Design from Goodwell University. As a student, I received a broad education in product design, and I found myself especially interested in courses concerning design thinking, such as mind maps, SWOT analysis, and cross-coordinate analysis. Through the courses I took, I learned to observe problems and analyze them carefully before working to solve them in the process of creating new products. Outside of class, I joined the English club, where I worked to improve my English skills, and I had a minor in the Create Leadership Program, where I enhanced my leadership abilities.

After graduating from university, I joined the graphic design company Krell Design, where I worked to improve my visual and graphic design skills. I was involved with commercial packaging as well as corporate image planning, and I enjoyed thinking outside the box and working with my colleagues there on several design projects. After one year, I decided to return to the industrial design field, and I began working at Anglawn Garden Products as an Industrial Designer. There, I needed to come up with a comprehensive plan taking into account everything including the overall design, the features, and the structure. I also regularly helped the clients and the factory to reach a consensus. We needed to discuss every detail of the designs to assess their feasibility and solve production problems, and this was a very instructive experience for me, as I learned about the practical challenges involved in developing and producing a product.

In my future work, I expect to attach more importance to the problems and challenges of mass production and production cost. In order to fully prepare for this career, I am committed to earning a master’s degree, acquiring more advanced knowledge and specialized skills in product design. I believe that your master’s program will give me a new outlook as well as a better understanding of different design methods, which will help me to re-examine my designs through the eyes of people from different cultures. After earning my master’s degree, I hope to remain in the UK for a period and work in industrial design, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn in a foreign working environment. Eventually, I plan to return to my native country and resume my career, albeit with greatly enhanced skills and prospects.

Personal statement advice: art and design

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What art and design tutors are looking for

The underlying message is that tutors want to know about you, your practice, your inspirations, and your aspirations, and for your personal statement to act as written accompaniment to your portfolio and performance at interview.

How to make your art and design statement stand out

Admissions tutors prefer to read personal statements that don't stick to a predictable formula – here are a few tactics to ensure yours packs a punch.

Focus on the course: Martin Conreen, design admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London, urges applicants for design courses 'not to over mention art' but to stay focused on design. He also feels some applicants waste too much space on non-relevant factors like their sporting achievements.
Your influences: Martin adds he wants to hear who your influences are, why they inspire you, and 'how their work has resonance with your own, or with your own ideas'.
Examples of what inspires you: David Baldry, fine art course leader at University Campus Suffolk, echoes this: 'Tell us what inspires you. We want to know what contemporary art interests you, so talk about key artists or an exhibition that made an impression on you. We want to know how you respond to the world creatively, so talk about your experiences or projects you’ve developed independently. Also, edit it so it sounds punchy'.
Demonstrate your artistic ambitions: Alison Jones, fine art admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, is looking for 'interesting individuals who have a passion for art and a commitment to developing themselves as artists. Therefore, your personal statement should demonstrate an understanding of your own work, focusing on what is unique about your practice'.
Be original: starting your statement with a well-known quote – such as 'fashion is not something that exists in dresses only' – is inadvisable. 189 applicants quoted that exact Coco Chanel snippet last year, so it really won't make you stand out from the crowd.

It's all summed up nicely by Arts University Bournemouth whose advice is:

'Be focused on the field you're applying for (no scattergun approach), name artists or designers you admire, think contemporary, reflect on exhibitions or galleries or events you've visited, and don't think "I'll tell them at the interview" – put it in the statement!'

Find out more about studying art and design, including entry requirements, why you should study it, and possible careers it could lead on to.

Product & Furniture Design MA

Why choose this course.

The Product and Furniture Design MA course at Kingston School of Art seeks to challenge, expand, and progress definitions of design.

We welcome designers from varied disciplines who want to redefine the design and making of products and furniture.

We see conventional notions of product and furniture design as a starting point, not a limit, to our individual and collective output.

We are about the real and the imagined design, creating positive change for people, communities, spaces, and places.

We are interested in the making of design and who does it, the economies of design and who can access it, and how design responds to current and emerging needs and behaviours.

