BA (Hons)
3D Design (Pathways in Interior Design or Product Design)
3 good reasons to study 3D Design at Salford:
- Two specialist pathways leading to awards either BA (Hons) Interior Design or BA (Hons) Product Design
- Extensive industry support with a range of local design and manufacturing companies
- Outstanding success in design competitions and excellent employment opportunities
This course allows you to follow a specialist pathway leading to the award of either BA (Hons) 3D Design: Interior Design or BA (Hons) 3D Design: Product Design. Whilst both pathways share a common structure the projects you undertake from the start will be specific to your chosen field. We therefore expect applicants to indicate a preference in your personal statement and at interview
Specialist subject tutors and dedicated resources will ensure that you gain a sound understanding of your discipline whilst encouraging you to develop interdisciplinary attitudes to design.
Watch our video: BA (Hons) 3D Design: Interior Design Pathway
Watch our video: BA (Hons) 3D Design: Product Design Pathway
Course details
Interior Design Pathway
This course is broad based, covering many aspects of interior architecture (commercial building interiors) and temporary structures (exhibition, museum and film/TV set design). A wide range of modules, studio-based for design activities and lecture-based for other areas, allows you to direct your studies to areas of interior design that particularly interest you.
The course has extensive links with the architectural and interior design industry and is staffed by practicing designers. It has a strong record of attracting input from leading figures in the design industry as visiting speakers, as well as considerable input from specialist professionals as module tutors. Visits to developments, buildings, practices and showrooms are built into the course, as are overseas exchanges.
Work placements and industry sponsored projects form part of the course allowing you to experience the cutting edge of design practice. International competition success underpins rigorous teaching and learning practice. Graduates have gone on to work in all area of design in architectural and interior design practices, large retail organisations, construction departments, film and TV companies.
Year 1
opens with a challenging course of projects to stimulate your creativity and develop your design thinking, including spatial awareness, form materials and structures, alongside the core skills required for Interior Design. While the majority of your time is spent working on design projects, you will have the opportunity to acquire experience of computing for design, to extend your awareness of visual communication and workshop practice, and to develop an understanding of cultural and theoretical studies in relation to design.
3D Design Principles
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of 3D design, and builds the awareness of a design vocabulary. The analysis and demonstration of established design communication techniques will provide a basis for exploration, and the subsequent development of your own 2D and 3D design communication skills.
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3D Design Procedures and Practice
Design is a creative tool that is employed widely by a number of industries , this module aims to provide you with an understanding of design procedures and ways of working which will help you generate, develop and realize your design solutions.
close
Design and Materials
The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding of materials and associated processes within the context of specific design situations. You will appreciate the choice of materials available to you and how your decisions will affect your design proposals
close
User Centred Design
This module introduces you to the variety of individuals or “customers” who as a designer you need to please. Whilst full consideration is given to the “end user” an understanding of the client, supplier and those involved with construction/manufacturing is a critical.
close
Establishing Professional Practice for 3D Design
Developing your understanding of professional practice is a core theme which runs throughout the course. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of industry and includes an emphasis on design communication skills
close
Exploring Issues in Design
An appreciation of design theories, the history of design and the cultural contexts that influence creative thinking is essential for students engaged with the visual. Exploring Issues in Design will investigate ideologies and aesthetics of the 20th and 21st century. The module provides an examination of key movements and designers as well as an exploration of wider cultural influences on design.
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YEAR 2
Focusing on professional practice and what it means to be a designer, year 2 is underpinned with the study of marketing, business and management issues. It involves examination of the global context of design in the early 21st century and usually includes the opportunity to undertake a study visit abroad. Again there is a wide range of supporting options including further specialisation in technological media (CAD), international cultural studies, and visual communication.
Building Analysis for Interior Structure
The Particular characteristics of a specific situation can influence the redesign of an existing space, and the manner in which these defining qualities can be examined and exploited will be explored through this module. This module encourages the student to examine a method of interpretation and evaluation of the urban form and to use them to deepen and expand the quality of the design of the interior and / or remodelling of the existing building. During this module students are introduced to appropriate forms of technology, construction and materials and study how these are utilised in the production of interior design project work. The module aims to encourage the investigation of 2D and 3D methods which communicate creatively and effectively the nature of buildings and interventions.
