Clearing offers from 48 UCAS tariff points. Subject-specific requirements still apply. See the entry requirements section for details.
Brayford Pool
3 years (4 years with Foundation Year)
W200
Product Design is about creating the things people use every day from furniture, packaging, and consumer products to digital experiences and sustainable solutions. It combines creativity, practical making, technology, and problem-solving to turn ideas into products people actually want and need.
At the University of Lincoln, you'll learn how to design with purpose. You'll develop practical skills in sketching, prototyping, digital design, 3D modelling, user experience, and creative thinking while building a professional portfolio that prepares you for careers across the creative industries.
This course is designed for students who enjoy creativity but also want clear career direction. Whether you want to work in product design, UX, branding, manufacturing, innovation, or launch your own ideas, Lincoln helps you build the technical confidence, industry awareness, and portfolio employers look for.
You'll study in a hands-on studio environment, work on live briefs, pitch ideas to businesses, and use specialist facilities including 3D printers, scanners, and CNC equipment. Alongside creative development, you'll explore sustainability, user behaviour, and emerging technologies, helping you design products and experiences that are relevant to the future.
Product Design is about creating the things people use every day from furniture, packaging, and consumer products to digital experiences and sustainable solutions. It combines creativity, practical making, technology, and problem-solving to turn ideas into products people actually want and need.
At the University of Lincoln, you'll learn how to design with purpose. You'll develop practical skills in sketching, prototyping, digital design, 3D modelling, user experience, and creative thinking while building a professional portfolio that prepares you for careers across the creative industries.
This course is designed for students who enjoy creativity but also want clear career direction. Whether you want to work in product design, UX, branding, manufacturing, innovation, or launch your own ideas, Lincoln helps you build the technical confidence, industry awareness, and portfolio employers look for.
You'll study in a hands-on studio environment, work on live briefs, pitch ideas to businesses, and use specialist facilities including 3D printers, scanners, and CNC equipment. Alongside creative development, you'll explore sustainability, user behaviour, and emerging technologies, helping you design products and experiences that are relevant to the future.
✔ Learn by designing real things
From your first year, you’ll work on practical design projects that reflect the way the industry works. You’ll research problems, generate ideas, prototype concepts, test solutions, and present your work professionally.
✔ Build a portfolio employers want to see
Your portfolio matters in design careers. This course is structured to help you graduate with a strong body of work that demonstrates creativity, technical ability, problem-solving, and professional thinking.
✔ Develop both creative and technical skills
You’ll combine hands-on making with digital tools and emerging technologies, developing skills across:
✔ Study sustainability and future-focused design
Lincoln makes sustainability and responsible design part of the course itself — helping you understand how design impacts people, behaviour, manufacturing, and the environment.
✔ Be part of a creative studio culture
You’ll work closely with tutors and fellow students in a collaborative studio environment where feedback, experimentation, and creative confidence are encouraged.
This course helps you become a versatile designer who can move from idea to finished concept confidently.
Year 1: Build core creative and technical skills
You’ll explore:
You’ll learn how designers respond to real-world problems and begin creating professional-standard design work.
Year 2: Develop your specialism and industry awareness
As your confidence grows, you’ll explore:
You’ll also have opportunities to work on live projects and competitions that reflect current design trends and technologies.
Final Year: Create independent projects and a professional portfolio
Your final year focuses on:
By graduation, you’ll have experience developing ideas from concept through to presentation and prototype.
This theory-based module introduces you to key concepts, debates, and case studies surrounding creativity and the creative process, forming a foundation for a reflective and informed creative practice. By engaging with these ideas, you can gain insights that enhance and support your hands-on studio work across your program. This module aims to deepen understanding, encouraging you to think critically about creativity while connecting theory to practice in meaningful, impactful ways.
