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In the UK for Art and Design in the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).

Furniture and Product Design BA (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): W240 (with placement year) / W242 (full-time)
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Four years full-time with placement year, three years full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: City Campus
Information for 2024

Introduction:

Embark on a journey of creativity with our Furniture and Product Design course. Explore crafting innovative products for diverse markets, striking a balance between commercial and conceptual work. Immerse yourself in a hands-on, empirical approach that emphasises designing through making, fostering experimentation with materials and processes

We'll explore function, form and the relationships we forge with the everyday objects with which we live.  Alongside technical skills like sketching, model-making and prototyping, we’ll look at key human issues of ethically responsible design, analyse the ways that our lifestyles are changing and how this impacts on consumer choice, and experiment with innovative means of furniture and product production. You’ll test your skills across live projects, and you can even complete a year-long work placement, throwing yourself into the cutting edge of real-world industry.

We don’t produce cookie-cutter designers. Our students graduate as distinct individuals — some become successful freelancers, and others secure diverse roles with companies like Habitat, John Lewis, DFS and The Design Council. Some are designer-makers; others become journalists and curators. By exploring your craft, developing your own design identity, and making the most of some genuinely unique opportunities, you’ll be a stand-out prospect in the world of design.

Explore the work of our graduating students in our Student Showcase.

Main image: Joe Cassidy, BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design student.

  • 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).
  • NTU is 2nd for the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).
  • You’ll be using the same equipment as the pros. From 3D printers to water-jet cutters and bandsaws, plus dedicated workshops for wood, metal and concrete working, we’ve got the lot — minimising the jump from uni to industry.
  • We’re industry-focused with great connections. Through live projects and placements, you’ll be working face-to-face with some huge names — the likes of John Lewis, Pearson Lloyd, Hasbro, Philip Watts Designs, and deVol Kitchens.

Course accreditation

  • Chartered Society of Designers logo

What you’ll study

Dive into the world of furniture and product design. Discover the bigger picture, explore emerging trends, and find your unique place in the creative space. Engage in collaborative, industry-like projects, forming lasting connections with fellow students. This course is all about creative freedom and encouragement, encouraging you to develop your own approach. Uncover your motivations through reflective practice and witness the versatility of your skills, spanning from architecture to artisanal jewelry-making.

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of the modules you’ll be studying.

Year One

  • Introduction to Design (20 credit points)
  • Design Tools, Materials and Production (20 credit points)
  • Design Context, Identity and Sustainable Responsibility (20 credit points)
  • Design through Inquisitive Making (60 credit points)

Year Two

  • Professional Practice (20 credit points)
  • Advanced Design Tools, Materials and Production (20 credit points)
  • Sustainability, Materials & Processes (20 credit points)
  • Elective Design Project  (40 credit points)
  • Exploring Materials and Processes (20 credit points)

Year Three

  • Placement

Final Year

  • Exploration & Context (20 credit points)
  • Commercial Project (20 credit points)
  • Self-Directed Project (80 credit points)

Introduction to Design (20 credit points)

  • This module is both central and integral to your studies and activities in supporting the other modules in year one. It will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge that all designers need as professionals, in both practical and contextual subjects. The distinctive features of this module will focus on: What Design is: a process, a practice and teamwork and Communicating your designs.
  • You will begin to develop an understanding of the key attributes of being a designer in all that you do, especially in applying safe working practices within the studios and workshops. You will study issues and ideas exploring design from political, technological, social and economic perspectives and you will develop knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental processes and practices of design.
  • You will focus on design activities which you will undertake, which are either individually or team based. The work you undertake will also develop your understanding of how to frame appropriate solutions to design problems through a variety different design practices, processes and approaches.
  • You will learn key design communication techniques, which is a significant tool for any designer in supporting the design process. This will include a range of media and methods in 2D and 3D i.e. sketching, basic modelling and presentation skills. In studying this module, you will develop the confidence to work with a variety of media and graphical presentation techniques, working in studios, workshops and laboratories.

Design Tools, Materials and Production (20 credit points)

  • Develop your practical design skills and your knowledge around materials and production; furthering your confidence in applying a range of practical design skills and tools to develop your own design processes, employing safe working practices within the studio and workshop environments.
  • You will consider and apply a diverse range of techniques and skills that are often attributed to the creative perspective of product design. Develop a range of key design tools including sketching, modelling in 3D, making skills, prototyping , computer aided design (CAD) and rendering, alongside, verbal, digital and written presentation skills. You will also develop your ability to present information in front of your peers, draw on computer-based skills, model in three dimensions, plan your time, gather information and communicate.

