Industrial Design BA/BSc
Study of how products are designed, developed, and manufactured, combining creativity, technology, and user-centred thinking to create functional, innovative, and sustainable objects.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy designing products
Like combining creativity with engineering
Are interested in how products are made
Want a career in product or industrial design
Are problem-solving focused
Popular Career Fields
Product & Industrial Design
Engineering & Construction
Manufacturing & Production
Retail & Commercial Design
Your Personality Might Be:
User-centered
Engineering & Construction
Problem-solver
Innovation-driven
What is it?
What is Industrial Design?
Industrial Design focuses on designing products that are mass-produced or manufactured at scale, from everyday consumer goods to furniture, electronics, medical devices, and transport components.
You’ll learn how to take a product from concept to production, considering aesthetics, usability, materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and user experience.
The degree blends creative design with technical understanding and problem-solving.
It is ideal for students who enjoy making, prototyping, visual thinking, and improving how products work and look in the real world.
Why study Industrial Design?
If you’re interested in how products are shaped by human needs, technology, and production methods, Industrial Design offers a practical and future-focused pathway.
It helps you understand:
How design influences how people interact with products
How ideas move from sketch to prototype to manufacture
The balance between aesthetics, function, cost, and sustainability
How designers solve real-world problems creatively
How design contributes to innovation across industries
Industrial designers play a key role in shaping modern products and experiences.
Course Summary
Study of how products are designed, developed, and manufactured, combining creativity, technology, and user-centred thinking to create functional, innovative, and sustainable objects.
What you'll study
Industrial Design degrees can cover topics such as:
Design thinking and problem-solving
Product design and development processes
Sketching, visualisation, and CAD
Materials, manufacturing, and sustainability
User-centred design and ergonomics
Prototyping, model-making, and testing
Skills You'll Gain
An Industrial Design degree builds creative and technical skills including:
Design thinking and creativity – enabling you to generate innovative, user-focused ideas.
Technical and practical skills – helping you work with materials, tools, and digital design software.
User-centred design – allowing you to design products that meet real needs.
Visual communication – preparing you to present ideas clearly through sketches, models, and CAD.
Project management – equipping you to manage complex design projects from concept to completion.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Product and industrial design
Consumer goods and furniture design
Design consultancy and innovation
UX and service design (with further training)
Manufacturing and product development
Sustainable and materials-focused design
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Industrial Design degrees offer opportunities to gain industry experience.
Some courses include placement years, industry-sponsored projects, or internships, while others support students in finding experience during holidays or alongside study.
Typical opportunities include:
Product design studios or consultancies
Manufacturing or engineering companies
Furniture, consumer goods, or technology firms
Start-ups and innovation labs
Design research or prototyping teams
Work experience is highly valuable and often leads to graduate roles.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities prefer Art, Design Technology, Product Design, or Graphics. Some accept Maths, Physics, or Engineering for BSc routes.
Personal Statement Tips
Explain why you’re interested in product and industrial design.
Discuss objects, products, or designers that inspire you.
Highlight creativity, problem-solving, and making skills.
Show awareness of users, sustainability, and real-world design challenges.
What to do Next
Build a portfolio with sketches, models, and design ideas.
Learn basic CAD or design software if possible.
Visit design exhibitions or follow contemporary designers.
Research courses with strong studio culture and industry links.
Wider Reading
The Design of Everyday Things – Don Norman
A classic exploration of user-centred design and usability.Designing for the Real World – Victor Papanek
A foundational text on ethical and socially responsible design.Materials and Design – Mike Ashby & Kara Johnson
An essential guide to materials selection and product design.Product Design and Development – Ulrich & Eppinger
A practical overview of professional product development processes.How to Be a Designer Without Losing Your Soul – Adrian Shaughnessy
Insightful advice on design practice and creative careers.