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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Product Design
Develop your creative skills and professional practice, and work with industry clients to design products that make a difference.
Course Overview
-
W241 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
20 Sep 2021
Develop your skills in product design and professional practice.
As part of your course you’ll:
- Gain insight into user requirements, economic, environmental and ethical considerations, as well as materials, manufacturing, production and industry capabilities
- Use your insights to help inform the design of your products
- Design a range of products for both commercial and domestic use, including furniture, interior products, consumer goods and sustainable products
- Work on live industry briefs , which will ensure you’ll be working in real world contexts to design products that make a positive contribution to the world around us
Our students have designed for Tommee Tippee, Lego, Nestle, Asda, High Tech Lighting and TRIG Creative amongst many others. Ed Barber of BarberOsgerby, designers of the Olympic Torch, is a graduate of this course.
You can see examples of our students' work in our 2020 End of Year Festival, and in our 2019 End of Year Show publication.
Our design studios will provide you with a flexible working space, with computers integrated into the working environment. A textile space is also nestled next to a lecture area with digital projection equipment.
Throughout your course, lecturers from a range of design disciplines will visit to talk about their own practice and run workshops. In your final year you’ll display your project work at our Degree Show, held in our award-winning Broadcasting Place - an event which attracts interest from artists and industry professionals.
Specialist facilities
Our design studios provide you with a flexible working space, with computers integrated into the working environment. A textile space is also nestled next to a lecture area with digital projection equipment.
Guest Lectures
We often run a number of guest lectures and workshops throughout the year, both on campus and in conjunction with external organisations. The INSIDE/OUT lecture series brings together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts and beyond. You can catch up on previous lectures by visiting the Leeds Arts Research Centre site.
Why study Product Design at Leeds Beckett University...
- Gain from your tutors' extensive industry knowledge and professional networks
- The course's 'sandwich year' option has allowed many of our previous students to gain industry experience and boost their employment prospects
- Benefit from the school's close links to design and creative businesses in the Yorkshire region, throughout the UK, and beyond
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses and 170 years of inspiring, challenging and innovative practices
- Take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the course and the school; gain access to a vast range of ideas, skills and facilities which will allow you to take your work in your own direction
- Leeds is home to thriving creative sector; with hundreds of innovative start-ups, agencies, design businesses and countless other opportunities for product designers on our doorstep
BA (Hons) Product Design This course focuses on human centred design and addresses human need through innovative thinking and appropriate design solutions.
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
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) 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 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Foundation in Art and Design:
The Foundation in Art and Design with Distinction will be accepted where applicants have not achieved any A Level qualifications.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Interview Required
We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview - interview dates will be published in due course. Invitations are sent via UCAS and you should check your UCAS Track account for further interview details.At interview you are assessed on your portfolio (artwork or photographs of artwork together with written assignments), general knowledge and your enthusiasm for Product Design.
International baccalaureate
24 Points
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.
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 are required to meet our standard English language and Maths requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, for example we accept some Functional Skills Tests.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Interview Required
We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview - interview dates will be published in due course. Invitations are sent via UCAS and you should check your UCAS Track account for further interview details.At interview you are assessed on your portfolio (artwork or photographs of artwork together with written assignments), general knowledge and your enthusiasm for Product Design.
International baccalaureate
24 Points
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.We were awarded silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.
Overall workload
366
Hours teaching and learning
834
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year one is assessed by coursework predominantly.What you'll learn
Gain an overview of product design as a subject area, as a practice and as a global industry. Discover how different designers work and reflect on this to develop your own individual style of working.
Develop an understanding of the different forms and purposes of representational models associated with design processes. You will acquire a range of basic modelling skills and demonstrate the ability to select and employ appropriate modelling methods within a design project.
Gain an appreciation of the cultural, political, ethical, social and historic settings in which designers practise. Develop skills in research, analysis, critical and independent thinking and establish a foundation in structuring and referencing academic writing.
