Current BSc (Hons) Product Design student Olly Smith joined other students in representing NTU at the International University Snow Sculpture competition in Harbin, China. The team gained a second prize for their Nature vs Nurture sculpture. Read the team's behind the scenes blog here.
Why choose this course?
The course is designed for students with a strong interest in technology, concentrating on the design of products for manufacturing, digital, industrial, electronic and medical applications. It will give you the opportunity to:
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED). This means students are fully supported by the Institution, and receive free IED student membership for the duration of their studies and first year of Graduate membership.
Student gallery
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
Student profiles
Read profiles from current students and recent graduates.
Specialised and state-of-the-art equipment
You'll benefit from our high-quality engineering laboratories, extensive modern studios and workshop facilities, and full IT and CAD suites.
Find out more about our facilities and equipment.
Visit the workshops facebook and School facebook to see the latest projects in progress.
What do employers say about our students?
"We find that students arrive with skills which are complementary to the skills of our engineering design team at DEMAND and as such have a contribution that they can make from day one."
Andy McBeath, Director, DEMAND (Design and Manufacture for Disability)
Read more employer testimonials.
Open days
Our open days are designed help you find out about our courses and the University. You'll meet our lecturers and current students, and get to see some of the fantastic facilities we have. You can visit with friends, or bring your parents or guardians along with you. Find out the dates of our next open day.
Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
Please note the following information for applicants
Course focus
This course will develop a knowledge and understanding of industry standard, specialised design tools and methods. The course offers studio-based student centred learning and vocational, professional and managerial skills are integrated into the course, further enhancing your employability.
This course has a technical bias and deals with an integrated approach to the design of products for applications including:
- manufacturing
- digital
- industrial
- electronic
- medical.
Course content
Throughout the course you will cover the following.
Year One
- You'll get an introduction to the principles of the design process, including awareness of consumers, markets, technology and systems.
- You'll study historical, contemporary and future influences on product design.
- There's a comprehensive study of core manufacturing materials, their scientific properties and technological capacities.
- Projects work will help you develop problem-solving and communication skills.
- Projects include drawing, model-making and digital computer-aided design (CAD) simulation.
Year Two
- You'll develop more advanced projects, often set by real industrial partners or arising from briefs set by contemporary design industry contacts and competitions.
- By the end of the year, you'll have produced a high-quality portfolio to enhance your profile for industrial placements.
Year Three - work placement (optional)
- Most students opt to spend this year on placement (30 weeks).
- In doing so, you'll tap into our network of extensive industry contacts, making links that could potentially lead to full-time employment.
- A successful placement leads to the award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Year Four
- Working to detailed design briefs, you'll undertake a major project on an area of your choice, agreed with course tutors.
- Project work forms an essential part of the final-year degree show in Nottingham
- BSc students complete one main project, produce a thesis and undertake two technological modules during this year, involving exposure to a wide range of new and emerging technologies.
How do you study?
The modules you take fall into three areas.
- Project work: based around a wide range of industry-led design challenges and creative briefs.
- Communication studies: developing the skills needed for portfolio presentations and exhibitions.
- Critical analysis: understanding and evaluating the theories behind historical, modern and futuristic design, mainly involving written work, a dissertation, seminars and presentations.
You will be taught by specialist tutors with practice product design experience and a hands-on, project-led approach.
You'll present work in a whole range of formats, such as 2D sketches and computer visuals, 3D models and prototypes, simulated mock-ups and technological drawings.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout, based on coursework, including essays, portfolios, presentations, exhibitions and a final year degree show.
Student gallery
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
Specialist equipment and facilities
You'll benefit from our high-quality engineering laboratories, extensive modern studios and workshop facilities, and full IT and CAD suites.
Specialised and futuristic state-of-the-art equipment includes the following.
- Rapid prototyping modellers: these machines quickly create a 3D object from a virtual computer model using a highly advanced laser process.
- Waterjet cutter: the latest generation precision technology capable of up to 150mm in almost any sold material such as glass, steel, granite, marble, aluminium and rubber.