This module aims to provide an introduction to design methodologies and the influential contexts associated to the process of design. Emphasis is to be placed upon developing an understanding of analysis and synthesis as a fundamental element of design development. The module also encourages a diverse approach to idea generation and provides the opportunity to understand the intrinsic qualities of materials, visual language, and the necessity of realising transient proposals effectively and efficiently.
This module introduces the principles of using physical and screen based applications within the design process and developing an awareness of the properties of materials and objects. Initial emphasis is directed towards appreciating the interaction of 2D and 3D applications for effective and efficient communications. The contextual aspects and an awareness of applications in associated disciplines are promoted.
In the later stages the module addresses the application of 3D design within the development process and explores various attributes adopted for the generation of convincing 3D models and materials.
This module aims to provide the opportunity to develop a range of drawing skills for different applications within design. Students can explore methods of mark-making, shading, rendering, and developmental sketching. The module also introduces digital forms of 2D image generation.
This module focuses on encouraging students to develop a responsible approach to product development, and creates an awareness of sustainability in design. Students have the opportunity to explore and challenge issues surrounding social vanity, interaction and exclusivity, in addition to understanding the need of developing markets and appreciating strains on natural resources. The module aims to promote an understanding and relevance of soul references in culture and developing an appreciation that changes in society can influence the range of creative responses available.
This module explores emotional design as a concept-driven and materially grounded design practice, focusing on how three-dimensional objects can shape experience, perception, and meaning beyond function alone. Students investigate how emotional intent can operate as the starting point for design, using form, material, scale, proportion, and detail to explore how objects are encountered, interpreted, and valued. Emphasis is placed on making as a mode of enquiry, where physical experimentation and iteration are used to develop and test ideas rather than simply execute predetermined solutions. Through studio-based projects, students develop tight but exploratory three-dimensional outcomes that combine emotional presence and experiential clarity with function. The module encourages designers to engage critically with ambiguity, constraint, and resolution, ensuring that emotional intent is carried by the object itself rather than reliant on explanation.
The "Interdisciplinary Collaboration" module offers an exciting and dynamic learning experience for students in graphic design, creative advertising, illustration, and product design. Each year, the module's projects are tailored to reflect the latest trends and needs in the design industry, ensuring that students gain relevant and cutting-edge skills. With a focus on user experience design, AI in design, influencing and content creation, virtual reality, and design for social change, students will work on projects that challenge their creativity and technical abilities. This module is ideal for those looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of design and make a meaningful impact through their work. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to shape their own degree, offering pathways for further elective specialisms in Level 3. Students will also have the chance to learn and utilise new industry tools and technologies, and work in new groups outside of their existing course, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that reflects the current design industry.
This module focuses on the design and resolution of user experiences, where ideas are developed into clear, usable, and communicable outcomes. Students learn how experiences are structured, refined, and finessed so they can be understood and engaged with by others. Emphasis is placed on defining users, contexts, and requirements, and on organising interactions into coherent journeys across physical and digital touchpoints. Students explore how clarity, feedback, sequencing, and flow influence user understanding and confidence. The module develops professional approaches to experience design through prototyping, testing, and iteration. Digital tools including CAD, interface design software, animation, and visualisation are used to model, test, and communicate experiences, supporting the delivery of resolved, user-facing design outcomes.
The Industry Placement Year is an exciting opportunity for students to take a year out of formal study to gain real-world experience in the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to build industry connections, develop professional skills, or explore career options, this year will give you a full-time, hands-on experience within a creative organisation.
This year is a collaborative experience between you, your employer, and the University—ensuring that you get the most out of your time in a professional setting.
This module provides an opportunity for students in the Lincoln School of Design & Architecture to spend a semester in Year 2 studying at one of the University’s partner institutions. This opportunity has both academic and personal development dimensions.
In academic terms, during the semester abroad students undertake models that are equivalent to 60 credit module and content at one of the UoL partner institution in semester B.
