BSc Product Design Technology
About this course
BSc(Hons) Product Design Technology, a design degree combining creative practice and engineering principles to develop functional products. Core topics include Research Methods, Engineering Design, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can choose to undertake an optional placement year between the second and final years. The first year covers foundational methods through Design Contexts, Studio 1, Design Communication, and Mechanisms and Structures, introducing mechanics and workshop techniques. The second year progresses with Design Futures, Studio 2, Product Design Engineering, and Design for Manufacture, focusing on computer-aided design and prototyping. The final year involves advanced study through the Design Research Project, Final Major Project, Studio 3, and Innovation, Technology and Design, culminating in comprehensive portfolio work.
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
GCSE: Grade C/4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent. Tariff points: 112 Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page. English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you'll need on our English Language Requirements page. A-level subjects: A2 in one of the following subjects: Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Maths/Further Maths, Music Technology, Physics, Product Design, Statistics. BTEC: You must be studying one of the following: Aeronautical Engineering; Applied Science; Art and Design; Construction and the Built Environment; Creative Media Production; Electrical / Electronic Engineering; Engineering; Land-based Technology; Manufacturing Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Operations and Maintenance Engineering; Production Arts; or similar. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page. Access: 15 Level 3 credits at Merit in one of the following subjects: Art and Design; Design and Technology; Mathematics; Product Design; or similar. Baccalaureate IB: To include a pass at Higher Level in one of: Design Technology; Mathematics; Visual Arts; Aeronautical Engineering; Applied Science; Art and Design; Construction and the Built Environment; Creative Media Production; Electrical/ Electronic Engineering; Engineering; Land-based Technology; Manufacturing Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Operations and Maintenance Engineering; Production Arts; or similar. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Irish Highers: Higher Level in one of the following: Art; Biology; Chemistry; Engineering; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Technology. Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy any subject specific entry requirements. Cambridge Technical: You must be studying one of the following: Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Systems Design and Engineering; Engineering Automation Control and Manufacturing Processes; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Design; Automation, Systems and Control; Manufacturing; Applied Science; Digital Media; Art & Design or Information Technology. T Levels: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control Craft and Design
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What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Design occupations: 35%
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 225 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 14%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 51%
- Wales: 7%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 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) and partially meeting the requirements for Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Design Contexts
- Studio 1
- Design Communication
- Mechanisms and Structures
- Design Futures
- Studio 2
- Product Design Engineering
- Design for Manufacture
- Design Research Project
- Final Major Project
- Studio 3
- Innovation, Technology and Design
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £31,500. The £26,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol?
The average entrant had 128 UCAS points.
Is BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes) and partially meeting the requirements for Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD).
Does BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.