Product, Furniture, Ceramics

BA (Hons)

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

UCAS code

W325

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Design and experiment in industry standard facilities

From our studio spaces to dedicated Material and Maker Workshops, our facilities are equipped to enable you to realise your dream designs and creative potential

Fantastic links to industry and accreditation by the Chartered Society of Designers

Take advantage of our network, work on live projects from global leading brands and enter your work into prestigious national and international competitions.

Top 5 for Product Design

Guardian University Guide 2024

Become a creator of the future. Design and make innovative, contemporary products to high levels of craftsmanship using a diverse range of materials, processes and practical skills.

You’ll develop a broad set of design and making skills, learning from our team of expert academics in our collaborative design studio. You’ll apply your skills through live projects with world-renowned brands, building a portfolio of innovative and exciting work.

You can can focus on your area of specialism in the third year, tailoring your projects to your target career, whether you want to be a Product Designer, Ceramicist, Furniture Maker or Entrepreneurial Designer-Maker.

Our course is taught by academics with real-world experience in design and manufacturing, who will be at your side throughout your journey to provide you with the knowledge, skills and support you need to take the first step to a successful career in Product, Furniture, Ceramics.

Students work on real live projects with global leading brands such as Vitra, Wedgwood, KEF, Habitat and Kevala ceramics.

You’ll get the chance to visit leading Design Studios, Manufacturers and Exhibitions both in the UK and internationally on our vibrant Educational Visits.

Students have won prestigious National and International awards including:

  • Tom Faulkner Furniture award for Distinct Furniture & Craftsmanship

  • New Designers Best Stand

  • Habitat Awards

  • Pentland Brands Award

  • Consecutive year on year 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for excellence from Valentine Clays & Potclays

Students have also won multiple Keith Brymer Jones ‘promising young maker’ awards, FRANZ Rising Star Global Scholarships, and the GNCCF ‘Best Maker’ awards.

A number of modules are industry sponsored, with free materials for students, prizes and placement opportunities.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Product, Furniture, Ceramics

Duration

  • Full-time course runs for 3 years
  • Full-time with a placement year runs for 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year runs for 4 years

Work placements

By choosing the placement route, you will have the opportunity to spend a year in industry working at a selected company. You will be able to develop your skills, knowledge and experience as part of your degree and return to the third year feeling even more confident about tackling your negotiated major project.

Previous students have completed placements at companies across the UK and internationally.

Become a creator of the future. Design and make innovative, contemporary products to high levels of craftsmanship using a diverse range of materials, processes and practical skills.

You’ll develop a broad set of design and making skills, learning from our team of expert academics in our collaborative design studio. You’ll apply your skills through live projects with world-renowned brands, building a portfolio of innovative and exciting work.

You can can focus on your area of specialism in the third year, tailoring your projects to your target career, whether you want to be a Product Designer, Ceramicist, Furniture Maker or Entrepreneurial Designer-Maker.

Our course is taught by academics with real-world experience in design and manufacturing, who will be at your side throughout your journey to provide you with the knowledge, skills and support you need to take the first step to a successful career in Product, Furniture, Ceramics.

Students work on real live projects with global leading brands such as Vitra, Wedgwood, KEF, Habitat and Kevala ceramics.

You’ll get the chance to visit leading Design Studios, Manufacturers and Exhibitions both in the UK and internationally on our vibrant Educational Visits.

Students have won prestigious National and International awards including:

  • Tom Faulkner Furniture award for Distinct Furniture & Craftsmanship

  • New Designers Best Stand

  • Habitat Awards

  • Pentland Brands Award

  • Consecutive year on year 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for excellence from Valentine Clays & Potclays

Students have also won multiple Keith Brymer Jones ‘promising young maker’ awards, FRANZ Rising Star Global Scholarships, and the GNCCF ‘Best Maker’ awards.

A number of modules are industry sponsored, with free materials for students, prizes and placement opportunities.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Product, Furniture, Ceramics

Duration

  • Full-time course runs for 3 years
  • Full-time with a placement year runs for 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year runs for 4 years

Previous students have completed placements at companies across the UK and internationally.

Become a creator of the future. Design and make innovative, contemporary products to high levels of craftsmanship using a diverse range of materials, processes and practical skills.

You’ll develop a broad set of design and making skills, learning from our team of expert academics in our collaborative design studio. You’ll apply your skills through live projects with world-renowned brands, building a portfolio of innovative and exciting work.

