BSc (Hons) Product Design
Why choose this course?
- This course is being re-accredited by the Institute of Engineering Designers, which means that it's recognised as high quality by employers, and you'll get professional recognition for your studies.
- Our graduates have shown that there is a wealth of career opportunities available to product designers. "Studying this course at Derby has given me the skills required by industry to work as a design professional. I've had some great feedback from employers and a number of exciting job offers." - Rod Gritten.
- Every year we select graduates to showcase their work at the New Designers exhibition. Held in London, it's a melting pot of talent that's sponsored by leading manufacturers, such as Dyson and Audi, and it's an excellent opportunity to network and make vital industry contacts.
Fact file
UCAS code: W242
Start date: September
Course length: full time: three years, part time: up to six years. Please contact the faculty for further information.
Campus: Markeaton Street site, Derby Campus
This course is available to international students
About this course
This course has its emphasis on design for mass production and design engineering. It's ideal if you're a creative thinker with a real interest in the technical design of products, particularly how industry manufactures them and how they actually work. That's why we involve manufacturers in the course - you'll work on industry sponsored assignments that will really enhance your development as a designer. And you'll develop the range of skills that they have told us are essential for a good designer.
You can specialise in eco-design or design for manufacture during this course. We'll offer you a great opportunity to develop your design skills and our students and graduates are now regularly winning national prizes.
What you will cover
You'll study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.
Stage one
You'll study modules such as:
- Applied Scientific Methods
- Management of the Business Environment
- Computed Aided Product Design
- Innovation
- Materials and Manufacturing Processes
- Product Design Studies
Stage two
You'll study modules such as:
- Design Context
- Design Project Concept
- Design Project Development
- Innovation Applications and Personal Development Planning
- Product Engineering Design
You'll choose one module from:
- Eco Design
- Design for Manufacture and Materials Optimisation
Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
You'll study modules such as:
- Applied Professional Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice
Stage three
You'll study modules such as:
- Advanced Product Engineering Design
- Design Management and Personal Development Planning
- Major Project (double module)
- Major Project Research
You'll choose one module from:
- Advanced Eco Design
- Advanced Manufacturing Design
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) not including General Studies or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.
We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.
We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.
We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.
Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.
General undergraduate entry requirements
How to apply
UK/EU students
- Full time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
- Part time students should apply directly to the University.
International students
- If you want to start in September, you usually need to apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Information for international applicants
Fees and finance
Fees for 2013/14
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £8,250 (each year)
We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
How you will learn
You'll study at Markeaton Street and you'll work in studios and workshops, running alongside computer based systems, to develop traditional design skills that employers say are relevant in a modern design environment.
Careers and employability
You can go on an optional work placement between stages two and three, which is a fantastic opportunity to gain some real experience of working in the industry. You'll also gain an additional qualification - the Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about placements
Our graduates have shown that there is a wealth of career opportunities available to product designers, in the UK and abroad. This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to start your career in the industry.
Your lecturers have real world experience as designers working for manufacturing companies and as consultants, so you'll benefit from their expertise.