Lecturer overseeing the work done by two students

Available with:

  • Foundation Year

  • a Year Abroad

  • a Year in Industry


Course Summary

Sparking creativity, fuelling curiosity, and building confidence

Embark on an exciting journey of creativity, digital exploration and hands-on making.  Applying Design Thinking tools you will develop solutions to real-world problems, giving you a sense of purpose and creative fulfilment.

This course embraces the future, and you will be encouraged to experiment with new technologies, design methods and sustainable materials. You will explore the very latest digital tools, using Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence and learn how to create photo-realistic product renderings from your 3D computer-generated models. 

Your digital skills will sit alongside the hand-made and with full workshop access you can master a wide variety of making techniques to create working prototypes and beautiful products. We teach you how to apply the tools of ‘Design Thinking’ not only for design itself but also as a problem-solving technique, which is recognized as a transferable skill within and outside of the creative industries.

We place importance on idea generation, creative thinking and experimentation with a deliberate balance between the physical and digital worlds. We encourage a playful approach to design solutions which are both imaginative, sustainable and commercially viable.  With industry standard CAD facilities, a 3D printing suite, traditional workshops and a new manufacturing suite, you can prototype your solutions to the highest standard to create products with purpose.

In the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey (2022), 100% of graduates were in design-related graduate employment. 

There has never been a more exciting time to study Product Design.

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What you'llStudy

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • An introduction to creative and critical thinking concepts
  • Considering credibility; belief and truth
  • Identifying how language is used for persuasion
  • Identifying how image is used for persuasion
  • Recognising how media is used for manipulation
  • An introduction to advertising and marketing techniques
  • Representation and misrepresentation of data
  • Applying critical thinking skills to contemporary media and technology

 


Module aims:

1. To introduce approaches to analytical and critical thinking.

2. To develop an understanding of critical thinking when applied to language, image, traditional and online media.

 

Module content:

  • Creative tools and methods used in the construction of visual messages.
  • Analogue and digital visualization media.
  • Colour theory.
  • Basic elements and principles of design.
  • Media manipulation and practice with creative problem solving methods. 
  • Analytical and observational visualization techniques exploring line, volume, tone, spatial relationships, composition, form and perspective through drawing, photography and screen based digital tools.

Module aims:

1. To acquire and apply the skills and techniques necessary for the creation of visual communication messages and artefacts.

2. To identify problems and issues related to exploiting tools and media in visual arts practice.

3. To appreciate the creative dynamic generated through the interaction of ideas, material/medium practice and context.

4. To work and contribute within a group environment and develop a capacity for self dircted study.

 

 

Module content:

  • Identify concepts that underpin and inform visual communication practice. 
  • Introduce ideas on narrative, design, communication, creativity, imagination, semiotics and interpretation. 
  • Exploring concepts and methods of constructing meaningful visual communication messages.
  • Understanding differing demands of self-expression and communication problem solving.

Module aims:

1. Develop an awareness of the scope of the conceptual and practical frameworks associated with visual communication practice.

2. Develop the ability to exploit visual language to create effective visual communication.

3. Develop the ability to generate ideas and identify appropriate working methods in response to visual communication challenges.

4. Develop independent creative decision-making and the capacity for self directed study.

5. Identify and utilise appropriate research strategies and information retrieval procedures.

Module content:

 

  • Introduction to semiotics and visual language
  • Emerging trends: environment and interiors
  • The birth and evolution of cinema
  • The human commodity: advertising, celebrity and reality television
  • Introduction to postmodernism and popular art
  • Photography as social commentary
  • The internet and digital spaces

 


Module aims:

1. To develop students' understanding of western civilization through an understanding of that civilization's visual texts.

2. To develop students' abilities to communicate orally, visually and through academic writing.

3. To develop students' interpretative abilities through the promotion of skills of visual interpretation.

 

 

Year 1 offers you a range of inspiring projects to spark your creativity and build your confidence in the essential design skills. You will refine your researching, designing, making, CAD and presenting skills, using both digital and handmade techniques, so that you can effectively share your ideas.

Module content:

Level 4 introduces students to

  • The fundamental concepts, theories and principals associated with their individual subject area
  • The broad critical, historical, contemporary contexts and future potential of their area of study and the significance of the work of other practitioners within their field of study
  • A variety of approaches to research, within, through and about their area of study
  • The basic skills and techniques required to produce outputs in response to set briefs
  • The visual and verbal communication techniques appropriate to their subject area
  • The tools, technologies and materials relevant to their subject area
  • A range of approaches to problem solving 
  • The importance of taking personal responsibility for their own learning

Module aims:

The aim of this module is to introduces the key aspects of a level 4 degree within Art or Design, including:

  • foundational knowledge,
  • problem-solving skills,
  • effective communication,
  • personal responsibility,
  • subject specific skills and
  • the development of important attributes required for employment within and beyond the creative and cultural industries

In Year 2, our strong industry connections provide focused projects and work experience. You’ll learn technical aspects of materials through hands-on experimentation, understand how to ‘design for manufacture’ and become an expert in 3D CAD. We encourage you to work with new sustainable materials and consider our responsibilities as designers.

Module content:

The traditional academic programme structure is not applicable in relation to this work placement-based experiential learning module. The experiential content is freely structured and determined by negotiation between the student, UoC placement supervisor and host organisation placement supervisor. It is informed by the module’s overarching aims and learning outcomes and by the objective of optimising added value for both the host organisation and the student experience (including graduate outcomes).

A mid-placement workshop, usually held in Chester in February, will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning feedback and allow an analysis of the range of skills and benefits derived from the placement. The workshop will also support students’ development of their learning portfolio, and provide an opportunity to access an overview of final year module options ahead of L6 module selection. In-person and online participation in the mid-placement workshop will be enabled.

All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement supervisor.


Module aims:

This module introduces students to the working environment enabling them to put into practice the theories and skills developed in the first two years of the programme. Its aims are:

  1. To provide an opportunity for students to apply and enrich their previous theoretical knowledge and understanding of course content through observation of and insights derived from working in an organisation and professional environment.
  2. To enable students to develop their practical and transferable skills in an industry environment and to experience a broad range of tasks and responsibilities within their field of interest
  3. To enable students to pursue professional and personal development in an applied environment
  4. To enable students to recognise the nature of tasks, workloads, problem solving, and individual and team-based working methods in a professional environment.

Module content:

This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation. Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.

Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.

Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering. Work experience activities will provide the foundation for reflection and evaluation in the Career journal and an impetus for research activities in the taught sessions 


Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, within the creative and cultural sector which will enable them to:-

  • Individually reflect on immediate and future directions and career planning
  • Develop a sophisticated and critical awareness of their development in relation to their future career aspirations
  • Develop transferable employment skills through involvement in internal or external work experience and professional project opportunities.
  • Analyse and articulate skills and attitudes introduced in their programme of study and their application to a specific role within the creative and cultural industries

Module content:

As a designer a student needs to develop an understanding of the intrinsic relationship between design intent, material and manufacturing process. With a myriad of materials and process both available and emerging this module adopts a dual approach. In the module students will explore practical  ‘hands-on’ working with a material as a process exemplar of understanding how material informs design. Through a lecture series the module will also explore a wide variety of materials and their associated manufacturing processes leading to a ‘conceptual’ project, developed in 3D CAD with the output through rapid prototyping. These two elements aim to give students an understanding of the role of the designer in the product development process and the tools to engage with a broad spectrum of manufacturing. Alongside this the module aims to build confidence in communicating and accurately articulating design intent within professional practice and a basic working knowledge of the principles of design for manufacture including product life cycles and sustainability.