You can can focus on your area of specialism in the third year, tailoring your projects to your target career, whether you want to be a Product Designer, Ceramicist, Furniture Maker or Entrepreneurial Designer-Maker.

Our course is taught by academics with real-world experience in design and manufacturing, who will be at your side throughout your journey to provide you with the knowledge, skills and support you need to take the first step to a successful career in Product, Furniture, Ceramics.

Students work on real live projects with global leading brands such as Vitra, Wedgwood, KEF, Habitat and Kevala ceramics.

You’ll get the chance to visit leading Design Studios, Manufacturers and Exhibitions both in the UK and internationally on our vibrant Educational Visits.

Students have won prestigious National and International awards including:

  • Tom Faulkner Furniture award for Distinct Furniture & Craftsmanship

  • New Designers Best Stand

  • Habitat Awards

  • Pentland Brands Award

  • Consecutive year on year 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for excellence from Valentine Clays & Potclays

Students have also won multiple Keith Brymer Jones ‘promising young maker’ awards, FRANZ Rising Star Global Scholarships, and the GNCCF ‘Best Maker’ awards.

A number of modules are industry sponsored, with free materials for students, prizes and placement opportunities.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Product, Furniture, Ceramics

Duration

  • Full-time course runs for 3 years
  • Full-time with a placement year runs for 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year runs for 4 years

Previous students have completed placements at companies across the UK and internationally.

Course content

The first year of the course is designed to provide you with solid foundations in becoming a designer/ maker, focusing on core design skills, material exploration and in-depth making skills taught in wood, ceramics, composite materials, metal, and the role of CAD as a visualisation tool. Real live projects with industry give you the opportunity to put these skills into practice and get your first taste of working with clients.

In the second year, you’ll focus on developing an identity as a designer whilst learning more about design for production and commercial design practice. You’ll work collaboratively on projects with industry that will develop your independence, focusing on driving factors like consumer behaviour and sustainability.

The third year allows you to specialise, tailoring your Major Project to your target career, putting all the skills developed into practice. You’ll consider the contextualisation of your work, including branding, costings and intellectual property. The third year culminates in an end-of-year Degree Show, as well as the opportunity to exhibit your work at a national design show such as New Designers.

The first year of the course is designed to provide you with solid foundations in becoming a designer/ maker, focusing on core design skills, material exploration and in-depth making skills taught in wood, ceramics, composite materials, metal, and the role of CAD as a visualisation tool. Real live projects with industry give you the opportunity to put these skills into practice and get your first taste of working with clients.

In the second year, you’ll focus on developing an identity as a designer whilst learning more about design for production and commercial design practice. You’ll work collaboratively on projects with industry that will develop your independence, focusing on driving factors like consumer behaviour and sustainability.

The third year allows you to specialise, tailoring your Major Project to your target career, putting all the skills developed into practice. You’ll consider the contextualisation of your work, including branding, costings and intellectual property. The third year culminates in an end-of-year Degree Show, as well as the opportunity to exhibit your work at a national design show such as New Designers.

The first year of the course is designed to provide you with solid foundations in becoming a designer/ maker, focusing on core design skills, material exploration and in-depth making skills taught in wood, ceramics, composite materials, metal, and the role of CAD as a visualisation tool. Real live projects with industry give you the opportunity to put these skills into practice and get your first taste of working with clients.

In the second year, you’ll focus on developing an identity as a designer whilst learning more about design for production and commercial design practice. You’ll work collaboratively on projects with industry that will develop your independence, focusing on driving factors like consumer behaviour and sustainability.

The third year allows you to specialise, tailoring your Major Project to your target career, putting all the skills developed into practice. You’ll consider the contextualisation of your work, including branding, costings and intellectual property. The third year culminates in an end-of-year Degree Show, as well as the opportunity to exhibit your work at a national design show such as New Designers.

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) the professional body for design with free student membership and leading to Associate Membership (Assoc. CSD).

Chartered Society of Designers Accredited Course

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) the professional body for design with free student membership and leading to Associate Membership (Assoc. CSD).

Chartered Society of Designers Accredited Course

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) the professional body for design with free student membership and leading to Associate Membership (Assoc. CSD).

