Overview
Building on our rich history of developing pioneering graduates within product design and technology, we are delighted to launch a new BSc/MDes Product Design and Technology programme for September 2025 entry!
Pioneering the way in Product Design and Technology
If you want to become a confident, creative and resilient designer, our BSc/MDes Design and Technology programme is perfect for you! You will graduate as a versatile professional, well-prepared for a diverse range of design and technology career paths.
Throughout your studies, we will encourage you to combine creativity with scientific insight to create practical, functional solutions for consumer, industrial, and digital products. Confident in identifying opportunities, you will design products that excel in technical, functional, aesthetic, and economic criteria. The program covers the entire design process, from concept to engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, and pitching to clients and investors.
In the final year of the BSc programme, you’ll exhibit in our end-of-year degree show Product of South Bank. Discover a round up of the 2023 projects on Dezeen - from a children's book that raises awareness about chronic pain to a project that transforms textile waste from fast fashion into luxury products.
If you study the MDes programme, you will take an additional year of study on top of the three or four year BSc (Hons) programme. You will elevate your expertise to Chartered Technological Product Designer level, mastering advanced insights into global design challenges and emerging technologies. With a focus on impactful, human-centered solutions, you will gain essential research skills and collaborate on an interdisciplinary project, applying your knowledge to shape the future of design.
Why study Product Design and Technology at LSBU?
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- We offer three study pathways in Circular Economy, User Experience and Design Engineering to help you build specialist knowledge based on your interests. You will do taster projects based on each pathway in your first year before choosing your specialism in your second year.
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- Boost your employability with an optional paid professional work experience placement in your third year.
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- Professional accreditation: The course is designed for future accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes) and for partially meeting those of Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD). Accreditation will be sought by the time the first cohort reaches graduation, and back dated for them.
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- Our students win prizes: Including Brandon Hopkins who was highly commended in the Design Innovation in Plastic Awards 2025.
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- 4th in the UK for design graduate prospects (Complete University Guide by subject 2025).
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH711 | Application method UCAS |
| ModeSandwich | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH711 | Application method UCAS |
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
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
- 120 UCAS tariff points (ideally in Product Design/Art/Graphics, although this can be waivered for applicants who show promising creative talent through a portfolio). Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.
- GCSE Maths (C/grade 4 or above) or equivalent.
- A satisfactory portfolio.
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:
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 3 years | Start date September | Application code H711 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Sandwich | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code H711 | 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.
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Accommodation
Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – 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 a postgraduate student.
Postgraduate Application Service
Book a session with one of our specialist Postgraduate Advisors. Over a one on one Advice Session they'll advise you on postgraduate degrees at LSBU that match your interests and experience.
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.
YEAR ONE
- Design Inspiration 1
The module is studio based, and introduces you to the principles and practices of the discipline through project-based learning. It focusses on principles, theory and creative methodologies, and will give you a contextual awareness of past and present designers, movements and trends. - Design Application 1
You will develop practical skills in the creation of physical and digital prototypes (including workshop skills training, health and safety risk assessment protocols). - Technical and Design Communications 1
The module introduces the fundamental principles of sketching, graphic design and visual communication in design and engineering, in addition to digital modelling and product development in 2D and 3D CAD packages, and technical specification through engineering drawings. - Professional Skills 1
This module develops essential and non-discipline specific skills in good studentship, professional practice, and employability. It will cover a broad range of soft skills including time management and planning, professional etiquette in email and other communications, use of professional software including Microsoft Office, project management, and AI-based tools (e.g. ChatGPT), and appropriate use of social media for professional networking and career development. - Pathway Preparation 1
This module is studio-based. You will undertake 2 projects, each designed specifically as an introduction to, and taster for, two of the the three pathway options before they make their choice of which to follow. The Circular Economy project will introduce the general principles of sustainability, the circular economy, and the environmental impact of choices made during the design process, through basic Life Cycle Assessment. The User Experience project will introduce students to principles of user experience design through electronic prototyping and physical computing, including introductory coding. - Design Engineering 1
This module is studio-based. You will undertake 2 projects, each designed specifically as an introduction to, and taster for, two of the the three pathway options before they make their choice of which to follow. The Circular Economy project will introduce the general principles of sustainability, the circular economy, and the environmental impact of choices made during the design process, through basic Life Cycle Assessment. The User Experience project will introduce students to principles of user experience design through electronic prototyping and physical computing, including introductory coding.
