Unitec Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts (Product and Furniture Design)

Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

[BDVA]

Programme summary

Learn how to develop products from concept to market – from electronic products and medical equipment, to furniture, homewares and garden tools. Produce prototypes from your own computer models, use the latest design software, and work in state-of-the-art CAD laboratories and workshops.

Every product you touch – be it a snowboard, mobile phone, toaster or office chair – will have been created by a product designer. In the Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts (Product and Furniture Design) you’ll explore how to bring mass-produced products from concept to market. You’ll be able to design and develop products that are realistic, creative, market sensitive and designed with a sustainable future in mind. Learn about design sketching, 2D and 3D visualisation and modelling, computer-based simulation and animation, and consumer psychology. You’ll also explore the works of prominent designers, and the methods used by global brands.

Highlights

• Proudly recognised by industry leaders such as Scion, Design Mobel, Queensberry, Goode Industries and Criterion Group.
• A focus on actual design projects. In your final year, you’ll work on an individual project, designing a product and developing a functioning prototype, computer model and design report.
• A chance to work with the latest CAD software, experiment with new materials, carry out product testing, and produce prototypes from your computer models.
• Access to well-equipped studios, CAD laboratories, workshops, photographic studios, a machine shop, ergonomics lab and 3D digital production facilities.
• Guest lecturers and internationally experienced lecturers.
• Display your work at the Unitec Grad Show.