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Architectural Technology and Spatial Design
The principles of architecture, from planning to construction to process, underpin Spatial Design. Interior Design practice is constantly influenced by both existing and new technologies and regulatory issues and students will gain insight into challenging and exciting ways of utilising appropriate developments through this module. It builds students awareness of architectural technologies in current practice and understanding of the processes involved in design development and production. The ways that these influences contribute to creative and imaginative design outcomes and production realities is explored through associated design project work.
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Specialist Studies in Design – Interior Architecture
Interior Architecture can include user-specific commercial interiors such as offices, banks or retail, education, health or cultural facilities as well as interiors for hospitality or entertainment.
The module will gives grounding in one of the above forms of interior architectural design and allow experiential learning through an appropriate design project, opening the student to the challenges and creative opportunities of interior architecture.
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Developing Professional Practice for 3D Design
Building upon the professional practice skills introduced in year 1, this module looks at business, employability and enterprise issues and encourages you to reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.
close
Dialogues in Design (3D practice)
This module explores the contexts of designer’s work; examining and developing your ability to interpret a range of issues in business, cultural and ethical frameworks which provide a rich source of opportunities for design development. The understanding and insights gained will inform your own design practice.
close
Experience within Professional Contexts
This module allows you to undertake a period of work placement, positioned at the end of Semester 2 many students have the opportunity for an extended placement period over the summer. This module allows you to apply and develop your knowledge and skills gained on the course while gaining an understanding of the relevant working procedures of industry and the professional activities of design.
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YEAR 3
A wealth of options provides you with the possibility of creating a personal course through a series of specialist modules. The course culminates in a double self-directed module which you propose and negotiate. There is plenty of scope for experiment, to explore boundaries and to investigate some new areas, further increasing your portfolio of skills (for example, component design, advanced communication design).
Advanced Studies in Interior Design.
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Advanced Research Strategies
This module further develops research methodologies established within year 2. The work produced during this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Self Directed Major Project.
close
Negotiated Major Project
The final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course and as such it enables you to continue in the development of a more personalised programme of study, supporting personal careers aspirations and directions. The module also provides an opportunity for you to initiate engagement with industry over an extended period, providing valuable experience of a potential career direction.
close
Applied Professional Practice for 3D Design
This module supports you in your final year of study whilst also encouraging you look at your career options. Critically, it focuses attention on defining personal objectives. You are required to produce a self directed portfolio of work, demonstrating skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional techniques which will directly support your career aspirations.
close
Negotiated Theory: Business Practice
The module provides an opportunity for you to engage in a detailed examination of an aspect of business practice and management of your choice, related to your course. The module enhances your ability to contextualise design as a commercial activity thereby underpinning and strengthening your own practice and understanding.
close
Or
Negotiated Theory: Visual Culture
Negotiated Theory provides an opportunity for you to engage in a detailed examination of an aspect of visual culture of your choice. You are encouraged to explore connections between your proposed study and your studio practice in a connected but distinct course, thereby underpinning and strengthening your own practice and providing an intensification of understanding.
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Product Design Pathway
Product designers are responsible for giving form, function and meaning to the wide range of mass-produced products that colour our everyday lives. Our course is for those who wish to pursue a career as professional product designers in the wide variety of positions within the design industry. Strong industry links are an integral element of the course, with numerous national and international companies providing a real world focus.
The course philosophy encourages the integration of design and manufacturing, business and marketing, thus providing appropriate understanding of the issues affecting the design process. Studio-based projects encourage an innovative and creative approach within a structured framework.
The design projects you will undertake cover a range of product areas including:
- Consumer domestic products
- Audio and visual products
- Structural Packaging
- Sports and leisure equipment
- Medical equipment
- Children's toys
- Furniture and lighting
- Industrial and safety equipment
YEAR 1
Year 1 introduces the core skills required within 3D Design in general and product design in particular. A clearly structured programme of design projects is supported with the study of computer aided design, business and marketing issues, material and manufacturing technologies, product visualisation and contextual issues in design. The majority of your time is spent working in the studio on product design projects whilst also encouraging you to use the extensive workshop and computing facilities
3D Design Principles
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of 3D design, and builds the awareness of a design vocabulary. The analysis and demonstration of established design communication techniques will provide a basis for exploration, and the subsequent development of your own 2D and 3D design communication skills.
close
3D Design Procedures and Practice
Design is a creative tool that is employed widely by a number of industries , this module aims to provide you with an understanding of design procedures and ways of working which will help you generate, develop and realize your design solutions.
