Industrial Design (BFA)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Industrial Design (BFA) at De Paul University equips you to tackle the complex challenges of product creation in today's market, blending artistic innovation with practical application. You will explore the critical interplay between form, function, and user experience, learning to design products that are not only aesthetically compelling but also manufacturable and sustainable. This undergraduate degree is ideal for aspiring designers who are driven by a desire to understand how things work, how they are made, and how they impact our lives, preparing you for a dynamic career in product development.

This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts programme unfolds over four years, guiding you through a progressive curriculum that includes foundational skills in drawing, digital fabrication, and user experience design, alongside core industrial design studios. You will engage with processes and materials, explore basic electronics, and develop business acumen through coursework in marketing and innovation. Throughout your studies, you will work on increasingly complex projects, culminating in a senior capstone experience, preparing you to graduate with a robust portfolio and the ability to design, prototype, and scale products for real-world manufacturing.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design program provides a comprehensive foundation in object design, user experience, and digital fabrication. Students will explore the history and theory of industrial design, alongside practical skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and material processes. The curriculum progresses through studio courses, technical subjects like electronics and computer science, and culminates in a senior capstone project, preparing graduates for professional practice.

1 Year 1 Fall

Introduction to Industrial Design
Metaphysics of Objects
Haptics
Digital Manufacturing
Processes and Materials
Drawing Techniques for Industrial Design
Two-Dimensional Foundations or Intro to Visual Design
Beginning Drawing or Intermediate Drawing or Illustration Foundations
Three-Dimensional Foundations or Beginning Sculpture or Introduction to 3D Printing or 3D Design & Modeling

2 Year 1 Winter

History of Industrial Design
Graphic Design: Form
Design Principles for User Experience Design
Introduction to User Experience Design
Hardware Design Basics Workshop
Principles of Management or Principles of Marketing

3 Year 1 Spring

Industrial Design Studio I
Industrial Design Studio I
Industrial Design Studio I
Design and Fabrication for Physical Space Workshop
Introduction to Computer Science I
Precalculus and Trigonometry
Basic Electronics: Principles & Techniques

4 Year 2 Fall

Processes and Materials
Graphic Design: Form
User Experience Design
Introduction to Computer Science II
How Things Work

5 Year 2 Winter

Industrial Design Studio II
Industrial Design Studio II
Industrial Design Studio II
Functions and Mathematical Models
Business Plan Development or Creativity & Entrepreneurship or Innovation & Technology or New Product Development

6 Year 2 Spring

Introduction to Sustainability
Select 4 Major Electives

7 Year 3 Fall

Select 8 Major Electives

8 Year 3 Winter

Select 8 Major Electives

9 Year 3 Spring

Select 8 Major Electives

10 Year 4 Fall

Industrial Design Senior Capstone
Select 4 Major Electives

11 Year 4 Winter

Select 4 Major Electives

12 Year 4 Spring

Select 4 Major Electives

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 46,776.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 46,776.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 46,776.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 46,776.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 187,104.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,080.00 - USD 2,863.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Loop Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Architecture & Urban PlanningAutomation & RoboticsAviation Safety & RegulationCommercial AviationCurriculum & Instructional DesignEdTech & E-LearningLogistics & Warehouse ManagementProduct Design & PrototypingSupply Chain & ProcurementVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Caterpillar

Chicago Public Schools

Northrop Grumman

Why Study Industrial Design (BFA) at De Paul University

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at De Paul University in null

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Industrial Design (BFA) at De Paul University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks on campus. Off-campus work may be permitted after the first year with university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit scores from Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Ensure you meet the respective minimum scores for each test.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Product Designers, User Experience Designers, Industrial Designers, or Design Managers.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BFA in Industrial Design combines drawing and graphic design with scientific coursework, including physics and computer-aided design. Unique classes in marketing and sustainability prepare students for the practical aspects of the field.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Industrial Design BFA program has intakes in September. Ensure you meet all application deadlines to secure your spot.
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