Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Product Design BA (Hons) fosters a critical, analytical and creative approach to designing products, services and experiences.
Formerly known as 'Design for Industry', product design has been delivered at Northumbria for over forty years. During this time, our excellent teaching staff have empowered graduate designers with the knowledge, skills and creative confidence to design products, services and experiences relevant to the needs of people, society and business. We are proud to state that the world’s foremost design leaders and countless globally respected design practitioners are ex-graduates of our course.
Combining industry-run projects with academic learning, we ensure that you have the skills necessary to make a significant contribution to your chosen field of professional industrial design practice.
Other courses you may be interested in: Furniture and Product Design BA (Hons)
96 to 112 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4 or C, or the equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios/
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match those shown above. If you have taken qualifications outside the UK you can find out how your qualifications compare by visiting our country page www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,790
* In relation to fees for UK students: £9,790 is the tuition fee. The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy, and accommodation fees. Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050 (subject to Parliamentary approval, along with 2026/27 fees) Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap. *if your course is longer than one year
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1:
* This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
During your studies, you will incur additional costs for consumables such as art and design materials, layout pads, drawing pens and pencils, modelling tools, craft knives etc. The total costs of these materials will vary but can range anywhere between £400 and £500. The university provides basic modelling materials. However, if you choose to use more specialist materials or services for your projects, you will be responsible for covering these costs, which will vary depending on the materials and services you select. If you opt for a placement at level 5, there may be additional associated costs. While the programme advises against taking unpaid placements, students will be responsible for any related costs not covered by their placement, such as accommodation, travel, and subsistence. The costs of these will vary depending on your individual circumstances. An optional field trip is available, usually during your 2nd year of study. Previously, this has been to New York, but other destination have been discussed. Approximate costs vary from £1500 upwards for 7 nights to cover flights and accommodation (additional costs will be incurred for subsistence etc.). The university provides access to computers, both PC and Macintosh, along with the necessary software on campus. If you prefer to use your own machine or install your own software, you will be responsible for covering those costs. These will vary depending on the software/hardware packages. Costs for personal machines will again vary from desktop to laptop. Macintosh to PC, and could range anywhere between £500 and £2500. It is recommended that you purchase your own portable hard drive(s) to back up your digital work. Costs will vary from capacity and make (approximately £80-150). In your final year of study, you have the opportunity to attend the New Designers exhibition in London. This is optional, and if you choose to attend, you will need to allow for costs to cover travel, accommodation, and subsistence. Travel costs will vary depending on your location, and approximate accommodation could range from £90 upwards per night – hostel or Airbnb. Again, these costs will vary depending on the location.
In Year One, you will develop your knowledge, skills and expertise in the dynamic and challenging field of Product Design. You will engage in creative projects allowing you to explore the intricacies of the design process, essential factors and master techniques. This foundation mixed with materials, human factors and manufacturing awareness will empower your design and communication abilities.
In Year Two, you will build on your knowledge and experience acquired during your first year, focusing on your professional design practice and user-experience through more demanding briefs addressing complex emerging issues. By the end of this year, you will have produced a well-considered portfolio of work to date, vital when seeking a placement or study abroad.
In Year Three, you will have the optional opportunity to take a year-long placement in industry enabling you to explore the possibilities for your future career whilst gaining hands-on experience. You will also have the optional opportunity to undertake a study abroad with our partner Universities broadening your overall cultural and learning experience.
In your Final Year, you will be given more creative freedom allowing you to conceptualise and realise a self-directed design project. You will have the opportunity to investigate and engage in your chosen area of interest, employing a diverse range of methods to analyse markets and target audiences, skills and techniques to produce a product concept that is original, imaginative and credible.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DE4022 -
Interchange 1 – Experimental Processes (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will delve into experimental design processes that are directly applicable to your future role in the ever-changing field of design. The boundaries between established design disciplines are continually shifting due to the ongoing collaborative nature of design projects calling on multiple skill sets, technological advancements, evolving design trends and societal needs.
The main objective is to provide you with the opportunity to explore making practice through different media, by acquire new skills or gaining experience in areas that are unfamiliar to you. For example, different briefs might explore 3D printing, upcycling, narrative storytelling and illustration or coding for designers. You will be encouraged to experiment and will be rewarded for taking creative risks. Throughout this process, you will develop into a more competent and self-assured designer, essential for a professional design career.
