Are you both a creative and practical individual? Do you enjoy creating new things that make day – to – day living efficient? If so, then you may be interested in studying a course in industrial design.

However, while a design course requires a certain level of creativity, it is also important to remember that this particular course of study is a lot of hard work. While students will be expected to attend lectures and practical based workshops, they should also have a passion for the subject matter as well as be capable of individual study. Design portfolios and independent work will have to be submitted in order to showcase their abilities.

There are a number of career opportunities available to those with qualifications in industrial design. Many graduates step into job roles such as industrial/product design, working on developing new designs and improving current products. Those working in such roles will have a typical starting salary of £14,000- £20,000, although this may differ depending upon geographical location.

Similarly if you’re interested in teaching industrial design, then this is also an option for those with degrees and qualifications in this particular field. If you study for a PGCE, then you can teach industrial design at secondary school level or even consider becoming a further education lecturer.

However, there are many alternative careers available for those who have an interest in product design. Many find work in marketing and/or advertising roles or even working in sales and customer services roles as students on this course of study learn how to anticipate a customer’s needs.

The majority of undergraduate courses will last approximately for three years although some courses may last longer allowing students to gain a year’s worth of industry experience. Post-graduate courses may last anywhere from a year to three years and will have more of a specialised focus.

If you’re looking to study at undergraduate level, universities will expect applicants to have achieved 3 A-levels or equivalent in arts-related subjects.  If you haven’t received your grades by the time you are due to apply, then you may be given a conditional offer depending upon your predicted grades, Those wishing to study at a post-graduate level will be expected to have a 2:1 degree in a similar field.

There are a variety of undergraduate and post-graduate courses available to those wishing to study a course in Design. Universities will consider applications from students who are non-native speakers of English on the provision that they score a minimum of 6.0 overall on an IELTS test before the course commences.

Most of the course content will take place in a vocational learning environment. While students may be expected to attend some theory-based lectures, the majority of teaching will take place in workshops where students will learn practical craft skills. These will be assessed through the submission of independent projects which will be submitted at the end of each module.

Course fees and academic grades should always come into consideration when you decide where to study. Many of the prestigious specialist design establishments expect applicants to have a minimum of 3 A-levels, or a 2:1 degree for post-graduate courses as well as a strong design portfolio if you feel your portfolio does not truly reflect your abilities, then why not take a gap year to develop your work and gain some work experience.

If you are struggling with fees, or are still applying for funding, there are a number of bursaries and scholarships available for students.

Location is a key influential factor when deciding where to study and your extra-curricular activities will have an impact upon your future employability. Ideally you should apply to study at a University located in the heart of a town or city with is renowned for its thriving design industry such as London or Leeds which will also have the added benefit of allowing you to meet friends with similar interests to you and develop contacts.

It is vital that you look closely at what is on offer at each establishment and to consider which field of design you find the most interesting. Some universities will offer modules specialising in different areas of industrial design from technological development to the improvement of aesthetics. You will spend at least a year studying, so it is important that you end up studying a subject that you are passionate about.