Design Context, Identity and Sustainable Responsibility (20 credit points)

  • This module will focus specifically on the context of design, its role within society,  and on developing your own identity as a designer. You will develop your design thinking, exposing you to different design approaches and historical design context, enabling you to understand the many complex issues that impact on design, whilst enabling you to develop your own responsible design philosophy.
  • Critical awareness and an ability to contextualise your individual approach will be the focus of this module , combining individual and team based activities, such as debates, seminars and critical writing/presentations, with the aim of underpinning your learning over this year.
  • Exploring and analysing the rich archive of design history will develop your critical thinking. You will be encouraged to question and challenge preconceived ideas and articulate considered opinions on design. Understanding and exploring design responsibility and issues around sustainable design practice will be vital, alongside other key theories and concepts related to design, allowing you to contextualise your own practice.
  • You will also focus on design identity, specifically advancing your awareness of the design profession. As such, you will consider your position as a responsible future designer, the opportunities available for designers, and developing your own identity within this field.

Design through Inquisitive Making (60 credit points)

  • This module will focus on the iterative design process and develops your understanding of design through exploratory activities linked to design projects. The module focuses on a range of commercially-driven design projects and activities to provide a clear emphasis on the design profession. You will undertake a number of different projects, real-life ‘live’ briefs from industry and competition work, offering a clear work-like experience.
  • Within this module you will evaluate your relationship with materials, making and design. You will develop your confidence and curiosity in experimentation and in an iterative hands-on design process. You will also be exploring concepts outside of your experience and challenge preconceptions and integrating theory and practice in an engaging, hands-on way.
  • You will investigate the process of design through making within the context of a creative furniture and product design industry. You will apply practical skills and thinking developed concurrently, enabling you to develop and exploit your hands-on understanding of specific materials and design practices.
  • You will draw upon the learning you gain across all modules when engaging in these projects in order to develop your own design practice. You will experience a range of design projects in this module and respond appropriately and sensitively to the needs of the user and the planet. The projects you work on will evolve your design thinking, developing your creative, intellectual and technical talents.

Professional Practice (20 credit points)

  • This module will help you to contextualise your design studies in a professional remit. You will consider the broad view of the design profession, both historical and contemporary, and question where it is going in the future; along with reflecting on where you might sit within this profession. This will be supported by a work-like experience, framed by the Conversations on Design series delivered by industry professionals.
  • You will develop your critical and analytical skills to justify and evaluate your design approach. You will also learn about key subjects areas such as design management techniques, IP, sustainability and commercial awareness and develop a keen awareness of the breadth of the design industry, and the roles and ethical responsibilities of designers, manufacturers and consumers.

Advanced Design Tools, Materials and Production (20 credit points)

  • This module aims to further develop your practical design skills and expand your awareness of their varied application to develop your own design processes. You will acquire, consider and apply techniques and skills that are often attributed to the creative perspective of furniture and product design, at a more advanced level.
  • Further develop your confidence in making processes and your empathy with materials, alongside an increased awareness of production processes. You will also be introduced to and develop an advanced language of communication skills which will enable you to enhance the work for your other modules; create your portfolio, CV, design work and other industry facing material.
  • The skills you will learn will enable you to choose from a range of methods and different media so that you can develop and express your ideas in an articulate and confident manner. These attributes are at the heart of design, as key tools for the designer, and will be practically applied within the Projects module. Ultimately, this module will help you with future employment opportunities in the design field.

Sustainability, Materials & Processes (40 credit points)

  • This module will build on the knowledge, skills and attributes you have learnt in the first year of your studies and develops them to give you the confidence to practise as a furniture and product designer within the parameters associated with the profession. You will be encouraged to take risks, explore and experiment, alongside questioning the global context and contemporary issues that affect design.
  • Central to the module are a series of design projects for which you will be given design briefs, some live with industry,  with real time deadlines. The focus of these projects relates to significant issues designers commonly face in their work; such as materials, processes, ergonomics, sustainable practice,  and changing technologies, culture and commercial markets. You will be expected to realise the full format of a designer’s outputs i.e. design concepts, sketches, renderings, models, prototypes, technical reports, technical drawings, CAD work, and simulations to an industrial and commercially accepted standard.
  • Projects will be ‘live’ industry-based briefs, providing experience in dealing with live briefs, clients, and commercial needs, and offering a clear work-like experience. You  will also develop your knowledge of sustainable design practice models as diverse as design for production, through to consultancy, freelance entrepreneurship, open-source, and design activism.Theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to furniture, product and wider design subjects, encountered in the other Level 5 modules, including consideration of sustainability, cultural challenges, resources and material usage, will inform your project work.
  • Insightful research, intelligent exploitation of materials and process, and iterative development through prototyping are key activities within this module.In general terms, this module will enable you to develop your unique creative problem-solving abilities in response to increasing problem complexity.

