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In the UK for Art and Design in the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).

Product Design BSc (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): H715 (with placement year) / W244 (full-time)
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Four years full-time with placement year, three years full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: City Campus
Information for 2024

Introduction:

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, Tesco, PepsiCo, Disney, Unilever, and McLaren F1.

Explore the work of our graduating students in our Student Showcase.

  • NTU is 2nd for the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).
  • 100% of BSc (Hons) Product Design sandwich students are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).
  • 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.
  • 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).

Course accreditation

  • Institution of Engineering Designers logo

Main image: Work by Bethany Wignall

What you’ll study

Together, we’ll be analysing the evolution of contemporary design — its history, its critical tradition, and its psychology. We’ll be looking at the ways in which good (and sometimes not so good) design principles are applied across products, systems and services, and the exciting role that we as designers and engineers can play. We’ll analyse manufacturing processes, and the growing importance of ethical, sustainable design; we’ll explore things like alternative energy systems, smart technology and robotics; and in the studio and workshops, we’ll grow your own ideas from sketches to prototypes.

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of the modules you’ll be studying during the course.

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)

Introduction to Design (20 credits)

  • You will begin to develop an understanding of the key attributes of being a designer in all that you do, especially in applying safe working practices within the studios and workshops.
  • You will study issues and ideas exploring design from political, technological, social and economic perspectives.
  • As part of this module you will learn key design communication techniques, which is a significant tool for any designer in supporting the design process. This will include a range of media and methods in 2D and 3D i.e. sketching, basic modelling and presentation skills.

Design & Technical Communication (20 credits)

  • You will develop your awareness of design; furthering your design skills and expanding on design communication as a tool to develop your own design processes. These skills will be developed by selecting and employing a range of media and design methods that will give you confidence to apply safe working practices within the studio and workshop environment.
  • Studies on the module involve a number of techniques including sketching and rendering, computer aided design (CAD) and digital modelling in 3D.
  • This module will expand your studies of design communication, providing a more advanced view and develop your designer toolkit.

Technology for Designers (20 credit points)

  • You will expand your understanding and the consideration of technology relative to materials and production, electronics, electrical systems and programming.
  • You will also be introduced to the basic principles and applications of technology and see how they affect the development of products and systems.

Design Innovation & Manufacture (60 credit points)

  • This module aims to develop your awareness of design, where you will explore a wide range of different product sectors in order to gain a deeper knowledge base of design, innovation and manufacture.
  • This module also enable your awareness of environmental issues and help develop your understanding of the implications of the specification of manufacturing processes from sustainable and ethical standpoints.
  • You will consider the context of design processes and relevant design methodologies that are often attributed to the scientific perspective of product design.
  • You will examine aspects related to design for the future to develop your awareness of the wider contemporary and contextual issues that will further your understanding of culture and society and their relationship with design. This module will consider the influence of human factors, user-centred design and reliability.

Professional Practice (20 credit points)

  • You will consider the broad view of the design profession, both historical and contemporary, and question where it is going in the future; along with reflecting on where you might sit within this profession. This will be supported by a work-like experience, framed by the Conversations on Design series delivered by industry professionals.
  • This module will develop your critical and analytical skills to justify and evaluate your design approach. You will also learn about key subjects areas such as design management techniques, IP, sustainability and commercial awareness.
  • You will develop a keen awareness of the breadth of the design industry, and the roles and ethical responsibilities of designers, manufacturers and consumers.

Advanced Design & Technical Communication (20 credit points)

  • This module aims to further develop your design skills and expanding your awareness of design communication as a tool to develop your own design processes.
  • You will develop and utilise advanced communication techniques relevant to the design industry; produce sketches, renderings, models, test rigs, prototypes, simulations and virtual solutions.
  • This module enables you to develop your communication skills, which will enable you to enhance the work for the other level 5 modules; to create your portfolio, CV, design work and other industry facing material.

