Product designer

You could study a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• design
• product design
• industrial product design
• engineering

You could also do a course covering a particular industry, which includes design options, for example automotive engineering and furniture design.

You can improve your job prospects by getting work experience during your studies.

Your university careers service can help you to find suitable placements, internships and year in industry opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do a Product Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 5 years to complete and is a mix of workplace training with academic study at an approved university.

You might also apply to do a Model Making Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. Training includes physical and digital model making, building prototypes and creating mock-ups.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Career Tips

Entering design competitions and exhibitions can be a good way of getting yourself noticed by employers.

You'll need to show employers that you have creative skills, technical knowledge and the ability to work to a design brief. This will usually involve presenting a portfolio of your design work to them.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Designers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can get more information about careers in product design from Neon and the Design Business Association .

As a product designer, you could:

• talk to clients about their needs and ideas on how to meet them
• investigate how existing products work or how services are used
• develop ideas with initial sketches and outline plans
• use 2D and 3D design software to produce detailed blueprints
• work out which materials are best suited to your design
• make samples or working models, known as prototypes
• test and refine prototypes ready for production
• check product quality and safety

You could work in a workshop, in a creative studio or in an office.