Exploring Materials and Processes (20 credit points)

  • This module gives you the opportunity to explore and research a subject of your personal interest (based on course themes). The key outcomes of this is a research portfolio where you outline the research and key findings, trends and ideas that forms the thinking for your elective project work.
  • You will experiment with materials and process, exploiting newly discovered behaviours in intelligent and appropriate ways. Curiosity and passion for material manipulation will open possibilities to new sustainable design territories.The research document will focus your thoughts and plans for that which you intend to design and produce a body of work for later in this year. It also stipulates the plan for the project; specifically, the direction and choices you wish to make during the project.
  • The format of your research portfolio could be written piece, a visual essay, a film, or a critique.Therefore the aims of the module are to promote in-depth knowledge and confidence of a particular subject, using a wide range of research skills.

Placement Opportunity

  • In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement. This year in industry will offer you hands-on experience, adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your CV. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.
  • Recent placement destinations have included Fritz Fryer Lighting, Spiral Product Design, Sawaya & Mironi (Milan), Modus Furniture, Object Design and more, working in roles such as trainee designer, CAD/CAM technician, junior designer and planner, amongst more. The majority of their roles include salaries, with some students earning up to £18,000 for their year.
  • Successful completion of the placement year leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice.
  • You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a European Project Semester during your third year with one of our partner universities. This option allows you to spend half a year studying abroad, and the other half gaining work experience on placement. We've got links with Universities in Spain, France, Austria, The Netherlands and Germany.

Exploration & Context (20 credit points)

  • The module gives you the opportunity to explore and research a subject of your personal interest that links to the self-directed project. The key outcome of this is a scoping document in which you present and discuss the research and key findings on topical, and relevant subjects of significance, that forms the thinking for your self-directed project work later on.
  • You may choose the format, and a range of options will be discussed with you; these include: a standard written piece, a visual essay, a film, or a critique. Whichever format you chose, topics are individually negotiated and agreed with tutors in the initial stages of the module.
  • The scoping document will focus your thoughts and plans for that which you intend to design and produce a body of work for the self-directed module. It stipulates the plan for the project; specifically, the direction and choices you wish to make.
  • Therefore the aims the module are to promote in-depth knowledge and confidence in a particular subject associated with the broad spectrum of design, using a wide range of primary and secondary research skills; to gain extensive and exploratory experience in communicating complex issues in text, illustrations and words; to promote understanding of design as a complex activity; and develop the ability to research, evaluate and communicate its relationship to culture, society and technology.

Commercial Project (20 credit points)

  • This module centres around live/industry-led design projects, and the choice to pursue different routes. It encourages you to explore, model, research, propose and develop ideas, concepts and products through a number of chosen and self-regulated projects. The synthesis of information, skills and learned knowledge will help you develop your portfolio and personal stance on contemporary design.
  • You will be expected to draw upon the teaching and learning you have experienced over the previous years of study. As such, the process of learning at this level will be a highly personal one, supported by tutors who will encourage you to maximise your potential and create a portfolio of evidence you can take forward into the graduate marketplace.
  • Your work will be driven by live industrial/commercial input and partners, developing real world solutions. The objectives of this module are therefore to promote the application of your skills, knowledge and understanding of design methodologies in the creative realisation of products, and to understand your own practise in a professional context.
  • For this, you will work on a project for the first term. The project culminates in an assessed digital presentation and submission of development work.  The Commercial Project Element projects are, set by industry/commerce or recognised student competitions. Commercial Projects have been run with companies such as: Habitat, Made.com, Forpeople, Kinner Dufort, Howdens, Very, Shoe Zone, Design Innovation in Plastics, RSA, Starpack, Allermuir, The Conran Shop, Magis.

Self-Directed Project (80 credit points)

  • There are distinctive features to this module, including the choice to pursue an individual direction. The module is broken down into three elements which are: Define & Develop, Process & Implement, Present & Reflect.
  • This module encourages you to explore, research, propose and develop ideas, model, develop concepts and products through a chosen, self-regulated projects. The synthesis of information, skills and learned knowledge will help you develop your portfolio and personal stance on contemporary design.
  • As a final year module, you are expected to draw upon the teaching and learning you have experienced over the previous years of study. The process of learning will be a highly personal one, supported by tutors who will encourage you to maximise your potential and create a body of work you can take forward into the graduate marketplace.
  • The objectives of this Self-directed module are therefore to promote the application of your skills, knowledge and understanding of design methodologies to the creative realisation of products, and to understand your own practise in a professional context.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Emric John-Sawyer

I would 100% recommend our course to anyone looking to study Furniture and Product Design as it is one of the best universities in the country for design.