We ‘make' and ‘do' through a studio and workshop culture that is experimental and evolves both the theoretical and practical.

We collaborate with students from other courses in the Design School, brands, organisations, and manufacturers to address design challenges beyond the university. Previous project partners include IKEA, Camden Town Brewery, Magis, Travel Things Museum and Herman Miller.

The course concludes with an external London exhibition – attended by design professionals and the press.

See what we are up to on the Product & Furniture Design MA Instagram .

Mode	Duration	Attendance	Start date
Full time	1 year	2 days a week	September 2024 September 2025
Full time	2 years including professional placement	2 days a week, plus placement year	September 2024 September 2025
Part time	2 years		September 2024 September 2025

Reasons to choose Kingston University

This course is open to designers from varied backgrounds who want to challenge, expand and progress definitions of product and furniture design.
You can benefit from expert tutors professional designers and specialist practitioners alongside field trips, workshops and talks, and opportunities for external collaboration.
You can focus on product or furniture design for the real and imagined, creating positive change for people, communities, spaces and places.

The Art School Experience

As part of Kingston School of Art , students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.

Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.

Two students collaborate on a design project.

Student work

You can see recent projects below and on the Product & Furniture Design Instagram .

What you will study

The course offers a hands-on approach to designing, including research techniques, participatory methods, experimental making, prototyping, and testing with intended audiences. You'll work in the studio and workshops on specific projects reflective of the modules comprising the course. Activities can include specialist lectures, workshop inductions, group and individual tutorials, seminars, and symposiums.

You'll be expected to think critically about product and furniture design and your developing practice, engaging with related theoretical and contextual studies. You'll be encouraged to bring your interests and experiences to the project briefs – to explore aspects of the product and furniture design discipline that resonate with you. You'll need to be self-directed, reflective, and practical in your approach, with direction and purpose. This course is part of the Design School's postgraduate programme. The structure, shared with students from other design courses, enables you to explore your specialist interests within an integrative learning environment that provides an understanding of the value and role of interdisciplinary methods and ways of working. The influences and impact of thinking from other related design subjects on your specialist study is an important aspect of the identity and the community of interdisciplinary practice at masters level in the Design School.

Optional placement year

The two shared modules of the Design School's postgraduate framework both commence with a symposium, in which high-profile external speakers present their work and contribute to a debate on a topic of relevance to all courses in the Framework.

Core modules

Designing research.

The aim of the module is to give you an understanding of the design research tools and methods that are available to you, to inform and support the development of your practical study, and to provide the basis of your further study on your course. Practical research methods are explored, with an emphasis on the development of creative and evidence-based approaches to experimentation, and critical reflection on practical design work.

Creative Futures

This module is based on the assumption that the best jobs/careers in the creative industries do not exist – they are invented from individual creative ambitions. The module explores how this can be approached in practical terms. The programme of study encourages you to develop a personal and critical approach to your future career, and how this can inform the development of your individual major project for the Major Project.

Creative Practice 1: Design Thinking & Making

This module provides a dedicated product and furniture design study opportunity. It occurs in Teaching Block 1. Students are offered a number of optional and compulsory briefs engaging both practical and theoretical design faculties.

Briefs are open to individual interpretation, designed to promote creative independence and establish the benchmark of Level 7 critical expectation at the outset of the student experience.

The briefs encourage engagement with a number of key principles and processes that students need to develop to prepare them for a capstone project later in their studies.

Critical Practice

This Teaching Block 2 module extends and builds directly upon the dedicated product and furniture design study experience of Teaching Block 1. It runs in parallel with the Creative Futures module DE7301 on the full time mode and exercises independent, focused practical design research to underpin the Major Project proposal undertaken within DE7301.

The module aims to prepare students to begin realisation of their Major (capstone) Project upon completion. Students take responsibility for either continuing to develop their thematic practical design enquiries already established in Context I, refining and editing material and developing new research and study as necessary, or embarking upon new self-initiated enquiries.