- You will have access to a CNC (computer-numerical control) router and a brand new laser cutter.
Find out more about our facilities and equipment.
Visit the workshops facebook to see the latest projects in progress.
Course visits and trips
You'll get the exciting opportunity to visit influential design-led European cities in year two, with recent destinations including Berlin and Barcelona.
Closer to home, you'll also get to take part in Networking Week. This is an annual networking event featuring industry representatives and previous Product Design graduates who will give you the benefit of their experiences and advice.
Find out more about the trip and study visits on this course.
Competitions and shows
You'll have the chance to undertake live project work with industry partners and enter design competitions on an international level.
Recent student competitions were set by:
- Toyota
- Marks and Spencer
- Wrigleys (Chicago, USA)
- Jacuzzi bathroom products
- Kybotec outdoor lifestyle products
- Smith of Derby
- Crofts and Assinder.
There are also opportunities each year for you to exhibit work at design shows such as New Designers and Free Range in London.
Find out about the awards our product design students have won.
Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
94% of NTU graduates with first degrees from full-time study are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.*
Our graduates have built up an excellent reputation and are employed across all areas of Product Design. The course develops strong transferable skills enabling students to successfully work in a wide variety of job roles.
Recent graduate destinations include:
- 2H Offshore
- Bentley
- Cadbury
- Trebor Basett
- JohnsonDiversey
- TF Automation
- Tyco Fire and Design
- Welwyn Lighting Design.
As well as providing the necessary vocational and professional skills for a successful career, this course also develops transferable qualities such as communications, time management, analysis, teamwork and IT skills.
* of those available for work, HESA survey 2009 / 10
This course offers students the opportunity to undertake a year long work-placement (minimum of 36 weeks in one or more organisations). This will give you real, hands-on experience within the industry, opening up exciting opportunities for future employment.
Our BSc Product Design students gain placements all over the country and some work abroad. Recent placement destinations include:
The University has a dedicated placement office who will assist you in securing a placement and guide you along the way providing everything you need to know before, during and afterwards.
Find out about the experiences our students had during their work placement year.
Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual's efforts and is not guaranteed.
Entry requirement details
You will need:
- a minimum of 280 UCAS tariff points achieved from at least two full A-levels, BTEC, Foundation or equivalent qualification
- GCSE Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent qualification
- GCSE English at grade C or above (literature or language), or equivalent qualification
- English language requirements for International and EU students
- mature applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
If the qualifications you have, or are currently studying for, are not included above please take a look at the tariff table or contact us to find out whether we can accept them.
English language entry requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English courses
We offer Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) courses from six to 30 weeks for students who need help achieving these requirements. Even if you have already met the minimum entry requirements you could still benefit, as many students do, from the study skills and orientation to the UK education system that is offered by a short PEAP course.
For more information on PEAP including dates, fees and English language entry requirements for these courses, please visit our website.
In-sessional English support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Mature students
At the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, we don't believe that age or experience should be a barrier to learning. We want mature students to feel part of our vibrant community and recognise the different support requirements they may have so we offer advice on a range of issues; from financial advice and childcare to academic issues. Our Student Support Officer can talk through any issues with you before you apply, during the application process or once you arrive.
How to apply
You will need to complete the UCAS application form to apply for the full-time course. Applicants are not required to provide a portfolio or attend an interview.
For more general information on the UCAS application process please visit the UCAS website.
Funding
We have a strong commitment to maintaining access for all to higher education. We recognise the need to invest financially in the future of our students, so we have introduced a system of bursaries aimed at enabling home students from lower income families to undertake a degree course. For information about Nottingham Trent University bursaries please visit Fees and Funding.
Open days
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the School on one of our open days. Our open days are an ideal opportunity for you to get a taste of Nottingham Trent University, and find out if it is the right place for you. You will:
- meet our staff and students
- get an insight into student life
- find out more about the courses we offer.
Please book your place before you attend.
Find out more about our Architecture, Design and the Built Environment open days.
Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
