Overview
Beautiful, functional products
Are you a problem solver? Do you look at issues in industry and society today, and think about how you could make it better? Do you enjoy looking at a challenge and coming up with a design that fixes it? If yes - Design is the course for you. Blending design thinking with physical and digital prototyping, you’ll learn all the intellectual and practical skills you need to become a well-rounded product designer.
You’ll be able to put your methods, materials, manufacturing and engineering learning into practice by developing a product from concept to final model and prototype. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a year on a paid industrial placement. In your final year, you’ll exhibit in our end-of-year degree show.
We’re one of the longest-running degrees to hold IED accreditation. This course fully meets the educational requirements for a Registered Product Designer (RProdDes). The course also partially meets the educational requirements for Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD).
Our students have an amazing track record in winning national and international prizes over the last three decades, with recent winning prizes being awarded to our product design students; including the Design Innovation in Plastics Award, and the Vision Direct’s Visionaries competition. Students joining us really are joining a winning team that will enhance their future job prospects.
Why study Product Design at LSBU?
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- Ranked 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction for Mechanical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2021).
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- Expert staff with strong links to industry contacts.
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- Guest lectures from companies like LEGO.
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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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- Ranked 2nd for Overall Satisfaction amongst London Modern competitors in Design Studies (National Student Survey 2020).
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- Boost your employability with an optional paid professional work experience placement in your third year.
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH95F | 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.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
- A Level DD or;
- BTEC National Diploma MPP or;
- Access to HE qualifications with Pass or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 64 UCAS points
- 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.
Choose your country
Select country here:
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.
Course status
United Kingdom
£9250.00
Tuition fees for home students
International
£15900.00
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
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Full-time
full-time
BSc (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 5922 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK (excluding any optional years): £37000.00 UK (including any optional years): £37000.00 International (excluding any optional years): £63600.00 International (including any optional years): £63600.00 BSc (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 5922 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: UK (excluding any optional years): £37000.00 UK (including any optional years): £37000.00 International (excluding any optional years): £63600.00 International (including any optional years): £63600.00 BSc (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 5922 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: UK (excluding any optional years): £37000.00 UK (including any optional years): £37000.00 International (excluding any optional years): £63600.00 International (including any optional years): £63600.00 BSc (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £0.00 International fee: £0.00 AOS/LSBU code: 5922 Session code: 4FS00 Total course fee: UK (excluding any optional years): £37000.00 UK (including any optional years): £37000.00 International (excluding any optional years): £63600.00 International (including any optional years): £63600.00 BSc (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) (FT) - Year 5
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 5922 Session code: 5FS00 Total course fee: UK (excluding any optional years): £37000.00 UK (including any optional years): £37000.00 International (excluding any optional years): £63600.00 International (including any optional years): £63600.00
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.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code H95F | 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.
Foundation Year
Semester 1
- Applied Mathematics
This module provides you with the mathematical knowledge and skills to support study of BEng programmes. The module covers basic algebra, liner and simultaneous equations, quadratic equations, and graphical methods. - Scientific Principles for Engineering
The module will cover the principles of chemistry and physics, at a level between GCSE and A-level. It will introduce you to a range of skills required in both chemical and physical sciences, as appropriate to your intended programme of study. - Study & Laboratory Skills
The module introduces study skills considering both individual and team-working skills. It will also introduce you to your own Personal Development Planning process. This module will enable you develop and use appropriate safe working practices in the workshop or laboratory environment specific to your subject/discipline. - Mathematics for Engineering
This module will provide you with the mathematical knowledge and skill necessary for transition to level 4 study of engineering subjects. You’ll attend lectures and tutorial where worked exercises will be undertaken. Where possible, the statistical content will introduce the use of statistical packages and the presentation of real-life data sets - Engineering Science
This is an introductory module to engineering design. You’ll be taught the basic design process and apply this to a simple product. You’ll also be introduced to the workshop and simple model making tools. You’ll learn basic drawings skills. - Engineering Design and Modelling
This is an introductory module to engineering design. You’ll be taught the basic design process and apply this to a simple product. You’ll also be introduced to the workshop and simple model making tools. You’ll learn basic drawings skills.