Technology, Society & Sustainable Futures (20 credit points)

  • You will be encouraged to creatively apply advanced technological and material solutions in the development of modern products. The module will involve both individual and group-based projects alongside lectures and seminars.
  • Central to the module are a series of design projects where you will be given design briefs with real time deadlines. The focus of these projects relates to a variety of critical issues, which are significant issues designers commonly face in their work.
  • You will be expected to realise a range of formats to a designer’s outputs i.e. technical reports, technical drawings, CAD work, sketches, renderings, models, test rigs, prototypes and simulations to an industrial and commercially accepted standard. You are also required to consider the use of materials; appropriate approaches to materials selection will be considered with reference to meeting design requirements and costings.
  • The module will enable you to develop creative problem-solving abilities in response to increasing problem complexity as well as further developing effective design communication and realisation skills in a variety of media, either as an individual or part of a team.

Elective Design Project (40 credit points)

  • You will have themes, provided by your course team, that you can select a project from, and you will work on this for the entirety of the module.
  • This module will help you develop your ability to conduct a project, integrating knowledge and skills you have gained from the programme.
  • This module is design-orientated which may involve selection of materials, processes, prototype making, product testing and evaluation. Your approach to practical work will show autonomy, initiative, risk-taking and innovation and be clearly articulated and contextualised through visual, written and verbal means.

Exploring Design for Society (20 credit points)

    • This module gives you the opportunity to explore and research a subject of your personal interest (based on course themes).
    • The research document will focus your thoughts and plans for that which you intend to design and produce a body of work for later in this year. It also stipulates the plan for the project; specifically, the direction and choices you wish to make during the project.
    • The format for this research portfolio will be discussed with you but these can range from a standard written piece, a visual essay, a film, or a critique. Topics should challenge you to source information, to maintain a sustained argument and to be critical and reflective.

In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement. This year in industry will offer you hands-on experience, adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your CV. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.

Recent placement destinations have included Reevo 360, Nestlé, Triumph Motorcycles, Aevena (USA), Demand, and Bentley Motors Ltd, with more students working in roles such as design intern, design engineer, product design intern, industrial designer, and many more. The majority of placement roles include salaries.

Successful completion of the placement year leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice.

You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a European Project Semester during your third year with one of our partner universities. This option allows you to spend half a year studying abroad, and the other half gaining work experience on placement. We've got links with Universities in Spain, France, Austria, The Netherlands and Germany amongst others.

Exploration & Context (20 credit points)

  • This module gives you the opportunity to explore and research a subject of your personal interest that links to the self-directed project.
  • You will gain in-depth knowledge and confidence in a particular subject associated with the broad spectrum of design, using a wide range of primary and secondary research skills. to gain extensive and exploratory experience in communicating complex issues in text, illustrations and words; to promote understanding of design as a complex activity; and develop the ability to research, evaluate and communicate its relationship to culture, society and technology.

Commercial Project (20 credit points)

  • This module encourages you to explore, model, research, propose and develop ideas, concepts and products through a number of chosen and self-regulated projects. The synthesis of information, skills and learned knowledge will help you develop your portfolio and personal stance on contemporary design.
  • You will be tutored by academic staff who have a rich experience of professional design practice, who will guide you through the development of your projects.
  • Your work will be driven by live industrial/commercial input and partners, developing real world solutions. The objectives of this module are therefore to promote the application of your skills, knowledge and understanding of design methodologies in the creative realisation of products, and to understand your own practise in a professional context.

Self-Directed Project (Technology & Product Design) (80 credit points)

  • This module encourages you to explore, research, propose and develop ideas, model, develop concepts and products through a chosen, self-regulated project.
  • The synthesis of information, skills and learned knowledge will help you develop your portfolio and personal stance on contemporary design. As a final year module, you are expected to draw upon the teaching and learning you have experienced over the previous years of study.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Jonathan Rumball

My first year of NTU has landed me a CSWA certificate from Solidworks which certifies me as a Solidworks associate. I have also received a certificate winning the Mattii Labs design competition and finally my most recent award was from the Young Creative Awards.

Matthew Russell-Smith

In five years time I hope to have started my own business with fellow students at NTU. We will offer product development services as well as consultancy.

Bethany Wignall

There’s lots of staff involved with teaching and supporting the course. We’re quite a small course and so have a close-knit relationship with the academic staff and always feel comfortable to ask for help and advice.