DE4024 -
Product Skills (Core,20 Credits)
Product designers need the ability to communicate their ideas in 2 and 3-dimensions through a range of sketching, visualisation and model making techniques. You will learn to use the sketching processes to explore your own design intent and to communicate ideas to others. You will learn how to develop ideas from initial sketches to models that allow you to explore form, structure and detail. Through a range of exercises, you will build dexterity and fluency in how you communicate in 2 and 3-dimensions.
For sketching, you will learn an array of visualisation techniques, embracing both hand and digital methods. You will learn how to sketch and communicate ideas quickly, develop concepts and draw details. Model making skills will be developed through a range of exercises that build your confidence and attention to detail.
To complement hand drawing skills, you will be expected to learn industry-standard computer applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, through independent learning. These are necessary tools that every designer should know and employ as part of their basic design toolbox. Access to essential learning tutorials will be provided through online learning platforms. You will acquire and develop knowledge of correct techniques and practices so that you are able to apply these skills within this module and as part of your design practice in other modules.
You will be given an induction into the safe use of machinery and professional working practices within a workshop, studio environment supplemented with online streamed / video workshop activity or demonstrations. You will build competencies and confidence in your design making and communication skills, whilst developing an experimental approach.
DE4025 -
Design History and Theory (Core,20 Credits)
This module will comprise of two elements that underpin the study of Product Design: Design History along with Design Theory. These two elements will equip you as a designer to make responsible, creative and critically aware decisions with cultural sensitivity when designing.
In the Design History section of the module, you will explore the history of design through chronological survey of key styles, movements and practitioners. You will also explore the underlying historical and cultural factors that shape design history. Classes will examine, but are not limited to, themes such as Modernism, Art Deco, Streamlining and Postmodernism. These classes will develop your knowledge of design history, expanding your visual vocabulary as a designer and enabling you to take inspiration from the design of the past along with knowing how designs evolved.
The Design Theory section of the module will allow you to explore more creatively the wider social and cultural significance of your design practice, reflecting on issues such as the meanings of design, the role of the designer, fun theory and the position of the designer within society. These will allow you to challenge your design thinking, pushing the boundaries of traditional design enabling you to design for future ‘what if’ scenarios.
DE4026 -
Design Factors (Core,20 Credits)
Design Factors refers to several considerations we need to think critically about when designing products. You will always have to design within certain constraints or to meet particular objectives. This module will introduce you to a range of design factors that you should consider and research as part of your design process. Successful design often demands a combination of quantifiable factors (e.g. ergonomic data or material performance) with intuitive choices (for example, the aesthetic appeal of particular materials). By the end of the module, you should have a good awareness of how these factors interrelate and how you can weigh-up various, and often competing, demands.
The content will be introductory but will identify areas for deeper exploration in your later studies and practice. Design factors covered will include:
Production scale and cost;
Materials;
Manufacturing - including circular design principles;
Function and usability;
Ergonomics and human factors;
Aesthetics;
You will learn through a series of practical activities that highlight the influence of particular design choices on the overall outcome. You will be directed to resources that help you explore the various topics in greater depth; and you will develop tools and templates that help you consider each of the factors. By exploring these factors, you should feel able to make informed decisions to guide your design decision-making.
DE4027 -
Product Design 101 (Core,20 Credits)
This module is intended to build your basic abilities in product design, focusing on your making skills. The module will provide a product design process that goes from initial sketch to a realised product design model / prototype, offering an approach that will guide how you tackle design briefs in the future. This will be achieved through two projects; one that will include a series of pre-designed drawings, Computer Aided Design (CAD) workshops, model making activities and material selection / simulation. The other through a more refined process with very strict design guidelines.
You will engage in re-creating an iconic design object, modifying to allow your own creative ‘twist’ through sketch development, learning industry-standard 2 and 3-dimensional modelling software to generate forms, solids, surfaces and drawings applicable to the appropriate parts. You will learn how to apply your 3-dimensional CAD data, selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing methods to create a mock-up, prototype or representational model. The project is intended to introduce the product design process through reverse-engineering parts and learning how these can be recreated. This will give you the confidence to use CAD, and employ model making, material selection and manufacturing methods effectively within your future projects.
DE4028 -
Product Design Playground (Core,20 Credits)
You will work on a sequence of engaging and creatively challenging design projects to cultivate your skills whilst building knowledge of the design industry. Through the range of briefs, you will familiarise yourself with various aspects of product design, fostering continuous growth through pushing the boundaries of your design capabilities. These briefs will encourage you to experiment through creative exploration, facilitating design research, concept development and design communication.
