Study industrial design abroad

Industrial design is the process of designing products that meet the needs of users, and that can be produced on a mass scale. As an industrial design student, you’ll gain a deep understanding of product form, usability, prototype production, and styling to create products and communicate ideas.

You'll combine creative flair and vision with a focus on the ways products are experienced by users. Throughout your program, you’ll apply your understanding of branding, marketing, and sociology to the design process to help you create the designs and products of the future.

Industrial design is a popular subject that’s available to study in countries such as the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada. By studying abroad you’ll be gaining access to some of the best programs available, as well as fantastic internship opportunities at global organizations.

At the undergraduate level, you can study for a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. There are several qualifications you can choose from, including BSc, BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), BDes (Bachelor of Design), and BID (Bachelor of Industrial Design).

There is little difference between the qualifications, however the BEng will be more focussed on engineering disciplines. In the US, Canada, and Australia, you can choose a BDes or BID, and these are often more focussed on design than the BSc programs.

Bachelor’s degrees will last between three and four years, depending on where you study, and if you choose to have an internship year working in the industry. If you already have a bachelor’s and want to continue your education, you can study for a master’s in industrial design over one or two years.

Learning on your industrial design program will be in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. Assessment of your progress will vary by module, but will usually include design projects, portfolios, essays, and presentations.

The content of your program will be unique to the university you choose to attend, but there are several key areas and modules most course will cover, including:

• Technology in industrial design
• Design prototyping
• Fluid mechanics
• Design communication
• User-centered design
• Product development
• Materials and manufacturing
• Computer-aided design

The skills you’ll gain from your industrial design program will make you an attractive candidate for a range of roles in several different industries. Some of the examples of graduate positions you could aim for include:

• Industrial designer
• Product designer
• Brand consultant
• UX designer
• UX consultant
• Design engineer
• Product engineer

Most universities offer internships with leading organizations, which will give you invaluable hands-on experience. Speak to your university’s career services about internship opportunities, or for advice on how best to achieve your career goals.