Product Design
Nottingham Trent University
UCAS Code: H715 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Nottingham Trent University
UCAS Code: H715 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
Pass your Access course with 60 credits overall with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from your BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and up to two other qualifications.
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from your BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and up to three other qualifications (one of which must be A-Level equivalent).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM from a BTEC Extended Diploma
We will consider T Levels for entry to this course, either as stand-alone qualifications or in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications, in accordance with the specified course tariff points.
UCAS Tariff
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
About this course
This course has both eyes (and hands) on the technological side of design — the making and manufacturing of products, systems, and services. It’s a great option if you’re naturally curious about design engineering, and looking for a practical, hands-on approach.
We’ll be analysing form and function in design, encouraging your creativity whilst also taking a specialist’s dive into areas like electronics and robotics, mechatronic techniques, materials testing, and manufacturing. We’ll explore the emerging trends — things like UX, smart technology, and sustainability.
In product teardowns, you’ll ‘reverse engineer’ items from the inside, and then design out their flaws; on site visits, you’ll receive live project briefs from some of the industry’s biggest players, who’ll review and feedback on your work. You could even test your skills on a year-long professional placement; our previous assignments have included TATA, Samsung, Autodesk (San Francisco), and Hubs (Amsterdam).
We’ve developed this course to ensure you’re not just an option for employers, but their priority. You’ll graduate with a designer’s eye for innovation, an engineer’s skill in manufacturing, and a CEO’s appetite for the bottom line. That’s a powerful package — and it’s why our graduates secure work with companies like Dyson, Disney, Unilever, and McLaren F1.
**Key Features**
**Inspiring Spaces** | You’ll be using the same equipment as the pros. From 3D printers to water-jet cutters and bandsaws, plus dedicated workshops for wood, metal and concrete working, we’ve got the lot — minimising the jump from uni to industry.
**Live Projects** | We’re industry-focused with great connections. Through live projects and placements, you’ll be working with leading companies such as Tesco, PepsiCo and JCB. It’s great for your portfolio and CV, and you’ll also get excellent employability support.
**Placement Year** | Acquire vital skills and experience in the workplace by undertaking a one-year placement on our sandwich route. Our students have spent their placements at companies such as TATA, Samsung, Autodesk (San Francisco), and Hubs (Amsterdam).
**Exhibitions and Shows** | Prove your talents to industry reps — exhibitions like New Designers and NTU’s annual Degree Show are fixtures in the product design calendar, while our students have won big at competitions like the Starpack Awards and Engineers Without Borders.
**Top 2 Ranking** | NTU is 2nd for the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).
**Top 15 Ranking** | NTU is ranked Top 15 for Art & Design (Complete University Guide 2025).
**Graduate Outcomes** | 100% of BSc (Hons) Product Design sandwich students have improved their career prospects because of their course (NTU Student Survey, 2024).
Modules
Year One:
Introduction to Design (20 credit points)
Design & Technical Communication (20 credits)
Technology for Designers (20 credit points)
Design Innovation & Manufacture (60 credit points)
Year Two:
Professional Practice (20 credit points)
Advanced Design & Technical Communication (20 credit points)
Technology, Society & Sustainable Futures (20 credit points)
Elective Design Project (40 credit points)
Exploring Design for Society (20 credit points)
Year Three:
Placement
Final Year:
Exploration & Context (20 credit points)
Commercial Project (20 credit points)
Self-Directed Project (Technology & Product Design - 80 points)
Tuition fees
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The Uni
City Campus
School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
What students say
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After graduation
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Design studies
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Design studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£19k
£24k
£28k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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