The design projects will encourage you to put your practical and theoretical skills taught in other modules into practice. You will work with a variety of materials and techniques, whilst developing your own sense of design curiosity. You will learn how different projects require different blends of theoretical, practical and research skills in their successful completion.
YB5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
DE5021 -
Interchange 2 – Emerging Issues and Practices (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will explore some of the most important emerging design issues and practices that are shaping contemporary design and design research. As designers, we are in a perpetual state of evolution, responding to a world that is constantly in flux, where new challenges and opportunities arise on an almost daily basis.
This module occurs at a critical and timely stage in your design education, where you will delve into the heart of design's developing practice opportunities or most compelling dilemmas. You will learn to identify, analyse, and propose innovative opportunities to these dynamic and often complex situations. You will also learn to react to these challenges by working with others, leveraging your collective skills and knowledge to develop more nuanced design outcomes.
Emerging issues and practices may include a diverse range of topics, from sustainability, responsibility, inclusivity and diversity to technology and innovation, which may in turn have implications for cross-cultural design and global design trends.
DE5029 -
Contemporary Product Design (Core,20 Credits)
This module will build on the skills and knowledge you have acquired during your first year and apply it to a more demanding product design brief. The module will introduce a design workflow, based on industry practice that will provide a basic method for all future design projects. You will be given a stimulating brief to design a product that responds to contemporary trends and addresses user needs and behaviours. Through a rigorous process of iteration, you will present a resolved product concept. The project will build on your developing making skills, build your confidence in operating in the workshops and instil a process of hands-on learning through the creation of mock-ups, models and prototypes.
To build on your basic product design skills you will be given additional classes and learning resources on CAD, rendering and model making / prototyping skills. You will be expected to further develop skills as part of creating the project deliverables.
The project briefs will require you to address the following aspects;
How products respond to emerging user needs and behaviours;
Practical and functional requirements of product;
Materials and manufacturing;
Sustainability;
How products support and enhance user-experiences.
In addition, you will be required to produce a portfolio of your design work to date. A portfolio is vital to seeking a placement or applying for study abroad options. By the end of the module, you should feel confident and ready to seek out such opportunities, should you wish.
DE5030 -
Design Insights (Core,20 Credits)
Designers are increasingly faced with complex issues that require an understanding of human, social, economic, environmental and technological factors. Before embarking on creating solutions, designers must properly understand the issues they are tackling. In the design process, this is known as the ‘front end’ – a phase of design projects where designers are focused on developing understanding, finding insights and identifying opportunities.
Through a series of short projects and activities, you will be introduced to a range of design-led research methods and approaches. These may include:
User-observation;
Customer journeys;
Comparative Product Analysis;
Cultural probes;
Co-creation methods;
Service-mapping;
The activities will often address a current theme or issue, to help you understand how different methods can be applied in real-world contexts. You will also learn how to present design research in an imaginative and engaging way. Communicating design research is a skill in its own right and can be a critical point in a design process.
Deliverables will be based around each activity, generating a portfolio of work which identifies the methods used and the creative outputs generated from them. These will be a valuable addition to your portfolio, illustrating your diverse skillset and a strategic mindset.
All designers need some understanding of front-end design, and the skills will be vital for use in future projects, including your Final Major Project. The skills you learn during this module are also highly transferable and are sought-after in related fields of design, enabling you to pursue careers in UX-design in addition to more conventional product design pathways.
DE5031 -
Designing for a Complex World (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will use design to address the complex environmental, social and technological issues we face. This module is less concerned with coming up with ‘right’ answers; instead, it is focused on exploring the right questions and coming up with propositions that offer a possible way forward.
You will be set one or more briefs to address complex emerging issues, guided to research topics, identify insights and address the needs of specific users or stakeholders. You will be asked to generate design concepts that propose possible solutions that are imaginative and credible. Tutors will set themes, sometimes in collaboration with experts to ensure projects are underpinned by the latest research or design practice or emerging issues. You will be given introductory knowledge of emerging global issues and guidance to deepen your understanding through self-directed research. Topics may include circular design principles, ‘More than human’ design (i.e. how we design for the needs of the environment and wider nature beyond the needs of humans); critical and speculative design, and behaviour change through design.
