Studying product design will teach you to seamlessly blend creativity and functionality, shaping the future by crafting innovative solutions that enhance everyday life.
Studying product design offers a unique blend of creativity and functionality, preparing you to shape the future of innovative and purposeful design. It involves learning about ideation, prototyping, and user-centric design methodologies. As a product designer, graduates are prepared for many careers, including roles in industrial design, user experience (UX) design, consumer electronics, and sustainable design. Product design also provides opportunities for entrepreneurship, collaborative design projects, and contributions to industries ranging from tech and healthcare to environmental sustainability.
The impact you could make
Work sustainably to reduce the environmental footprint of consumer goods
Contribute to technological advancements by creating cutting-edge products
Influence trends, preferences, and attitudes toward design aesthetics and functionality
“Probably for me personally the opportunity we have to make prototypes and develop our product that way not just on the computer or paper. I've also enjoyed my work experience in two different places.”
Second year product design student at Bangor University
Example assignment
"A project for a Scottish soap company where we had to think about a design intervention to enhance the brand’s identity and experience."
Second year product design student at Glasgow School of Art
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some product design courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects.
English
Engineering
Art and design
Hard skills you'll develop
Sketching and visual communication
3D modelling
Quality control and cost estimation
Sustainable practices
Soft skills you'll develop
Client relationship building
Ethical decision making
Presentation skills
Negotiation skills
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying product design. The following information is based on a typical design professional role.
An innovation consultant is an exciting role that revolves around guiding businesses through the dynamic landscape of product design innovation. They look for creative and strategic breakthroughs, exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. Drawing on their expertise in product design, they develop innovative solutions that address challenges like sustainability and capitalise on emerging trends.
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in accounting and finance.
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around product design with the following.
Abstract: The Art of Design
If digital product design interests you, watch this Netflix series which takes an in-depth look into computer design and modern contemporary design with some of the world's most highly regarded designers.
Follow the Design Week website for all the latest news, views and analysis on the latest product and industrial design stories, covering transport, tech products, and homewares.
79% of students
are highly likely to recommend product design to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your product design journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
Talk about your appreciation for aesthetics and artistic elements in design, showing an understanding of the balance between form and function.
Mention any experience with prototyping or model making, proving your ability to bring design concepts to life.
Do you have any practical experience that highlights your project management skills, particularly if you've led or collaborated on design projects?
Show your awareness of current design trends and an understanding of the market, talking about how you stay up to date with the industry.
What are your future goals in the field of product design? How will this course align with those aspirations and contribute to your academic and professional development?
We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging art and design personal statement. Here's what they told us.