3D Design

BA (Hons) 3D Design engenders a creative, analytical and skilful approach to the designing and making of products and furniture.

You will join a community of staff and students who share a firmly held conviction that an understanding of how to make something leads the designer to better understand the logic of use, the potential for beauty and the ability to place the activity of design in a broader cultural, environmental and economic context.

A creative studio culture and thoughtful workshop practice engenders an understanding that however ephemeral a trend or how immaterial a technology or intuitive an interface might be, manufactured ‘things’ play important roles as the props and backdrop to the theatre of everyday life.

The course vision is to create the most able graduates – primed to make significant contributions to their chosen field of professional design practice.

Throughout your degree you will work closely with a core team of academic staff, who are all actively involved in design research/practice and deliver a curriculum that is designed to develop the intellectual, and subject-specific skills you need to define your own professional practice. This team is further supported by other specialist disciplinary staff, which ensures our students are supported across all aspects of design learning. 
Realising your ideas through making will play a huge part in your design learning experience and you will be supported to do this by a team of dedicated technical staff. This team has significant industrial experience and manufacturing skills across numerous materials and processes including furniture, engineering, fabrication, model making, CAD and digital 3D printing. 
The nature of studio and workshop teaching allows individual academic support to be accessed as an inherent part of your learning experience. One to one academic tutorials with an academic member of staff at regular intervals during Level 4 and at key stages and after every project that make up the larger portfolio based modules of levels 5 and 6 mean there are multiple check-points to monitor and feedback on academic progress. Your Personal Tutor is also available ensure you receive adequate personal and academic support should any matters arise.

• Design Culture
• Design Theory: The Designer, The User and their Technologies
• Design Methods: The Lab, the Studio and the Workshop
• Design Projects
• Design: Atelier
• Design: Context
• Design Work Placement Year

Requirements

• International applicants are required to have one of the following English language qualifications with grades as shown below.A British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 5.5. Pearson Academic score of 54 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 51.
• Interviews and Auditions Interviews and auditions can be a daunting experience, this part of the UCAS application process can be an anxious time. UK students applying for creative courses have to develop either audition pieces, portfolios of work and practice interview techniques. If you really want that place at your university of choice you have to make sure you put in the ground work to secure that vital offer.
• Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics. If invited to interview, applicants must present a portfolio.
• Fully completed application form
• Personal Email address must be included on application form
• Transcripts and/or certificates (including a certified translation if not in English)
• Passport - copy of personal details page
• Proof of financial sponsorship if applicable
• Portfolio if required (Art and Design portfolios only to be sent with application. Any other courses requiring a portfolio you will be notified how to send, after we receive your application)
• Reference
• Confirmation of immigration history including copies previous and current visas if applicable

Scholarships

• International Academic Scholarships
• Early Payment Discount

The BA (Hons) in 3D Design at Northumbria University offers students an immersive experience into the world of three-dimensional creative practice, combining conceptual development with technical skill acquisition. The programme is designed to equip students with the ability to conceive, develop, and realize innovative design projects across various sectors, including product design, sculpture, installation art, and digital modelling. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of materials, techniques, and digital tools such as CAD software, 3D printing, and virtual reality, enabling them to bring their ideas to life with precision and originality.

The curriculum emphasizes both practical craft skills and theoretical understanding, encouraging students to consider the social, environmental, and ethical implications of their work. Collaborative projects and industry engagements are integral parts of the programme, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities. Students have access to state-of-the-art workshops and laboratories, fostering experimentation and innovation. The course also promotes sustainable design practices, encouraging learners to develop environmentally responsible solutions.

Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for diverse careers in the creative industries, including roles in furniture and product design, set design, experiential installation, and digital media. The programme benefits from Northumbria University's strong links with industry partners, galleries, and design studios, offering students valuable work placements and exhibition opportunities. On completion, students receive a BA (Hons) degree, which can be a stepping stone toward postgraduate study or professional practice in the dynamic field of 3D design. The dynamic and supportive learning environment at Northumbria ensures that students are equipped not just with technical skills, but also with the critical thinking and creative confidence needed to succeed as innovative designers.