Video Gallery

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How you’re taught

Immerse yourself in dynamic course content through engaging sessions like lectures, seminars, workshops, and design sessions. Leverage our virtual learning environment, NOW, for self-directed projects. Beyond scheduled sessions, embrace independent study—preparing for lectures, researching, completing coursework, and expanding your portfolio through directed reading. Benefit from the insights of external professional practitioners, ensuring a continual enhancement of your learning with real-world perspectives.

Our Product Design community

We have a strong sense of community on our Product Design courses. Our community is creative, supportive, and challenging. It allows you to work side-by-side with your classmates, tutors, and our technical and research experts as you find and establish your own design identity.

You'll become part of this community from your first day on the course. It's important that you feel comfortable working collaboratively for you to push the boundaries of design and tackle creative challenges that you'll face throughout your studies and in your career. You'll work in teams to complete lots of different design activities, from experimenting with ideas and plans in our studio space to developing CAD models and producing prototypes in our workshops.

Study trips

Field trips and study visits are an important part of your learning. Trips may include site visits and visits to practices, museums, exhibitions and events. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, and substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school. Optional trips may also be organised which can provide additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student. A valid passport and any associated visas will be required for trips outside of the UK.

Design studio

You'll benefit from dedicated studio space on the course. Our studio-based environment encourages experimentation with new methods, styles, and techniques, and pushes you to take your practice in any direction that motivates you. This approach reflects how the industry works and prepares you well for the collaborative approach that you'll practice throughout your career.

Live projects

As part of some modules, you'll work on live project briefs set by real industry clients. This can involve visits and workshops led by design teams from industry, and delivering presentations to them, providing the opportunity to showcase your skills and ability to potential employers. Previously our students have worked with Dyson, Cambridge Consultants, Tesco, PepsiCo, and Wilko.

Competitions

As well as working on briefs as part of the course, our students have taken part in and won competitions and national events. Recently, our students have participated in and won competitions including the Engineers without Borders Challenge, the Starpack Awards, and the Design in Innovation and Plastics Award.

Conversations on Design

We run an exciting lecture series called 'Conversations on Design'. As part of this series practitioners from a range of industries come and deliver talks to students about their own practice, experiences in industry, and contemporary issues in their field. These talks are a great way to get first-hand insights into the workings of different organisations, practice and applications of design.

Staff Profiles

James Dale - Head of Department

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

James Dale is the Head of Product Design in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

Phillipa Martin - Principal Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Principal Lecturer and Departmental Manager (focusing on Quality and Standards) for the Product Design team.

Mr Chris Lamerton BA(Hons) MA FHEA AFSEDA MIED FFMC - Principal Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

As Principal Lecturer and Department Manager, Chris is responsible for the resourcing and strategic planning of all programs within the Undergraduate and Postgraduate suite of courses within the Product design

Joseph Stewart - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

As BSc (Hons) Product Design, Course Leader, Dr Stewart is responsible for overseeing all levels of study on the course, together with course management, pastoral care and applicant interviews.

Luke Siena - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Dr Luke Siena is a Lecturer in Product Design, a Creative Short Course and Summer School Tutor within the School of Architecture Design & The Built Environment.

Karen Winfield - Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Josh Woolley - Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Josh Woolley, lecturer at NTU working in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

Richard Malcolm - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

NTU staff profile, R. Malcolm

How you’re assessed

You’ll be assessed through coursework, which will consist of projects, reports, presentations, prototypes, exhibitions/project outcomes, scoping documents, essays and a portfolio.

Year One Coursework 100%
Year Two Coursework 100%
Year Three Optional placement year
Year Four Coursework 100%

Careers and employability

Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the design industry, through work placements, working on real projects from industry, input from industry professionals, and regularly updated course content.

Sandwich placement year

In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement. Placement years are the perfect opportunity for you to put your skills to the test in a real design role, and test out potential careers. Through modules and projects, you'll study in Years One and Two, you'll develop skills that employers are looking for and a design portfolio that showcases your design interests and capabilities. Our Employability team will support you in everything from finding opportunities to preparing your CV and practicing interview techniques.

This year in industry will provide you with invaluable experience that is hugely valued by graduate employers. It can also give you a sense of focus and direction for your final year work, and graduate jobs. Some of our students design their final year projects around their experiences in industry and sometimes work with their placement companies to deliver the work. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.

