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Introduction to Product Design (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

The Product Design (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) course is designed to introduce students to the skills needed to prepare for their future studies. The foundation year focuses on developing practical experience through real-world briefs, perfecting freehand drawing and sketchbook use, and learning about materials and fabrication. Students will gain confidence in presenting their ideas and develop a unique design style.

Course Details

• UCAS code: W246
• Level of study: Foundation degree, Undergraduate
• Typical offer: 64 - 72 UCAS tariff points
• Start date: September 2026
• Duration: Four years full-time
• Attendance: Full-time
• Course delivery: On-campus (City Campus)

About the Course

Product designers create products, services, and experiences used in daily life. This course offers a doorway to an exciting and ever-evolving discipline that shapes people's lives for the better. Teachers are collaborators who encourage students to develop their unique design style. The course plugs students into the industry from day one, with live briefs, placements, competitions, and exhibitions providing opportunities to meet and impress influential employers.

Module Information

The course is structured into several modules, including:

• Exploring Design: Study renowned designs and designers while developing research abilities related to making and materials and drawing and seeing modules.
• Drawing and Seeing: Immerse yourself in the creation and use of sketchbooks, enhancing freehand drawing skills and using sketchbooks as a means of creative thinking.
• Materials and Making: Explore the properties, textures, cost, durability, and sustainability of various materials, engaging in hands-on activities to understand basic fabrication techniques.
• Future Living: Gain practical experience through hands-on drawing and making exercises, working collaboratively on initial design proposals and completing a portfolio to showcase creative solutions and teamwork skills.

Core Modules

Year One

• Introduction to Design: Develop an understanding of the key attributes of being a designer, applying safe working practices within studios and workshops.
• Professional Design Contexts: Learn about key design theories, apply them in hands-on projects, and showcase work through research and presentations.
• Design for Markets, Users and Manufacture: Develop design skills through hands-on projects, exploring practical aspects of design to enhance the creative process.

Year Two

• Professional Practice: Explore design's past, present, and future, getting hands-on experience through industry insights and discussions.
• Advanced Design Communication: Sharpen design skills and master advanced communication techniques with CAD software, sketching, and model making.
• Design Production, Markets and Innovation: Build on first-year skills with hands-on design projects mirroring real industry challenges.

Year Three

• Commercial Project: Explore, model, research, propose, and develop ideas, concepts, and products through chosen and self-regulated projects.
• Exploration and Context: Dive into a topic you're passionate about, researching and creating a scoping document that highlights key findings.
• Self-Directed Projects (Product Design): Explore, research, propose, and develop ideas, model, develop concepts and products through chosen, self-regulated projects.

Student Experience

Students have the opportunity to work on live projects with real industry clients, such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Speedo. The course encourages autonomy, initiative, risk-taking, and innovation, with students showcasing their work in exhibitions and competitions.

How You're Taught

You'll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, studio projects, workshops, and live briefs from industry and competitions. Beyond scheduled sessions, you'll engage in independent study, preparing for lectures, researching, completing coursework, and expanding your portfolio.

Entry Requirements

UK Students

• 72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent
• GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4

International Students

• 72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent
• English language requirements apply

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• Ł9,790 per year (subject to parliamentary procedure)

International Students

• Ł17,950 per year

Careers and Employability

The course is designed to prepare students to succeed in the design industry. NTU has a strong product design alumni community, with many graduates working in senior positions for leading national and international companies. Graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Lego, Dyson, and Disney.

Campus and Facilities

Students have access to dedicated studio space, specialist facilities, and equipment, including rapid prototyping modellers, waterjet cutters, and CNC routers. The University's City Campus provides a range of resources, including libraries, IT suites, and workshops.

Applying

UK Students

Apply through UCAS. If successful, you'll be invited to an interview where you'll present your portfolio.

International Students

Apply through UCAS or the NTU Applicant Portal. If your initial application is successful, you'll be invited to submit a digital portfolio of your work.