Product Design BA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Design

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

W240

Award

BA (Hons)

Duration of study

3 years, 4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Lauriston campus

Start date

September 2026

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Placement

No

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Product design is about:

  • understanding people and society by questioning and reflecting on design's role in existing and emerging systems
  • exploring opportunities for innovative products

Through practical experience, you will develop diverse skill sets building on traditional methods and exploring those at the forefront of the discipline. These experiences will allow you to explore and understand:

  • societies 
  • complex issues 
  • emerging technologies and materials 

Across a group of courses, you will explore making, critical thinking and designing using a variety of materials and technologies. These are informed by thought-provoking briefs.

We support you to:

  • develop your own ways of exploring the world through design
  • understand the needs of people and the environment
  • question the role of design in diverse contexts

You will engage with a range of contemporary issues and future challenges, including: 

  • the circular economy and sustainability 
  • product semantics
  • speculative design 
  • connected objects, services, and systems

Discover what it's like to study BA Product Design from our staff and students.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 4 years, however, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years.

Programme benefits

  • You will join a passionate community of designers and researchers, with the opportunity to focus on your particular design field, as well as to collaborate across a broad range of disciplines. 
  • You will be taught by leading practitioners and theorists. You will be supported in responding to live briefs and showcasing your work. 
  • Edinburgh is a world-leading centre of knowledge in science, engineering, and innovation. Edinburgh College of Art and the wider University are at the heart of this network, working closely with key partners. 
  • You will be able to take courses from across the University of Edinburgh, using both traditional and digital facilities, and world-class libraries, museums and collections. 
  • Our students become the designers, thinkers and makers who question and shape the world we inhabit, whilst challenging assumptions, and asking "How can we do better?"

As I enter my final year studying Product Design, everything seems to be coming together in ways that I had not previously anticipated. The three years of courses have engaged me in various aspects of design such as research methods, traditional craft, digital making, CAD, electronics, and much more.

Though structured, these courses allow freedom to approach them through a lens or context that interests or challenges me. As a result, I have found that I am interested in socio-political design, which draws upon my interests in secondary school. This is a testament to the ability of the programme to develop not only the skills of students but also their design identities.

I am very eager and motivated to get into my final year project with this in mind and with the support of the students and tutors with whom I have developed great relationships and who have made my experience so worthwhile.

Nathan Vernel 4th year Product Design (BA Hons) student

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for BA (Hons) Product Design

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BA (Hons) Product Design.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

You may have to pay additional costs. These costs can vary across the programme, depending on the course. 

General costs

Most of our courses require a selection of general art and design supplies, such as:

  • drawing materials
  • paper
  • sketchbooks

We encourage students to share, reuse, and make use of our ‘free use hub’ where possible. The ECA shop also provides art materials at a discounted price to students. 

  • Year 1: General art materials (£50 to 100)
  • Year 2: Average annual material spend per student (£50 to £100)
  • Year 3: Costs will vary based on individual student projects (£50 to 200)
  • Year 4: Costs will vary based on individual student projects (£50 to 300)

You may also have to pay additional costs for printing and travel costs for field trips or site visits.

These costs are estimated and based on previous students. They are provided to help you budget for your studies. However, it is possible to work on a budget lower than this.

The programme has access to all the hand tools and equipment needed for you to create your work. 

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Throughout your studies, you will undertake a variety of studio-based and context-focused courses and will work closely with specialist staff.

We provide:

  • purpose-built studios to work in
  • first-class technical facilities and workshops
  • a wide range of dynamic learning activities that will offer personal as well as professional development

Through a collection of courses, you will explore making, critical thinking, and design processes. You will explore a variety of materials and technologies, which are contextualised through thought-provoking briefs.

You will engage with fundamental concepts within product design, a range of contemporary issues, and future challenges, including:

  • communicating through drawing and making
  • product semantics
  • speculative design
  • the circular economy and sustainability
  • connected products that respond to data

Design and Screen Cultures

Design and screen cultures courses are integrated with your practical studio work. These provide a contextual and theoretical understanding of contemporary issues in design. They aim to develop your ability to analyse and write about core issues in design.  

