Product Design

UCAS code: H715

Here's what Nottingham Trent University says about its Product Design 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 3 Ranking | NTU is 2nd for the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2023/24).

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).

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)