BA (Hons) Product Design

• Usability
• Aesthetics
• Ergonomics
• Sustainability
• Application of technology
• Concept generation
• User research: how to understand people's needs
• Prototyping.

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Product Design with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key topics of your integrated foundation year will include:

• Fundamental 3D Design Principles: ergonomics, materials, scale, size, form, and function
• Essential UX principles: user-centered design, information architecture, hierarchy, visual flow, and accessibility
• Proficiency in software and applications for prototyping and extended reality (XR) experiences (Photoshop, Rhino, Blender, Figma, SketchUp, Unity)
• Applying visual language, form principles, and 3D thinking to communicate meaning
• Techniques for shaping, visualizing, and communicating 3D forms while balancing hybrid experiences
• Understanding technical workshop operations and using specialist immersive Design facilities
• Employing creative strategies to generate, test, and evaluate design concepts

Students will learn key skills in 2D and 3D design, user research, the iterative design process, and current design software.

They’ll begin developing their own approach to product design, building confidence in responding to both live and self-initiated briefs.

This stage also encourages students to start considering their contextual studies research.

Modules include:

• Design Approaches
• Design Skills
• Ergonomics, Inclusion and Empathy
• Interacting with Products
• Professional Life Practice: "Developing your Practice"
• Professional Life Practice: "Exploring your Practice"

Students will deepen their understanding of the design process, from prototype development to materials and manufacturing techniques.

They’ll collaborate on briefs with peers and have opportunities for work-based learning in the design industry.

Modules include:

• Sustainable Design in Practice
• Interface, Experience and Service Design
• Open Innovation
• Professional Life Practice: "Applying your Practice"
• Work-based learning.

We nurture student's independence as designers with a self-directed major product design project, ready for exhibition at the Degree Show.

They will be assessed on a collaborative brief and are required to enter competitions and engage with industry design challenges. At the same time, they will produce a portfolio for entry into the industry.

We ask students to show their contextual studies research and thinking in a long form dissertation.

Modules include:

• Negotiated Brief
• Final Major Project
• Portfolio and Promotion
• Professional Life Practice: "Situating your Practice"

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our interview and/or portfolio process.

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design. Applicants are expected to submit a portfolio of work which shows a range of their skills and demonstrates why they would be a good fit for the course.

We may also consider a combination of portfolio and academic qualifications and take into consideration progress made during studies and/or relevant work experience.

Graduates often proceed to a career in product design, packaging, service retail interior design, 3D promotional design and user experience design. For example, our graduates often help to develop new electronic devices, food packaging and better customer experience in industries such as finance, transport and entertainment.

We encourage you to take up work-based learning opportunities in industry to help shape your future career path.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website.  The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate application form.

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of an interview and portfolio (or showreel). 

If you wish to study our BA (Hons) Product Design degree course, we will need to see examples of previous work that showcases your suitability for the course. 

At your interview, be ready to discuss a few (no more than 4) examples of their design work showing evidence of:

• Sketching and planning projects - this might include some rough hand-drawings of ideas from a sketchbook or detailed technical drawings
• Experimentation with different materials and design processes - this might include images (photographs or videos) of working with wood, metal, or 3D printing
• Skill with making: images (photographs or videos) of finished projects
• Problem solving - show how you have resolved problems you wanted to address
• Research and curiosity: this might include images (photographs or videos) of related or inspirational designs and art projects

This work would have been completed as part of:

• GCSEs
• A Levels
• Art & Design Foundation (FE)
• BTEC
• or independently outside of any curriculum.

This page offers great tips for completing your portfolio/showreel and preparing for your interview. 

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne has strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students