Design

Studying Design at Cambridge

• UCAS Code: KH11
• Minimum Offer: A*AA
• Essential subjects: Mathematics
• Useful subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Art and Design

The Design course combines architecture, engineering and materials science in one degree, giving you the opportunity to design solutions to environmental and societal challenges. You will learn how small and large-scale designs such as physical objects, apps, artificial intelligence, electronics or architecture and planning systems can influence people, cultures, economies and the natural world.

Through a series of studio projects, the course will require you to plan and create products which offer solutions to a variety of real-world problems. You will work with relevant stakeholders throughout the process, including to pitch and evaluate your products.
Your learning will continue outside the studio where you will cover topics such as design history, philosophy, mathematics, engineering and natural sciences so you can apply the principles of these disciplines to your designs.

Students are given a series of options which, according to the pathway they choose, will lead to different routes of design or professional accreditation. The first three years (providing a Bachelors Degree) are designed to be equivalent to Part I of the Architecture Tripos while, depending on the options taken in the previous three years, the fourth year (Master of Design course) is expected to lead to accreditation in structural engineering or materials science.

There is further information about the course on the University webpage.

ARC SOC

ArcSoc is the undergraduate Architecture Student Society, and an integral part of undergraduate student life at Cambridge. Run entirely by and for students, Arc Soc organises a wide range of events and services for architecture students during the year. These include film nights, life drawing classes, talks and the famous Arc Soc cabarets, as well as the Arc Soc materials shop where students can buy materials for their projects at reduced prices. Most importantly, Arc Soc curate, design and run the end of year London exhibition, which displays work from all years in a central London venue in mid July.

What can I do with a degree in Design?

Students studying for the MDes have a range of career options open to them, influenced by the pathway chosen through the course of the degree.  You will gain the knowledge and skills needed for careers in the built environment and a range of technical and creative sectors. You will also get a strong grounding in programming and mathematics, opening up fields such as AI and finance. You could also choose to continue to a PhD in a particular area that interests you.

For more information, please visit the University Careers Service website at: Using your degree: Design | Careers Service