LSBU strengthens design education for emerging industry needs
Barney Townsend, Deputy Head of Division and Course Leader at London Southbank University (LSBU) delivered an exciting webinar and virtual tour of the university’s facilities. This was attended by members of the Design & Technology Association and teachers, who gained an insight into the entry requirements, facilities and available courses at LSBU.
The webinar offered a comprehensive look at LSBU’s engaging education environment in the bustling heart of London. Attendees were able to digitally meet and pose questions to Barney, explore cutting-edge design and engineering programs, and dive into a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art facilities.
During the session, Barney discussed various aspects of LSBU’s programmes, which teachers can go on to share with their students. The webinar outlined a comprehensive strategy to modernise design courses, ensuring they align with technological advancements and evolving industry needs.
Preparing Students
Barney highlighted the importance of evaluating student potential through individual interviews and portfolio reviews instead of relying solely on traditional UCAS points. This is designed to better identify students’ creative problem-solving abilities and their design processes.
LSBU is also recognised for its strong focus on hands-on learning, with students participating in innovative projects like the recumbent bike race in Nevada and the Formula Student team, Southbank Racing, competing at Silverstone. These projects demonstrate how research initiatives translate into valuable teaching and learning opportunities.
Industry Shift
Design courses at LSBU are being revised to reflect the industry’s shift towards service design, app design, UX/UI design, and emerging technologies like AI. The updated curriculum will include entrepreneurial skills, emphasising curiosity, engagement, and specialist pathway options from the 2nd year onwards. The redesigned BSc/MDes programme, set for 2025, aims to broaden appeal and meet evolving industry standards.
Accredited Courses
LSBU’s design courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers and consistently receive high satisfaction rates in national surveys. Employers commend LSBU graduates for their practical problem-solving skills, with successful placements at companies like companies like Brompton Bicycles and Shark Ninja.
The value of design to the British economy was underscored, with data from the Design Council highlighting the growing demand for graduate designers in a range of industry including corporate settings, including sectors like banking.
Video
An edited video of the facilities tour will be released to broaden student outreach, showcasing the advanced equipment and resources available at the university.
For more information on London Southbank University’s design courses and to view the facilities tour, visit Southbank University’s website.