Participation in study-abroad also offers unique opportunities for personal student development in the wider sense. Although students will be supported through the application process by the Module Co-ordinator and colleagues at the partner institution, much of the responsibility for organising the time abroad rests with the student. Study abroad offers the opportunity for students to develop graduate attributes, a global mindset and transferrable skills as exercise resilience, flexibity and open mindedness when adapting to and working effectively within a different academic culture and environment.
Students must submit an application to the School discuss why they wish to participate in a study period abroad.
This module is optional for undergraduate students within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Study Abroad enables you to study at one of the University’s approved partner institutions.
During the time spent abroad, you can share classes with local students and study modules at the partner institution which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships, you may choose to combine study with work and/or a period of volunteering.
Contextual Studies 3 is an independent research study module which takes the form either of a dissertation and/or a number of other options. The module offers students an opportunity to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, chosen generally, but not exclusively in relation to the practice and/or context of their programme-specific studies and studio practice.
The module seeks to recognise and define issues, which are influential to the future direction of design strategies. The module adopts a standard driven approach for analysis, and evaluation of design intelligence supports effective responses to fresh perspectives and provides opportunities to determine market potential and the influence of brands. An ability to drive creativity and challenge conventional boundaries is explored to target and generate innovative design proposals. Emphasis on the evaluation and the critical comparison of future materials is promoted.
The module encourages self-initiated learning, critical evaluation and analysis within the initial stages of the design process. Focus is directed at the ability to formulate judgements and reasoned argument, through research methods, to support the proposal of developing creative design solutions for identified or potential target markets.
The module aims to further promote self-initiated development and provides the opportunity to evolve identified design proposals, to viable solutions effectively and efficiently. The autonomy of the module facilitates motivation and relevance, enhancing development and supporting design realisation to identified criteria.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
This theory-based module introduces you to key concepts, debates, and case studies surrounding creativity and the creative process, forming a foundation for a reflective and informed creative practice. By engaging with these ideas, you can gain insights that enhance and support your hands-on studio work across your program. This module aims to deepen understanding, encouraging you to think critically about creativity while connecting theory to practice in meaningful, impactful ways.
This module aims to provide an introduction to design methodologies and the influential contexts associated to the process of design. Emphasis is to be placed upon developing an understanding of analysis and synthesis as a fundamental element of design development. The module also encourages a diverse approach to idea generation and provides the opportunity to understand the intrinsic qualities of materials, visual language, and the necessity of realising transient proposals effectively and efficiently.
This module introduces the principles of using physical and screen based applications within the design process and developing an awareness of the properties of materials and objects. Initial emphasis is directed towards appreciating the interaction of 2D and 3D applications for effective and efficient communications. The contextual aspects and an awareness of applications in associated disciplines are promoted.
In the later stages the module addresses the application of 3D design within the development process and explores various attributes adopted for the generation of convincing 3D models and materials.
This module aims to provide the opportunity to develop a range of drawing skills for different applications within design. Students can explore methods of mark-making, shading, rendering, and developmental sketching. The module also introduces digital forms of 2D image generation.
This module focuses on encouraging students to develop a responsible approach to product development, and creates an awareness of sustainability in design. Students have the opportunity to explore and challenge issues surrounding social vanity, interaction and exclusivity, in addition to understanding the need of developing markets and appreciating strains on natural resources. The module aims to promote an understanding and relevance of soul references in culture and developing an appreciation that changes in society can influence the range of creative responses available.
This module explores emotional design as a concept-driven and materially grounded design practice, focusing on how three-dimensional objects can shape experience, perception, and meaning beyond function alone. Students investigate how emotional intent can operate as the starting point for design, using form, material, scale, proportion, and detail to explore how objects are encountered, interpreted, and valued. Emphasis is placed on making as a mode of enquiry, where physical experimentation and iteration are used to develop and test ideas rather than simply execute predetermined solutions. Through studio-based projects, students develop tight but exploratory three-dimensional outcomes that combine emotional presence and experiential clarity with function. The module encourages designers to engage critically with ambiguity, constraint, and resolution, ensuring that emotional intent is carried by the object itself rather than reliant on explanation.