Chartered Society of Designers Accredited Course

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 1 40 credits
Material Investigation 20 credits
Studio Skills 20 credits
Visualisation 1 20 credits
Visualisation 2 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 2 40 credits
Design For Manufacture 40 credits
Identity And Context 20 credits
Visualisation 3 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 3 20 credits
Graduate Futures 20 credits
Major Project 60 credits
People, Place And Society 20 credits

Please note, we are refreshing our curriculum which means the module structure may be subject to change. These planned changes aim to further develop your professional skills to equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Progression routes to masters

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 1 40 credits
Material Investigation 20 credits
Studio Skills 20 credits
Visualisation 1 20 credits
Visualisation 2 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 2 40 credits
Design For Manufacture 40 credits
Identity And Context 20 credits
Visualisation 3 20 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 3 20 credits
Graduate Futures 20 credits
Major Project 60 credits
People, Place And Society 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Material Investigation 20 credits
Studio Skills 20 credits
Visualisation 1 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 1 40 credits
Visualisation 2 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Design For Manufacture 40 credits
Visualisation 3 20 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 2 40 credits
Identity And Context 20 credits
Year 5 compulsory modules
Design For Industry 3 20 credits
Graduate Futures 20 credits
People, Place And Society 20 credits
Year 6 compulsory modules
Major Project 60 credits

Entry requirements

What do I need?

UCAS

96 UCAS points

A Levels

CCC

BTEC

MMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

A foundation year is available for applicants who do not have the appropriate entry qualifications for direct entry to the degree level course, or applicants who wish to develop a broader set of creative skills before joining our Product, Furniture, Ceramics course. Our Art & Design foundation year has a long track record of success in providing a smooth transition to our BA (Hons) courses.

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What do I need?

UCAS

96 UCAS points

A Levels

CCC

BTEC

MMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

A foundation year is available for applicants who do not have the appropriate entry qualifications for direct entry to the degree level course, or applicants who wish to develop a broader set of creative skills before joining our Product, Furniture, Ceramics course. Our Art & Design foundation year has a long track record of success in providing a smooth transition to our BA (Hons) courses.

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What do I need?

UCAS

96 UCAS points

A Levels

CCC

BTEC

MMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

A foundation year is available for applicants who do not have the appropriate entry qualifications for direct entry to the degree level course, or applicants who wish to develop a broader set of creative skills before joining our Product, Furniture, Ceramics course. Our Art & Design foundation year has a long track record of success in providing a smooth transition to our BA (Hons) courses.

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Facilities

Dedicated Studio

Our well-equipped studio represents real-world design studio practice. You’ll each have you own individual desk where you will be able to generate ideas, make models and present your ideas to real clients. Read more

Software includes: Rhino, SolidWorks, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Watch video

3D Workshops

Get hands-on in our industry-standard workshops across wood, ceramics, heavy metal, fine metal, & composite materials. Equipped with everything from lathes, laser cutters, throwing wheels, glaze labs, arc welders, etching tanks and more. Read more

You'll learn traditional hand-making, machine manufacture and modern digital craft techniques. Find out more about our maker facilities
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Ceramics workshops

Our plaster modelling workshop, casting benches, throwing room, glaze lab and kiln room and computer workshops are where you’ll create functional ceramicware and sculptural forms using the techniques of slipcasting, handbuilding, throwing and more. Read more

Find out more about our ceramics workshops

Our plaster modelling workshop, casting benches, throwing room, glaze lab and kiln room alongside computer workshops are where you’ll create functional ceramicware and sculptural forms using the techniques of slipcasting, plastic clay, forming hand throwing and hand building.
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CAD Modelling Labs

Our dedicated CAD studios replicates real practice where you'll have access to excellent drawing and computer facilities including the latest industry-standard software. Read more

Software includes: Rhino, VRED, SolidWorks, Alias, Maya, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite. Find out more about our computer workshops
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3D Printing Bureau

Book in jobs, pay for prints, collect work and get technical support using our collection of 3D printers. Read more

Available Printers include Mojo, Up Box, Markforged Onyx One, Formlab 3, and Stratasys J55. Print in various materials - resin, metal, carbon fibre and clay! Find out more about our Print Bureau and our 3D printing facilities

 

 

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.
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Careers

Graduates from our design degrees are highly sought after, securing careers worldwide and working on a wide variety of projects. They work for companies including:

  • Habitat
  • M&S Home
  • Wedgwood
  • Devol Kitchens
  • Evoke Creative
  • GoldenBear Toys

Some graduates are also running their own businesses, teaching, and studying at postgraduate level.

