Program Overview

University Foundation in Architecture Stage1 at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Birmingham City University International College(BCUIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Birmingham City University International College(BCUIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from (BCUIC).

BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design

Our Product and Furniture Design course focuses on the design and development of creative, contemporary and innovative products and furniture, considering user centred design, social context and commercial understanding. 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 standardized 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.

What is covered in the course?

• You will examine the process of designing and developing functional and desirable 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. Second-year students recently worked with Philips, developing user-centred lighting applications and third-year students exhibited and sold work at Minima: one of Birmingham’s key contemporary design showrooms. 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.

Why Choose Us?

• Students are satisfied with this course! We scored 100 percent for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019 (rating from graduates of previous course title: BA (Hons) Furniture and Lifestyle Products).
• From Barcelona to New York, study trips and international opportunities provide new cultural perspectives and shared common experiences.
• You’ll have the chance to join the student-led Society of 3D Design to take part in collaborative opportunities, creating a community between different disciplines of 3D design.
• You’ll develop design communication and visualization skills using recognized industry standard programmes such as SolidWorks, Adobe Creative Suite and AutoCAD.
• You will develop practical skills throughout the program through extensive workshop practice and develop skills in rapid prototyping and digitally driven techniques.
• Live projects and industrial collaborations provide you with invaluable real-world experiences and hone your communication and professional development skills.