The department is embedded in industry through practice, consultancy and research and has specialisms ranging from materials to medical devices and virtual reality to robotics.
We deliver world-class research that changes people’s lives. We develop revolutionary medical products to improve people’s health. We create sustainable technologies to support developing nations, helping people make water from air and cook food in ovens powered only by the sun.
Our degree courses are renowned in industry for their quality and relevant to practice, embodied by our professional accreditations and track record in producing successful, industry-ready design graduates who are making an impact on the industry across the world.
Our academic offices and workshops are based in the Maudslay building, right in the heart of the University's City Campus. If you’re interested in visiting, studying, or working with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Study with us
Undergraduate and postgraduate study
Our courses balance theory and practice to address the challenges of modern design. We’ll give you the support to develop as a creative and analytical thinker, and the freedom to discover and progress your own individual design style, vision and philosophy.
Creative short courses
We offer a range of introductory and professional-level courses delivered by expert tutors at our City Campus. It includes daytime, evening and Saturday classes throughout the year, as well as intensive courses during July and August.
Course accreditation
Our BA (Hons) Product Design, BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design, MA Design: Products and Furniture and MSc Design: Products and Technology courses are accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD).
Our BSc (Hons) Product Design and MSc Design: Products and Technology courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED).
Latest news
Allergic reaction leads to eureka moment which could save the NHS almost £1 billion
Wed 11 Jun 2025
From patient to innovator: Student creates orthopaedic cast to support NHS after spinal injury
Tue 10 Jun 2025
NTU student designs affordable handcycle trainer to empower wheelchair userss
Mon 09 Jun 2025
Device uses psychology to help neurodivergent people with everyday tasks
Thu 05 Jun 2025
Review: NTU’s 2025 Student Showcase
Tue 03 Jun 2025
Showcase 2025 Student Spotlight: Florrie Lithgow
Fri 30 May 2025
International opportunities
We are committed to developing a culture of internationalisation and making a contribution to the world through everything we do. Find out more about the impact we have on student experience, research, student and staff mobility, partnerships, collaborations, and our global alumni network.
Upcoming events
21
Sep
Crafting impactful narratives and outputs on climate and housing in Brazil
22
Sep
Showcase: Product Design Masters celebration event
Old Chemistry Theatre, Newton Building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4BU
23
Sep
Showcase: Product Design Masters public viewing
Old Chemistry Theatre, Newton Building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4BU
28
Nov
The First Conference on Gen-AI in Built Environment
Our Research Groups and Centres
Product Innovation Centre
The Product Innovation Centre conducts internationally leading research and offers sustainable solutions for providing products and services in a circular economy.
Design Matter Research Group
Design Matter is a product design research group, based at Nottingham Trent University, that undertake product design projects for commercial clients in a wide range of industries including medical, capital equipment, transport, point of sale, homewares, apparel and telecommunications.
Road Safety Research Group
The Road Safety Research Group develops, applies and tests innovate technological products through user centred design approaches to address a variety of road safety challenges across a variety of transportations modes.
Advanced Design and Manufacturing Engineering Centre (ADMEC)
The Advanced Design and Manufacturing Engineering Centre (ADMEC) conducts research in product innovation and development supported by design, manufacture and multi-disciplinary engineering technologies.
The Creative and Virtual Technologies Lab
The Creative and Virtual Technologies Lab is a multidisciplinary research environment where architects, artists, designers, engineers, computer scientists and human scientists collaborate to explore the potential of new visualisation techniques and digital design models and processes. This will enhance the quality of our buildings and cities in a sustainable way meeting user expectations.
Sustainable Consumption Research Group
Sustainable Consumption is a multidisciplinary research group that focuses on people’s influence on sustainability as users of products and services, ranging from consumer durables and clothing to buildings.
Featured facility: Newton and Arkwright
Find out more about ADBE
School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment Facilities
Get hands-on with industry-standard equiptment, creative software and workshop spaces—everything you need to design, build and bring your best ideas to life.
Creating a sustainable future
Learn about how we're building a more sustainable future in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.
Services to business in the built environment
Our expert teams in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment (ADBE) offer a range of business services – including training solutions, facilities, applied research and consultancy.