Discover the design process and the methods and methodologies involved in working through a design project. Develop skills in creative concept development, design thinking, systems thinking and iterative design to help you understand the processes involved in product design development.
This project-based module will introduce you to human-centred design research as an integral element of the design process, including understanding the context and framing the brief, generating concepts, investigating scenarios, design iteration and prototyping.
Develop your critical and system thinking skills to further your understanding of and ability to respond to the environmental and social justice challenges associated with the design of products.
Overall workload
321
Hours teaching and learning
879
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year two is assessed by coursework predominantly.What you'll learn
Responding to an external design brief, you will make personal interpretations, generate appropriate design concepts, present your ideas to an external client or stakeholder and deliver a coherent final design proposal.
Raise your awareness of commonly used materials and manufacturing processes, from one-off craft production through to mass production and circular manufacturing, and develop design proposals in sufficient detail to assess feasibility and specify appropriate methods for mass production.
Discover how cultural, historical, socio-political, technological and economic factors promote innovation, challenge design thinking and shape the nature of design. You will be encouraged to research and debate these approaches to support a personal design philosophy.
Combine the skills you have learned to respond to a live design project and strengthen your ability to meet the demands of different stakeholders. By following a more stringent design process and complex brief, you will build your individual design methodology and increase your confidence.
Reflect upon your progress so far, highlighting what you have learned, how you have developed as a designer and the areas of interest you might like to pursue in your final major project. Develop knowledge of the professional aspects of design and evidence your portfolio development and career aspirations.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ 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, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich 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.
Overall workload
205
Hours teaching and learning
995
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year three is assessed by coursework predominantlyWhat you'll learn
Respond to a real world design brief, which will allow you to demonstrate and develop your personal design interests, locate your practice in a specific context and exhibit your professionalism and employability.
Generate a self-initiated and negotiated final design project that allows you to pursue design contexts, issues and outcomes of relevance according to your personal practice and professional aspirations.
Produce professional photography and suitable communications outlining your product outcomes, and present your work in an exhibition format to prepare your product for launch. Create promotional material and engage in promotional activities appropriate to your product outcomes and individual aspirations as a designer.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
Home / EU 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£13,000
International 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1950.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.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:
- Creative spaces, including fashion studios with the latest machinery and cutting tables, and access to PC and Mac desktops with CAD software.
- Studio equipment and facilities, including a dedicated CAD suite and specialist software, such as REVIT.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Sketchbooks, drawing and modelling equipment for studio sessions (£200).
- Practice materials. Cost will vary depending on practice and materials used.
- Local site / company visits travel (£50).
- Printing (£150).
Optional Costs
- Overseas trip (£250).
- Large capacity USB drive. Cost will vary.
- External printing of year 3 reports (£50).
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
£13,000
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1950.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:
- Creative spaces, including fashion studios with the latest machinery and cutting tables, and access to PC and Mac desktops with CAD software.
- Studio equipment and facilities, including a dedicated CAD suite and specialist software, such as REVIT.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Sketchbooks, drawing and modelling equipment for studio sessions (£200).
- Practice materials. Cost will vary depending on practice and materials used.
- Local site / company visits travel (£50).
- Printing (£150).
Optional Costs
- Overseas trip (£250).
- Large capacity USB drive. Cost will vary.
- External printing of year 3 reports (£50).
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Leeds School of Arts Leeds School of Arts encourages individuality, inspires creativity, and creates impact.
Your future in our hands
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.
90.2%
of students from Leeds School of Arts courses in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
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
Career Prospects
Your course will shape your career, giving you the creative, technical, research, design and presentation skills needed to work as a product designer across a wide range of industries. You could go on to work in a design studio, for a consultancy, as a product designer for an organisation, or you could offer your services as a freelance designer. Alternatively, you may choose to set up your own studio or progress onto postgraduate study in the UK or overseas.
- In-house Designer
- Product Design Manager
- Freelance Designer
- Design Consultant
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
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
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.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Explore our specialist teaching facilities and premium accommodation that you’ll be proud to call your second home.
