Sheffield Hallam University

Course Details

BA/BSc (Honours) Product Design

Course Description

On this creative design course you learn to design products that are innovative, attractive, usable and functional. As part of Sheffield Institute of Arts, which traces its history back to 1843, you work alongside students from creative disciplines including fashion, graphics, interior design and fine art. While gaining the skills you need to produce imaginative designs with visual and technical flair, you also learn how to make those designs rational, suitable for manufacture, and affordable. We'll help you to think like a designer and gain the ability to design, develop and present work to a professional standard. Examples of student work, activities and learning environment can be found on our Instagram page. Our BA/BSc course is designed around a common first year. At the end of your first year experience you will be able to make an informed choice on whether to pursue a BA or BSc award route to reflect your future career aspirations. In year one you will undertake creative activities and BA and BSc type design projects involving • making, drawing and computer skills • contextual, business and marketing studies • manufacturing, technology and human factors. Year two involves • live design projects • visual and presentation skills • product materials and manufacturing • an optional overseas study tour. In your final year, you complete a major project in an area of your choosing. By developing your skills in research, design and new product development, you develop a clear understanding of social, market, technological and materials-based trends and of what products mean to users. You also get to build up your industry knowledge by taking part in live projects for regional companies and well-known brands.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
4year

Career outcomes

The whole course is focused around developing you for a professional career in design or manufacturing industries. Our professional studio approach, and the industrial input through live projects are fundamental to this. As you progress through the course, the design work you complete grows into a portfolio which helps you in applying for work placements whilst on the course, and ultimately in seeking professional employment. Our graduates have gone on to work in companies including • Dyson • Volvo Cars • Ron Arad Associates • Mamas and Papas • Kenwood • AME • ASD Lighting • Evolution Power Tools • Design Futures • 93ft Design • Mothercare • Thomas Heatherwick Studios. The skills you develop on the course are also transferrable to many careers outside design, such as teaching, retail or business management.




BA/BSc (Honours) Product Design Sheffield Hallam University