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Overview
Concept, prototype, product
Do you blend creative thinking with scientific insight? You could become an engineering product designer, creating products that solve everything from minor problems, like a leaky teapot, to major questions, like how to launch lifeboats faster.
We’re one of the longest-running degrees to hold IED accreditation. This course fully meets the educational requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng). It also partially meets the educational requirements for Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD).
If you’re someone who understands engineering and then wants to use it to start making things and designing real-world solutions, then this is the course for you.
Why study Engineering Product Design at LSBU?
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- Ranked 2nd in the UK for Design Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2024).
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- Get to know the industry with guest lectures from established companies like LEGO and Dyson, alongside smaller startups who are creating new designs for our future.
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- Professional accreditation: our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and is one of the longest-running degrees to hold that accreditation.
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- Hands-on practice, developing products from concept to final model and/or prototype using our exceptional facilities.
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- It’s project-focused: you’ll spend most of your time in the studio/workshop making creative products that answer a brief.
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- Boost your employability with an optional paid professional work experience placement in your third year.
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 years with placement | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH715 | Application method UCAS |
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH715 | Application method UCAS |
Course Accreditations
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IED
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
- A Level BBB or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, must include a minimum of 3 Merits in Design Technology, Maths and Physics or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 122 UCAS points
- Level 3 qualifications must include Maths or Physics
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
- We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.
Applicants are normally interviewed before being offered a place and are asked to bring along a portfolio of work. For more guidance on what to include in your portfolio, please see the ‘Interviews and Portfolios’ guide in the 'prepare to start' section.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
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| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 years with placement | Start date September | Application code H715 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code H715 | Application method UCAS |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third-party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
New technologies are constantly changing the way engineering designers approach problem-solving. We’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest design and manufacturing technologies.
First, we’ll build your core skills and experience: the production of design drawings, digital design skills in CAD and graphics, technical engineering analysis, presentation and communication skills and the production of working prototypes. Then, we’ll give you a platform to experience the industry and build your network through live briefs, industry career talks, work placements and your final year degree show.
Methods of assessment for course overall: 96% coursework.
Year 1
- Design Methods
This module is an introductory experience for students on the BSc Product Design cluster and covers the majority of practical work to be undertaken at first year level –design methods, process and projects. Using design projects as a vehicle, you'll cover design methodology, physical prototyping, workshop skills, and an introduction to materials and manufacturing technology. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - CAD 1
This module provides an introduction to the principles and use of Computer Aided Design techniques and software for product and engineering design. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Introduction to Mechanical and Electronic Engineering
This module develops concepts in engineering science relevant for engineering product design. The content of the module is split in two sections: mechanical engineering and low voltage electronic engineering content. Although the content is in two sections, it's expected that the teaching method provides an integrated approach to the subject. Assessment methods: 100% coursework - Mathematics
This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin the BEng engineering degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of 1st year students, as well as to prepare you for the Advanced Engineering Mathematics and Modelling module that you'll take in the second year. Assessment methods: 100% exam. - Visual Communications
This module will deal with free hand drawing and sketching, technical drawing, graphic communication and digital visual tools. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Year 2
- Design Thinking and Applications
This module will build on the experience gained in the first year Design Thinking and Practice module and other first year modules and aims to develop design thinking methodology and product development practice for the placement (sandwich) year and the final year projects. The module will aim to allow you to experience a thorough range of design process cycles and develop various resolution prototypes in relation to the weighting of the assignments; you'll need to reflect on the increasing diversity in product, service, interaction design and “design thinking” as a component of business development. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Design Contexts and Communications
This module will enhance fundamental employability skills for a graduate in the contemporary design industry. It builds on the concepts that were introduced in Level 4 modules, with a view to creation of a professional portfolio that reflects your design capabilities, in order to leave you in a strong position for gaining a work placement and/or graduate employment. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - CAD 2