The combination of these courses act as a foundation for your studio practice. 

Option courses

In Years 1 and 2, you will be able to take option courses from within ECA or from the wider University. This will depend on availability.

Second year entry

Many students who have some prior experience in design choose to join our programme directly in Year 2.

If you join us in Year 2, you are still welcome to take any courses you may have missed in Year 1. You can take them either as assessed coursework, or by attending classes or workshops without the requirement for assessment.

Where your timetable allows, you may take Year 1 product design courses as your option courses.  

Compulsory courses

You will take compulsory courses in: 

  • product design 
  • Design and Screen Cultures

These will introduce you to the fundamental skills required to develop successful designs.

For product design courses, you will attend lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. You will learn about and apply:

  • sketching in 2D and 3D
  • materiality
  • value and sustainability
  • product semantics and communicating meaning 

Through Design and Screen Cultures lectures, seminars and critical debate you will learn about: 

  • design history 
  • visual and cultural theories
  • contemporary design practice 
Option courses 

Alongside Design and Screen Cultures courses you will be able to choose option courses from across the wider university, subject to availability. 

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Product design courses in Year 2 will introduce you to design projects, allowing you to practice and develop your skills.

We will introduce you to a variety of approaches to product design and associated commercial considerations, including:

  • workshop prototyping and making 
  • computer aided design  
  • additive manufacturing 
  • materials and manufacturing processes 
  • product assembly 
  • methods of design ethnography 
  • sustainability 
  • brand awareness 
  • critical thinking 
  • speculative design 
  • electronics and interaction 

Your Design and Screen Cultures lectures, seminars and critical debates will enable you to learn more about:

  • visual and cultural theory
  • contemporary design research and practice

These will further develop your: 

  • understanding of design in a wider context 
  • ability to plan and structure design writing
Option courses

Alongside Design and Screen Cultures courses, you will be able to choose option courses from across the wider University, subject to availability.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Projects and courses 

In Year 3 you will:

  • develop your identity as a designer
  • consider the ethics of design and designing
  • have more control over project focus
  • analyse social norms and speculate on possible futures
  • work with live clients

Projects explore:

  • value creation and mediation, considering multiple stakeholders 
  • connected products and services that are driven by data
  • the role design has to play in activism and politics
  • experimentation with traditional and emerging making processes

Option courses are more limited this year but still available from within design and the wider University. 

Exchanges and internships 

In Year 3 you can apply for optional study abroad. We have exchange partner design programmes at universities in Europe and North America. 

Whether on study abroad in Semester 2 or undertaking industry-led design projects at ECA, you will continue to build your design portfolio. 

Our staff will provide guidance and support to help you: 

  • refine your portfolio and CV 
  • prepare for interviews 
  • make applications for a summer internship
Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Now that you have thorough understanding of product design, in Year 4 you will define your approaches to developing a self-directed project.

Projects will enable you to show potential employers your ability to: 

  • use research to recognise unique design opportunities 
  • define a design brief and a design specification 
  • plan and manage concurrent projects
  • employ critical thinking skills and essential knowledge of the product design process
  • communicate with diverse audiences
Dissertation 

You will complete a written dissertation, enabling you to:

  • research a topic of personal interest 
  • learn more about planning and structuring design writing 
  • further enhance your written communication skills
  • link theory and practice

To help you achieve your goals, experienced and dedicated practising product designers and researchers will provide: 

  • teaching
  • guidance
  • support

Typically, at the end of Year 4 you will have the opportunity to take part in our Graduate Show. This is a chance to exhibit your work. You can see work submitted by previous graduates on our 2024 Graduate Show page.

BA Product Design Graduate Show 2024

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.

If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.

A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.

Your study abroad options

Placements

We do not offer placements as part of the programme. Instead, we encourage you to take internships in the summers between Years 2 and 4, and directly following graduation.  

Field trips

You will be encouraged to take regular field trips to local cultural venues, such as museums, botanic gardens, and local manufacturers.  