The module consolidates the role of practical design experimentation as a key element of the design research process and helps establish credibility for progression on to the Major Project. Students should become increasingly confident about moving into realms of uncertainty and exploring unfamiliar design territory, taking risks and articulating personal viewpoint. They are encouraged to explore and use industry networks and contacts outside the Faculty to expand their knowledge and outlook, further lending their study rigour and credibility.

The Major Project

The Major Project – the capstone project – consolidates the knowledge gained in earlier modules, and is informed by your prior learning within the Design School's postgraduate interdisciplinary framework and course-specific specialist study. You will extend your work on the course thus far in the form of a practical design proposal, defining and developing a substantive solution to an individually defined design-related problem. In so doing, you will demonstrate advanced understanding and application of contemporary design practice.

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the work placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Optional modules

Professional placement.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates professional placement learning, following completion of 120 credits. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject-specific professional skills in your chosen subject. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for your subsequent major project module, and would be expected to use it to help inform your decisions about future careers.

External exhibition

You can see images below from the Product & Furniture Design MA external exhibition held in 2023 at Herman Miller, London and on the Product & Furniture Design MA Instagram .

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a related art, design or craft subject and/or appropriate professional experience.
Applicants with academic qualifications, or relevant work experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
A portfolio of work reflecting your experience and skills working in 2D and 3D. You will be sent instructions on how to submit your portfolio once we have received your application for this course.

Portfolio guidance

We would like to understand more about you and your practice, as well as your aptitude and motivations for studying on this course. We will be reviewing your portfolio with four key values in mind: questioning, curiosity, technical ability, and enthusiasm. Your portfolio should demonstrate these values through your strengths, abilities and experiences in product and/ or furniture design or a related discipline. Please show how your ideas were developed through research, drawing, making, digital skills, experimentation, and development, leading to outcomes realised as final prototypes or visuals. Films or other media, including social media accounts if relevant, can be included as links in the portfolio. We are looking for your potential to succeed on the course and welcome applications from those with diverse experiences or educational backgrounds.

Your portfolio should include:

3 to 5 projects demonstrating your research process, subject interests, and the development of your projects to realised outcomes.

Digital portfolio format requirements

A portfolio of 15 to 20 pages, landscape orientation and saved/uploaded as a print-based or interactive PDF file.
Include project titles and a brief description of each project explaining your intentions and your individual involvement if presenting a group project.
Moving image works should not exceed 5 minutes in total and should be uploaded to Vimeo or YouTube – please supply these links in your portfolio and make sure they are active and work on all platforms.

Please provide a personal statement of up to 300 words explaining:

Your interest in product and/ or furniture design.
Your interest in the course at Kingston School of Art, Kingston University.
The real or imagined contexts for your work.

Ensure that images are of a high quality and at least 72 dpi.

International

English language requirements.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirement, which is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 5.5. Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements , which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Middle East

Teaching and assessment

Assessment will be made at the completion of each module. Module marks are added to achieve a total final mark. Assessment will be made through practical design projects, presentations, main masters project and exhibition.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically involves reading and analysing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc.

Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

At Kingston University, we know that postgraduate students have particular needs and therefore we have a range of support available to help you during your time here.

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

16% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises a practical project, visual summary, critical reflection and report The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Type of assessment

Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 25 students.

Who teaches this course?

You will be taught by leading academics and practitioners in product design, furniture design, social design, strategic design, innovation design and related topics. Our excellent reputation means that industry leaders regularly visit our students' shows to see the best of the new talent.

This course is delivered by Kingston School of Art, which has its roots in the studio-based approach of Britain's art school system (the original School of Art was founded in the 1890s). Today, for most courses, learning still takes place in specialist studios, each subject area with its own fully-equipped studio, where you take part in classes, tutorials and critical reviews with fellow students. This strong studio culture also ensures regular interaction between students and tutors. Activities can include seminars, tutorials, workshops and lectures, alongside visits to museums, galleries, design consultancies, start-ups, social enterprises, government organisations and other creative professional environments.