Students typically gain placements in product design companies across the UK and abroad. Recent destinations have included: Nestlé (Switzerland), Asap Water Crafts, Antalis, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Rail Renewables, ReCyrcle.

100% of BSc (Hons) Product Design sandwich students are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).

NTU is 2nd for the number of Undergraduate students studying Design studies (HESA, 2021/22).

Professional qualification

Successful completion of the 36 weeks leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice, which will further enhance your CV.

Where do Product Design graduates from NTU work?

NTU has a strong product design alumni community with many graduates working in senior positions in leading national and international companies.

Recent graduate destinations include: Dyson, Triumph, TATA, Cummins Ltd., Jaguar Land Rover, Solid Solutions, AECOM, Brett Martin, Harkess-Ord, Accuride, Disney, Unilever, NHS.

Our Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies and up to three years after completing your course.

Course accreditation

Our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), recognising the quality and relevance of our course content to industry. It also provides a pathway to progress through the membership stages of the body following graduation.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Final Year Showcase

Check out our NTU Design Industries Virtual Student Showcase, an online exhibition celebrating the work of our Class of 2023 graduates.

Keep up to date with our current Final Year Product Design student work on Instagram - @NTUDI

Campus and facilities

Studio space

Our Arkwright studio is a big, open, creative space where you'll spend a lot of your time as a Product Design student. This is where you'll collaborate, undertake group and individual work, sketch, develop projects and soft modeling, and have presentations and critique sessions. Fitted with plenty of desk space, computers with all the software you need, and even rapid prototyping machinery, you'll be well equipped and supported by our academic and technical teams.

Microbit Robots Project The results of a Microbit Robots project in our studio space.

Specialist facilities

At the University's City Campus, you'll have full access to our range of specialist equipment and spaces based in our Arkwright and Maudslay buildings. You'll be supported by a team of expert technical staff who will teach you to maximise the use of our resources and facilitate your development as a designer.

You'll benefit from our dedicated studios and workshop facilities, and full IT and CAD suites.

Specialised 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 cutting up to 150mm in almost any solid material such as glass, steel, granite, marble, aluminium and rubber.
  • A CNC (computer-numerical control) router and laser and plasma cutters.
  • Bandsaw machines, lathes and circular saws to cut a range of materials including wood, foam, plastics and metal.
  • Sanding machines, used to prepare surfaces and furniture for a high quality finish.

Access to our workshops and labs

Enjoy scheduled access to well-equipped workshops and labs throughout your academic journey, tailored to meet project-specific needs. Additionally, our studio spaces are available for daily bookings, offering flexibility to accommodate your creative workflow. Outside timetabled hours, select machinery remains accessible, with priority given to timetabled students, but open to all when space permits.

Dedicated resource centre

Students in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment have access to a dedicated resource centre. This centre, based in the Maudslay building, enables students to undertake private study in a facility equipped with computers, large format plotters and desk space, together with the latest, and archived, journals and publications.

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
  • Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).

Contextual offers

A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

What are we looking for?

  • 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, that's why we're here to help. Take a look at our fees and funding pages for lots of handy advice and guidance.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs, which for this programme could include the following:

  • Year 1:  Layout pads, geometry set, portfolio case, rendering pens, materials £250 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Year 2: Layout pads and materials £160 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Final Year: Layout pads and materials £700 (minimum) and printing £80 (minimum)

Please note that material costs may vary depending on what material you choose to work in. All other mandatory costs for the course are paid for by the University.

Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Degree Show

In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up.

Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies

As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.

What you’ll receive

  • All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
  • Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
  • Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
  • £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Tuition fees for September 2024 entry 

Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.

Scholarships 

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees 

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs, which for this programme could include the following:

  • Year 1:  Layout pads, geometry set, portfolio case, rendering pens, materials £250 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Year 2: Layout pads and materials £160 (minimum) and printing £100 (minimum)
  • Final Year: Layout pads and materials £700 (minimum) and printing £80 (minimum)

Please note that material costs may vary depending on what material you choose to work in. All other mandatory costs for the course are paid for by the University.

Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Degree Show

In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up.

Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies

As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.

What you’ll receive

  • All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
  • Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
  • Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
  • £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

How to apply

Apply through UCAS.

As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.

Keeping up to date

After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.

You can apply for this course through UCAS.

If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU Applicant Portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

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