Product and Furniture Design BA(Hons): Learning support

Classes

Our design-based courses provide a stimulating environment that encourages diversity, individuality and inventive problem-solving. The focus is on studio-based learning through increasingly complex projects. As you become more experienced, you have the chance to initiate your own work and use the studio projects to develop your portfolio.

The Contextual Studies module gives you the background knowledge that will bring your design work to life and place it in its historical and cultural context. It includes:

• a stimulating programme of lectures;
• smaller seminar groups; and
• your own research, culminating in a dissertation or individual project in Year 3.

Supporting Studies modules give you the practical skills you need to realise your creative ideas. They include:

• introductions to the library, workshop and IT facilities;
• projects relevant to your course;
• career development; and
• professional practice.

Additional academic support

Our experienced staff help all students achieve their full potential. In the studio, tutors are usually on hand to help you so it's easy to get one-to-one time.

When you join the course, we assign you a personal tutor to provide support throughout your time here.  Plus you can turn to the module leader if you have a subject specific question. 

Student support co-ordinator

The student support co-ordinator provides a confidential drop in centre where you can discuss any issue you are having difficulty with.

Library

The campus library includes:

• a specialist book and journal collection for architecture, art and design students;
• a comprehensive collection of over 200,000 slides; and
• visual references dating back to the 1600s.

Learning Resources Centre

Facilities at the LRC include open access computers for:

• word processing;
• internet access; and
• database searches. 

Studio facilities

Computer-aided design studios are available with a state-of-the-art digital moving image facility. Introductory sessions in the first year give you the skills you need to get the most out of these workshops.

Web-based support

StudySpace

StudySpace is a web-based learning management system that provides access to a host of information and material to assist with your studies.

StudySpace resources vary from module to module.  For example, it might include:

• subject guides;
• lecture notes;
• presentations; and
• even sound and video clips.

Other useful features are online discussion forums (bulletin boards), a virtual classroom and a drop box (for online submission of coursework).

My Kingston

My Kingston is the University's comprehensive, user-friendly intranet site, providing you with everything you need to know about student life.

My Kingston will help you get your bearings in your first few weeks at Kingston and keep you plugged into the University community throughout your time here.