BSc (Hons) Product Design
Overview
Beautiful, functional products
Are you a problem solver? Why not learn how to design products, services and systems that answer the challenges for industry and society today? Blending design thinking with physical and digital prototyping, this course develops the intellectual and practical skills you need to become a well-rounded product designer.
You’ll learn about design methods, materials, manufacturing processes and basic engineering principles, with the opportunity to put these into practice by developing your products from concept to final model and prototype. In your third year, you’re encouraged to spend a year on an industrial placement. In your final year, you’ll display your work in our end-of-year degree show.
Our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and is one of the longest-running degrees to hold that accreditation.
We offer the opportunity for all undergraduate Home/EU students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience while studying a full-time course starting in September 2020.
Why study Product Design at LSBU?
- Our staff are experts with a great network of contacts.
- Professional accreditation: our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and is one of the longest-running degrees to hold that accreditation.
- Get to know the industry: with guest lectures from companies like LEGO.
- You’ll get to develop products from concept to final model and/or prototype using our exceptional facilities.
- It’s project-focused: you’ll spend most of your time in the studio/workshop making creative products that answer a brief.
- Boost your employability with an optional paid professional work experience placement in your third year.
- Ranked 1st for student experience and teaching quality in the UK (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).
Modules
The course centres on studio/workshop based design assignments – and you spend much of your time involved in design project work. Individual project work allows you to develop as a designer, while group work reflects the reality of your future professional life.
We’ll teach you everything that you need to become a well-rounded and thoughtful designer:
- How to draw
- Design fundamentals
- Manufacturing processes
- Materials and sustainability
- Workshop practice
- Ergonomics and inclusive design
- Alternative and emerging technologies
- All about fashion, taste and style
- Market awareness
Finally, we’ll support you to put all of this into practice with a major design project and give you a platform to exhibit your work to the public.
Methods of assessment for course overall: 100% coursework.
Year 1
- Design methods
- Visual communications
- CAD 1
- Inclusive design and usability
- Design for a sustainable society
Year 2
- Design thinking and applications
- Design contexts and communications
- Design futures and emerging technologies
- CAD 2
- Design interactions
- Design and manufacture project
Year 3
- Optional placement year
Year 4
- Research methods for design project
- Portfolio design projects
- Design and culture
- Product design project
Entry requirements
- A Level BBB or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions 21 Merit including a minimum of 3 Merits in Design Technology, Maths and Physics or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 122 UCAS points
- Level 3 qualifications must include art/ design or show evidence of engagement with creativity
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C
We normally require a portfolio of work and in many instances will also interview potential applicants to assess suitability for the course.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.