The "Interdisciplinary Collaboration" module offers an exciting and dynamic learning experience for students in graphic design, creative advertising, illustration, and product design. Each year, the module's projects are tailored to reflect the latest trends and needs in the design industry, ensuring that students gain relevant and cutting-edge skills. With a focus on user experience design, AI in design, influencing and content creation, virtual reality, and design for social change, students will work on projects that challenge their creativity and technical abilities. This module is ideal for those looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of design and make a meaningful impact through their work. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to shape their own degree, offering pathways for further elective specialisms in Level 3. Students will also have the chance to learn and utilise new industry tools and technologies, and work in new groups outside of their existing course, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that reflects the current design industry.
This module focuses on the design and resolution of user experiences, where ideas are developed into clear, usable, and communicable outcomes. Students learn how experiences are structured, refined, and finessed so they can be understood and engaged with by others. Emphasis is placed on defining users, contexts, and requirements, and on organising interactions into coherent journeys across physical and digital touchpoints. Students explore how clarity, feedback, sequencing, and flow influence user understanding and confidence. The module develops professional approaches to experience design through prototyping, testing, and iteration. Digital tools including CAD, interface design software, animation, and visualisation are used to model, test, and communicate experiences, supporting the delivery of resolved, user-facing design outcomes.
The Industry Placement Year is an exciting opportunity for students to take a year out of formal study to gain real-world experience in the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to build industry connections, develop professional skills, or explore career options, this year will give you a full-time, hands-on experience within a creative organisation.
This year is a collaborative experience between you, your employer, and the University—ensuring that you get the most out of your time in a professional setting.
This module provides an opportunity for students in the Lincoln School of Design & Architecture to spend a semester in Year 2 studying at one of the University’s partner institutions. This opportunity has both academic and personal development dimensions.
In academic terms, during the semester abroad students undertake models that are equivalent to 60 credit module and content at one of the UoL partner institution in semester B.
Participation in study-abroad also offers unique opportunities for personal student development in the wider sense. Although students will be supported through the application process by the Module Co-ordinator and colleagues at the partner institution, much of the responsibility for organising the time abroad rests with the student. Study abroad offers the opportunity for students to develop graduate attributes, a global mindset and transferrable skills as exercise resilience, flexibity and open mindedness when adapting to and working effectively within a different academic culture and environment.
Students must submit an application to the School discuss why they wish to participate in a study period abroad.
This module is optional for undergraduate students within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Study Abroad enables you to study at one of the University’s approved partner institutions.
During the time spent abroad, you can share classes with local students and study modules at the partner institution which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships, you may choose to combine study with work and/or a period of volunteering.
Contextual Studies 3 is an independent research study module which takes the form either of a dissertation and/or a number of other options. The module offers students an opportunity to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, chosen generally, but not exclusively in relation to the practice and/or context of their programme-specific studies and studio practice.
The module seeks to recognise and define issues, which are influential to the future direction of design strategies. The module adopts a standard driven approach for analysis, and evaluation of design intelligence supports effective responses to fresh perspectives and provides opportunities to determine market potential and the influence of brands. An ability to drive creativity and challenge conventional boundaries is explored to target and generate innovative design proposals. Emphasis on the evaluation and the critical comparison of future materials is promoted.
The module encourages self-initiated learning, critical evaluation and analysis within the initial stages of the design process. Focus is directed at the ability to formulate judgements and reasoned argument, through research methods, to support the proposal of developing creative design solutions for identified or potential target markets.
The module aims to further promote self-initiated development and provides the opportunity to evolve identified design proposals, to viable solutions effectively and efficiently. The autonomy of the module facilitates motivation and relevance, enhancing development and supporting design realisation to identified criteria.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Starting university can feel like a big step, especially on a creative course where confidence matters. Lincoln’s approach combines independent creativity with structured support.
