Product Design and Innovation BSc (Hons)

University of Portsmouth

Overview Why is that phone handset that particular shape? How does that bagless vacuum cleaner work?

If you're creative, fascinated by the how and why of the objects you use every day, and get a kick out of solving problems, this BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation degree course will feed your curiosity and set you up for a career in creating and designing products. You'll delve into the theories and methodologies you can use to create and improve the products we use. You'll unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life in efficient and cost-effective ways.

You'll graduate from this degree course able to work in areas such as product design, design management, consultancy, engineering, marketing and graphic design.

Accredited by: This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Incorporated Engineer status (IEng).

This course is currently going through the process of re-accreditation with the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED).

On this course you'll:

• Use sophisticated computer software and rapid prototyping equipment to design new products and improve existing ones

• Learn the fundamentals of illustration, computer-aided illustration, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing technology

• Have access to our 3D printing facilities

• Learn how to use professional software including Photoshop, AutoCad, Creo, and Keyshot

• Get the opportunity to put your new skills into practice on client projects through our links with professional organisations and design centres

The BSc (Hons) Product Design and Innovation degree course shares a common first year with our BSc (Hons) Industrial Design degree course. This allows you to finalise your course selection at the end of your 1st academic year. The difference between this course and our Industrial Design course is that from the second year, you will concentrate more on product centred design subjects such as intellectual property, marketing and modern materials and processes.

Work experience and career planning To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and build your portfolio.

Placement year After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable work experience in the industry.

Previous students have completed work placements at:

• Princess Yachts

• Disney

• Akins Consultancies

• HTI Group (toy manufacturers)

• Gillette

• Airbus Industries

• Apollo Fire Solutions

• Triumph Motorcycles

In your placement year, you can also set up a business on your own or in a group.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Careers and opportunities

Armed with the expertise and knowledge you develop on this course, you'll be set for a career in fields such as:

• computer-aided design (CAD)

• visualisation

• product data management.

• project management

• manufacturing

• research and development

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

• product design engineer

• CAD designer

• design manager

Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses.