Product Design BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  In the first year of the Product Design BA, you will be introduced to computer-aided-design (CAD), modelmaking, design drawing, graphic communication, contextual theories and professional studies. Your learning will be consolidated by short projects that are relevant to technical, commercial or social issues.

  Your second year will include professional development, through commercial projects and/or competitions briefed by local, national or international companies. These projects will develop your creativity, design knowledge and communication skills – providing the confidence to present your design concepts effectively and professionally.

  During your final year, you will work on a self-focused design project – identifying, researching and solving a problem, as a culmination of your studies. You will also participate in briefs from international competitions, such as the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and Design and Art Direction (D&AD). In recent years our students have won these prestigious accolades.

  Student work

  Throughout the BA product design course students are encouraged to create products which solve problems, inspire change and look to make a difference in everyday life. Product Design student, Oliver Beard, who was knocked unconscious in a rugby match, designed a high-tech skull cap that can detect concussion in people playing full-contact sports. You can read Oliver’s story here.

  Past product design university graduates have also invented products that have gone on to receive media recognition. Danny O’Beirne, devised a simple solution to help the visually impaired navigate railway stations. Danny’s research found that many people with visual impairments are put off travelling by train in the UK due to the potential for confusion when they arrive at a station. Danny’s solution – the Tellway Sound Shower – harnesses ultrasound technology which can project a beam of sound via an overhead speaker. You can read Danny’s story here.

  Joshua Taylor, a Product Design degree undergraduate, had a flash of inspiration which has led to him designing a phone case that alerts users when their posture needs correcting, which in turn, prevents the risk of text neck. You can read Joshua’s story here.

  Art Degree Show

  Final year students display their work at the Art Degree Show. Our students have delivered some stunning designs.

  Take a look at some recent press releases featuring University of Northampton Product Design students and graduates:

  • Haddonstone Project.
  • Concussion Guardian.
  • Tellway Sound Shower.
  • Chin-Up.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Materials and Processes (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1044

      Status: Compulsory
      Good product design is based on a sound knowledge of the properties and applications of materials. This module reviews a selection of materials and associated manufacturing processes using case study and existing products. It is taught in conjunction with other modules to provide students with project specific technical knowledge.
    • Form and Colour (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1054

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is concerned with stimulating visual perception, idea generation and design development. Students will be lead through a series of technique building experiences which utilise a broad range of two and three-dimensional materials and media. This will link visualisation, model making and the use of colour.
    • Design Project 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1065

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to research and apply established working practises, concepts and principles through a variety of design tasks. Projects include all aspects of the design process including 3D experimentation, visual language and technical considerations initiated through a briefing process and culminating in appropriate peer group presentations and assessment.
    • CAD - 3D Modelling (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1066

      Status: Compulsory
      This module?introduces?students to?the use of industry standard Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3D modelling software applications to produce computer models that are both dimensionally accurate and visually realistic.?Vector graphics and digital image manipulation software will be used to further enhance the final presentation of 3D generated images.
    • CAD - 3D Animation
      Module code: 3DD1067

      Status: Compulsory
    • Sketching and Graphics (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1069

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to 2D and 3D visual communication. It is concerned with stimulating visual perception and idea generation. Students will be encouraged to be experimental in their approach and apply suitable media and techniques to communicate technical and aesthetic subjects appropriate to a creative programme.
    • Design in Context (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1070

      Status: Compulsory
      The practise of design requires knowledge in various related subjects. Part of this is the understanding and articulation of the social, historic and economic factors in the design process. The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of design history and introduce research resources.
    • Design in Practice (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1071

      Status: Compulsory
      The practice of design requires knowledge in various related subjects. Part of this is the understanding and articulation of the economic, commercial and marketing factors in the design process. The study of professional practice and design related businesses to provide insights into the nature and rationale of organisations and businesses as an integral component of the design process.
  • Stage 2
    • Design Project 2 ? Technology (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2075

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables second year students to research, integrate, apply and develop established working practise, concepts and principles through a variety of design based projects. Project work reflects professional design practice and involves research, analysis, application and presentation of realistic design proposals through practically orientated projects.
    • Design Project 2 ? Production
      Module code: 3DD2076

      Status: Compulsory
    • 3D Modelling and Manufacture (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2077

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables the student to develop knowledge and skills using 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE). The work undertaken will encourage students to create and evaluate virtual models of products in relation to technical, aesthetic and manufacturing considerations. Students will document their models using orthographic 2D drawings and 3D visualisations.
    • 3D Modelling and Simulation (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2078

