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Product Design BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Sketches of a product design

We take a user-centred approach to designing innovative, sustainable and forward-thinking products for volume production, including furniture, healthcare products, toys and consumer electronics.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

W24D

Start date

September 2025

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Course overview

Our long-established degree course aims to prepare you for a range of roles in the creative industries, including product design, UX design, research, development, modelling, visualisation and design management.

Visualising and prototyping: explore a range of hands-on and digital tools and techniques with access to our extensive workshop facilities⁴.
Human-centred Design: design products informed by insights and trends identified through focused research, that deliver a rich user experience.
Design for manufacture: learn to balance aesthetic and functional requirements to optimise products for sustainable production.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Our studio-based course will allow you to explore, create, collaborate and develop the skills required to design innovative products, supported by peers and guided by experienced practitioners.
Extensive workshops include laser cutting, rapid prototyping, CNC/robotic milling, 3D scanning and clay modelling facilities, hack spaces and immersive studios⁴.
Digital suites offer industry-standard CAD modelling, rendering, graphics, animation and video-editing software.
Our visiting speaker programme makes use of our extensive alumni and industry network, with previous talks from Zoe Laughlin (Institute of Making), John Tree (Jasper Morrison) and Map Project Office (subject to availability).
Gain a global perspective with our international participating institutions, who provide opportunities for shared learning and the potential for travel and study abroad².

8th

Coventry University ranked No.8 for Product Design

Guardian University Guide 2024

School of Art and Design Showcase

Engage with and explore the talents and achievements of our art and design Foundation Year course and final-year students.

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What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

Automotive and Transport Design BA (Hons)
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Product Design BA (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

Design Exploration - 20 credits

Design Visualisation - 20 credits

This module introduces you to some of the key product design software and principles that you will need to develop and finish work on the course. With an emphasis on the exploration of digital skills and processes, you should learn where and how to effectively apply techniques.

Compulsory

Design Enquiry - 20 credits

This module focuses on research: what it is and why it’s useful. You will be asked to produce design work that draws upon outside influences and design theory for inspiration. In doing so, you will analyse and critique other designers, design thinkers and their work. This helps you to understand your own design decisions as part of the ongoing story of product design.

Compulsory

Design Reflection - 20 credits

Design Context - 20 credits

This module challenges you to approach product design from a problem-solving perspective, factoring real-world issues into a design project. For instance, you will consider how your work might be manufactured and how an audience will use it. In doing this, you should become more adept at making functional and feasible pieces of product design.

Compulsory

Design Experience - 20 credits

In the second year, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen.

Modules

Visual Language - 20 credits

Design in Practice - 20 credits

Professional Development: Product Design - 20 credits

Design for Manufacture - 20 credits

Research-informed Design - 20 credits

Product Development - 20 credits

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from the first and second years. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

Final Major Project: Definition - 20 credits

Final Major Project: Research - 20 credits

Final Major Project: Ideation - 20 credits

Final Major Project: Resolution - 60 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Within the School of Art and Design, our teaching and learning opportunities mirror the needs of the creative industries. We aim to equip graduates with the skills and attributes to become industry specialists, leaders and innovators.

The ability to be entrepreneurial, innovative and embrace change underpins our art and design courses. Our studio and workshop culture ensures you are socially responsible in our creative community and develop critical thinking in research and making processes. Our global initiatives will give you skills to become collaborative communicators and make you culturally competent in the ever-changing world of art and design.

As the creative arena is an ever-evolving space, being curious and adaptable learners is key to our school’s graduates. You will be encouraged to self-reflect, identify your strengths and development areas in line with your career aspirations.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study
Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning
As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

You will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. In the School of Art & Design, we design our assessment methods to replicate the creative industry ways of working. This aims to help you learn skills for future career opportunities.

Assessment methods may include:

reports
practical coursework
presentations as part of individual assignments or group work elements.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

There are opportunities for exchange with students on a similar course in overseas universities².

Throughout the course, design briefs are written with an international focus, enhancing your global experience and broadening your mindset. You may engage in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects with participating institutions and other international universities around the world.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

The product design course has allowed me to grow and become who I am today. It has offered me countless opportunities to develop my skills and push myself to become a confident individual ready to take on the world.
Fred Hall, Product Design BA (2023)

Sketches of an arm chair with a blurry person in the background

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English.
BTEC	DMM
International Baccalaureate	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), These sessions may take place virtually or face-to-face. Invites will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip
any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Outstanding creative spaces in our purpose-built Delia Derbyshire building offer space and light along with industry standard equipment and technologies⁴. You will work in a range of scales, materials and processes. You will be encouraged to develop and apply both 2D and 3D techniques and will apply both analogue (traditional) and digital (new technology) approaches. In doing so, you will develop your creative identity and ways of working relevant to current and emerging creative industry standards.

Facilities⁴ include a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects and immersive studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies.

Our digital and industrial workshops are of industry-standard quality and house 3D rapid prototyping, laser cutters and milling machines. These facilities are available to all students on our courses.

We also have a ceramic and small metal workshop and clay modelling studios where you can realise your creative artistic and design solutions.

In our Mac and PC CAD labs, you can become digitally literate in presentation and design skills using the Adobe suite. You can also learn other software packages including Alias, Toom Boom, Revit, and Maya that maybe relevant to your studies.

Student using the facilities in the digital design workshop

Workshops

Our extensive workshops will allow you to model in wood, metal, plastics, glass, ceramics and styling clay, with additional facilities for 3D printing, CNC milling and laser cutting. (Location: Delia Derbyshire Building)

Student in a Mac studio

Software suites

Our PC and Mac labs are equipped with the latest 2D and 3D software, including Adobe Creative Cloud. (Location: Delia Derbyshire Building).

Student and lecturer working in studio

Studio Spaces

You will have open access to specialist design studios in which to work and collaborate. (Location: Delia Derbyshire Building)

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

The structure of the course, the experiences and support made available to you are all designed with a view to developing the skills, competencies and imaginative thinking necessary for a creative career in a demanding, competitive and rapidly changing work environment.

Our careers specialists (Talent Team) are on hand (subject to availability) to offer personalised support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities. They provide professional career support, advice and guidance to all our students from their first year through to final year and beyond graduation.

Our comprehensive student support also offers valuable assistance on how to start up as a freelancer/entrepreneur.

Your creative thinking, problem-solving and communication skills are highly valued by employers and could lead to roles in product design and related practices. Potential career paths include design engineering, packaging design, digital modelling, trend forecasting, UX design, design management, marketing or academia.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to work at companies including:

Boss Design
DCA
Dyson
IDEO.org
Jaguar Land Rover
LAYER
Paul Smith
Puma
PriestmanGoode
Stanley Black & Decker.

Further study

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
AHU089

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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