Semester 2
YEAR ONE - LEVEL 4
- Design Methods - 40 credits
The module is an introductory experience for students on the BSc Product Design course 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, students will cover design methodology, physical prototyping, workshop skills, and an introduction to materials and manufacturing technology. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Visual Communications – 20 credits
As a designer you need to communicate your ideas to other people and to develop your design concepts and ideas in two dimensions. This module includes free hand drawing and sketching, technical drawing, graphic communication and digital visual tools. You will learn to draw (and to use drawing as a design thinking and problem solving tool) and how to present your work in a clear and professional way. Assessment: 100% Coursework - CAD 1 - 20 credits
The module provides an introduction to the principles and use of Computer Aided Design techniques and software for Product and Engineering design. It includes a grounding in Engineering Drawing techniques and conventions. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Inclusive Design and Usability - 20 credits
This Module is an introduction to principles of human centred design, universal design, user profiling, anthropometrics and ergonomics. Many areas in our society require a radical rethink to allow all individuals to live fuller, more socially integrated, independent and inclusive. The module contributes to develop a user centred design literate graduate by introducing design thinking methods that encourage well-being and people’s empowerment. It leads to systems, products and/or services that are physically, cognitively and emotionally intuitive to use with an aesthetic awareness. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Design for a sustainable society - 20 credits
Knowledge of sustainability is of paramount importance to designers because they make a significant contribution to the majority of designed products. Therefore, this module introduces students to the three fundamental principles of sustainability (environmental, social and economic factors) and highlights the importance of their integration in order to create properly sustainable design output. The module also helps students also develop their creativity and problem solving skills to produce aesthetically pleasing and intuitive design proposals at the same time as developing fundamental understanding of technological principles and applications (general mechanical, electrical, electronic concept, trigonometry etc.) Furthermore in addition to learning about sustainability, the module educates students for sustainability by encouraging them to practice sustainability in other aspects of their lives and become sustainability literate graduates. Assessment: 100% Coursework
YEAR TWO - LEVEL 5
- Design Thinking and Applications - 20 credits
The module will build on the experience in the Design Methods 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 allow students to experience a thorough range of design process cycles and develop various resolution prototypes in relation to the weighting of the assignments. You will need to reflect on the increasing diversity in product, service interaction design and “design thinking” as a component of business development. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Design Contexts and Communications - 20 credits
The 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 the design capabilities of the student, in order to leave them in a strong position for gaining a work placement and/or graduate employment. Assessment: 100% Coursework - CAD 2 - 20 credits
This module develops advanced Computer Aided Design skills and introduces students to the principles of Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), and communication and demonstration of these ideas through photo-realistic rendering and digital animations. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Design Futures and Emerging Technologies – 20 credits
The module raises students’ awareness of new design approaches, emerging technological and scientific research as well as ethical, economic and socio/cultural changes in society. It enhances students’ ability to address and think critically about future challenges and emerging technologies. It also explores new design methods to provide opportunities for interdisciplinary projects. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Design Interactions – 20 credits
This module explores new roles, contexts and approaches for design in relation to the social, cultural and ethical impact of existing and emerging technologies. Projects will encourage students to be informed by different perspectives, people and disciplines, enabling collaborative exchange of knowledge. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Design and Manufacture Project - 20 credits
The module will allow students to apply ‘design thinking’ techniques and methods coupled with their technical specialist focus and practical skills, to the design, development and production of a working prototype of a product. It provides an opportunity to showcase your product design skills at the highest level yet in preparation for seeking an industrial placement. Assessment: 100% Coursework
YEAR THREE - SANDWICH WORK PLACEMENT
- Optional Placement Year
Students benefit enormously from spending a period of time in industry, whatever course you undertake. This module is designed to provide students 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. Students are required to work in a situation where you are 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 (30 weeks) in some form of appropriately employed or voluntary capacity within the industry, in its broadest terms. You are 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.
YEAR FOUR - LEVEL 6
- Research Methods for Design Projects - 20 credits
In this module students identify a suitable subject for the 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: 100% Coursework - Service and System Design – 20 credits
This module is for students in the Product Design cluster and aims to augment the students design portfolio with subsidiary projects in addition to their major design project it also allows students to investigate how their ‘design thinking’ techniques, methods and practical skills can be applied to other aspects of commerce and society. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Design and Culture – 20 credits
In this module final year students engage in primary and secondary source research to investigate and critically analyse a subject related to the profession and practice of Product Design in order to produce a well written and illustrated dissertation that broadens their understanding of the various factors that influence the design process and profession. Assessment: 100% Coursework - Product Design Project - 60 credits
The Design Project requires students to develop an engineered solution from concept through to artefact based on the subject that is identified via Research Methods for Design Projects module. The artefact may be physical and/or digital. The project deliverables include, a detailed record of the design development process, a fully developed artefact, and an analytical report that demonstrates the application of human centred design expertise to the proposed solution. The project provides an opportunity to explore a chosen specialist field in order to develop expertise and demonstrate depth of understanding. In order to execute their individual projects students will draw on selected tools and resources learned in previous modules and produce a coherent and professional methodology for the intended solution. Assessment: 100% Coursework
Assessment
This course is assessed entirely through coursework: there are no formal exams
Each module is assessed by the process that is deemed most appropriate to the subject matter. In many engineering subjects, this may mean that there is a combination of coursework and examination, whilst in design and business-based modules assessment is by 100% coursework. When and where appropriate assessment is undertaken as group presentations and critiques. During and after critiques, students benefit from oral and written feedback. As and when appropriate, assignments are submitted to the faculty office or digitally through the VLE and are assessed by academic staff who provide written feedback and tutorial advice.
The product design project at level 6 (final year) is assessed by a variety of means, including the public display of work in the annual degree show, and the opportunity to be selected to display their projects at the New Designers exhibition.
Facilities
Our course philosophy places making at the heart of the design process; you'll learn in an environment that is highly in tune with refined technologies. You'll gain the knowledge and training needed to meet future demands for products and services, and the requirements of employers in the design industry.
Well-placed and considered investment means you'll have access to up-to-date and large-scale workshops, laboratories and design studios. Through hands-on engineering experience you'll learn how to test, measure, design and produce your own prototypes, bringing ideas off the drawing board or computer screen and into full-size and functional 3D models.
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
Our course philosophy places making at the heart of the design process; you'll learn in an environment that is highly in tune with refined technologies. You'll gain the knowledge and training needed to meet future demands for products and services, and the requirements of employers in the design industry.
Well-placed and considered investment means you'll have access to up-to-date and large-scale workshops, laboratories and design studios. Through hands-on engineering experience you'll learn how to test, measure, design and produce your own prototypes, bringing ideas off the drawing board or computer screen and into full-size and functional 3D models.
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
Employability Service
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:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- 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.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
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, VosLED, Cogent Healthcare Systems, BDP and Complete Fabrication. 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 has a focus on studio-based design assignments and design project work. You'll learn how to propose workable and functional solutions within financial constraints whilst still delivering compelling, aesthetic products. These are the very skills that will set you in high demand from industry employers!
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.
We have a panel of advisers from the industry to make sure that the course content is up-to-date and matches employers’ needs. And this means our graduates are in demand.
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.
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.
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% |