Our students are encouraged to engage in external collaboration and the opportunities presented by London and its status as one of the most important centres for the creative industries. Our industry connections mean we provide unique study opportunities, such as:

the chance to have your work seen by eminent members of your profession
'live' projects, site visits and placements in prestigious companies or institutions
project work and workshops with visiting lecturers and industry specialists.

Postgraduate students may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Mr David Weatherhead

Course leader.

Zoë Bather

Mr Carl Clerkin

Mr Mark Gower

Dr Anke Jakob

Mr Rentaro Nishimura

There is a wide range of facilities at our Knights Park campus, where this course is based. Kingston School of Art has recently completed an ambitious programme of investment, making significant improvements to our workshops and other resources, to ensure that students are exposed to as many creative pathways as possible. The workshops and studios at Knights Park are open for creative exploration and allow opportunities for students and staff to collaborate on projects and share ideas, whether they are studying or researching. There are many adaptable studio and workshop spaces, active breakout spaces and stronger vertical and horizontal connections.

Our ground-breaking facilities include the following:

3D workshop, with ceramics, concrete, resin-casting, plastics, metalwork, woodwork and a bronze-casting foundry, as well as a Big Build space for Architecture, set design and large scale model making
Animation and post production studios
Digital Media workshop
Fashion (knitting and sewing workshops), with digital and analogue facilities, plus a working dress archive which includes pieces from 1750 to the present day
HackSpace (for collaborative, creative, solutions-focussed projects)
Letterpress and printmaking workshop, with digital and analogue facilities, to experiment creatively
Moving Image workshop, with studios, editing suite, and industry-standard equipment
Photography workshop, including studios, colour, and black and white darkrooms, processing facilities

All our facilities are open access, meaning you can use them whenever you want, irrespective of what degree you're studying.

The University also has its own on-site galleries, including:

Dorich House - the former studio home of the sculptor Dora Gordine and her husband the Hon. Richard Hare, a scholar of Russian art and literature. Now Grade II listed, the building was completed in 1936, to Gordine's design, and is an exceptional example of a modern studio house created by and for a female artist.
Stanley Picker Gallery - one of the leading examples of a university gallery in the UK. Its public activities are dedicated to the research, commissioning and presentation of innovative new practice across the fields of art, design and architecture for general, academic and specialist audiences.
project spaces at Knights Park campus, which you can book for the exhibition of large-scale work.

Resources in London

From Kingston, it's just a 30-minute train journey to central London, where you can access world-famous museums and galleries, design consultancies, start-ups, social enterprises, government organisations and other creative professional environments.

Fees for this course

2025/26 fees for this course, home 2025/26.

MA full time £12,400
MA part time £6,820

International 2025/26

MA full time £21,800
MA part time £11,990

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25.

MA full time £11,900
MA part time £6,545

International 2024/25

MA full time £20,900
MA part time £11,495

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website .

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

Inspire the Future scholarship
Postgraduate scholarships for international students

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries .

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Alumni discount
Progression Scholarship

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan . You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

After you graduate

Graduates work in product design, furniture design, social design, circular design, biophilic design, strategic design, CMF design, in-house and at design consultancies, start-ups, social enterprises, government organisations, as well as launching their own companies.

Employers of recent Product & Furniture Design MA graduates include, Asus, Bill Amberg, Cassina, CircleSquare, the Design Museum, FINH, Glithero, Goldfinch, Ice Breaker, Lenovo, Made, New Territory, Notpla, Pentatonic, and Surrey County Council.

A number of graduates have progressed to PhD study at universities including Kingston and Newcastle.

Links with business and industry

The Product & Furniture Design MA course collaborates with brands, organisations, and manufacturers to address design challenges beyond the university. Previous project partners include IKEA, Camden Town Brewery, Magis, and Herman Miller. Opportunity is provided to share design outputs at an external London exhibition, attended by design professionals and the press.

