Design innovative products people actually need, and make them real with our BA Product Design degree.
On this 3-year course, you'll turn your ideas into useful, sustainable and meaningful products through studio-led learning at Winchester School of Art – supported by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s strength in research, innovation and emerging technologies.
Bring together creative thinking, technical skills and cultural awareness to design products, services and experiences rooted in real needs. With access to workshops, maker labs and upgraded campus facilities, you’ll prototype and iterate across physical, digital and hybrid products – gaining hands-on experience across diverse areas such as:
On this BA Product Design degree, you'll also:
Throughout the course, sustainability, inclusion and social impact are central to your design decisions. You will learn to design for diverse users and think about accessibility, ethics and environmental impact as part of your creative process.
At Winchester School of Art, product design sits at the intersection of art, culture and technology. Our studio-based environment reflects professional practice, and studio projects will help you develop ideas through research, sketching, modelling, prototyping and testing, supported by regular tutorials and critiques.
You'll have access to:
Digital tools are also a key part of the course. You'll develop skills in digital sketching, technical drawing and 3D modelling, and explore how AI, smart materials and connected devices shape new products and services.
Collaboration is central to your experience. You work with students from other design disciplines and, where possible, other subject areas, and may join research groups and live projects with external industry partners.
You can also take part in wider opportunities across Winchester School of Art and the University, including WSA Exchange, WSA Talent and events such as Green Week and Design Week.
Teaching and assessment follow inclusive principles. You build portfolios, prototypes and presentations, supported by accessible materials and varied feedback that help you progress.
When you graduate from our BA Product Design course, you will be prepared for roles across the design economy and related sectors, such as:
You will also have the skills to pursue freelance and entrepreneurial routes, or to progress to postgraduate study in design and related fields.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is based at Winchester.
This qualification is awarded by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
Our standard offer is BBC at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.
A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BCC and grade A in the EPQ.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is: CCC from 3 A levels.
Pass, with 28 points overall with 14 points at Higher Level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level.
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BC in two A levels
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BC in two A levels.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
M2 M2 M1 in three principal subjects
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
BBC from 3 A levels, or BB from two A levels and C from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
CCC from 3 A levels, or CC from two A levels and C from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
To be advised
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
Most courses require GCSE English Language (or GCSE English) and GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University. Please check the ‘UK students’ tab for this course’s specific requirements.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Our full-time product design degree course runs over 3 years.
As part of this programme, you may be eligible to apply to study at one of our selected partner institutions for one academic year, enabling you to develop knowledge and skills across the subject area in a different context.
You may also be eligible to apply for a year in employment. This offers you a great opportunity to complete a work placement between years 2 and 3 of your degree and will help you develop work-based skills. The University's Work Experience Team offer support and guidance before and throughout your placement.
In year 1, you build foundations in:
You'll explore materials, form and function through hands-on studio projects while developing skills in research, visual communication and iterative design. You'll also begin to understand the historical, cultural and ethical contexts of product design, and how products can respond to people's needs.
In year 2, you deepen your user-centred and collaborative practice through studio briefs, live projects and cross-disciplinary work.
You'll apply your design skills to real-world challenges, exploring manufacturing processes, emerging technologies and professional practice, while working with stakeholders and developing your research, teamwork and entrepreneurial skills.
In your final year, you'll focus on advanced studio projects, design futures and a major Final Design Project that reflects your interests and career goals.
Through independent, research-driven work, you'll define your professional identity, explore global, social and technological challenges, and develop a professional portfolio that showcases your creativity, technical expertise and design thinking.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The learning activities for this course include the following:
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Betul Cakmakcioglu is the course leader.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Product Design (BA) is a course in the Art, design and fashion subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