Guto Davies

Course staff are constantly pushing us to find who we are as designers and to find our own creative voice

Phoebe Oldfield

Furniture and Product Design

The facilities available to us are fantastic and the lecturers and tutors are really great mentors as they all bring so much experience and insight to the table.

Student Work

Practice makes perfect

Head of Product Design James Dale shares how studying at NTU prepares you for industry and how we support you in discovering what kind of designer you are.
Video Icon
 

How you’re taught

Immerse yourself in dynamic course content through engaging sessions like lectures, seminars, workshops, and design sessions. Leverage our virtual learning environment, NOW, for self-directed projects. Beyond scheduled sessions, embrace independent study—preparing for lectures, researching, completing coursework, and expanding your portfolio through directed reading. Benefit from the insights of external professional practitioners, ensuring a continual enhancement of your learning with real-world perspectives.

Our Product Design community

Dive into our dynamic Product Design community — a blend of creativity, support, and challenge. Collaborate seamlessly with classmates, tutors, and experts to shape your unique design identity from day one. Embrace teamwork to tackle diverse design activities, from idea experimentation in our studio to crafting CAD models and prototypes in our workshops. This environment is designed to inspire and prepare you for the creative challenges ahead in your studies and career.

Study trips

Field trips and study visits are an important part of your learning. Trips may include site visits and visits to practices, museums, exhibitions and events. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, and substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school. Optional trips may also be organised which can provide additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student. A valid passport and any associated visas will be required for trips outside of the UK.

Design studio

You'll benefit from dedicated studio space on the course. Our studio-based environment encourages experimentation with new methods, styles, and techniques, and pushes you to take your practice in any direction that motivates you. This approach reflects how the industry works and prepares you well for the collaborative approach that you'll practice throughout your career.

Live projects

As part of some modules, you'll work on live project briefs set by real industry clients. This can involve visits and workshops led by design teams from industry, and delivering presentations to them, providing the opportunity to showcase your skills and ability to potential employers. Previously our students have worked with John Lewis, Umbra, Isokon, Pearson Lloyd, Vitsoe, SCP and Morgan Contract Furniture.

Conversations on Design

We run a lecture series called 'Conversations on Design'. As part of this series practitioners from a range of industries come and deliver talks to students about their own practice, experiences in industry, and contemporary issues in their field. These talks are a great way to get first-hand insights into the workings of different organisations, practice and applications of design.

Competitions

As well as working on briefs as part of the course, we encourage you to enter external industry competitions to challenge yourself, broaden your skillset, and add to your CV and portfolio. Our students are consistently recognised in national awards. Recent award wins include the Arts Thread Global Design Graduate Show in collaboration with Gucci, the Made.com TalentLab prize presented at New Designers, and the Design Fresh: Product of the Year at the 100% Design Awards, and the Wood Awards.

Staff Profiles

James Dale - Head of Department

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

James Dale is the Head of Product Design in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

Mr Chris Lamerton BA(Hons) MA FHEA AFSEDA MIED FFMC - Principal Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

As Principal Lecturer and Department Manager, Chris is responsible for the resourcing and strategic planning of all programs within the Undergraduate and Postgraduate suite of courses within the Product design

Phillipa Martin - Principal Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Principal Lecturer and Departmental Manager (focusing on Quality and Standards) for the Product Design team.

Fiona Davidson - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Fiona is Course Leader for BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design.

Simon Cahill - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

George Riding - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

How you’re assessed

You’ll be assessed through coursework, which will consist of projects, reports, presentations, prototypes, exhibitions/project outcomes, scoping documents, essays and a portfolio.

Year One Coursework 100%
Year Two Coursework 100%
Year Three Optional placement year
Year Four Coursework 100%

Careers and employability

Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the design industry, through work placements, working on real projects from industry, input from industry professionals, and regularly updated course content.

Sandwich placement year

In your third year, grasp the opportunity for a year-long, full-time design placement to apply your skills in a real-world setting and explore career options. The skills developed in Years One and Two, along with a curated design portfolio, are complemented by support from our Employability team, assisting with opportunities, CVs, and interview preparation. This industry experience not only enhances your final year work but also establishes valuable connections, with some students returning to their placement companies post-graduation.