Staff work 1 to 1 with students and graduates to identify job, placement and internship opportunities. The professional network of our teaching team is invaluable in placing our talented graduates in industry

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Graduates from our design degrees are highly sought after, securing careers worldwide and working on a wide variety of projects. They work for companies including:

  • Habitat
  • M&S Home
  • Wedgwood
  • Devol Kitchens
  • Evoke Creative
  • GoldenBear Toys

Some graduates are also running their own businesses, teaching, and studying at postgraduate level.

Staff work 1 to 1 with students and graduates to identify job, placement and internship opportunities. The professional network of our teaching team is invaluable in placing our talented graduates in industry

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Graduates from our design degrees are highly sought after, securing careers worldwide and working on a wide variety of projects. They work for companies including:

  • Habitat
  • M&S Home
  • Wedgwood
  • Devol Kitchens
  • Evoke Creative
  • GoldenBear Toys

Some graduates are also running their own businesses, teaching, and studying at postgraduate level.

Staff work 1 to 1 with students and graduates to identify job, placement and internship opportunities. The professional network of our teaching team is invaluable in placing our talented graduates in industry

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The teaching on this course largely takes place in our dedicated studio and 3D workshops. You’ll work on a variety of live industry projects that aim to develop a broad skill set that you can apply in a range of careers. You’ll work both independently and in teams, with great opportunities to learn from other students and our expert teaching team. A typical week on the course will include tutorials, seminars, technical demonstrations, ‘thinking through making’ in our 3D workshops and software tutorials.

Assessment

All assessment takes place through the submission of coursework. This will include sketch work, models, presentation material, digital modelling files and written work.

There are no exams on this course.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will receive regular feedback from our expert teaching team, both verbally in our studio and workshops, and more formally in writing at the end of each module.

Teaching

The teaching on this course largely takes place in our dedicated studio and 3D workshops. You’ll work on a variety of live industry projects that aim to develop a broad skill set that you can apply in a range of careers. You’ll work both independently and in teams, with great opportunities to learn from other students and our expert teaching team. A typical week on the course will include tutorials, seminars, technical demonstrations, ‘thinking through making’ in our 3D workshops and software tutorials.

Assessment

All assessment takes place through the submission of coursework. This will include sketch work, models, presentation material, digital modelling files and written work.

There are no exams on this course.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will receive regular feedback from our expert teaching team, both verbally in our studio and workshops, and more formally in writing at the end of each module.

Teaching

The teaching on this course largely takes place in our dedicated studio and 3D workshops. You’ll work on a variety of live industry projects that aim to develop a broad skill set that you can apply in a range of careers. You’ll work both independently and in teams, with great opportunities to learn from other students and our expert teaching team. A typical week on the course will include tutorials, seminars, technical demonstrations, ‘thinking through making’ in our 3D workshops and software tutorials.

Assessment

All assessment takes place through the submission of coursework. This will include sketch work, models, presentation material, digital modelling files and written work.

There are no exams on this course.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will receive regular feedback from our expert teaching team, both verbally in our studio and workshops, and more formally in writing at the end of each module.

Staff

The course is led by Course Director for Design, Dr Dan Lewis, who brings extensive academic and industry experience from both the UK and international contexts. Dan is a specialist in Emotional Design, with a PhD focused on its application within furniture design.


You will also be taught by Senior Lecturers, Keeley Marshall and Nigel Turner, who bring substantial industry experience, having developed products for internationally recognised brands such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, as well as collaborating with leading design partners. Associate Lecturer Aidan Donovan contributes to the course with his extensive expertise in designing and crafting furniture.


The wider teaching team includes a range of specialist tutors who deliver key areas of the curriculum, offering expertise in materials, manufacturing processes, consumer behaviour and digital design tools.


In addition, you will benefit from the support of our highly skilled technical team, who provide demonstrations and guidance throughout your studies. Their combined industry knowledge and global experience play a vital role in enhancing your practical learning.

Please note that members of the teaching team may change during the course of your studies.

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Keeley Marshall

Senior Lecturer

Keeley is an expert in all aspects of industrial ceramic design and production, specializing in 3D design and decorative processes and currently exploring 3d printing in eco PLA’s and ceramics.

