Woman designing a product in the lab

Product design

Design your future

Why study product design?

Product Design focuses on exploring needs and identifying new opportunities for the development of innovative design solutions. Our product design courses are based across our Faculty of Science and Engineering and Manchester School of Art meaning we offer a wide and varied range of opportunities for you to create new products.

Within Science and Engineering a problem-based focus is placed upon project work, learning about the application of manufacturing, materials and electronics within the development of products. Studying within the School of Art, a human centred approach focuses on responding to user issues and opportunities for design innovation in connecting consumer experiences of products, services and systems. Whichever product design course you choose, a rigorous design process engages you in developing skills in ideas generation, making and prototyping, specialist computer software for manufacturing and the communication of design ideas.

Why Manchester Met

Outstanding facilities

This department is supported by a comprehensive range of workshops for hand and machine making. This includes areas in ceramics, glass, metal, wood and plastics, digital making facilities for CNC routing, 3D printing and laser cutting. 

Academic expertise

You’ll be taught by a range of academic and technical experts across the School of Art and Department of Engineering. Their experience as designers, makers, engineers and artists informs your learning and prepares you for the industry of tomorrow.

Gain vital knowledge and skills

Our programmes develop your skills in ideas generation, making and prototyping, specialist computer software for manufacturing and the communication of design ideas. 

Industry connections

The Department of Engineering often invites businesses, and academic colleagues to set new, live projects that challenge our students to devise innovative solutions to current problems. You’ll get feedback and advice directly from industry insiders and have the chance to find out exactly what it takes to impress a potential future employer. 

Career prospects

Graduates of this department have gone on to establish their own creative businesses as self-employed practitioners, or pursued careers as product designers, furniture designers, ceramicists, jewellers, retailers, gallery owners, retail buyers, design managers, design consultants, teachers, and lecturers. 

Placement opportunities

Prepare for a successful career with our distinctive four-year placement route, unlocking real-world opportunities to boost your employability. With this route you’ll elevate your education by spending the third year on an industrial placement, gaining invaluable industry experience, and setting yourself apart for future success. Some of our students have completed placements at Bentley, Bowmer and Kirkland and Rolls Royce.

Our Reputation

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

Rated an "outstanding" university

Manchester Met received overall Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027.

Times Higher Education

Student satisfaction

We're ranked in the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction, according to the Times Higher Education.

Research Excellence Framework 2021 logo

Research with impact

90% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework (2021).

Course listing