BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design
A three years full-time course
From craft making to designing for industry, this course focuses on developing the skills to design and produce the objects that surround us, from the cherished personal to the everyday functional. With a strong hands-on focus, you will be encouraged to discover the potential for producing objects that blend the best traditions of hand-making with the technologies of machine and digital manufacturing. Throughout the course you will have access to an extensive range of specialist workshops, be taught by specialist staff and have contact with the industry through live projects and competition briefs.
Top facts
- Opportunity in Year 2 for an Erasmus study exchange to Akershus University in Norway for a term. Previous students have undertaken research trips to Morocco, India, America and the Czech Republic.
- Extensive contacts with industry. Successful student designs have been put into production by national retailers or through the University's MMU Originals online shop as a result of live competition briefs.
You will study
Year 1 introduces you to fundamental hand, machine & digital processes that are used for making objects across a range of materials. It provides an opportunity to explore and investigate differing material qualities, and creatively respond to these discoveries.
You are also are introduced to a variety of research methods, and are encouraged to take an open minded and analytical response to source material to develop a questioning approach to original thinking and problem solving.
In year 2 you will question ways of working in relation to issues such as usability, sustainability, ethics, market, employability and other related aspects. It encourages you to take risks, challenge assumptions and begin to define a distinct approach to your own practice.
Set projects examine design archetypes, historic archives, and traditional materials, techniques or processes as a basis for re-interpretation. Conventional and new technologies are employed to explore contemporary and unexpected responses to established traditions.
There are opportunities for you to undertake overseas study exchanges to partner institutions. You will also experience interdisciplinary practice, and working within collaborative creative and commercial contexts through a range of cross faculty and live external projects.
By the final year you will be required to define a self-authored, multi faceted programme of study. It demands a creative synthesis of critical, analytical and practical skills combined with an independent, resourceful and responsive approach to practice.
The final project period enables you to produce and showcase a finalized body of work that resolves and communicates your own personal and professional ambitions within a contemporary design and craft context.
At all levels you will experience a wide range of approaches to drawing and digital visualization, and integrate these into your creative process in order to cultivate a personal visual language. The practical learning is underpinned by an in-depth Contextual & Professional Studies programme, that informs and supports the work undertaken within the practice units.
Assessment
Continuous formative and summative assessment with feedback and discussion on completion of all units. The programme ends with a School of Art exhibition.
Placements
Within the programme we run a range of live briefs with companies and manufacturers, and also encourage students to partake in external competitions where appropriate. There are no formal work placements within the programme, however students are encouraged to make external contacts and many use the vacations to undertake periods of work experience.
Graduates
90%* of art, design and architecture graduates go straight into employment and/or further study.
Previous graduates have pursued a variety of successful careers in roles such as product designers, furniture designers, ceramicists, jewellers, glass blowers, retailers, gallerists, retail buyers, design managers, design consultants, teachers and lecturers. Others have gone on to self-employment, successfully running their own creative businesses.
*Source: DLHE survey 2009 for all respondents available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known
Location
All Saints Campus, Manchester
Entry Requirements
| UCAS Tariff Points | 280 |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points/Grades to be obtained from full A levels or equivalent | 240 at A2 or equivalent (such as BTEC National at Level 3 or Advanced Diploma). If applying using Foundation Diploma in Art and Design a Merit is required. |
| Specific subjects required | GCSE grade C (or alternative) in English Language |
| Access qualifications | A relevant Access to HE Diploma will be considered for entry to this course. |
| Interview required | Yes |
| Portfolio required | Yes |
| International Baccalaureate | 28 |
| Additional Requirements | You would usually have to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work as part of the selection process. |
Fees
UK and EU full-time students: £9,000
Non-EU full-time international students: £11,000
International Fee Band 2
How to Apply
Apply through UCAS.
UCAS Code: W240
All applicants are asked to submit a Digital Portfolio.
More Information
Course News
Crafty business
Students and graduates exhibit at Spinningfields
Smashing success!
3D Design Student Scoops a Trio of awards at New Designers