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Our mission is to ensure that you develop your approach to design and understand how to continue your development after university. You will develop the skills needed to become a highly employable graduate, entrepreneur, or thought leader. These include: 

  • creative skills
  • technical skills
  • critical thinking
  • interpersonal skills

We aim to produce:

  • empathetic, experimental, and provocative designers with strong communication skills
  • flexible design thinkers who can explore established and emerging social, economic, and environmental contexts
  • innovative designers who create useful, thought-provoking products
  • lifelong learners who are curious and have a drive to explore, absorb new knowledge, and grow

Most design teaching and learning involves experiential courses situated in a studio environment. 

Conceptual, material and technical issues are explored through: 

  • seminars 
  • workshops 
  • lectures 
  • tutorials 
  • critiques 
  • student presentations

Your development is influenced by research and critical thinking, as well as the following contexts that shape creative design practice:

  • visual context
  • intellectual context
  • social context
  • professional context

These elements are taught through core product design courses and the Design and Screen Cultures courses. They involve participation in:

  • studio culture and community
  • taught sessions and independent learning 
  • exhibitions 
  • competitions 
  • collaborations 
  • live industry projects

Assessment

We use continuous formative assessment throughout your study. This helps us give you meaningful feedback and encourages experimentation in the studio and beyond. 

Formative assessment for compulsory courses can include: 

  • portfolio 
  • presentations 
  • essays
  • artefacts

These components are assessed against course learning outcomes and give you an indication of how you are progressing. 

This often takes the form of a review, usually at the midpoint of the course you are studying or the project you are working on.  

Summative assessment at the end of all courses is informed by your:

  • academic and creative progress
  • performance throughout
  • demonstration of your learning in your submitted work

Your course grades are calculated through this summative assessment and a moderation process.

A typical week will look different for each student based on their combination of core and option courses.

However, there will be a mixture of core and option courses with dedicated times, as well as time for independent study.

This is an indicative timetable and courses and timings may change.  

Monday
  • 9am to 1pm Independent study associated with core and option courses
  • 1pm to 5pm Core course (for example Product Design 1A: Fundamentals)
Tuesday
  • 9am to 1pm Option course
  • 1pm to 5pm Independent study associated with core and option courses
Wednesday
  • 9am to 1pm Core course (for example Product Design: Re-Value)
  • 1pm to 5pm Afternoons set aside for sports and societies
Thursday
  • 9am to 1pm Independent study associated with core and option courses
  • 1pm to 5pm Independent study associated with core and option courses
Friday
  • 9am to 1pm Drop-in session with Cohort Lead
  • 1pm to 5pm Independent study associated with core and option courses

Support for your studies

ECA’s Student and Academic Support Service (SASS) supports students throughout their studies in all degree programmes at ECA.

You will have a dedicated Student Adviser, based within SASS, who is specially trained to support you during your studies. Your Student Adviser will be your first point of contact for any support, including questions about your studies or your well-being. Your Student Adviser can support you with:

  • personal or wellbeing issues that you are facing, including how to access specialist support
  • queries related to your programme, such as course enrolments, programme transfers and academic progression
  • applying for extensions and special circumstances
  • advice about how to take a break from your studies
  • registering with the Disability and Learning Support Service

If you’re unsure who to ask, you can contact your Student Adviser as a first point of contact.

Support for your studies

Our academic staff

Our lecturers and technicians are highly skilled designers, makers and researchers.  

We will support you to:

  • develop your ways of exploring the world through design
  • understand the needs of people and the environment 
  • understand the conditions and environments that best support individual learning styles

The professional skills, abilities and approaches to learning developed in the programme will prepare you for a rewarding career in the creative industries, academia and beyond. 

You can explore the ECA People Directory to discover more of the staff you will learn from.

ECA People Directory

Where you will study

Study location

You will benefit from studio-based learning along with the exhibitions and events associated with a vibrant art college at our Lauriston Place campus.

Most of your teaching in Product Design takes place at the Lauriston campus, close to the students' studio.