Academic support
You’ll receive:
Personal and wellbeing support
The University offers wider support services including:
Learning through coursework, not exams
Many students prefer creative assessment over written exams. On this course, assessment is largely based on:
What can you do with a Product Design degree?
Product Design graduates can work across creative, digital, manufacturing, and innovation industries. Career paths may include:
Lincoln graduates have progressed into roles with brands and companies including:
Graduates have also worked in:
Some students go on to launch their own businesses or freelance careers with support from the University’s enterprise and business support networks.
Placement and industry opportunities
You’ll have opportunities to:
This practical industry exposure helps you graduate with stronger experience, confidence, and employability.
A creative degree should still lead somewhere clear. This course is designed to help students graduate with:
These are skills valued across many industries, not only traditional design jobs.
The University of Lincoln and the Product Design team hold a special place in my heart. The community was supportive and equipped me with the tools to start my design career.
Hannah Davis
BA (Hons) Product Design
This course could be a good fit if you:
You do not need to have everything figured out before you start. Many students begin with broad creative interests and discover their strengths as they develop through projects, experimentation, and industry exposure.
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: BCC to BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 104 to 112 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
If you are eligible for a contextual offer, a one grade or 8 UCAS Tariff point reduction to the standard entry requirements will be applied.
A Level: BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Additional requirements:
- Applicants will be asked to produce a digital portfolio of work.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
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Don't meet the full entry requirements?
The Arts Foundation Year at Lincoln is the first year of a four-year degree programme, offering students the chance to explore a range of creative subjects including Animation, Architecture, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Product Design before progressing onto a specialist degree.
University Study is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.
Along with the software a basic materials package will be provided, including some essentials such as paper and pencils but will be required to cover additional costs specific to the study of product design. These typically include costs for rapid prototyping, art materials, printing, exhibitions, and creating a final collection for the third year’s show.
Level 1 and 2 students report typically spending £200-300 per year on course materials and equipment. Level 3-Final year expenditure can be greater due to the production of a final garment collection and portfolio.
It should be noted that successful work is not necessarily dependent on high costs but on the level of originality, innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness. It is however expected that students on the programme will have sufficient funding to support the costs of their studies without hindrance.
Students on this course have the option to undertake external visits, which can range in cost from £300 to £1,000, dependant on the destination. The participation in these trips will have no impact upon your final award and savings and contribution plans are put in place for these.
Students are also invited to participate in an optional graduate exhibition event and to make a £200 (approx) contribution, which is financially supported by both the programme and by the Lincoln School of Design. Contributions help students to attend a graduate event with designers, employers, and manufacturers. The School and programme make a major contribution to the stand, production, prototyping, materials, and image costs.
Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking a work experience or an internship.
University Study is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.
Along with the software a basic materials package will be provided, including some essentials such as paper and pencils but will be required to cover additional costs specific to the study of product design. These typically include costs for rapid prototyping, art materials, printing, exhibitions, and creating a final collection for the third year’s show.
Level 1 and 2 students report typically spending £200-300 per year on course materials and equipment. Level 3-Final year expenditure can be greater due to the production of a final garment collection and portfolio.
It should be noted that successful work is not necessarily dependent on high costs but on the level of originality, innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness. It is however expected that students on the programme will have sufficient funding to support the costs of their studies without hindrance.
Students on this course have the option to undertake external visits, which can range in cost from £300 to £1,000, dependant on the destination. The participation in these trips will have no impact upon your final award and savings and contribution plans are put in place for these.
Students are also invited to participate in an optional graduate exhibition event and to make a £200 (approx) contribution, which is financially supported by both the programme and by the Lincoln School of Design. Contributions help students to attend a graduate event with designers, employers, and manufacturers. The School and programme make a major contribution to the stand, production, prototyping, materials, and image costs.
Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking a work experience or an internship.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
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