Product Design

During the first two years, the course is divided into the following three broad subject areas:

• Design studio modules: These modules will help you develop important design and communication skills through design project work.
• Design technology modules: These provide you with the technological understanding to create and deliver efficient and effective designs, covering the basics of mechanical, electronic and materials engineering.
• Design awareness modules: These modules include visualisation techniques, design context, history, psychology, creativity and innovation, design information, computer-aided design systems and business.

Approximately half of Years 3 and 4 is dedicated to major design projects, which fall into thematic areas such as intelligent homes, medical devices and packaging. These are supported by a range of modules on topics such as manufacturing processes and user-centred design.

You’ll develop a project from market and user needs, through design generation and evaluation to a working prototype. As well as a technical understanding, you’ll gain the planning, time management, presentation and report writing skills that are in demand from employers.

At the end of the project you’ll showcase your work at our annual Product Design degree showcase. Find out more about project work.

Find out more about our Projects

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Visualisation Techniques 10 credits
• Materials Technology 20 credits
• Contextual Studies and Ergonomics 20 credits
• Engineering Analysis for Product Designers 20 credits
• Basic Electronics for Product Design 10 credits
• Design Studio 1 40 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Economics and Management 20 credits
• Design Studio 2 50 credits
• Creativity, Innovation and Shape Systems 20 credits
• Advanced Electronics for Product Design 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Additive Manufacturing 20 credits
• Design Project 60 credits
• Mechanical Systems 10 credits
• Professional, Portfolio and Industry Awareness 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Systems Thinking and Consulting Practice 15 credits
• Team Project 60 credits
• Design Research 20 credits
• Design Communication 10 credits
• User-Centred Design 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Product Design MDes, BSc in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Product Design BSc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

This course combines design theory and technology with practical design work. As a result, you’ll benefit from a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, design studio work, tutorials and interactive lectures that mix teaching with practical work. In Years 3 and 4 around half the course is dedicated to major design projects, which will allow you to develop your ideas and skills independently.

Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. He or she will be an academic member of staff: you will have weekly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first year, in your tutor group (of typically 5-7 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways; through coursework such as design portfolio work and exhibitions, written reports and examinations.