Postgraduate Course
Product Design MSc
Develop a unique perspective and personal voice. Investigate a range of design strategies and approaches to inform your own practice.
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Designers and engineers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible through the combination of 3D printing and generative design. On this course you will learn to create complex shapes that are impossible to make with traditional methods. As technology advances, it shapes how designers work. On our Product Design MSc you will learn how to use equipment and software to bring your ideas to life.
York campus
- Duration – 1 year full time
- Start date – September 2023
Minimum Entry Requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Portfolio of visual work
Tuition Fees
UK 2023-24 £7,000 full time
International 2023-24 £13,000 full time
Discover why York St John University is The One
Course overview
Smart technologies are changing how we use space and interact with our surroundings. You will study these technologies and consider how they are changing the design industry. Work with professional designers to create digital experiences and learn from their knowledge.
On this course you will learn to design and create using a variety of processes. You will explore mediums such as digital craft and 3D modelling, and design for real and virtual spaces. You will also develop transferable skills so that you can apply your talents across a range of design sectors.
Working with York Business School will give you the knowledge and confidence to start your career. You will learn how to set up your own business, turning your creative talent into a fulfilling and successful career.
This degree is part of a suite of courses. Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at the other masters degrees we offer:
Course structure
How you will study
This course will take 1 year to complete and must be studied full time. You will study:
- 5 compulsory modules
- A Major Design Project
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
This is a field in which designers, manufacturers and service providers strive to achieve a greater understanding of the people they are designing for and offer solutions which influence everyday lives. Using a variety of research processes, you will extract, teach, learn and apply human-centred techniques to tackle and solve problems in innovative ways. World leading brands, such as Apple, Google, SONY and many others have adopted design thinking as part of their own culture for creating original solutions. Design Thinking helps you to question problems, assumptions and outcomes using an iterative process to observe and develop empathy for any given user group.
Credits: 15
Compulsory module
When working in creative industries, it is important to understand the significance of design processes within a business. By investigating a selection of design companies, you will gain an understanding of design strategies and how they relate to brand, product and service. To do this you will conduct primary and secondary research and explore themes including:
- Brand identity and marketing communications
- Target audiences and unique selling points
- Procedures for setting up a start-up company
You will also hear from industry professionals who will share their own experiences of how design has benefited their businesses.
Credits: 15
Compulsory module
Gain a greater understanding of how design is reshaping the future. Together, we will think about how technology is shaping the world of business and how designers are challenging established businesses to think differently. On this module, you will look at the concept of a Circular Economy and how employing this way of thinking can benefit businesses. You will also look at disruptive technologies and the challenges they present. Some of the technologies you will look at include:
- Augmented and virtual reality
- Renewable and clean energies
- Smart products and wearable technologies
- Artificial intelligence and automation
- Intelligent apps
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Technology is moving at an exponential rate and it is the role of design to evolve alongside it. You will consider how technology is shaping the way designers are addressing problems and creating innovative solutions. Building upon previous modules, you will explore numerous technological advances within the interdisciplinary field of design. In doing so you will develop a greater appreciation of how advances in technology act as a catalyst for developing new artefacts that impact on today’s society.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
On this module, we will challenge you to combine creativity with technical skill to develop something innovative. You will be encouraged to experiment and take risks in the development of your own personal voice. You will be making a real or virtual prototype in your chosen area which will be tested and evaluated. This may be an opportunity for you to develop a prototype that acts as a catalyst and foundation for your final major design project.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
During your final module you will complete a major design project in which you will demonstrate your skills as an autonomous design practitioner and researcher. You will pursue your own direction and create either a personal imprint, characterised by practical outcomes, or document a comprehensive body of research that underpins your area of enquiry.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
Teaching will consist of a mixture of group seminars and individual tutorials. This includes sessions with staff from across the university.
We recognise your status as a graduate student, and place a significant emphasis on independent learning. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your role in managing your own learning and its outcomes. Our Academic Support team can help with written English, study, research and technology skills if needed.
We keep our group sizes small so we can get to know your creative personality and support your aspirations. We deliver your modules through:
- Workshops
- Visiting speakers
- Field visits
- Work related learning
- Seminar discussions
- Supervised projects
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
There are no formal examinations on this course. You will be assessed through live events and coursework, which will include:
- Portfolio work
- Creating artefacts
- Presentation of visual works
- Research reports
- Case studies
You will receive continuous informal feedback on works in progress through a combination of showings, discussions and written proposals.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum Entry Requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Portfolio of visual work
Portfolio Day
If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it.
International Students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
Interview and portfolio
Entry onto this postgraduate course is subject to attending an interview.
At interview you will need to demonstrate examples of your own practice.
You will also be asked to complete a portfolio. This portfolio should show examples of previous and current media production practice.
We are happy to arrange interviews via Skype for overseas students.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and Funding
UK 2023 - 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:
- £7,000 for 1 year of full time study
These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
International 2023 - 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:
- £13,000 for 1 year of full time study
These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
Tuition Fees
UK 2023-24 £7,000 full time
International 2023-24 £13,000 full time
Alumni Scholarships
If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.
Additional costs and financial support
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Accommodation and living costs
View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Career outcomes
Where could 3D Design and Technologies take you?
This degree could lead you to a career directly related to Design and Technology in a range of fields, such as in product design, furniture design, engineering, ceramics or sculpting, to name a few. The course is designed to give you significant industry exposure to increase your opportunities for employment once you graduate. Specialist modules will require you to undertake work-based learning and work with industry professionals.
This will give you an advantage in careers such as:
- Video game designer
- 3D printing technician
- 3D designer or animator
- Graphic designer
- Architectural designer
- Marketing
You will also have the opportunity to develop and market your ideas through the Grad2Director scheme at York St John University. The Grad2Director programme aims to help you transform your business ideas into flourishing business opportunities for the future.
Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.
Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £8,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2019)
Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.
Apply for this course
For postgraduate degrees you must apply directly to York St John University using the links below. This will take you to the application form you need to fill out for this specific course.
To complete the online application form you will need to create login details.
Please contact 2 referees before submitting your application. An automated request for a reference will be emailed to them as soon as you submit. Your application will not be reviewed until both references are in place.
Course highlights
An independent designer
Pursue your own direction and create personalised outcomes.
Grad2Director
Develop and market your ideas. We will help you transform your business ideas into flourishing business opportunities.
Explore digital craft
With mediums such as digital craft and 3D modelling, you will design for real and virtual spaces.
Henry 3D Design and Technologies MSc
The best thing about the course is the lecturers. Always there to give a helping hand when it was needed and always put my best interests first.
Student work
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