Design: Product+Space

Design: Product+Space at Kingston University offers a comprehensive and innovative programme that integrates the principles of product design and spatial design to prepare students for a dynamic career in the creative industries. This course is aimed at individuals who are passionate about designing functional, aesthetic, and sustainable products and spaces that enhance everyday life. Throughout the programme, students develop a diverse skill set that includes conceptual thinking, technical proficiency, and hands-on experience with the latest design technologies and methodologies. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical projects, encouraging students to explore the relationship between products and their environments, fostering an understanding of user-centric design, ergonomics, and material innovation. Students are also engaged in real-world problem-solving, working on live briefs and collaborating with industry partners, which helps build their professional portfolio and industry contacts. The programme emphasizes creativity, innovation, and sustainability, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of contemporary design practice. With access to state-of-the-art workshops, design studios, and digital fabrication labs, students have ample opportunities to experiment and refine their ideas into market-ready products and well-designed spaces. The teaching team, comprised of experienced designers and industry practitioners, provides mentorship and guidance to support students' development, ensuring they graduate with the skills necessary for successful careers in product and spatial design. Career prospects for graduates include roles in design consultancy, product development, interior and spatial design, exhibition design, and furniture design, among others. Kingston University’s strong industry links and emphasis on entrepreneurship enable students to turn their creative ideas into commercial ventures. This programme is ideal for imaginative, resourceful, and dedicated individuals who want to make a positive impact through their design work, combining aesthetic appeal with functionality and sustainability. Whether aiming to work in the creative industries or to pursue further research, students on this course gain a solid foundation to succeed and innovate in the world of design.

The Design: Product+Space program at Kingston University offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum that prepares students to excel in the dynamic fields of product and spatial design. This course is designed to foster creative thinking, technical skills, and an understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental contexts that influence contemporary design practices. Throughout the program, students will explore the entire design process, from initial research and conceptualization to detailed development and final execution, developing a versatile skill set that enables them to address real-world challenges in both product and spatial environments.

Students will engage in a variety of project-based modules that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and critical analysis. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable design principles, user-centered approaches, and the integration of new technologies, preparing graduates to innovate responsibly within industry standards and societal needs. The program integrates lectures, workshops, studio sessions, and industry-led projects to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Throughout their studies, students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated design studios, digital fabrication labs, and prototyping workshops. They will also benefit from industry partnerships, internships, and external exhibitions that facilitate real-world exposure and networking opportunities. By the end of the program, graduates will possess a robust portfolio demonstrating their ability to create functional, aesthetically compelling, and environmentally conscious designs for both products and spatial environments.

The course also emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling students to pursue careers in design studios, manufacturing companies, consultancy agencies, or to develop their own start-ups. With a strong foundation in research, innovation, and technical expertise, students will be well-equipped to contribute to the evolving landscape of design and to make a meaningful impact in the global creative industries.

Entry requirements typically include a minimum of UCAS points equivalent to two A-levels at Grade C or above, or other recognized qualifications such as BTEC Extended Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent. Applicants are generally expected to submit a personal statement outlining their interest in product and space design, creativity, and relevant practical experience or portfolio that demonstrates their design skills and understanding of spatial concepts. Prior knowledge or experience in areas like art, design, architecture, or related disciplines can be advantageous. English language proficiency is required for international students, usually demonstrated through IELTS or equivalent, with a common minimum score of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. The program encourages applicants with a passion for innovative design solutions and problem-solving abilities, along with a good understanding of contemporary design issues. Portfolio submissions are often requested to assess the applicant's technical skills, creativity, and potential. The university also considers mature students and those with non-traditional qualifications on an individual basis, evaluating their work experience and motivation for studying product and space design. Some applicants may be invited to an interview or portfolio review to further assess their suitability for the program. Specific academic requirements and criteria can vary depending on the applicant's educational background and country of origin. The program aims to foster a diverse student body with varied perspectives on design practices, emphasizing sustainability, user-centered design, and innovative material usage. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in exploring the intersection of functional design and aesthetic considerations within spatial environments and product development. Overall, the entry requirements focus on identifying motivated, creative, and technically capable students who are committed to developing their skills in space and product design through theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The Design: Product+Space program at Kingston University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s domicile and whether they are enrolled as domestic or international students. Domestic students typically benefit from lower fees, with specific figures published annually by the university, while international students generally pay higher fees. Kingston University provides detailed information about tuition costs on its official website, allowing prospective students to plan their finances accordingly.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider the costs associated with materials, studio access, equipment, and living expenses. The university offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, bursaries, and fee discounts for eligible students. Scholarships are merit-based and renewable annually, rewarding academic excellence or standout creative projects. Bursaries may be awarded based on financial need, and application procedures are available through the university’s admissions portal.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government loans, private scholarships, and sponsorship opportunities, especially for international applicants. Kingston University also provides guidance on applying for Student Loans and other financial assistance programs in the UK. For international students, additional costs like health insurance, visa fees, and travel expenses should also be budgeted.

The university has an extensive support system including financial advising services to help students understand their options and manage their budgets effectively. Many students choose part-time work during their studies to supplement their income while gaining relevant experience. Kingston University’s location in London offers opportunities for employment in creative industries, which can be a valuable resource for students in the Design: Product+Space program.

Overall, financing studies at Kingston University involves careful planning of tuition fees, living costs, and potential financial support schemes. Students are advised to consult the university’s official financial aid page regularly for updates and detailed eligibility criteria. Early application and comprehensive financial planning are key to ensuring a smooth academic journey in this dynamic and creative program.

Design: Product+Space at Kingston University is a comprehensive program that focuses on cultivating innovative thinking and practical skills in students who aspire to excel in the fields of product and spatial design. This course is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of design, including ergonomics, sustainability, user experience, and aesthetics, while also emphasizing the importance of creative problem-solving and critical thinking.

Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of projects that simulate real-world challenges faced by designers in industry. This involves developing concepts from initial sketches and ideas to fully realized prototypes and presentations, encouraging an iterative process that refines their work over time. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics such as materials and fabrication techniques, human factors, spatial planning, and technological integration, preparing students to work across diverse sectors including consumer products, furniture, retail environments, and public spaces.

The program is distinguished by its strong industry links and emphasis on practical experience. Students have opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and organizations, gaining valuable insight into current design trends and requirements. Kingston University often invites industry professionals for guest lectures, workshops, and critiques, ensuring that students stay connected with industry standards and innovations.

Facilities at Kingston support this focus on practical application, offering workshops and labs equipped with modern tools for model making, prototyping, and digital fabrication. The university fosters a creative environment that encourages experimentation and innovation while maintaining a professional outlook on design practice.

Furthermore, the course emphasizes sustainability and responsible design, guiding students to consider environmental impacts and ethical issues in their creative processes. By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the design industry or pursue postgraduate studies.

The teaching staff includes experienced designers and academics dedicated to mentoring students and helping them develop a distinctive design voice. The assessment methods combine project work, presentations, reports, and peer reviews, reflecting real-world professional expectations. Overall, Design: Product+Space at Kingston University aims to produce forward-thinking designers who are capable of shaping innovative, functional, and sustainable solutions in the contemporary design landscape.