Product Design
Cardiff Metropolitan University
About this course
BA / BSc (Hons) in Product Design, a design degree focused on creative problem-solving and the development of manufactured goods. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking and Design & Creative Practice. Students can choose to undertake an optional year-long sandwich placement. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Design: Visualisation and Presentation, Design: Materials and Processes, Research Basics, and Interdisciplinary Understanding. The second year expands practice via The Practising Product Designer, Constellation: Engineering Science - (BSc only), 21st Century Challenges - (BA only), Real-World Contexts, and Research Proposal. The final year culminates with advanced professional studies through The Product Design Professional, Positioning in Practice, and Contribution.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 96-120 A level: Minimum three A levels. Science, Mathematics or Technology subject required for the BSc at Grade C or above. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject. BTEC/Cambridge Technical: MMM-DDM IB: 24 points. Science, Mathematics or Technology subject required for the BSc.
See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 95%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Design occupations: 20%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 63%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 47%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 42%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 290 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 5%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 20%
- Wales: 56%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes).
Modules
- Design: Visualisation and Presentation
- Design: Materials and Processes
- Research Basics
- Interdisciplinary Understanding
- The Practising Product Designer
- Constellation: Engineering Science - (BSc only)
- 21st Century Challenges - (BA only)
- Real-World Contexts
- Research Proposal
- The Product Design Professional
- Positioning in Practice
- Contribution
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,000 and £29,000. The £23,500 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 103 UCAS points.
Is Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes).
Does Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.