You'll benefit from:

Modules that introduce you to contemporary design practitioners and create opportunities for building contacts within the industry.
Where appropriate we link projects with manufacturing industry, commercial brands, or organisations to maximise your learning experience and create further opportunities for you to build contacts for your future careers.
Many staff members are professional designers, which keeps your learning innovative and allows you to benefit from their many years of experience.

Research in the Design Research Centre

The Design Research Centre provides a creative environment for researchers engaging with the cultural, environmental and presentational contexts of design practice in its widest sense. Research in this diverse area is developed through five interrelated areas:

Curating the contemporary - focusing on new initiatives and perspectives on curating, including the interface between design, craft and fine art
Design innovation - focusing on the presentational contexts of contemporary design practice
Design for environments - including design for wellbeing, health and micro-environments, as well as spatial, aesthetic and critical enquiries into building typologies and cultural analysis of urban and leisure environments
Design for screen - focusing on interdisciplinary and practice-based enquiries into screen-based media
Sustainability - multidisciplinary design research into issues of environmental protection and social justice.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained .

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.

Related courses

Curating Contemporary Design MA (in partnership with the Design Museum)

Graduate Diploma Creative Practice

Graphic Design MA

Illustration MA

Interior Design MA

Sustainable Design MA

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Guide to Writing Interior Designer Personal Statements

Table of Contents

An interior designer personal statement is a document that conveys an individual’s unique qualifications, experiences, and goals in the field of interior design. It provides recruiters and admissions board representatives with additional information to help them gauge an applicant’s suitability. Personal statements highlight an applicant’s experience, skills, achievements, and aspirations.

Crafting personal statements is as much an art as it is a skill. Every student and professional must learn to write an effective personal statement essay because it significantly impacts their prospects.

The Importance of a Personal Statement

A personal statement is an integral part of any application material. It gives recruiters and admissions officers additional information to gauge a candidate’s suitability. Personal statements are everyday encounters in job hunts, special programs, internships, and university applications.

The main benefit of personal statements stems from their format. Unlike resumes and CVs, personal statements come in paragraphs. These grant applicants the ability to inject a bit of their personality into their content.

This significantly impacts you because it introduces a human touch to your materials. It gives evaluators and readers a glimpse into your background, values, and your character.

Your personal statement is a way to present yourself in a manner that goes beyond bullet points and summaries. It lets you emphasize essential qualifications that can impact the impression you establish .

A well-written personal statement will help you stand out from other applicants. Exposition is key to a solid first impression and memorable profile.

Consider these surefire tips if you need help crafting an effective interior design personal statement.

Tips For an Effective Interior Designer Personal Statement

dining table set placed beside glass window

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be sure to highlight the technical and practical elements of design that make you an excellent fit for the position. This can include samples of furniture selection, layout planning, or CAD design work that demonstrates your ability to effectively create beautiful designs.

More often than not, your skills are the primary basis for determining your suitability. If you’re unsure of what technical skills to emphasize, reread the job listing’s description. Recruiters usually include hints regarding the qualifications they’re looking for.

Highlight Your Best Designs

An influential interior designer personal statement should also include details on work you have completed. Discussing these pieces with passion and clarity will show prospective employers why they should hire you over other candidates. They also show prospects your full potential.

Demonstrate Your Understanding of Trends

The field of interior design is constantly changing, so it’s vital to demonstrate that you’re aware of current design trends. You should also demonstrate your ability to incorporate them seamlessly into your designs. Mention specific pieces or styles you find interesting and how you would use them in upcoming projects.

Explain Your Motivations

Writing about your motivations is another way to make your personal statement stand out. Consider talking about different aspects of interior design that excite you, such as working with unique materials or creating bespoke solutions for clients. Your motivations matter to recruiters because they help determine your behavior.

Use Strong Language

Finally, be sure to use powerful words when presenting yourself. Don’t rely on clichés. Instead, choose words like “innovative” or “dynamic” that express your excitement for the industry and demonstrate your commitment to success.

Moreover, strong language is a key ingredient for creating vivid descriptions and powerful messages. Its benefits permeate many aspects of life.

