Combines design and engineering: makes sure a product looks good and also works, is strong enough and can be manufactured.
What the job involves
- Engineering calculations and material choice
- Detailed CAD and drawings
- Prototyping and testing
- Designing for manufacture
Useful school subjects
Design & Manufacture, Engineering Science, Graphic Communication. Higher Maths and English help with most routes.
How to get in
Degree in product design engineering (Strathclyde, Glasgow with GSA).
Scottish courses
Grades checked October 2026. Requirements change every year, so always check the course page.
University · University of StrathclydeProduct Design Engineering
BEng (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS H771
StandardAAABWidening accessBBBB
- Subjects
- Maths and Engineering Science or Physics; N5 English (Higher preferred)
- Notes
- Higher Art & Design, D&M or Graphic Communication recommended. A Foundation Apprenticeship can replace a non-essential Higher.
University · University of StrathclydeProduct Design and Innovation
BSc (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS W240
StandardAAABWidening accessBBBB
- Subjects
- Maths and Engineering Science or Physics; N5 English (Higher preferred)
- Notes
- Higher Art & Design, D&M or Graphic Communication recommended.
University · University of Glasgow (with Glasgow School of Art)Product Design Engineering
BEng (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS H3W2
StandardAAAAAWidening accessAABB
- Subjects
- Maths and Engineering Science or Physics, at AA
- Notes
- Standard: AAAAA by end of S6, at least AABB after S5. Widening access: AABB or BBBB and a pre-entry programme.
University · Glasgow School of ArtProduct Design
BDes/MEDes (Hons), 4–5 yrs · UCAS HW72
StandardABBBWidening accessBBCC
- Subjects
- English or an English-based subject
- Notes
- Digital portfolio and interview.
University · Edinburgh Napier UniversityProduct Design
BDes (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS W241
StandardBBBCWidening accessBCCC
- Subjects
- None required; Art & Design or D&M preferred
- Notes
- Portfolio and interview. Year 2 entry with Advanced Highers BBC.
University · University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh College of Art)Product Design
BA (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS W240
StandardABBB
- Subjects
- N5 English
- Notes
- ABBB in one sitting, or AABB/ABBBB over two. Digital portfolio required.
All 8 product & industrial design courses →
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