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables the student to develop a greater understanding of computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis utilising virtual simulations and computer-aided manufacture (CAM). The work undertaken will encourage students to create, model and simulate a product?s real-world physical behaviour and manufacturability, such as; draft analysis; mould-flow and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Students will document their models using orthographic 2D drawings, 3D visualisations and physical outputs.
    • Design Futures (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2086

      Status: Compulsory
      Future designers need to have an understanding of the economic, social, technological, environmental and cultural context of their work. Students? will develop the ability and confidence to contribute ideas and challenge traditional thinking. The purpose of this module is to encourage designers to develop ethical and critical skills in their design and research work.
    • Design Business (10 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2087

      Status: Compulsory
      Product design requires general and specific knowledge in various related subjects. Part of this is the recognition, understanding and articulation of commercial factors in the design process. This may include a general understanding of business and industry organisations through to the creative development and marketing of a design outcomes.
    • Design for Manufacture (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2088

      Status: Compulsory
      This module builds on the Level 4 Materials and Processes module and develops and increases the knowledge of materials and processes. In addition it develops an understanding of communication between design for manufacture, assembly, disassembly and end-of-life (MADE), including servicing and repair. It's purpose is to increase understanding and develop the intellectual application skills necessary for the world of work.
    • User-centred Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2089

      Status: Compulsory
      This module builds on Form and Colour and provides the student with an understanding of anthropometric research and its use in ergonomic design together with the application of colour. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) will be investigated to develop a crucial awareness and understanding of the relationship between the human factors, colour and good design.
  • Stage 3
    • Final Major Project - Research (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD3045

      Status: Compulsory
      This final major study module documents the research undertaken in the evolution of the Final Major Project and underpins the investigation and generation of applicable product concepts. The work is realised through the submission of a research report that summarises the chosen topic area, identifies the problem to be solved, and outlines the fundamental design approach taken by the student.
    • Final Major Project - Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD3046

      Status: Compulsory
      This final major study module documents the development undertaken in the resolution of initial product ideas and concepts into a comprehensive Final Major Project design solution. The work is realised through the submission of a development report that quantifies and substantiates the design decisions taken throughout this exploration process and may include appraisals of prototyping, modelling, testing, simulation and realisation of the student?s final design.
    • Final Major Project - Realisation (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD3055

      Status: Compulsory
      The final major project will integrate the skills gained from all modules studied on the programme. These will be demonstrated through a project initiated by the student utilising research carried out in Final Major Project ? Research module and documented in the Final Major Project ? Development module. The final design proposal will be presented in a critique, exhibition and audio-video presentation.
    • Design Enterprise (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD4023

      Status: Compulsory
      RESTRICTIONS: BA (Hons) Product Design BSc (Hons) Product Design

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Product Design BA degree at the University of Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in Product Design, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  What specialist equipment will I need for the Product Design degree?

  To study on a Product Design degree, a high-specification laptop capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud and professional CAD software is essential. You will require a laptop, with the following specification:

  PC Laptop specification – preferred option:

  • CPU: Intel/AMD Processor scoring a single thread CPU Mark of 2,200 or higher. (Such as the AMD Ryzen 5 2600, Intel Core i7-4790 or better)
  • System Memory : 32GB (16GB minimum)
  • Graphics Card: a GPU scoring a G3D Mark of 14,000 or higher with up-to-date drivers. (Such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070, AMD Radeon RX 5700XT, Quadro RTX 3000 or better)
  • Graphics Card Memory: 8GB or more
    Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • Hard Drive: 500GB SATA3 SSD or NVME m.2 storage
    Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (up to date)
  • Wi‑Fi networking: 802.11ac

  MacBook specification with additional required software*:

  • CPU: Apple M1 chip (or Intel)
  • Memory: 32GB (16GB minimum)
  • Operating System: MacOS 11 Big Sur
  • Hard Drive: 500GB Solid State Drive (SSD) (256GB minimum)
  • Wi‑Fi networking: 802.11ac
  • Software*:  Windows 10 64-bit, Bootcamp and/or Parallels

  You will need to budget approximately £200 per academic year for extra materials to cover the costs of sketch books, marker pens, modelmaking materials, 3D printing, and 2D printing of presentation graphics. This amount is a guide based on what successful current students and recent graduates have spent and will depend upon the projects you choose to undertake.

  You will need to purchase, drawing and modelmaking equipment such as digital Vernier callipers, cutting tools, basic hand tools, plus a toolbox to contain them. A comprehensive list will be provided prior to starting the course.

  How will I be assessed on the Product Design BA?

  You will be continually assessed during during your degree in product design through studio-based design projects and written assignments. In the final year, you will have a minor design project and a final major project which will both be exhibition-based.

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