Students typically gain placements in product design companies across the UK and abroad. Recent destinations have included: deVOL Kitchens, 2MZ & Pluck, Spiral Product Design,Whitemeadow Furniture and Philip Watts Designs.

NTU is 2nd for the number of Undergraduate students studying Design studies (HESA, 2021/22).

Professional qualification

Successful completion of the 36 weeks leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice, which will further enhance your CV.

Where do Product Design graduates from NTU work?

NTU has a strong product design alumni community, with many graduates working in senior positions in leading national and international companies.

Recent graduate destinations include: G-Plan, John Lewis, Next, Benchmark, Nestlé, FBC London, Object Design, DFS, Roundhouse Design, Kitchen Architecture.

Our Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Final Year Showcase

Check out our NTU Design Industries Virtual Student Showcase, an online exhibition celebrating the work of our graduates.

Keep up to date with our current Final Year Product Design student work on Instagram @NTUDI!

Campus and facilities

Studio space

Our Arkwright studio is a big, open, creative space where you'll spend a lot of your time as a Furniture and Product Design student. This is where you'll collaborate, undertake group and individual work, sketch, develop projects and soft modelling, and have presentations and critique sessions. Fitted with plenty of desk space and computers with all the software you need, you'll be well equipped and supported by our academic and technical teams.

Specialist facilities

At the University's City Campus, you'll have full access to our range of specialist equipment and spaces based in our Arkwright and Maudslay buildings. You'll be supported by a team of expert technical staff who will teach you to maximise the use of our resources and facilitate your development as a designer.

You'll benefit from our dedicated studios and workshop facilities, and full IT and CAD suites.

Specialised equipment includes the following:

  • Rapid prototyping modellers: these machines quickly create a 3D object from a virtual computer model using a highly advanced laser process.
  • Waterjet cutter: the latest generation precision technology capable of cutting up to 150mm in almost any solid material such as glass, steel, granite, marble, aluminium and rubber.
  • a CNC (computer-numerical control) router and laser and plasma cutters.
  • Bandsaw machines, lathes and circular saws to cut a range of materials including wood, foam, plastics and metal.
  • Sanding machines, used to prepare surfaces and furniture for a high quality finish.

Take a look at the facilities, equipment and spaces you could use as a Furniture and Product Design student.

Access to our workshops and labs

Enjoy scheduled access to well-equipped workshops and labs throughout your academic journey, tailored to meet project-specific needs. Additionally, our studio spaces are available for daily bookings, offering flexibility to accommodate your creative workflow. Outside timetabled hours, select machinery remains accessible, with priority given to timetabled students, but open to all when space permits.

Dedicated resource centre

Students in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment have access to a dedicated resource centre. This centre, based in the Maudslay building, enables students to undertake private study in a facility equipped with computers, large format plotters and desk space, together with the latest, and archived, journals and publications.

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
  • Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).

Other requirements

Contextual offers

A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

What are we looking for?

  • 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).

Other requirements

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, that's why we're here to help. Take a look at our fees and funding pages for lots of handy advice and guidance.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Here at NTU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Boots Library, specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs, which for this programme could include the following:

  • Year 1: Layout pads, geometry set, portfolio case, rendering pens, materials £250 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Year 2: Layout pads and materials £160 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Final Year: Layout pads and materials £700 (minimum) and printing £80 (minimum)

Please note that material costs may vary depending on what material you choose to work in. All other mandatory costs for the course are paid for by the University.

Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Degree Show

In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up.

Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies

As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.

What you’ll receive

  • All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
  • Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
  • Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
  • £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Tuition fees for September 2024 entry 

Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.

Scholarships 

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees 

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Here at NTU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Boots Library, specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs, which for this programme could include the following:

  • Year 1: Layout pads, geometry set, portfolio case, rendering pens, materials £250 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Year 2: Layout pads and materials £160 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Final Year: Layout pads and materials £700 (minimum) and printing £80 (minimum)

Please note that material costs may vary depending on what material you choose to work in. All other mandatory costs for the course are paid for by the University.

Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Degree Show

In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up.

Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies

As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.

What you’ll receive

  • All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
  • Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
  • Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
  • £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

How to apply

Apply through UCAS.

As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.

If successful, you'll be invited to an interview where you'll present your portfolio. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your potential as a designer. Take a look at our interview and portfolio advice.

Keeping up to date

After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.

You can apply for this course through UCAS.

If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU Applicant Portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Your portfolio 

If your initial application is successful, you'll be invited to submit a digital portfolio of your work.

This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your potential as a designer. Take a look at our portfolio advice.

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

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