Product Design BA
Nottingham Trent University Campus, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Product Design
Nottingham Trent University
Product Design
Product Design BA (Hons) at Nottingham Trent University
The BA (Hons) Product Design at Nottingham Trent University is a user-centred, creative programme that encourages you to develop your own individual design style, vision, and philosophy. Through diverse and stimulating projects, you will explore the wide-ranging influence of product design thinking and creative methodologies on the product development process, covering everything from consumer goods and sustainable products to sports equipment, healthcare devices, and packaging.
From day one, you will be plugged into the industry through live project briefs with real clients such as Nestle, PepsiCo, Herman Miller, and Speedo. Based in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, the programme fosters a studio-based culture that encourages collaborative learning and hands-on experimentation with materials, techniques, and cutting-edge software.
NTU is ranked Top 15 for Art and Design in the Complete University Guide 2026, and Design Studies at NTU is Top 10 in the UK for the percentage of undergraduate students in graduate-level jobs within 15 months of finishing their degrees. You will also have the opportunity to undertake an optional placement year in industry or study abroad through an international exchange programme.
Key Programme Highlights
- Live industry briefs with leading companies including Nestle, PepsiCo, Herman Miller, Speedo, and Lego
- Optional year-long industry placement with employers such as Adidas, Walt Disney Company, and Urban Outfitters
- NTU ranked Top 15 for Art and Design in the Complete University Guide 2026
- Final-year Degree Show exhibition to showcase your work to industry professionals and prospective employers
Curriculum and Modules
The BA (Hons) Product Design curriculum is structured to progressively build your design communication skills, critical thinking, and creative confidence across three years of study. Each year introduces increasingly complex projects, from foundational design principles to self-directed final-year work, with assessment through coursework, project work, and portfolio submissions rather than traditional exams.
Develop an understanding of the key attributes of being a designer, including safe working practices in studios and workshops. You will study issues and ideas exploring design from political, technological, social, and economic perspectives.
Learn key design communication techniques including sketching, basic modelling, presentation skills, and a range of 2D and 3D media and methods that form a significant tool for supporting the design process.
Learn about key design theories, apply them in hands-on projects, and showcase your work through research and presentations to peers and tutors, building critical and analytical thinking skills.
A design-orientated module involving selection of materials, processes, prototype making, product testing, and evaluation. Your approach to practical work will demonstrate autonomy, initiative, risk-taking, and innovation.
Explore and research a subject of your choice based on course themes, crafting a research portfolio that showcases your findings, trends, and ideas to guide your elective project work and creative direction.
Elective Pathways and Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Entry to the BA (Hons) Product Design programme is competitive. International applicants are required to submit a portfolio but do not need to attend an interview. All applications and enquiries are handled through Uni4Edu to ensure a smooth and supported process.
Academic Requirements
- A-LevelsBBC or equivalent
- BTEC Extended DiplomaDMM or equivalent
- UCAS Tariff Points112 points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- GCSEsEnglish and Maths at grade C / 4 or above
- PortfolioRequired for BA Product Design applicants; international applicants do not need to attend an interview
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 6.0 (with no individual component below 5.5) — Contact Uni4Edu to confirm current requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for accepted score equivalencies
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for accepted score equivalencies
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Nottingham Trent University offers a range of prestigious, competitive scholarships for international and European students. Scholarships are applied as tuition fee reductions and are awarded based on academic achievement and potential to contribute to the university community. Contact Uni4Edu for full details and application support.
NTU International Scholarship
Up to 50% tuition fee reductionCompetitive scholarships awarded to Bachelor's and Master's students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and the potential to contribute to the university community. Over 1,300 scholarships were awarded to students from more than 80 countries in recent years.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design programme at NTU are well prepared for diverse careers in the design industry. NTU is joint 5th in the UK for the percentage of Product Design graduates who have found graduate-level jobs or are in further study within 15 months of graduation, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026. The programme's strong industry connections, live briefs, and optional placement year give you a significant advantage when entering the job market.
Potential Career Roles
Where NTU Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
Nottingham Trent University has demonstrated consistent improvement across major national and global rankings. The university is recognised for its strong employability outcomes, sustainability leadership, and Gold-rated teaching excellence. NTU rose 24 places to rank 25th in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and is the most environmentally sustainable university in the UK.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | Complete University Guide | Top 15 |
| Product Design (Graduate Outcomes) | Guardian University Guide | Joint 5th in UK |
| Sustainability | UI GreenMetric World University Rankings | #2 in the World |
| Overall UK Ranking | Complete University Guide | Top 50 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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