close
Design and Materials
The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding of materials and associated processes within the context of specific design situations. You will appreciate the choice of materials available to you and how your decisions will affect your design proposals
close
User Centred Design
This module introduces you to the variety of individuals or “customers” who as a designer you need to please. Whilst full consideration is given to the “end user” an understanding of the client, supplier and those involved with construction/manufacturing is a critical.
close
Establishing Professional Practice for 3D Design
Developing your understanding of professional practice is a core theme which runs throughout the course. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of industry and includes an emphasis on design communication skills
close
Exploring Issues in Design
An appreciation of design theories, the history of design and the cultural contexts that influence creative thinking is essential for students engaged with the visual. Exploring Issues in Design will investigate ideologies and aesthetics of the 20th and 21st century. The module provides an examination of key movements and designers as well as an exploration of wider cultural influences on design.
close
YEAR 2
You will undertake a number of in-depth projects that explore product design from a user and manufacturing perspective. Subject areas include, interface design, presentation skills, design for manufacture, model-making and product prototyping. Projects in year 2 are undertaken in greater depth than in year 1, with team-based work playing an increasingly important role. You have the opportunity to study in Europe during year 2.
Research Strategies for Product Design
Design Research is an essential part of the design process. This module shows that research can be used to gather and organise the insights that are at the heart of an effective design brief, to provide an underlying rationale for the creative process and to provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design activities.
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Product Semiotics and Semantics
The recognition and interpretation of a product’s visual language is a key tool within a designer’s creative process. This module develops your understanding of the visual meaning of products through a practical design project and looks at different approaches that are used.
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Design for Manufacture
The ability to produce design proposals that are appropriate for volume as well as batch production is an essential skill needed by the contemporary product designer. This module extends your knowledge of material and process selection by taking into account business, technical and environmental factors
close
Developing Professional Practice for 3D Design
Building upon the professional practice skills introduced in year 1, this module looks at business, employability and enterprise issues and encourages you to reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.
close
Dialogues in Design (3D practice)
This module explores the contexts of designer’s work; examining and developing your ability to interpret a range of issues in business, cultural and ethical frameworks which provide a rich source of opportunities for design development. The understanding and insights gained will inform your own design practice.
close
Experience within Professional Contexts
This module allows you to undertake a period of work placement, positioned at the end of Semester 2 many students have the opportunity for an extended placement period over the summer. This module allows you to apply and develop your knowledge and skills gained on the course while gaining an understanding of the relevant working procedures of industry and the professional activities of design.
close
YEAR 3
In your final year you will undertake a dissertation and two major design projects, one of which is self-directed in line with your career aspirations. All students enter national design competitions as part of the programme which allows you to pitch your skills against students from other Universities. The course culminates with participation in the prestigious New Designers Exhibition, in London.
Product Design Issues
Design is fuelled by debate of contemporary issues. This module aims to encourage you towards the establishment of a personal design agenda, to inform and drive you own product concepts. You will have the opportunity to apply an individual and contemporary dimension to your design solutions.
close
Advanced Research Strategies
This module further develops research methodologies established within year 2. The work produced during this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Self Directed Major Project.
close
Negotiated Major Project
The final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course and as such it enables you to continue in the development of a more personalised programme of study, supporting personal careers aspirations and directions. The module also provides an opportunity for you to initiate engagement with industry over an extended period, providing valuable experience of a potential career direction.
close
Applied Professional Practice for 3D Design
This module supports you in your final year of study whilst also encouraging you look at your career options. Critically, it focuses attention on defining personal objectives. You are required to produce a self directed portfolio of work, demonstrating skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional techniques which will directly support your career aspirations.
close
Negotiated Theory: Business Practice
The module provides an opportunity for you to engage in a detailed examination of an aspect of business practice and management of your choice, related to your course. The module enhances your ability to contextualise design as a commercial activity thereby underpinning and strengthening your own practice and understanding.
close
Or
Negotiated Theory: Visual Culture
Negotiated Theory provides an opportunity for you to engage in a detailed examination of an aspect of visual culture of your choice. You are encouraged to explore connections between your proposed study and your studio practice in a connected but distinct course, thereby underpinning and strengthening your own practice and providing an intensification of understanding.
close
Course Enquiries
For course enquiries please call us on:
T: +44 (0) 161 295 4545
Or Email us at:
Home/EU students
E: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
International students
E: international@salford.ac.uk
www.salford.ac.uk/study