Keeley's profile

Dan Lewis

Course Director

Dr Dan Lewis is the Course Director for Design, teaching across Automotive & Transport Design and Product, Furniture, Ceramics. His research explores Emotional Design and the relationship between people and products.

Dan's profile

Nigel Turner

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer for Automotive & Transport Design, and Product, Furniture, Ceramics, with 20 years’ experience as a luxury designer for Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Viners, Aspreys, and 10 years as a product development manager at Michelin Lifestyle.

Nigel's profile

Richard Gilmartin

Lecturer

I’m an automotive designer with 25 years of industry experience. I have worked for major international OEMs on production and show car programmes. I’m a lecturer in Transport Design and an active vehicle designer.

Richard's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £4,740 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Not included in the fees:
  • Some modules are industry sponsored, with free materials supplied to students. Other course materials can be purchased from our affordable on-campus Art Shop and the 3D workshops
  • The cost of educational visits are not included in the course fees and must be paid for by students. Please note these trips are optional.
  • Some modules are industry sponsored, with free materials supplied to students. Other course materials can be purchased from our affordable on-campus Art Shop and the 3D workshops
  • The cost of educational visits are not included in the course fees and must be paid for by students. Please note these trips are optional.
  • Some modules are industry sponsored, with free materials supplied to students. Other course materials can be purchased from our affordable on-campus Art Shop and the 3D workshops
  • The cost of educational visits are not included in the course fees and must be paid for by students. Please note these trips are optional.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

After my work was selected for New Designers, the support from my tutors and the Horizon Fund made it a possibility. I was worried about paying for the stand and the cost of living in London for a week, which all seemed overwhelming but the Horizon Fund helped everything go smoothly. I was so happy to be a part of New Designers and through it, I was able to make new connections with galleries and industries. It’s been a great stepping stone as it’s helped me to make new connections to aid me into the next stages of life after university. I want to give a massive thank you towards the Horizon fund for making that possible.

Serim Oh (Student)

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

Handcarved, solid oak sideboard by Phillippa Bourne, Shortlisted for New Designer of the Year 2022

Sony Bluetooth Speaker Concept by Ewan Whotton, modelled in Soliworks

Teapot by Francesca Hartill for Duchess China 1888

Flexible Home room divider/ storage unit for John Lewis & Partners by Beata Gorgenyi

Ceramic and glass table by Brian Woods

Jasper-reimagined by Serim Oh for Wedgwood

New Designers course stand 2022

Hygge – The Caroline Gardner Stationary Product Design Winner by Zoe Benjamin. Made in ceramic and walnut

Stool designed for SCP. Made in cast horse hair, oak and polished steel by Megan Keeling.

Coffee set for Wedgwood made in Black Jasper with a walnut tray by Ross Mountford.

The Aerem Ignis SMART Home Hub by James Round

Plant Furniture by Ross Mountford. Made in oak and walnut.

Laser etched breakfast set by Beth Lock made in earthenware.

Lighting with infused iron lathe shavings by Megan Keeling.

Aura, an Air Monitoring Device using Nudge Design by Liam Dawson.

Textured ceramics by Rebecca Perry.

‘Blobs’ – Formica furniture award winner by Rachel Clay

Modular lighting by Soyida Akhtar made in jasperware and brass.

Lighting - traditional marquetry, infused with pewter by Erika Daskevica.

I feel they have done a great job with the live briefs and being able to get the resources and software for us to do the research like WGSN to seek what major trends are important. Having the chance to discuss and build a portfolio, bringing people in to either do a workshop or talk has been great. 

Brian Woods

Student working with interior products

The workshops are enjoyable and a great environment to be working in, everyone is willing to help each other with their projects and the technicians are there on hand to give advice on making/designs/problem solving with their knowledge.

Phillippa Bourne

Student working with furniture

Learning about plaster work and modelling has been the biggest industry preparation for me. I came in as a sculptural clay hand builder, but with the teaching from the course and technicians, as well as my placement with a local ceramic company I’ve been able to learn a lot in a very short space of time, especially considering when we were off because of the lockdowns. 

Francesca Hartill

Student working with ceramics

Apply now to Product, Furniture, Ceramics

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time 21 September 2026 Apply now

Apply now to Product, Furniture, Ceramics

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year 21 September 2026 Apply now

Apply now to Product, Furniture, Ceramics

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Part-time 21 September 2026 Applications are not currently open for this course.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021