Product Design and Manufacture

Product design and manufacture combines the creative practice of designing new products with a thorough understanding of the processes by which those designs are turned into physical reality. Product design asks how objects can be conceived to serve human needs effectively, with appropriate aesthetics, materials, and ergonomics. Manufacture examines the engineering and industrial processes, the materials science, and the quality systems through which designed products are made at scale.

Together they produce graduates who can think across the whole product journey from concept to production.

This three-year, full-time programme at the University of Nottingham includes a foundation year that provides additional preparation for those who need it, as well as a year abroad that gives you the opportunity to engage with design and manufacturing in a different cultural and industrial context. Nottingham has strong connections with UK manufacturing industry and applies those connections to the practical dimensions of the programme. You will develop skills in design thinking, computer-aided design, manufacturing processes, materials selection, project management, and the sustainable design principles that are increasingly central to responsible product development.

Graduates work across consumer products, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, furniture, packaging, and manufacturing industries, in roles that span product design, manufacturing engineering, design management, and innovation. The combination of design and manufacturing knowledge is particularly valuable in companies that want practitioners who can bridge the gap between the creative and production functions. Many graduates move into roles in new product development, where the ability to take an idea from concept through to manufacturable product is directly applicable.

Further study in product design, engineering design, or manufacturing engineering is an option for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.