Module aims:

The module aims to provide students with a working knowledge of a range of materials and associated manufacturing processes and the tools to engage with broader aspects of production:

  • Through practice to equip students with transferable approaches to materials, supporting experimentation as a route to understanding;
  • To develop curiosity, research and the ability to asses appropriateness and limitations of materials in relation to form, function and commercial validity;
  • To explain the role and responsibilities of the designer in capturing and communicating design intent, exploring process and liaising with client and manufacturer in a professional context;
  • To explore the relationship between CAD and rapid prototyping technologies as a way of testing design intent;
  • To develop an understanding of the principles of manufacturing, the associated project planning and the concepts of sustainability and cradle-to-cradle life cycle;
  • To add to a students portfolio a completed ‘one material’ piece and a ‘concept’ as CAD based design file.

Module content:

This module seeks to address entrepreneurship and concept innovation in order to engage students with the key principles of design business and production management, presentation, client handling and design practice within the product design industry. During this module students will be required to demonstrate responsiveness to client input, entrepreneurial skills, team working and work flow management, and design business planning. Students will be required to present ideas and concepts to peers or clients and to respond to and offer peer feedback. Students will learn alternative visualisation methods to present three-dimensional product forms suitable for client presentations. This module involves the investigation of product development business concepts and entrepreneurial opportunities. Student teams will present a group product plan evidencing concepts of marketing, basic financial management, production and distribution. 

This module is comprised of two sections; the first involves visualisation methods of product form in line with industry practice. The second part of this module is comprised of dealing with a live client brief. Students will research and investigate the requirements for the client. Then produce ideas and designs in response to the brief and demonstrate their design concepts and artifacts in a client presentation to an external industry professional.


Module aims:

Module aims are to:

Enable students to develop an understanding of the business requirements for product design, through teamwork, negotiation skills, and an understanding of professional expectations. The following is illustrative of the areas that may be covered during this module:      

  • Entrepreneurship and product/concept innovation;        
  • Dealing with change and unpredictability in the development of a design project;      
  • Project management and  professional practice expectations from concept through to production;
  • Researching client and market demands
  • Presenting and pitch ideas and creative concepts to a client;
  • Negotiating client and team expectations and positions in a design context;
  • Critical reflection as a development tool.

Module content:

In this module students will engage with contemporary issues and discourses on design in general and product design in particular. For example, relevant discourses include the bodies of thought about technology, form and aesthetics, ergonomics, and the tension between these more formal issues and the challenges of design as a social, political, economic and ethical construct. The module will address the many narratives in design that present competing views on globalization, materiality, consumption and inclusivity. Topics may include:

  • Approaches to research and analytical methods;
  • The role of theorists, designers, manufacturers and marketers in design discourse;
  • Designing for the whole society;
  • Design politics, knowledge capital and consumption;
  • Technology and globalization.

Module aims:

Module aims are to:

  • Develop understanding of product design in its socio-economic context;
  • To develop core academic study and presentation skills;
  • To introduce contemporary ideas and discourse on the nature and role of design;
  • To develop an understanding of the impact of technology, economics and globalisation on design practice.

Module content:

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Theories and models Intercultural competence
  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 


Module aims:

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

  • To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
  • To increase students Global Citizenship skills
  • To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Year 3 is built around preparing for your chosen career pathway and building your portfolio. You will be set a future-focused blue-sky project to address a societal challenge and the pinnacle of your study culminates in your own independent major project supported by an external client.

Module content:

Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design. 

Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries. Guest lectures will reflect the interests, concerns and dynamic of the student body within the module providing both programme specific information and exemplars alongside content applicable to all Art & Design undergraduates.  

Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment. This could include the development of a portfolio practice, specific art and design employment opportunities, or those facilitated by transferable skills. Documentation and reflection on module content will be used to develop an individual position, refine a portfolio and a career pathway plan that will assist student journeys from undergraduate study to graduation and employability.