Interior Design Personal Statement Examples

As a seasoned professional, I have a unique creative ability to think outside the box. I can come up with innovative ideas for building interiors. Having obtained my degree from a prestigious university, I can apply my knowledge of modern design techniques to design aesthetic and practical living spaces.

I strive to use research methods that go beyond simply looking at what others have done. Instead, I seek to look deep into the needs of the people using the space and build accordingly.

With each project, I take the time to read, review, and evaluate every option carefully. I make sure to do this before submitting results that offer satisfaction and good value for money.

Moreover, I understand how important it is to keep abreast of current trends and stay informed about new developments in the field. As such, I actively invest in learning activities such as attending seminars and workshops related to this subject matter. My commitment to honing my professional skills has enabled me to connect well with people from various backgrounds. It allows me to tailor my work according to their requirements.

I am confident my experience, educational background, and passion for interior design make me an ideal candidate for your school’s program. I welcome the opportunity to learn more about your offerings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

As a university student studying Interior Design, I am devoted to perfecting my craft. I want to be able to offer comprehensive design services for residential, commercial, and retail clients.

My course has enabled me to develop an eye for detail and the ability to ask intelligent questions. Over the past year, I have worked on various materials selection and planning case studies. Through this work, I’ve gained an appreciation of how to effectively approach the technical and aesthetic elements of any design.

I am passionate about building upon what I’ve learned so far and expanding my knowledge base by exploring new approaches to interior design solutions.

During my career, I aim to bring a unique perspective to each task, considering physical features and people’s interactions with the environment around them.

I am confident that my enthusiasm, determination, and skills will help me excel in this field and become a valuable asset to any team.

I have been involved in the world of design for most of my days. In fact, it has become an integral part of who I am. It is something that transcends far beyond a mere art or profession. As an interior design student, I take pride in being able to use my creative abilities to shape unique art through design.

From infusing exciting textures, colors, and patterns into the fabric of a room, to carefully selecting pieces of furniture, decor items, and artwork. I ensure all elements perfectly harmonize with the space’s environment. This is the crux of my craft; providing balanced and beautiful interiors tailored to each client’s needs and desires.

An interior design personal statement is a short essay that showcases your design skills . It should focus on your proficiencies and ability to use art elements to design aesthetic interiors. These statements are important because they can impact the course of your career by opening different prospects.

Guide to Writing Interior Designer Personal Statements

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Despite my youth I have been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity and challenges to project manage the Interior Design of Samuel Pepys, a pub and restaurant in Northamptonshire, by someone who was willing to give me the challenge and liked my vision for when I applied for the project. This opportunity gave me a taste of how exciting Interior design is. Experimenting with colours and furniture and working with carpenters and decorators. For me the most intriguing aspect was choosing the furniture and ornaments practically and aesthetically. I had to take into consideration how easily the chairs and tables can be cleaned; will they show up dirt easily? Are they versatile enough to be used at conferences? However the biggest part was choosing the colour scheme. This was not only going to be used in the rooms but on the menus, pamphlets and business cards. – This lead to me also working with graphic designers.

That said, I feel I have the foresight and maturity to realise to take this as my chosen career I need good computer skills in design and visual techniques to enhance any natural ability that I may possess. And that is why I wish to do an undergraduate’s degree in Interior Design/Architecture.

Through my Grandmother who worked at Burghley house I became fixated in historical Interior Design. When I was shown through the mesmerising Elizabethan rooms, they were so rich and intricately detailed with the hand sewn tapestries portraits and stunning patterned fabrics. From that point onwards I have regularly visited stately homes and became a member of the national trust, with my favourite stately home being Wimpole Hall. I took a particular interest into Alec Cobbe who redecorates historic British country houses. He donated his design archives to the Victoria and Albert Museum which I visited in autumn last year.