This module develops advanced Computer Aided Design skills and introduces you to the principles of Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), and communication and demonstration of these ideas through photo-realistic rendering, and digital animations. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Design and manufacture project
This module will allow you to apply ‘design thinking’ techniques and methods coupled with their user centred-focus and practical skills, to the design, development and production of a working prototype of a product. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Machine Drives and Mechatronics
This module provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of mechatronics. It's traced from its origins through the synergistic integration of fine mechanical engineering with electronics and computer control, to modern-day products and processes. Particular attention is paid to sensors and actuators, and microcontrollers. You'll learn by the laboratory experiments about the hardware components and subsystems used in the mechanical and mechatronics control in real engineering applications. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Solid Mechanics and FEA
This module will provide new concepts in the deformation of materials under different loading conditions and extend the application of fundamental principles of solid mechanics to more advanced systems, building on knowledge gained through Engineering and mechanical Principles. The module will provide basic concepts and the principles of the finite element analysis (FEA) techniques and the application of FEA in structural and stress analysis. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
Year 3
- Optional Placement Year
Students benefit enormously from spending a period of time in industry, whatever course they undertake. This module is designed to provide you with first-hand knowledge and experience in an appropriate industrial setting. Some design and creative industries work largely on the basis of long-term salaried positions, others work on the basis of subcontracted and specialist working, usually of a short-term nature. You're required to work in a situation where you're accountable to an outside company or person for the work you carry out. The employment in total needs to be the equivalent of at least a complete academic year in some form of appropriately employed or voluntary capacity within the industry, in its broadest terms. You're required to have access to the local management in order to understand the ways in which management decisions and actions take place, as well as concentrating on achieving the best performance possible in the technicalities of the placement work. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Year 4
- Research Methods for Design Projects
In this module students identify a suitable subject for the Engineering Product Design Project; you then develop a project brief and work plan, which are presented visually and verbally in addition to their preliminary contextual research and justification for the proposed project. Students also develop brand identity for the Design Degree Show, which may be pitched to experts and/or design professionals. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Portfolio Engineering Projects
This module will develop students’ professional skills and portfolio in preparation for a career as a Design Engineer. Students will apply knowledge and understanding of a range of Engineering Design principles and techniques to analyse and solve design problems, exploring design alternatives and understanding the implications of trade-offs in the design process. They will learn how to prototype and implement their proposed solutions using appropriate digital manufacturing technologies. In addition to this there will be significant content relating to management of the design process, presentation of ideas, and working in teams. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Innovation and Enterprise
This module forms part of the common Engineering curriculum for the University. It is intended to be practical, with students developing some appropriate ideas of their own in such a way that they become real propositions. Students will practice ways of finding and testing ideas and then developing them, and will write business strategies, risk assessments and scenario tests, so that they can demonstrate the commercial viability of their ideas. The module also covers aspects of intellectual property. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Engineering Product Design Project
The Engineering Product Design Project requires you to develop an engineered solution from concept through to artefact based on the subject that is identified via the Research Methods for Design Projects module. The artefact may be physical and/or digital. The project deliverables will include a detailed record of the design development process, a fully developed artefact, and an analytical report that demonstrates the application of technical engineering expertise to the proposed solution. The project will give you an opportunity to explore a chosen specialist field in order to develop expertise and demonstrate a in depth of understanding. In order to execute your individual project, you'll draw on selected tools and resources learned in previous modules and produce a coherent and professional methodology for the intended solution. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Facilities
Through hands-on engineering experience, you'll learn how to test, measure, design and produce your own prototypes, bringing your ideas off the drawing board or computer screen and into full-size and functional 3D models. You're entitled to free educational copies of the Autodesk suite of CAD software, including Fusion 360, AutoCAD and VRed.
Our workshop capabilities include:
- 'Soft' modelling operations, for prototypes in card, clay, foam, or wood;
- Machining capabilities using milling machines, lathes and others, both manually and CNC controlled;
- Welding and metal fabrication;
- Digital prototyping including laser cutting, silicone soft tooling and resign casting, and a range of 3D printing technologies;
- Paint finishing facility;
- Reverse engineering through CMM and 3D scanning;
- Composite manufacture in fibre glass and carbon fibre;
- Electronics and robotics laboratories;
- Material testing laboratories;
- Photography and video editing studios; and
- A virtual engineering suite for 3D visualisation and testing.
Find out more about our workshops and industry-standard software packages.
The workshops are great and really inspirational environments. The tutors have expert knowledge and can provide insight from their own professional design careers.