Module aims:

Modules aims are to:

  • Explore and develop a functional knowledge of professional contexts in relation to employability and independent practice within the creative and cultural industries
  • Identify and enhance subject specific and transferable skills in the context of individual professional aspirations and trajectories
  • Gain insight and experience in promotional strategies, marketing, communication and dissemination of information as it relates to personal creative practice
  • Recognise and understand the importance of key ethical and moral issues in relation to professional practice in Art and Design
  • Engage with collaborative opportunities to enhance understanding of professional practice networks and structures

Module content:

Generic content will cover the time management, structure, organisation, referencing and writing style required for a dissertation. Content will also cover research methods - appropriate for each student's individual research. This may include content analysis, discourse analysis, semiotic analysis, secondary and primary research, qualitative and quantitative research, and others as and when relevant. The dissertation is an independent research project in negotiation, with and supported by, a supervisor. The content of meetings will be driven by the student's individual research topic, progress and response to feedback.


Module aims:

The module aims to:

  • Develop extensive and sophisticated specialist knowledge articulated to a very high standard in academic written work.
  • Successfully manage research study and writing process to meet interim and final deadlines.
  • Produce research and analysis which reflects an interpretative and critically reflective study.
  • Develop a rigorous understanding of appropriate research methods.
  • Develop the ability to negotiate a topic for independent research and justify the viability of that research.
  • Assist in development of a topic based on a research question or other appropriate context of research.
  • Accurately record, present and reference material from a range of different sources.

Module content:

This module seeks to place design practice in a societal context, focusing on a research based approach to understanding and exploring contemporary national and global issues generally around sustainability. The world is increasingly complex, interrelated and interdependent – a chosen ‘themed’ project will provide students with the opportunity to research the issues, understand and debate context and develop a personal, mature, and innovative response through design. The module has two integrated main phases within the set theme - a research phase and a design phase based on that research. Introductory lectures are followed by group research on a selected theme [for example - urbanization, aging populations, collaborative consumption] with peer to peer sharing of knowledge and individual setting of a specific challenge related to the theme and captured in a ‘poster’ presentation which sets the scene for an individual design project. Context is central to all design practice, as is a designer’s awareness of the larger world, and leads to an understanding of the implication for objects, artifacts and systems designers conceive and create. This project-based module allows and supports students to explore and work in unknown spaces, with new knowledge, acknowledge emerging trends, within the wider context of contemporary culture.


Module aims:

The module aims to develop student understanding of the global and societal influences on design practice and the potential for design as a driver of innovation.

  • To engage with the complexity of contemporary national and/or global issues as context and thematic framework for design
  • To enhance group and personal research competency, facilitate shared learning experiences, develop analytical skills and the capacity to use research as a basis for opportunity creation
  • To provide opportunity and to support risk taking in challenging current approaches and systems, developing student confidence in asking "what if’" questions
  • To support delivery of innovative responses to an aspect of the themes issues in form of an agreed presentation aligning research, chosen problem/opportunity and proposed solution

Module content:

This module provides an opportunity for the student to give their design expression increased breadth and depth. This will take the form of a substantial product design project, which may be self-determined or produced in collaboration with an external client. The student will negotiate the work with the academic staff team and undertake extensive research to underpin the work. The module provides the opportunity to invest substantial time in the production of a sophisticated product design outcome with a strong conceptual basis that challenges the student and will project their creative achievement to prospective employers and the public via the annual graduate show.


Module aims:

Module aims are to:

Enable students to independently develop a substantial product design project that meets product design commercial practice expectations. The following is illustrative of the subjects that may be covered during this module:

  • Consolidation of skills and understanding according to self-identified, professionally relevant objectives.
  • Provide the opportunity to apply self reflection, critical analysis, knowledge and practice understanding in the realisation of challenging design work.
  • Develop expertise in managing time and resources in the context of design and production
  • Produce work in an appropriate form and context.
  • Establish their personal position in relation to their discipline.
Product Design BA (Hons)

Product Design BA (Hons)

Who you'll Learn from

Rebecca Falcon

Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Product Design
Rebecca Falcon

Professor David Raffo

Senior Lecturer, Product Design
Professor David Raffo

How you'll Learn

Flexible learning spaces encourage active engagement between staff and students in small group settings. Sessions are interactive with discussions and hands-on design activity.  Occasional sessions are in formal settings, such as a lecture theatre.

