Product design

Studying product design gives you the broad theoretical knowledge and the practical skillset you need to create new products

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• CAD technician
• Clothing/textile technologist
• Colour technologist
• Exhibition designer
• Furniture designer
• Interior and spatial designer
• Product designer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Advertising art director
• Automotive engineer
• Furniture conservator/restorer
• Graphic designer
• Materials engineer
• Procurement manager
• Product manager
• Production designer, theatre/television/film
• Stylist

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Relevant work experience is important for building your portfolio and establishing a useful network of contacts. Look for an industrial designer in your area and ask if you can complete a placement with them during your university studies. In some cases, a placement could even lead to a permanent job.

Look out for product or industrial design competitions that you could enter, or exhibitions that you could take part in. Anything that can add to your portfolio will be helpful. You'll need to be able to demonstrate the breadth of your work and any specialist interests.

Keep up to date with industry trends and developments by reading design journals to find out about new technology.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

There are employment opportunities in both the private and public sector. Private sector work could for example involve manufactured products for the domestic and industrial market. Working in the public sector may involve designing interactive facilities, such as public information points and equipment used by services such as the police, fire and ambulance.

Employers include:

• industrial and domestic product manufacturers
• car manufacturers
• point-of-sale designers
• retailers.

Self-employment, or employment within a design-based consultancy, is also possible. Find out more about how to start a business.

Find information on employers in creative arts and design, engineering and manufacturing, and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

A degree in product design or industrial design develops your creative design skills and gives you the technical ability you need to use production methods and materials creatively.

It also equips you with other skills that are valued by many employers, such as:

• presentation skills
• communication skills
• the ability to work to deadlines
• commercial and entrepreneurial skills
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative and work independently
• teamworking skills
• visual and spatial awareness
• general and specialist IT skills, such as computer-aided design (CAD).

Further study

It's possible to take a Masters degree in industrial or product design. Specialist courses, such as product design and innovation and product design and development management are also available. Another option is to complete postgraduate study to specialise in a connected area, such as interior, graphic or exhibition design.

You can complete professional qualifications with relevant industry bodies, or study for a business-related qualification like a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or an MSc in project management.

To find a course that interests you, search postgraduate courses in product design.

What do product design graduates do?

The top five jobs held by product design graduates employed in the UK include design occupations (16%), engineering professionals (9%), CAD, drawing and architectural technicians (6%) and graphic and multimedia designers (5%).

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.

Find out more

• Creative & Cultural Skills - The Sector Skills Council for the creative industry has careers advice and details of paid internships, apprenticeships and other training.