Product Design BSc

The Product Design BSc program at the University of Leeds is a three-year full-time course that combines creativity with technical skills, preparing students for a career in product design. The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers and provides students with a broad base of skills needed to work with designers from both arts and engineering backgrounds.

Course Overview

The course covers the entire product development process, from developing user insights and creating concepts to detail design and production. Students will learn about design theory and technology, as well as practical design work, and will have access to specialist facilities, including computing and prototyping facilities.

Why Study at Leeds

The University of Leeds offers a unique learning experience, with a world-leading research environment that feeds directly into the course. Students will have the opportunity to work on their own design projects, putting into practice what they have learned, and will have access to a high-spec computer cluster and extensive laboratory space.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three broad subject areas: design studio, design technology, and design awareness. In the first two years, students will take a total of 120 credits, with a range of compulsory and optional modules.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Engineering Materials (20 credits): Develop a good understanding of engineering principles relating to structure-property relationships and how these can be controlled by various manufacturing methods.
• Contextual Studies and Ergonomics (20 credits): Learn about aspects of design and technological awareness, and contemporary influences on design.
• Engineering Analysis for Product Designers (20 credits): Develop both engineering analysis skills and the ability to apply these skills to design problems.
• Basic Electronics for Product Design (20 credits): Explore the fundamental concepts of C++ Arduino programming, library usage, basic electronics theory, Ohms law, and Kirchhoff's circuit laws.
• Design Studio 1 (40 credits): Build an understanding and practice of the Product Design discipline through a series of design briefs/projects.

Year 2 Compulsory Modules

• Design Studio 2 (40 credits): A problem-based design studio module with projects that will challenge students to apply and combine their skills and learning so far to develop and communicate creative solutions to complex problems.
• Creativity in Professional Practice (20 credits): Develop commercial awareness and explore the value of design thinking and design communication skills within industry.
• Design for Manufacture for Product Designers (20 credits): Apply understanding of manufacturing processes and develop advanced CAD skills to produce 3D solid models of a detailed design for mass production.
• Advanced Electronics for Product Design (20 credits): Explore key electronics and processes needed for product design, covering programming microcontrollers, design products that incorporate electronic sensing, and building proof-of-concept prototypes.

Year 3

Approximately half of the final year is dedicated to a major design project, where students will have the opportunity to develop a 3D design in an area of their choosing, alongside other modules in manufacturing, mechanics, and product design.

Learning and Teaching

The course combines design theory and technology with practical design work, using a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, design studio work, tutorials, and interactive workshops.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a variety of assessment approaches, including written examinations, coursework, design portfolio work, and exhibitions.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB, with an Art and Design related A-level desirable but not essential.
• GCSE: A minimum of English Language grade 4 (C), Mathematics grade 6 (B), and Combined Science 6-6 (B-B) or equivalent.
• Alternative qualifications, such as Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, and Irish Leaving Certificate, are also accepted.

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790 per year
• International: Ł32,750 per year

Career Opportunities

The employment opportunities in the field of product design are far-reaching, with potential roles including Design Manager, User Experience Designer, Product Engineer, Product Designer, Design Researcher, Enterprise Consultant, and Brand Manager.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

Students have the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year or take a placement year with organizations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas.

Related Courses

• Art and Design BA
• Mechanical Engineering BEng
• Graphic and Communication Design BA
• Product Design (Industrial) BSc

Rankings and Awards

• 14th in the UK for Product Design (Guardian University Guide 2025)
• Top 100 in the world for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

University of Leeds

---

Overview:

The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a large and prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life.

---

Academic Programs:

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:

• Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• Biological Sciences
• Business School
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Environment
• Medicine and Health
• Social Sciences