Product Design Solent University (Southampton) Degree level: Undergraduate Awarded by: Solent University
Course summary
TEF Silver
Solent University (Southampton) has opted into the TEF and received a Silver award.
Are you fascinated by how design can influence and improve modern life? Do you want to design the products, devices and solutions of the future? Ideal for students with backgrounds in art, graphics, design or engineering, this innovative degree offers a perfect balance of creativity, design thinking, manufacturing and materials, and commercial awareness.
We take the approach that product design is the blend between art and engineering, and keep this in mind with the projects you will undertake, helping to ensure a balanced portfolio.
We will provide you with a range of experiences and support to develop transferable skills that will enable you to work within the broader creative industries after graduation. Our approach is to provide a creative environment for you to thrive and achieve your full potential.
The curriculum also includes specialist study of ergonomics and human factors to ensure your designs are fit for purpose. You will also have the opportunity to test your designs with our empathy suits to ensure a fully user-centred approach to design has been adopted.
With a strong industry focus, product design at Solent is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED). This mark of quality is reserved for courses that are best suited to preparing students for employment in engineering design roles. Our growing network of employers (currently 18) sponsor a number of units across the three year programme, from guest speaker talks, live projects, to workshops on preparation for employment, awards, internships and work placements.
Many of our students go on to set-up their own business/design practice so we aim to provide these opportunities whilst studying on the course with appropriate mentoring and support. A number of units allow you to create, make and retail products in our shop Re:So and many students work on professional freelance jobs in their second year through our Solent Creatives initiative.
All of this in a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment with small group sizes. Perhaps the reason why for four years out of the previous five we have achieved 100% in the National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS).
Course details
Modules
Year one
Core units
Year two
Core units
Options
Design for Industry Design for Enterprise New Product Development Freelancing at Solent CreativesPlease note: Not all optional units are guaranteed to run each year.
Year three
Core units
Options
Work Based Learning Unit Design FuturesPlease note: Not all optional units are guaranteed to run each year.
Assessment method
You will be assessed via a combination of project work, design portfolios, research reports and design presentations. There are no formal examinations. You will also have both summative and formative assessment points, meaning you will receive feedback as to how you are doing along the way, and receive specific help.
How to apply
Application deadlines
If your application is completed by the following date, it’s guaranteed to be considered:
15 January
*If you apply after this deadline, universities or colleges don’t have to consider your application if they’ve filled their spaces, so the sooner you apply, the better!Application codes
You will need these codes when you add a choice to your application.
| Course code | PD01 |
|---|---|
| Institution code | S30 |
| Campus name | Main Site |
| Campus code | - |
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Direct entry to years 2 (Level 5) or 3 (Level 6) We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses.
International applicants
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
• Direct entry to years 2 (Level 5) or 3 (Level 6)
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses.
• Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.
• Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Interview and portfolio viewing
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £9,250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £9,250 | Year 1 |
| International | £12,875 | Year 1 |
| England | £9,250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9,250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9,250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9,250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Provider information
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN
Course contact details
Visit our course pageMain Contact - Admissions and Enrolment Team
+44 (0) 23 8201 5066