In the summer of 2011 I did work experience at fired earth, gaining skills in creating professional mood boards – which I did for a family bathroom, and gaining costumer service skills. During my time there I had the chance to sit in a client meeting for a fitted bathroom and see what clients were looking for and the way in which designs were put forward through computer animated design. In addition I was given the challenge in designing an installation for a kitchen- choosing suitable colour schemes, tiles and fittings. I also did visual window displays and delved into decorating.

This experience led me to become a shop assistant at the stationary Art shop Coleman’s (which I began in June 2013) with emphasis in framing orders and selling art equipment from my own knowledge as an art student. As a shop assistant I have to be charismatic and persuasive in selling products and have full knowledge of the products available that we sell. What I enjoy most about my part time job is talking to costumers and giving them advice to what to buy.

Although selling a pen is different from selling a room, I have learnt how to be persuasive and put forward ideas clearly. As well as being a shop assistant I have had three other jobs in waitressing –which i have done do the last three years. The main focus point from these jobs has been customer service and working in a team, I have to work efficiently and well under pressure . I understand the importance of communicating with different clients and feel that I have gained confidence to fulfil that and talk to people at a professional level, and compose my ideas formally and clearly.

I currently work sixty six hours a week including my part time jobs and college. Due to the commitments to my jobs, I like to have a hardworking ethos. I have had to constantly be able to manage deadlines and organisation skills due to my time at college and part time jobs. It has allowed me to prepare and structure my times for when I am at university, And in full time work placements in the future.

I am currently doing a foundation diploma in art and design at New College Stamford, the course is broad and covers a lot of art related subject. . I am currently learning about 3D sculpture design and taking a particular interest into spatial design and pattern designing. What I have so far found to be beneficial from the subject is the structure of the course, and has given me perspective on what a university course would be similar to, especially because both are practical based, I have also learnt about what is expected from you as a student, self-discipline and meeting deadlines on time. In addition I am also a representative to my art foundation course, showing that I can listen to what people have to say and take action. I have the confidence to take leadership and represent groups ensuring that everybody contributes.

Before my time at Stamford, I went to Prince William School Oundle studying three A levels in Art, Textiles and religious studies. This taught me to independently manage deadline dates and organisation skills. A level proved to be most challenging that I succumbed and passed because of my determination. I thoroughly enjoyed Art and Textiles coursework most because I could chose my own topics. I drew a lot of inspiration from Neo Classical Architecture from trips to Rome, Paris and London.

During my two years of studying textiles my coursework focused specifically into architecture. In the first year I looked into my two favourite architects Preston Scott Cohen and Odile Decq. I took inspiration from Cohen’s building ‘TEL AVIV MUSEUM OF ART’ from the way in which the rectangular whole’s in the wall play about with dimension almost to the state of confusion, With a simplistic interior and colour pallet of white and nudes allowing the architecture to be the main vocal part.

During my time studying A level Art, I looked into various artists such as Paul Klee, but there was one Artist that totally captivated me, with their piece ‘A Cold Dark Matter’ which was Cornelia Parkers Installation of an abstract exploded shed hanging from the ceiling. What enchanted me about this piece was not the artwork itself but how, it filled the room, with its lighting and dramatic shadows against the otherwise bland walls creating an intense atmosphere. That’s what enthrals me most about interior design- creating an atmosphere, one of my favourite quotes which is strictly follow is ‘ ‘ from the interior designer Sarah Ward, where her ethos is ‘simple’.

In the future, my aim is to work for an interior design company such as __________ because I work sufficiently well in teams and with other people. I would even aim to pursue A career in Historical interior design or become self-employed.

I have thought hard as to whether or not University was the correct avenue for me, but I feel that I gained enough experience, confidence and electrifying enthusiasm to pursue this degree. Doing the interior design for the pub has really revealed to me how fascinating and captivating interior design is. And with the beneficial experience that I have gained I feel that I can inject that into my work. I know I will work exceptionally hard and if you would consider me for your university I will do everything I can to be a creditable student, and get the best out of it .

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This personal statement was written by libby96 for application in 2014.

libby96's university choices Northumbria University University of Lincoln The Arts Institute At Bournemouth Falmouth University Oxford Brookes University

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

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