You will be expected to refine ideas through iteration, testing and collaboration with relevant experts and stakeholders. Concepts may be a combination of tangible and intangible outcomes (e.g, you may produce physical products, services, digital experiences or any combination of these elements). You will learn tools to help prototype and communicate user-experience and service-experiences.
Additionally, you will produce an illustrated process journal that documents your journey and decision-making, emphasising social, environmental and ethical considerations that underpin your project; a critical evaluation of how you have addressed these issues by reference to existing theories and best practice.
DE5032 -
Designing Interactions (Core,20 Credits)
This module will give you an understanding of the importance of user-experience in design and how to enhance use-experience in relation to products. Even simple products can be enhanced through consideration of usability and user-experience; while many products now support complex interactions through embedded technologies and or connection to cloud-based platforms and services. Understanding the principles and methods that underpin product interactions is a vital part of being a designer.
You will learn the principles, tools and techniques of designing interactions, through projects that link theory and practice in the creation of interactive product concepts with tangible and embodied interactions. The module celebrates the ongoing need and value of physical and embodied interactions as a vital counterpart to screen-based digital interactions.
Building on your knowledge of human factors in design, the module will introduce usability principles and relevant theories including the aesthetics of experience (drawing on the field of contemporary aesthetics); critical and speculative approaches; embodiment; and slow and ambient-interactions. Current and emerging technologies will also be explored through the module, this might for example include; AI, Internet of Things, Big Data and Physical-Digital technologies.
The module will introduce core competences such as:
Storyboarding;
Experience prototyping;
Using creative technology in products;
Using data and connectivity;
Lo-fi and hi-fi prototyping;
By the end of this module, you will have developed a broad range of interaction tools, methods and principles that can be deployed in future design propositions. The module will give you the skills and confidence to add meaningful interactions to products that can support or enhance product experience and link the use of products to wider services
DE5033 -
Going Live (Core,20 Credits)
This module gives you the opportunity to tackle a live brief set by an external company or organisation. The project will allow you to showcase your developing design skills in relation to a real-world challenge, offering you an experience that closely mirrors how design is applied in professional practice.
The project will be set in collaboration with an external partner; design consultancy, brand or not-for-profit organisation, giving you the chance to work on a topical and complex challenge to develop design concepts that could have real-world impact. You will learn to work collaboratively, engaging with industry as if they are a client or co-creators and learn to present your ideas to a professional audience. This module will boost your employability by bringing you closer to how design operates in professional practice. It is a perfect springboard for students who choose to undertake the year-long placement opportunity but will also provide a valuable, authentic experience for all students.
As an alternative to a live brief, you may be given the opportunity to respond to a recognised design competition. This will address a complex and current challenge and be judged by a professional jury. Product Design at Northumbria has a very strong record in international competitions, with numerous wins and shortlistings over the years.
You will be given the opportunity to engage and deliver in professional design presentations, developing your verbal and visual communication skills to tutors, peers and, where possible, stakeholders. You will also further develop your design communication and visual thinking skills in the production of a creative process journal, capturing a range of design development work produced during your projects.
YB5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
DE5022 -
Creative Studio 1 (Optional,60 Credits)
Creative Studio 1 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration followed by a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.
The different project briefs will be managed by academic staff and will run either independently or collaboratively through teamwork. The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment. At the end of the module, you will be given time to reflect, complete and relate this work to your own professional portfolio allowing an opportunity for independent and autonomous study.
This module supports the development of industry specific skills and techniques. It enables you to understand what it means to be a design practitioner build professional ambition, how to work autonomously and how to prepare for future employment.
It is anticipated that all projects will run successfully in a blended delivery mode to allow you to work on campus or at distance as and when required. Note, international students will be expected to meet in person with their tutors at least once per month to order to fulfil their visa requirements.
DE5023 -
Creative Studio 2 (Optional,60 Credits)
Creative Studio 2 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration and a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.
The different project briefs will be managed by academic staff and will run either independently or collaboratively through teamwork. The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment.
Dependent on the start date of your live or simulated design briefs, you will be given independent time at the beginning or end of the module develop your professional portfolio and complete your assessment tasks.
This module supports the development of industry specific skills and techniques. It enables you to understand what it means to be a design practitioner build professional ambition, how to work autonomously and how to prepare for future employment.
