Product Design MA application portfolio advice
Applicants to Product Design MA should show a wide variety of design and professional skills; if you only have industry experience orpossess qualifications that are not within the field of product and furniture design, we will consider your application on an individual basis (advice prior to application can be sought - please contact Stuart Lawson smlawson@dmu.ac.uk).
Evidence of design work in a digital portfolio of work is required.
Once your application has been received, you will either be invited to an interview where you will present your portfolio of work (on campus for Home/EU applicants, via Skype for Overseas applicants), or alternatively you may be asked to submit a digital portfolio of your work.
Portfolio submission options for overseas applicants
Your portfolio
A good portfolio should consist of quality not quantity. Be selective about what to include and avoid repetition. Ensure that your work is clearly laid out and easy to look through.The most successful portfolios are those which show how well you visually and technically observe and explore a subject in which you areinterested. The curriculum requires an improving/high standard of drawing and a good analytical approach to problem solving. Applicants should also supply examples of written work that demonstrates an ability for research and critical thinking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for:
- Creative problem solving
- Innovative thinking
- Idea generation
- Idea development
- Visual awareness
- The ability to think in 3D
- Critical ability in written work
What should a portfolio contain?
Generally you should choose between 15 and 25 of your strongest pieces ofwork. You should also consider that staff are also keen to see design/artworkproduced independently from a taught curriculum or employment.
The following elements should be included in your portfolio:
Drawing and development work
Include examples of research for design, concept sketching and design developmentthat shows written notes, analysis of your work etc. Product Design MA requires strong/improving drawing ability skills.
Projects
Include examples of different projects you have undertaken, illustrating your breadth of experience. Show the development work that demonstrates how you think andwork through a project from research to final presentation. You should also include examples of your model-making abilities.