Study product design abroad
An in-depth guide to studying product design as an international student.
Explore product design programs abroad
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PhD programs in
product designNo programs listed
Product design degrees abroad
Product design refers to the process of conceptualizing new ideas and transforming them into physical, functioning products.
By taking a program in product design, you’ll develop the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise needed to create innovative devices and merchandise. You’ll study consumer needs and market trends and apply what you’ve learned by working on real-world briefs with professional clients. You’ll also gain skills in computer modeling, concept sketching, engineering, and manufacturing.
Studying abroad is a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in new markets and cultures. Observing a new way of life will spark your creativity and expose you to new windows of opportunity. You’ll become a more thoughtful, confident, and original designer.
Product design program structure
Although BSc programs in product design last a minimum of three years, most universities will encourage students to complete an extra year-long placement as part of their course. Industry internships are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, try out new ideas, and boost your employability.
It’s possible to study product design as a four-year bachelor’s program in the US. Your first two years will be dedicated to general education classes, while the final half of your program will focus on product design-specific courses.
Those looking to take their education further can enroll in a postgraduate product design program. It normally takes one or two years to graduate with a master’s degree, and between three and seven years to gain a doctoral qualification.
Learning through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops and laboratory sessions will help you understand the theoretical and practical aspects of product design.
To assess your progress, you’ll probably need to submit portfolios, case studies, sketchbooks, reports, digital prototypes, and completed design projects.
Every university offers different core and elective modules depending on the specialties of their teaching staff. However, most product design courses will introduce you to these fundamentals:
- Design practice
- User-centered design
- Materials and processes for product designers
- Mechanical and electronic systems for product designers
- Prototyping of design
- Research and design methods
- Computer modeling
- Sketching and wireframing
How to study product design abroad
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Product design study abroad programs
Product design undergraduate programs
Diploma in product design
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Product Design - UGDip RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 21,250 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Product Design and Development - OCADip Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- September
Bachelor's in product design
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Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management (Product Design and Production Management Option) - BSc Auburn University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 32,220 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Product Design - BSc (Hons) University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,275 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Product Design and Innovation - BSc (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,600 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Product Design and Technology - BSc University of Limerick, Ireland
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,986 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Product Design - BA (Hons) Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,480 GBP
- Start date
- September
Pathway in product design
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Product Design (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Product design graduate programs
Master's in product design
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Product Design - MSc University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,150 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Product Design - MA London Metropolitan University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,250 GBP
- Start date
- September
Certificate in product design
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Advanced Ergonomic Studies - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 19,344 CAD
- Start date
- September
Future product design careers
Manufacturers, design consultancies, and engineering firms are always looking to recruit the next generation of talented designers who can identify gaps in the market and meet consumer demand.
As a product design graduate, your creativity and inventiveness will open up several exciting employment opportunities, including:
- Product designer
- Computer-aided design technician
- Design engineer
- UX/UI designer
- Product manager
- Materials engineer
- Interior and spatial designer
- Purchasing manager
Building up your portfolio and connecting with industry professionals will give you the best chance of landing your dream job after you graduate. Consider entering design competitions, keep on top of sector developments by reading journal articles, and get as much relevant work experience as possible under your belt.