It is anticipated that all projects will run successfully in a blended delivery mode to allow you to work on campus or at distance as and when required. Note, international students will be expected to meet in person with their tutors at least once per month to order to fulfil their visa requirements.
DE5024 -
Design Placement 1 (Optional,60 Credits)
In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.
A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.
Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement semester encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will have the opportunity to switch to the 'Creative Studio 2' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design. However, please also remember that the Creative Studio modules are full-time taught modules and therefore attract full tuition fees.
DE5025 -
Design Placement 2 (Optional,60 Credits)
In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.
A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.
Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will be encouraged to switch to the 'Creative Studio' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design.
DE5026 -
Design Study Abroad 1 (Optional,60 Credits)
This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad studying at a partner university completing the equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. With the support of the Study Abroad team you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm the course of study abroad. This opportunity will allow you to network and become confident in applying for opportunities within partner institutions. Your module credits, performance and attendance will be recorded by the host University via your learning agreement. The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.
Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.
You will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your study abroad period encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
DE5027 -
Design Study Abroad 2 (Optional,60 Credits)
This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad studying at a partner university completing the equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. With the support of the Study Abroad team you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm the course of study abroad. This opportunity will allow you to network and become confident in applying for opportunities within partner institutions. Your module credits, performance and attendance will be recorded by the host University via your learning agreement. The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.
Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.
You will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your study abroad period encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
DE6021 -
Interchange 3 – Contemporary Challenges and Design Futures (Core,20 Credits)
On this module, you will undertake a brief that will either tackle current challenges to designers or explore design’s role in near-future visions of society. The module will challenge, inspire, and propel you into the future as a visionary designer or ‘change maker’ equipped to address some of the pressing issues of our time.
Design challenges and our responses are increasingly complex. Technology has automated many of the simplest design tasks, leaving designers to focus on solving more complex problems. To help tackle them, most designers work in multi-disciplinary teams. Even more individual design specialists such as designer-makers work co-operatively with other craft specialists, manufacturers and business professionals to bring their work to market.
Therefore, this module led by design tutors and other subject specialists enables you to work with peers and collaborators to address contemporary challenges or future opportunities. The choice of briefs may be developed in partnership with professional design teams, set by design competitions or written by your tutors in response to important design research or practice challenges.
DE6023 -
Collaborative / Competition (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you'll engage with design challenges chosen from competitions or industry partners, honing your skills in a competitive setting.
The briefs require you to tackle complex issues, addressing current and future challenges that might have multiple factors (social, economic, environmental, and cultural). By undertaking this brief, you will further develop your abilities to research complex issues; develop credible insights; and define design opportunities.
You will also develop your abilities in communicating design proposals in response to complex issues, selecting appropriate media (physical and digital) in order to present compelling, concise and impactful design propositions.
Working on the design competition / collaborating industry briefs is excellent preparation for the other projects you will undertake in your final year, as they challenge your understanding and knowledge of design contexts, research methods, and, your abilities to develop and communicate creative solutions to a high standard. They will also give you a chance to gain recognition for your work through shortlisting and/or being awarded a prize.
DE6024 -
Final Major Project (Core,60 Credits)
This module gives you the creative freedom to research, conceptualise and realise a self-directed design project, using the skills, knowledge, and interests honed throughout your prior studies. This will result in a resolved design proposition that showcases your abilities and marks your readiness for professional practice in design. The project should show a rounded skillset, evidencing your practical design abilities and demonstrating an in-depth creative and intellectual engagement with your chosen direction.
You will engage in thorough research within a chosen area of interest, employing a diverse range of methods to analyse markets and target audiences. Guided by your career aspirations, your Major Project will develop through regular supervision, critiques, presentations, studio sessions, personal planning, and peer interactions. Embracing an experimental mindset, you will develop a product concept that is original, imaginative and credible. You are encouraged to demonstrate an experimental and open-minded approach, while considering the requirements of your chosen target audience.
Central to success is an iterative approach, including continual testing, evaluation, and refinement of concepts. Your design ethos should reflect your personal values and theoretical understanding, demonstrating relevance and authenticity to stakeholders, experts, and external collaborators.
Your Final Major Project will be split into two parts: Part 1 involves showcasing your front-end design process and initial creative explorations in an exhibition. The exhibition will show work-in-progress; communicate your design research and provide a focused direction for Part 2 of the project.
Part 2 builds on this, presenting the complete realisation of your designed outputs alongside your illustrated report from your Process and Critical Evaluation module (DE6025).