Work is assessed through project deliverables, all of which are clearly described in the project brief.

Beyond the Classroom

As part of your Level 5 studies, you will take our Preparation for the Creative and Cultural Industries module, where you will explore the potential career paths available to anyone with an Art or Design degree. You will be supported in the steps required to securing a work placement of at least 80 hours, giving you the opportunity to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. This provides you with a crucial advantage in gaining employment after graduation.

Alternatively, you may wish to explore other cultures while you work and undertake our Experiential Overseas Learning module. With Experiential Overseas Learning, you can take advantage of our long-established links with organisations worldwide and undertake a five-week work placement abroad.

An additional option for most students is the yearlong Study Abroad module. This offers the exciting opportunity to study overseas for a full academic year.

If you opt for this module, you will undertake study at one of our partner universities, once you have successfully completed Level 5; it is expected that you choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which accrue at least (100 credits; 50 ECTS).

Additional subjects may be taken, but these can only be used for credit if the university abroad assigns ECTS credits to them (i.e., if students pass all the required assessments associated with the relevant module at the university abroad).

As an alternative to the Study Abroad module, at the end of Level 5, you can opt to undertake Working in the Creative and Cultural Industries, our yearlong work placement module. This is an opportunity to enhance your subject understanding through observation and application of subject skills in the workplace; gaining professional insights, exploring industry tasks and responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth and transferable skills, and familiarising you with real-world work dynamics, problem-solving and teamwork.

We believe it is essential to your personal and professional development to provide opportunities to widen your horizons and build connections outside the institution. To this end, local, national and international study trips are an important part of what we offer. Our students have travelled to New York, Barcelona, Florence and Berlin, as well as to many sites of interest for Product Design across the country.   

Entry Requirements

112 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

 

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

Please refer to the Extra Information section below.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4

Scottish Highers - BBBB

Access requirements

45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

T Level - Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

At the University of Chester, we believe creativity knows no bounds and welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to join our vibrant family of artists and designers. Our art and design courses are designed to nurture creativity, foster innovation, and develop the skills necessary to excel in the creative and cultural industries. We understand that creativity is a talent that can be cultivated and honed, regardless of prior qualifications. If you have a passion for creativity and a desire to learn and grow in the world of art and design, we encourage you to apply to our courses, regardless of your qualification subjects.

Applicants will be required to attend a portfolio interview before an offer of a place can be made. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in an art, design or media-based subject.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma (Art & Design): MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points including 4 in HL Visual Arts

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Art

Scottish Highers: CCDD including Art

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design) – Pass overall

T Level

Considered alongside a Level 3 Art and Design qualification

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Art and Design): MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Product Design including a Foundation Year requires that you have studied Art & Design or acceptable alternatives.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Where you'll Study Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Course specific additional costs

Additional costs will include studio items, such as sketch books, layout pads, drawing tools including pens and printing. 

‘Making’ plays an important part in the design process and the course provides a fully equipped workshop with a range of hand and machine tools, although students are encouraged to build up their own essential tool set. Some basic materials are provided by the course, but students may need to cover the cost of specific materials involved in their individual projects, particularly at Level 6.

Laptops are available for use at Creative Campus, Kingsway and Seaborne Library. However, if you decide to buy a laptop/desktop PC, we recommend you buy one with the Windows operating system (not the Mac operating system) to run Product Design software.

Access to core eBooks relating to subject focal points and provision of design materials, both practical and digital are provided. Specialist equipment, such as laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC machining, photography and printing resources are available on site.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

In a rapidly changing world, there is a rising demand for innovative and user-centred solutions. Product Design equips you with a versatile skill set that can be applied across businesses both within creative industries and beyond. 

Our graduates are employed across many sectors including product design, manufacturing, education, user experience, research, CAD, sales & marketing, business operations and product management.

Progression options

  • Design MA

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.