Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Product Design
Design products for a better tomorrow. Work with real clients, real briefs, and real-world challenges as you study this inspiring product design degree.
Course overview
-
W241 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Turn ideas into objects, then objects into change
What if the products we design could do more than just function? What if they could improve lives and help shape a more sustainable future?
On this hands-on product design degree, you’ll explore how creativity, making, and critical thinking can transform your ideas into meaningful products. From sketchbook concepts to full-scale prototypes, you’ll develop the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to design for a changing world.
Whether you’re creating furniture, consumer products, spatial interventions, or sustainable systems, you’ll be encouraged to think boldly, question convention, and develop your own distinct design identity.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Learn through experimentation – making, testing, refining, and pushing ideas further – while exploring how design responds to social, environmental, ethical, and commercial challenges
- Explore user needs alongside economic, environmental, ethical, and manufacturing considerations to create responsible and sustainable design solutions
- Design across a broad spectrum of outcomes – from furniture and interiors to consumer goods, systems thinking, and social design
- Develop practical making, prototyping, visual communication, and presentation skills using industry-standard tools and technologies
Live learning
You’ll work on live briefs, collaborative projects, and industry-led challenges that mirror professional design practice and prepare you for the realities of the creative industries. Our students have designed for major brands including Lego, Nestlé, Asda, Clip ‘n’ Climb, and Agile Acoustics, gaining invaluable experience while still studying.
Specialist spaces
You’ll work in flexible, studio environments designed to support creativity, experimentation, and professional practice, with access to specialist making and prototyping facilities, including:
- Fully equipped 3D workshops for working with wood, metal, plastics, and sculptural processes
- Digital fabrication tools including a CNC router, laser cutters, and 3D printers
- Professional photography studio for documenting and presenting your work
- Traditional printmaking workshops alongside advanced digital printing technologies
Industry insight
Hear directly from practising designers through our INSIDE/OUT lecture series, featuring designers and innovators working across product design, architecture, interiors, fashion, and the wider creative industries. These sessions bring contemporary design practice into the studio, offering insight into emerging trends, professional pathways, creative challenges, and the future of design.
You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in external collaborations, workshops, and networking opportunities that help you build industry connections, confidence, and professional readiness.
Your designs in the spotlight
In your final year, you’ll exhibit your work at our Degree Show – a landmark event that attracts designers, employers, and industry professionals.
Why study the BA Product Design course at Leeds Beckett University?
- 95% of students on BA (Hons) Product Design were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
- Learn from tutors with extensive professional experience and strong industry networks
- Take an optional placement year to gain paid, real-world experience in industry
- Live and learn within one of the largest university arts communities in the north
- Study in Leeds – a vibrant creative hub with exciting opportunities across design industries on your doorstep
*National Student Survey 2025
Explore videos and blogs
BA (Hons) Product Design – student stories Hear Spike and Will talk about their final year project, course and exhibition at Leeds City Art Gallery.
Student Work | Art & Design Explore student work from our Art & Design subject area. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
We Inspire: Getting job ready as a Product Design student at Leeds Beckett
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104-112 points required.
(Minimum 64-72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 4 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
104-112 UCAS tariff points or a score of 28 from the IB diploma. This should include a minimum of 3 Highers with 2 at grade H5 or abovePortfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.
We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.
*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.  
Our commitment to your creativity
We ask all successful applicants to attend an on campus session with Leeds School of Arts. Why? Because we want to invest in YOU! This is an opportunity to use our fantastic facilities, meet the academic staff who will teach you, and meet students you will study with. You will also take part in taster sessions, specific to your area of study, all of which will help strengthen your professional skills.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
104-112 UCAS tariff points or a score of 28 from the IB diploma. This should include a minimum of 3 Highers with 2 at grade H5 or abovePortfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
This module supports your transition into university study and introduces the studio environment, facilities, and ways of working within product design. You'll develop core creative problem-solving skills, respond to structured design briefs, and gain experience using a range of digital and physical tools. Through guided projects, you'll begin to build foundational skills in design thinking, prototyping, and materials exploration. An emphasis on experimentation and iteration will help you understand how ideas evolve through testing and refinement. You'll develop research skills using primary and secondary sources to inform your decisions, while peer learning and critique will build your confidence in discussing and presenting your work. The module also introduces key themes such as sustainability, ethics, and the role of design in shaping change, encouraging you to reflect on your emerging position within the discipline.
Strengthen your ability to apply an iterative design process across a range of materials, processes, and tools. Through project work, you'll experiment, test, and refine ideas while developing greater independence in planning, organisation, and reflection. You'll build your research and analytical skills, learning how to translate insights into informed design decisions. Communication remains central, as you document your process and present outcomes visually and verbally within a collaborative studio environment. The module encourages increasing responsibility for your learning, supporting the development of teamwork, time management, and professional working habits. Upon completion, you'll have expanded your creative, technical, and research capabilities, with a growing awareness of the wider contexts shaping product design.