YEAR TWO
- Design Inspiration 2
The Design Inspiration 2 module will advance the students‘ understanding of design theory and methods, developing design thinking, empathetic, and user-centred design methods, human factors and ergonomics, and foster deeper sensibilities in relation to aesthetics, semantics and the cultural context aspects of the design discipline and the projects the students will undertake during their level 5 studies. - Design Application 2
The Design Application 2 module develops students’ technical skills in mechanical and mechatronic design, including python coding. They will also develop their understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the potential for AI to aid in data processing, decision making, and troubleshooting in the design of IoT devices. - Technical and Design Communications 2
The Technical and Design Communications 2 module develops advanced Computer Aided Design skills and the principles of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM). The module further develops the ability prepare assets to required to improve their employability, such as print and online portfolios, and building a professional online presence for self-marketing, in a safe manner. - Professional Skills 2
The Professional Skills 2 module develops students' employability and transferable skills in preparation for a professional placement (between levels 5 and 6) and employment after graduation. These include oral and written communication skills and confidence; CV development to increase potential selection by both human and automated systems; formal letter and email writing; interview strategies and practice, and protocols and use of digital (ML/AI) based tools. - Mini Major Project
The Mini-Major Project module is designed to take the student through a complete design cycle from project briefing through to the manufacture of a well-resolved working prototype that is specified for volume manufacture. The structure is modelled on the final year major project, where students will focus on developing specific responses to a self-generated brief with the aim of aligning them both to their industrial placement and the final year of study. It will develop their understanding of both industrial manufacturing processes, and digital and physical prototyping technologies, and rig making.
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 THREE OR FOUR
- Innovation and Enterprise
The Innovation and Enterprise module develops the ability to use design thinking to identify and test value propositions, to explore alternative, ethical and sustainable business models in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also covers the wider financial and economic impact of their proposals, including funding applications and pitching, and protection of intellectual property. - Design Research Tools
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 - Major Project Module
The Major Project Module is the pinnacle of the undergraduate course and provides and opportunity for students to bring together and demonstrate their learning from all previous strands of their course. Students are required to design, develop, and create a prototype of a substantially new product, to their own specification, and aligned to their pathway specialism. They will need to define appropriate manufacturing techniques, materials, and methods to make and test a working prototype, and the result will be showcased at the University's annual design show, “Product of South Bank”. - Design Engineering Pathway (optional module)
The Design Engineering Pathway (L6) module will develop students’ professional skills and ability to use appropriate theoretical and practical methods in the analysis and solution of engineering 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 and prototyping technologies. - Circular Economy Pathway (optional module)
The Circular Economy Pathway module develops understanding of the value of, and strategies for, regenerative design which is facilitated via the application of higher-level Life Cycle Assessment modelling and the use of AI for data gathering and analysis. - User Experience Pathway (optional module)
The User Experience Pathway (L6) module will develop students understanding of how design thinking techniques, methods and practical skills can be applied as a pluralistic activity within all forms of industry, from manufacturing through to business, government and social enterprise, and codesign strategies for their service design. - Pathway Application
The Pathway Application (Major Project) module requires students to integrate and demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and practices of their chosen disciplinary pathway specialism, within the context of their major project. Students must demonstrate high level expertise in the discipline, which will be assessed separately from but alongside the Major Project.
YEAR FOUR OR FIVE (MDes)
- Design Thinking and Reasoning
The Design Thinking and Reasoning module consolidates students‘ prior knowledge and experience of design practice, and develops a deeper understanding of the theoretical models and research that describe the process by which designers work and think, within a broad range of contexts. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis with regards to application of theory to practice, through lived experience as a reflective practitioner and designer. - Design Futures
The Design Futures module raises students’ awareness of the rapidity of technological and scientific, as well as ethical, economic and socio/cultural changes in society, in the context of industry 5.0, VR/AR, IoT, AI and other innovations. It develops students’ ability to construct future scenarios, to think strategically about future global challenges, and use design tools such as future backcasting and speculative design to create narratives that disrupt established practices, encumbent products, and human behaviours, for the positive transformation of society. - Human Factors
The Human Factors module develops a detailed understanding of ergonomics and human factors in design, including the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of users. Students will develop their ability to locate and apply academic research data from specialist fields, in order to optimise design proposals to meet detailed user requirements in how they interact with and experience their objects, environments, and activities. - Technical Research and Professional Skills
The Technical Research and Professional Skills module provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for successful completion of the research dissertation in the near future and for professional development in the long-term future. Content includes how to search and gather relevant technical information; carry out a critical review of a research paper; selection of methods and data analysis for a research project; writing a feasibility reports, making presentations and communicate effectively; and how to assess the impact and sustainability of engineering and design research. - Group Project
The Group Project involves students of different engineering disciplines; being formed into a teams to address a multi-disciplinary engineering and/or design project. It is designed to develop a range of skills, including a good understanding of system design, analytical methods, experience of team and critical reflection. The challenge for the team will be to meet stated specifications, targets, milestones, and delivery deadlines, all within a set budget where applicable
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% |