Kadeza Begum, Alumna, BSc Product Design
- 'Soft' modelling operations, for prototypes in card, clay, foam, or wood;
- Machining capabilities using milling machines, lathes and others, both manually and CNC controlled;
- Welding and metal fabrication;
- Digital prototyping including laser cutting, silicone soft tooling and resign casting, and a range of 3D printing technologies;
- Paint finishing facility;
- Reverse engineering through CMM and 3D scanning;
- Composite manufacture in fibre glass and carbon fibre;
- Electronics and robotics laboratories;
- Material testing laboratories;
- Photography and video editing studios; and
- A virtual engineering suite for 3D visualisation and testing.
Facilities
Through hands-on engineering experience, you'll learn how to test, measure, design and produce your own prototypes, bringing your ideas off the drawing board or computer screen and into full-size and functional 3D models. You're entitled to free educational copies of the Autodesk suite of CAD software, including Fusion 360, AutoCAD and VRed.
Our workshop capabilities include:
Find out more about our workshops and industry-standard software packages.
The workshops are great and really inspirational environments. The tutors have expert knowledge and can provide insight from their own professional design careers.
Kadeza Begum, Alumna, BSc Product Design
Careers
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Combining flair and vision with practical skill, Product Design is an exciting course that will set you on course for a creative, fulfilling career.
Our recent graduates are pursuing successful careers with companies like LEGO, Dyson, Gilette and McLaren. Others have set up businesses or work as freelance product designers. From design consultancies to manufacturing companies, there’s a wealth of choice for you.
The course is practical and applied. When you come to graduate you’ll have a portfolio to showcase your talent and ability to create aesthetic, desirable and functional solutions within financial constraints. And that’s precisely what employers are looking for.
Take a look at some potential careers, including product designer, in our Prospects section.
Graduate success stories
As well as recent graduates going into jobs with design consultancies and manufacturing companies, they have also excelled in design competitions:
- Jack Ogborn (winner, IED Student Design Award)
- Matilde Rodriguez and Izzatullah Ahmadi (winners, Design Factory @ Design Museum)
- Andrew Hodgson (winner, DFI furniture design)
After graduation I went to work for LEGO in Denmark where I spent four years working as a design/model maker before coming back to London to work for WOW Toys as a Design Manager.
Peter Grinsell, Alumnus, BSc Product Design
To us, your professional career begins as soon as you start the course, so we continuously prepare you for real-world challenges from the first day of your study.
Our professional links with the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) mean that our course content is regularly reviewed and revised, making absolutely sure that we are teaching the skills and techniques that the design industry needs from graduates.
The IED is the UK's only professional body representing those working in the field of Engineering Design. Members work in a diverse range of industries that span product design, architecture, mechanical, automotive and aircraft design, design education, IT and computing.
Recent guest lecturers have included:
- Andrew Ritchie (Designer and MD of Brompton Bicycles)
- Rob Jones (Design Manager, DAS Business Furniture)
- Jamie Croggan (EPD alumnus and Director of Advanced Development at Shark Ninja)
- Pete Lomas (Co-founder and Trustee, Raspberry Pi Foundation)
- Domenika Potuzakova (usability tester, AVG antivirus)
- Chris Moon (head of product design, the Continuity Company).
Work experience opportunities
Most of our third year students choose to improve their employability by undertaking a year-long placement in industry, and we help you to find your placement. The rewards speak for themselves; work experience gives you the opportunity of testing and adapting the skills that you have learned in class within a workplace environment. It also builds your professional network. Placement jobs often lead to 'live' projects in their final year that are sponsored by the companies, and many of our students have been employed by their placement companies on graduation.
Teaching and Assessment
Our teaching staff are experts, with a great deal to share. Whether they're teaching, carrying out research or involved in consultancy for industry they have the skills to make a difference to you. You'll learn both intellectual and practical skills in a modern, well-equipped environment that blends traditional manufacturing equipment and sophisticated technology.
Applied approach to learning
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work. Taking on both group and individual projects, we assess your work through a mixture of coursework and exams, with project and laboratory work counting towards your final award. We also teach you the life skills of effective communication, problem solving, project planning and team working that will set you apart and give you the best chance of getting the job you want after you graduate.
| Lectures, tutorials, seminars and lab-based study | Self-directed study | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 38% | 62% |
| Year 2 | 38% | 62% |
| Year 3 | 20% | 80% |