DE6025 -
Design Process and Critical Evaluation (Core,20 Credits)
This module runs alongside your Final Major Project (FMP) intended to capture the design process used to arrive at your FMP outcomes. You will produce an illustrated report that charts the evolution of your project, providing a critical commentary on your decision-making and a reflective narrative on your project as a whole.
As designers, we must situate our practice within the wider discipline of product design; our thinking should be underpinned by an understanding of social and cultural issues; and be based on relevant research and theories. As well as considering the viability of our design concepts, from a commercial and practical standpoint, we must also consider the ethical and environmental considerations that inform our work. The Critical Evaluation document is an opportunity to show how these influences have been reflected in the project.
The Critical Evaluation Report should demonstrate a thoughtful approach to design, showing how you critically engage with, and respond to, the various influences that provide context for your project, It also evidences how you work as a designer. This latter is particularly helpful in boosting your employability since employers like to see how you work on a day-to-day basis.
Your Critical Evaluation Report should capture:
project-framing;
day-to-day design development;
the influence of relevant theories and contemporary practices on your design work;
evidence of how you critique and evaluate your own work, and respond to feedback from others;
contact with relevant experts and collaborators;
testing and prototyping of your ideas;
awareness of, and response to, the ethical, social, cultural and environmental contexts for your project.
YB5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
The School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries is a leading centre for supporting and energising creative practice and academic study. Our inter-disciplinary research and experiential education is committed to the betterment of people, place, cultures, and societies. Our programmes are defined by the way we collaborate with communities, industry, and external partners to inform curriculum, your learning and contribute to wider society. Discover more.
Globally Recognised Design School - In 2023, members of Northumbria's Design school travelled to New York where they were awarded Best Design School in the highly anticipated International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
Experiential Learning - At Northumbria, every undergraduate course guarantees real-world experience.
Pioneering Alumni - Including Sir Jonathan Ive, Former Chief Design Officer at Apple, and Richard Brownlie-Marshall, Creative Designer for Pret A Manger and Founder of Mindful Chef.
Research Powerhouse - Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.
Graduate Prospects - Product Design at Northumbria is ranked 3rd= in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide, 2025). This is because 90% of our graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
Top University - Product Design at Northumbria is ranked 5th in the UK by Guardian University Guide 2026.
The course has a strong track-record of working with industry and external collaborators. This gives you the opportunity to apply your creative skills to real-world challenges set by our industry partners. Over our 40-plus year history, we have built an unrivalled network of industry contacts who come back to give guest lectures and set projects.
You have the opportunity to undertake industry placements – a feature of the course since its beginning. This means we are well set-up to help you find placements / internships, with mentoring to help you prepare a portfolio ready for you to apply for placement and graduate roles.
Notable Alumni
Product Design at Northumbria (formerly known as Design for Industry) has produced graduates who you may recognise:
As a student, you will be encouraged to consider the positive contribution you can make to the world as a designer. You will synthesise aesthetics, function, technical knowledge, making skills, social responsibility, and cultural awareness through a wide range of briefs. Commercially driven projects will see you creatively utilise a manufacturer’s technical capacities and market position. New technologies will enable you to explore innovative forms, user-interactions, or new approaches to sustainability issues. Diverse ideas and aesthetics from old or overlooked sources will inspire you to define new territories in contemporary practice. You will be empowered to develop and realise your vision of what material culture could and should be like.
Our staff team can offer you a holistic academic support system due to their wealth of experience in teaching and working in global industry. They are also active researchers in areas such as ‘Responsible Innovation Practice’, ‘Design History’ and ‘Pitching Design Concepts’. Their expertise ensures currency in the quality of the teaching you will receive.
You will also have access to dedicated technicians with skills in woodwork, metalwork, model making, experience prototyping and 3D printing.
As a Product Design student, you will benefit from generous access to studios, workshops, photography, and computer facilities.
Studio spaces are set up for lectures/presentations as well as being suitable for creating sketch work and paper and card models. They will provide a base for you throughout your timetabled activities and beyond, as somewhere to share your learning experience with other students and staff. Dedicated cabinet making, metal smithing, engineering, fabrication, 3D printing, and CNC workshops are used to create prototypes.
You will be inducted and supported in these spaces by specialist technicians, and work with increasing independence as your competence grows. You will make your own prototypes as part of a hands-on learning process.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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