What you'll learn
Building on the skills you learned during year 1, this module develops your independence and critical engagement with professional design contexts. You'll respond to design briefs, refining your ability to research, develop, test, and realise considered design solutions. Working within a diverse and inclusive studio culture, you'll strengthen your capacity to give and receive critique while engaging with industry perspectives, contemporary debates, and professional standards. A research-informed approach underpins your practice, as you apply insights from primary and secondary sources to shape your design decisions. You'll extend your technical and digital skills while producing more resolved outcomes. Critical reflection becomes increasingly important as you evaluate how your work responds to environmental, societal, and ethical challenges and begin to position yourself within wider design communities.
This module supports a more autonomous and professionally focused approach to design practice. Working within broader project frameworks, you'll define your own design direction and respond to increasingly complex challenges. You'll manage projects from initial research through development and presentation, integrating experimentation and critical evaluation to refine your outcomes. Greater emphasis is placed on independent decision-making and professional standards. Engagement with live briefs, industry contexts, and work-related learning opportunities will help you understand professional expectations. You'll also begin developing self-promotional materials, such as a CV and portfolio presence, preparing you for year 3 and future career pathways.
What you'll learn
As you enter your final year, this module supports the development of self-negotiated projects that reflect your emerging specialism and professional ambitions. You'll research, conceptualise, and realise work for defined audiences, demonstrating critical awareness and technical confidence. Through iterative refinement and sustained critical reflection, you'll strengthen your ability to navigate complexity and make strategic design choices. You'll evaluate how your practice operates within environmental, societal, cultural, and industry contexts. Communication is key, as you present your ideas clearly across appropriate formats and respond constructively to feedback. The module encourages ownership of your practice while maintaining engagement with external perspectives and professional expectations.
This final module consolidates your learning through the development and completion of a substantial self-directed project. You'll synthesise research, experimentation, and critical evaluation to produce resolved and coherent design outcomes. You'll articulate a clear rationale for your work, demonstrating how it responds to professional, cultural, and societal contexts. Your communication skills will support the presentation of a focused portfolio aligned with your intended career direction. The module supports your transition beyond university, encouraging you to refine your professional identity, portfolio, and relevant networks as you prepare for employment, further study, or self-directed practice.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including 3D workshop, digital fabrication suite, a dedicated CAD suite and multimedia studios with drawing boards, computers and modelmaking facilities.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Sketchbooks, drawing and modelling equipment for studio sessions (£250).
- Specialist project materials. Cost will vary depending on practice and materials used.
- Local site / company visits travel (£50).
- Printing (£200).
Optional Costs
- Overseas trip (costs will vary based on location).
- Large capacity USB drive (cost will vary). OneDrive cloud storage also provided by the university as an alternative.
- Printing/binding of year 3 reports (£50). Alternatively, you could submit your work digitally.
- Placement costs will vary, and you'll need to pay for any additional travel.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including 3D workshop, digital fabrication suite, a dedicated CAD suite and multimedia studios with drawing boards, computers and modelmaking facilities.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Sketchbooks, drawing and modelling equipment for studio sessions (£250).
- Specialist project materials. Cost will vary depending on practice and materials used.
- Local site / company visits travel (£50).
- Printing (£200).
Optional Costs
- Overseas trip (costs will vary based on location).
- Large capacity USB drive (cost will vary). OneDrive cloud storage also provided by the university as an alternative.
- Printing/binding of year 3 reports (£50). Alternatively, you could submit your work digitally.
- Placement costs will vary, and you'll need to pay for any additional travel.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
95%
of students on BA (Hons) Product Design were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Develop your own design voice. From thoughtful maker to bold design activist, this course prepares you to graduate as a confident, versatile, and socially aware designer. You’ll be equipped with the creative, technical, and professional skills to tackle injustice, rethink systems, and imagine better futures.
You’ll develop expertise in research, ideation, prototyping, communication, collaboration, and user-centred design, enabling you to shape products that respond to contemporary needs and future challenges.
Career pathways could include:
- Product designer
- Furniture or interior product designer
- In-house designer within organisations and brands
- Freelance designer or creative consultant
- Design consultant
- Sustainable designer and developer
- Inclusive and accessible designer
- Service and experience designer
- Social innovation and systems designer
- Design strategist or creative researcher
Some graduates also move into UX and UI design, applying their user-focused design thinking to digital products and emerging technologies.
Alternatively, you might establish your own creative practice or progress your studies through postgraduate courses including our MA Design for Change at Leeds Beckett.
We maintain close links with industry and our students develop their skills and learning in line with industry expectations. As a consequence, our graduates are highly employable and we have an excellent track record of graduate employment.
Lauren Moriarty
Course Director
Lauren Moriarty
Course Director / Leeds School of Arts
Dr Lauren Moriarty is Course Director for BA Product Design and MA Design for Change, and Strategic Lead for Employability for Leeds School of Arts. Lauren's PhD (2024) focusses on optimising graduate employability through co-design methods with students, graduates, industry professionals, academic teams and careers teams.
Before starting university, I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to follow. My course covered such a wide range of subjects I knew I'd be able to keep my options open, which was very reassuring. In my final year, I spent a lot of time in the studio, which has really helped me adapt to working life in the design industry.
Alex Taylor
Director - Create 8 Limited
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
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