Product Design

Why choose this course?

We believe in teaching you to challenge ideas of functionality, aesthetics, materials, sustainability, social contexts and ethics so that you can design products that work and make a difference to society. This mindset will be put into practice with industry projects and contemporary technologies.
In the first year, you will be introduced to computer aided design (CAD), model making, design drawing and communication. Your second year will include professional development, through projects briefed by local, national or international companies. During your final year, you will work on a self-focused design project and a minor design project which is usually the RSA international competition.

Creative and innovative design is built on the fusion of visual, technical and emotional considerations. We will teach you these skills throughout your course, developing and nurturing them through studio-based, practical problem-solving activities.

Our course team are dedicated to working with you on an individual basis so that your learning experience is personalised and tailored to you – supporting you to flourish as a capable, confident and entrepreneurial Product Designer.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one-to-one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026*.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand-new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course textbook is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that If you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

STAGE 1:
• Sketching and Graphics (Compulsory)
• Design Project 1 (Compulsory)
• Materials and Processes (Compulsory)
• Design in Context (Compulsory)
• Design in Practice (Compulsory)
• Form and Colour (Compulsory)
• CAD – 3D Modelling (Compulsory)
• CAD – 3D Animation (Compulsory)

STAGE 2:
• 3D Modelling and Manufacture (Compulsory)
• 3D Modelling and Simulation (Compulsory)
• Design Project 2 – Technology (Compulsory)
• Design Project 2 – Production (Compulsory)
• Design for Manufacture (Compulsory)
• Design Futures (Compulsory)
• Design Business (Compulsory)
• User-centred Design (Compulsory)

STAGE 3:
• Design Enterprise (Compulsory)
• Final Major Project - Realisation (Compulsory)
• Final Major Project – Research (Compulsory)
• Final Major Project – Development (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 24/25 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 25/26 entry modules will be released in June 2025.