Program Overview

University Foundation in Art and Design Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) 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 Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

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 Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design

• This Product and Industrial Design degree provides an opportunity to experience and develop the skills and processes involved in the professional practice of product and industrial design. Approaches are centred around consumer goods, where issues surrounding everyday manufactured products are developed and explored. The degree investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design.
• The study includes branding and methods of identifying consumer needs and aspirations as an approach to creating the right product. Industry partners include Ford, Xerox and Herman Miller, with strong working relationships with Imagination Ltd., Conran & Partners and London Associates. The staff team is drawn from nationally and internationally experienced designers who bring their research and professional interests directly into the student environment.
  • This Product and Industrial Design degree is industry focused which has excellent links to industry
  • This unique degree provides the depth of skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Product or Industrials Design as a career
  • As a student on the degree, you will learn the development process of taking a product to completion, not only in terms of the design but also in terms of the knowledge of influencing factors needed to make the product successful
  • This exciting degree fosters students to be experimental, explore and challenge their design ideas to push the boundaries on traditional Product Design

What's the course about?

• This course provides an opportunity to experience and develop the skills and processes involved in the professional practice of product and industrial design. Approaches are centred around consumer goods, where issues covering everyday manufactured products are developed and explored. The degree investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design.

What will I study?

•  Teaching on this program is largely focused around project based work. All projects are supported by focused lectures, seminar discussions. At Year One and Year Two, there are a range of additional workshop sessions that are designed to address the broad range of design skills required by Product Designers, these include 3d workshop skills, 2d CAD, 3d modelling through to issues relating to the presentation and visualization of project ideas.
• Students tackle a variety of briefs ranging in complexity and time scales, some that are directed and others in which students negotiate their direction of the brief. Some projects will take many weeks to complete whilst others will be solved within a matter of hours. There's also a huge variety to the pattern of learning experiences with some projects being team based and others are worked on individually. Tutorials and seminars include one-on-one, small group, medium sized groups for workshops and large groups for lectures. The project critique is a fundamental part of our design teaching. The critique is a forum in which students present and defend their project proposals in front of their peers; this mirrors the real life scenario when designers present their ideas to clients.
• You will also take advantage of industry professionals who contribute to the program including:
  • Thomas Howcroft – 3D Artist
  • Kate King – Design Researcher and Strategist
  • Joshua Elgood – Industrial Designer
  • Tom Portlock – Head of Creative Design, Careshield
  • Chris Woodward – Principal Design Consultant. CWD Industrial Design
  • Sam Costidell – Toy Designer/Modelmaker
  • Sebastian Conran - Honorary Doctorate