BA Product Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in Product Design, a design degree exploring materials, manufacturing processes, and user-centred creation. Core topics include Research Methods and Project Management. Students can choose to undertake an optional placement year, spend a year abroad, or complete a foundation year. The first year covers foundational concepts through modules such as Creative Research Methods for Design, Drawing for Design, Materials and Processes for Product Design, and Mathematics for Product Design. The second year progresses to subjects like Design for Manufacture, Design Techniques in Practice, Human Factors and Ergonomics, and Interaction Methods. The final year involves advanced study and practical work through modules including Design Project (BA), Business and Project Management, Design Philosophy, and The Role of Design in the Circular Economy.
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
A level: ABB or BBB IB: 32 points
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 5 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 30%
- Design occupations: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 37%
- South East: 42%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 80%
- Foundation course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 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).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Creative Research Methods for Design
- Drawing for Design
- Materials and Processes for Product Design
- Mathematics for Product Design
- Applied Technology for Product Design
- Computer Aided Visualisation
- Experience Prototyping
- The Narrative of Design in Modern Culture
- Global Design Challenge
- Design for Manufacture
- Design Techniques in Practice
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Interaction Methods
- Design for Industry
- Integrated Product Design: Research, Theory and Practice
- Professional and Managerial Skills
- Toy and Game Design
- Design Project (BA)
- Business and Project Management
- Design Philosophy
- The Role of Design in the Circular Economy
- Thinking Big: The 5 Senses
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Product Design at University of Sussex earn?
The median salary is £30,500 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £48,000. The £38,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Production and manufacturing engineering.
What do graduates of BA Product Design at University of Sussex do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Product Design at University of Sussex?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Product Design at University of Sussex?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 114 UCAS points.
Is BA Product Design at University of Sussex accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes).
Does BA Product Design at University of Sussex include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Product Design at University of Sussex?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.