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    Study product design abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying product design as an international student.

    Find product design programs

    Explore product design programs abroad

    See other programs in product design

    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
    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

    Best countries to study product design

    Best universities to study product design

    See all universities offering product design programs

    How to study product design abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

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    Product design study abroad programs

    Product design undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in product design

    • false

      Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management (Product Design and Production Management Option) - BSc Auburn University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      32,220 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD

      Start date
      January, August, May
      Show program overview about Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management (Product Design and Production Management Option)
    • false

      Engineering Product Design - BSc (Hons) London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,890 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Engineering Product Design
    • false

      Furniture and Product Design - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,603 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Furniture and Product Design
    • false

      Furniture and Product Design - BA (Hons) London Metropolitan University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,192 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Furniture and Product Design
    • false

      Interior and Product Design Comprehensive - BSc University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,900 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,900 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Interior and Product Design Comprehensive
    See all bachelor's degrees in product design

    Diploma in product design

    • false

      Product Design - UGDip RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,197 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,250 AUD

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Product Design
    • false

      Product Design and Development - OCADip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,193 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Product Design and Development
    See all undergraduate diplomas in product design

    Pathway in product design

    • false

      Product Design (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,942 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Product Design (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in product design

    Product design graduate programs

    Master's in product design

    • false

      Product Design - MA London Metropolitan University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,164 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Product Design
    • false

      Product Design - MSc University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,881 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,150 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Product Design
    See all master's degrees in product design

    Certificate in product design

    • false

      Advanced Ergonomic Studies - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      15,438 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,344 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Advanced Ergonomic Studies
    See all postgraduate certificates in product design

    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.