Academic facilities

Studios and workshops 

Within the product design studio, there is a student-managed space. This allows you to quickly realise your ideas using: 

  • light workshop facilities and hand tools
  • electronics and soldering station
  • glueing and finishing
Other facilities 

Throughout your degree, you will take option courses. Depending on your choices these may be taught in the school or the wider University campus.

You will also have access to the University's:

  • extensive libraries
  • computing facilities
  • technical facilities 
Specialist workshops

In addition to the studios, you will be taught across a range of specialist workshop environments, which are predominantly located in the:

  • ECA Main Building
  • Hunter Building
  • Evolution House building.

You will have access to facilities including but not limited to:

  • electronics and physical computing
  • wood and metalwork
  • hot and cold glass workshops
  • casting
  • digital fabrication
  • printmaking
  • jewellery and silversmithing
  • textiles

Workshops are staffed by specialist technicians and practitioners who will support and guide your technical development during your studies.

In addition to these facilities, we also have the ECA Store on-campus where you can purchase materials for your artistic projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free as part of being a student.

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

You can find out more on the ECA website.

Facilities and resources at ECA

Investing in our learning environment

Edinburgh College of Art is excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next three years, from April 2024 to April 2027. ​

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.​

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus - Edinburgh College of Art

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Career paths

We are committed to providing you with enhanced career prospects and the ability to achieve at the highest level.

You will enter the job market with a fresh approach and the flexibility and adaptability to respond to modern challenges.

The huge range of career opportunities will enable you to apply your:

  • knowledge
  • experience in the design process
  • considerable skillsets
  • approach to learning

Design jobs 

Our graduates have a strong track record of gaining employment in the creative industries within six months of completing their studies. 

Our graduates typically join a: 

  • design consultancy 
  • product development team within a company
  • technology and design-focused start-ups

Graduates interested in designing and making often establish their own practice or start-up. 

A range of skills 

The wide range of skills you will develop opens up diverse career options. 

For example, our graduates have gone on to work in:

  • product design and development
  • user interface and user experience design 
  • interaction design 
  • service design 
  • design research
  • design management 
  • model making 
  • packaging design

Other examples include: 

  • marketing
  • retail design 
  • exhibition design 
  • multimedia installation design
  • computer-aided design
  • technical roles within the University

Connections with industry 

Through self-directed and industry-led project work you will build skills in: 

  • project planning 
  • project management 
  • working as part of a team
  • personal and collective accountability

We have built strong contacts with the industry through: 

  • industry-linked projects 
  • staff research 
  • our range of visiting speakers

This will make sure you are aware of the full range of career possibilities and are provided with a strong footing from which to develop your chosen career. 

Where our graduates work 

Our graduates can be found working in a range of companies, including: 

  • Puma 
  • Microsoft 
  • SusTrans 
  • National Cash Register 
  • Phillips
  • Andthen 
  • RBS 
  • The National Museum of Scotland 
  • Herman Miller 
  • Habitat 
  • Zara Home 
  • Viaduct 
  • Isu 
  • Blue marmalade 
  • Moo 
  • Bodo Sperlein 
  • Optoplast Actman Eyewear 
  • The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design 
  • Peebles CAN 
  • 4S Technologies 
  • Martha Stewart Living 
  • Sirona event and promotions 
  • Tayburn 
  • HSBC 
  • Unilever  
  • 1508 London 
  • Lakeland

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

Graduate profiles

Harvey Everson

Degree: BA (Hons) Product Design

Year of graduation: 2021

Current work: Film Production Designer

Alumni Profile: Harvey Everson | Edinburgh College of Art

Alexandra Ross

Degree: BA (Hons) Product Design

Year of graduation: 2019

Current work: User Experience Designer

Alumni Profile: Alexandra Ross | Edinburgh College of Art

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

Portfolio

You need to submit a digital portfolio to show your artistic skill and potential. 

The portfolio guidance for 2026 entry will be released in August 2025.

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study product design.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • Centre for Research Collections
  • St. Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz & Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

In addition to this, Edinburgh has several opportunities for students to exhibit or sell their work throughout their studies at exhibitions, markets and festivals across the city.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.