The problems with design education in the UK.

The objective of this paper is to explore the problems associated with design education in the UK. British Design has an enviable international reputation for excellence, however, has this reputation been gained at the expense of its student body? And is this neglect and contempt for the student customer now having repercussions for the design sector itself? Since 2001, the British Design Sector has suffered poor results in nearly every performance indicator. Undoubtedly, competition from India and the Far East, namely Japan, Korea, Taiwan and more recently Mainland China is having an effect on the bottom line. It is suggested that an urgent review of the stakeholders be conducted to realign the sector, manage expectations and promote possible alternatives to traditional design careers; such as in the area of Design & Development Engineering, where skills such as design, reativity and innovation are much in demand