BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design programme is validated by University of Hertfordshire.
The programme has been running since 2006 and ever since the main scope of the course has been related to provide a relevant international experience in thinking globally and acting locally (in Russia), with a correct balance of technical abilities and design thinking skills. The course has constantly managed to evolve by proposing new contents in a way to stay up with the challenges of the time (and the future), cross matching, sometimes, with other disciplines like futurology or interface design. It investigates the cultural, technical and commercial factors which influence the development of innovative new products, and it introduces the creative and professional strategies which underpin design. The course includes branding and methods of identifying consumer needs and aspirations as an approach to creating the right product.
Studies focus on provision of opportunities for cooperation with design and business communities both in Russia and abroad. Starting in the second year, students are involved in projects, which are to be implemented for real customers. The school cooperates with well known companies, including Asus, SEAT, Adobe, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Light Technologies, SCA Tissue Europe, Rolsen Electronics, Daimler Chrysler and this list lengthens each year.
Core modules:
- Introduction to Core Design Skills
- Introduction to Design Principles
- Professional Design Studio
- Design Theory (L4)
Core modules:
- Core Design Skills (2)
- Design Principles (PID)
- Professional Design Studio (2)
- Design Theory (L5)
This year is designed to prepare the student for the world of work. It focuses on developing and consolidating key skills and provides the student with opportunities to work on external projects. During their third year, students improve their communication and presentation skills, actively participating in various competitions; they write degree essay along with project-related activities. The degree project combines accumulated experience, so graduates can demonstrate their achieved level.
Core modules:
- Major Degree Project (PID)
- Professional Design Studio (3)
- The Degree Essay (L6)







- English exam
- Portfolio assessment
- Entry interview
During the admission exams, the admissions staff will arrange a convenient date and time for demonstration of portfolio and interview, after that, the matriculant will be allowed to pass the English test.
English test is not required for students from English-speaking countries or if an IELTS or equivalent certificate is produced. For international students we can organise skype entry interviews. In such cases the portfolio can be sent via email.
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) grade C or above;
- FCE (First Certificate in English) grade A.
If a prospective student does not have an IELTS certificate of the required level but successfully passed BHSAD English test as part of BHSAD entrance exams, he/she needs to obtain an IELTS certificate before the start of the first semester on Year 1.
First of all, the admission committee would like to see how you can generate and develop your ideas; that is why, besides finished projects, the portfolio should also include notebooks with sketches, sketchbooks, written works (articles, essays, if any). Please try to present examples of the best and most recent projects which reflect your creative abilities.
Your portfolio needs to be printed (А3 format or larger). Animation and CG works should be presented on CDs or memory sticks. It advisable to show photographs of large works which otherwise would be difficult to transport.
You may be asked about the history of creation of a particular work and the context of its creation. The panel may ask you about well-known designers to learn about the influence of creative activities of other designers and artists on you, the reason why you follow them and the main incentive for your development in terms of your occupation.
Enrollment is based on the results of a portfolio assessment and an interview with one of the tutors. The applicant's knowledge and skills reflected in their work should be comparable to the knowledge and skills students acquire at Foundation level. Interviews and portfolio assessments are usually scheduled in the 3 days followed by the language test.
Transfer to Year 2 will be possible only if a student attended a higher education institution which uses a credit-based system. For these purposes, the number of previously received credits is compared with the number of credits which is necessary for transfer to the relevant stage of a British undergraduate course.
- Copy of previous education certificates and academic qualifications. The following documents can be submitted: high school diploma, college degree diploma, higher education or BA diploma
- 2 photos 3х4 cm
- Copy of your passport
- Personal statement
Part-time: GBP 4,200 / year*
Students as a rule pay their tuition fees once a semester, that is, twice a year, but at their request can choose to pay on a monthly basis.
You will be expected to meet additional costs which may arise as a result of materials, art supplies and consumables you may need for your projects, as well as printing and copying services and other types of services and consumables. Their list and the amount of costs depends upon the requirements of your course and the nature of your projects.
Additionally during your time at BHSAD you may be recommended to visit museums, art galleries and other venues as part of your learning and there may be a cost for such visits which you should also budget for.
Below is the list of materials and supplies which BHSAD students use most frequently and which are likely to be among those you may need:
A3 or A4 hardback sketchbook, A2 or A3 portfolio case with ringbound plastic sleeves, HB pencils and rubber, UHU glue, Pritt stick, PVA glue, small lined notepads, spray mount, masking tape, sellotape, double sided tape, invisible scotch tape, scalpel with replaceable blades, basic set of acrylic paints, coloured pencils, basic set of drawing pencils, highlighter, assorted brushes, writing pen, fine line drawing pens, small plastic ruler etc.
Please note that this list is indicative and given for your reference only. Full list will depend upon your project and the range of materials and techniques which you may wish to adopt.
* This proposal does not constitute an offer, the prices are subject to change. Cost of services and conditions of their provision will be specified in the contract.
- online application form
- copy or the original of previous education certificates and academic qualifications.
- 2 photos 3×4
- copy of your passport
After the necessary documents are provided you need to sign the contracts. For applicants under 18 presence of one of the parents is required. More details about the application process can be found in the “How to apply” section of the website.