Designs everyday products, from furniture and kitchenware to medical devices, balancing how they look, work and get made.
What the job involves
- Sketching and modelling ideas
- Building CAD models and prototypes
- Testing with users and improving the design
- Working with manufacturers on materials and costs
Useful school subjects
Design & Manufacture, Graphic Communication, Creative Thinking. Higher Maths and English help with most routes.
How to get in
Degree in product design or product design engineering. HND 3D Design is a route in.
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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