Aston University, Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our BSc Product Design and Management course is offered as either a three or four year course with integrated placement year. It is stimulating, relevant, challenging and rewarding. We aim to provide you with the knowledge of materials, production processes and technology as well as skills in aesthetics, ergonomics and management that will enable you to develop a successful career in design. Design is increasingly used as a strategic commercial tool to make a difference beyond the boundaries of simply the physical product. Companies use design to change culture and develop new business models. This course will appeal to those designers who wish to work across the broad range of business functions and design opportunities in a rapidly changing international market. We aim to develop a new generation of creative designers with knowledge, skills and concepts that will be valued by all sectors of design, development, production and business. Live projects will be undertaken on campus and you are encouraged to work with students from other courses ranging from business to engineering, covering a range of disciplines, sharing experiences and ideas, just as in industry. We teach using a hands-on framework called CDIO - Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate – supported by 50 of the world’s top technical institutions. This enables you to apply real-world skills as you learn, enabling you to maximise your learning. You’ll do your learning in our state-of-the-art facilities, which include advanced 3D printing facilitates and a dedicated design studio with specialist equipment designed just for you. Career opportunities exist for our graduates in design, general management and consultancy, technology, engineering, education and so much more. Our students are able to demonstrate creative design skills alongside sound technical knowledge and experience, a balance which employers consider to be an advantage. Key course benefits:
- Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)
- 1st for graduate prospects (General Engineering) (Complete University Guide 2022)
- Our optional placement year offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experience and set your studies in the context of a working environment, to boost your future employment prospects.
- In the final year exhibit your designs at our annual design exhibition 'Aston Inspired', where you get to showcase your concepts and findings during the event.
Modules
Year 1: • Introduction to Engineering and Design • Prototyping & Development • Design Fundamentals • Engineering Principles 1 • Engineering Practice Year 2: • Design and Engineering for the User • Design Studio • Digital Design Skills • Product Experience • Design Management and Innovation • Product, Market and Intellectual Property Year 3: Optional placement year Final year: • Product Design Final Year Project • Advanced Product Experience • Professional Preparation for Industry • Design Competitions • Advanced Design Management and Innovation Please Note: All modules are based on the current academic year. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review.
Assessment method
You’ll undertake individual and team projects throughout your studies, as well as having opportunities to work in partnership with industrial partners. The course includes analytical material provided through lectures, tutorials, labs and directed study, to ensure you have a solid understanding of engineering principles. Additional lectures and seminars provided by specialists from industry will support your learning. You will be assessed by combination of coursework, case studies, design projects and in-class tests.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BBC - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 0 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - D
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £21100 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students.
For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.
Provider information
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET