BSc (Hons)
Product Design and Innovation
A career in product design is challenging, fulfilling and well paid
Course Overview
Why take this course?
From the humble can opener to the bagless vacuum cleaner, we are surrounded by products that we need for modern-day living. We take so many of these devices for granted, but have you ever stopped to think about how clever some product designs really are? If you have, you will appreciate that there’s huge scope for being radically creative – to design faster, easier and at minimum cost.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Use our sophisticated computer software and rapid prototyping equipment
- Put learning into practice by doing a paid work placement, either in the UK or overseas
- Work on real-life projects through our links with industry and various design centres
What opportunities might it lead to?
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and is also accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED). It provides a fast track to membership and enhances the value of your course to subsequent employers.
You can expect to find careers in the fields of computer-aided design, visualisation, product data management and other related fields.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- design
- research and development
- product manufacture
- project management
I like the way our course allows students to have their own independence.
Felicity Fuller, BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- H771
- Duration
- 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement
- Entry
240-280 points to include 160 points from a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, in science or technology subjects.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,900 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- technology.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 2555 - Department
- School of Engineering
Subject:
Engineering
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Hands-on opportunities to gain practical experience by solving real-world problems
- Approachable and passionate lecturers with industrial experience
- Excellent facilities and good employment prospects
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
You will be introduced to the concept of product design and innovation as well as computer aided product design. Also we’ll work on bridging any gaps in your artistic and technical knowledge, providing an all round basis for further study.
Core units in this year include:
- Introduction to Design
- Introduction to Technology Concepts
- Introduction to Materials and Manufacture (PD)
- Communication and IT
- Introduction to Illustration Techniques 1
- Computer Aided Product Analysis and Illustration
Year two
In this year you will be given choices in the direction of your studies. You’ll have the option of these two routes of study: Computer Aided Product Design or Product Design and Innovation.
Core units in this year include:
- Illustration Techniques
- Materials and Manufacture
- Computer Aided Visualisation
- Conceptual Design
- Research Methods for Product Designers
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Product Analysis
- Student Enterprise (Planning and Delivery)
Year three*
In your final year you will have the opportunity to put into practice all your new skills in both group and individual project work. There is also a range of topics covered for you to really cement your knowledge of product design.
Core units in this year include:
- Individual Project
- Human Centred Product Design
- Preparation for Product Launch
- Advanced and Modern Materials
- Integrated Engineering Business Project
*This course is also available as a 4-year sandwich (work placement)
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials (personal and academic), laboratory and project work, CAD system activity and open access study. The course has a strong practical emphasis and we pride ourselves on working at the leading-edge of technology and learning practices.
How are you assessed?
A range of assessment methods encourages a deeper understanding of engineering and allows you to develop your skills. Here’s how we assess your work:
- written examinations and multiple choice tests
- coursework and portfolio
- case studies
- practical tests
- presentations
Tutor's view
Vasileios Adamos
Product Design
For us, a successful graduate is somebody who has the ability to apply the knowledge from this course in the most efficient way possible. We make sure of this through problem based learning, by enabling you to think outside the box and always look at the greater picture of what you are doing and not just the task at hand.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Laboratories
We offer you a range of well-equipped labs
Design Studios
Design, construct and trial your product designs
Maths Café
The Maths Café - drop in any time and get one-to-one help
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment
Laboratories
We offer you a range of labs such as the Analogue Electronics and Control Engineering Laboratory and the Telecommunications and Signal Processing Laboratory. From Digital Signal Processing (DSP) kits to walking robots, all are well-equipped with industry-standard experimental and computational facilities.
Design Studios
As well as purpose-built studios for our material workshops, we also have a variety of digital studios. Design, construct and trial your product designs – it’s important for you to envisage how things work and are made to become a good designer. Our design facilities can cater to whatever project you are working on.
Maths Café
Drop in any time and get one-to-one help with that tricky maths or stats problem. With handouts on key topics to take away and computer aided learning packages, we can get the problem solved and help you improve your numeracy skills.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
There are plenty of computers and it is quiet enough to get work done. We also have brand new computers installed in some of the rooms in my building.
Lizzie Gillis, BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation student
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
A career in product design promises to be challenging, fulfilling and well paid. Whether you are designing a new food container, part of a computer or maybe the next generation of mobile phones, there is no doubt that your career will bring you an incredible sense of satisfaction as well as achievement.
You’ll be able to offer knowledge and experience in manufacturing design in addition to proof of your creativity. With such skills you could find work in the manufacturing, service and engineering industries, design management and consultancy companies.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- product design engineer
- CAD designer
- design manager
Work experience
Taking a placement year in industry could be one of the best decisions you make as more often than not, it leads to further opportunities after graduation. SPEC, our Student Placement and Employability Centre, not only helps you to arrange your placement but acts as a source of information and guidance throughout the recruitment process and beyond. We help on anything and everything related to employability skills as well as assisting you in gaining other types of work experience.
Here are some examples of the roles our students have secured for their placements:
- Product Designer at Interign
- Undergraduate Engineer at Elta Fans
- Production Drawing Assistant at Sunseeker
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more