Product Design MSc

Smart technologies are changing how we use space and interact with our surroundings. On this course you will study these technologies, and consider how they are changing the design industry, working with professional designers to create innovative digital experiences. 

You will also:

• Learn to design and create using a variety of processes
• Explore mediums such as digital craft and 3D modelling
• Design for real and virtual spaces
• Develop transferable skills so that you can apply your talents across a range of design sectors

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:

Virtual and Augmented Reality MA

Graphic Design MA

Interior Design MA

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 Project

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

Teaching will consist of a mixture of group seminars and individual tutorials. This includes sessions with staff from across the university.

As a graduate student independent learning will be central to your study. We place a significant emphasis on independent learning, encouraging you to take responsibility for 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.

Qualifications

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.

International entry requirements

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 Microsoft Teams for international 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.

UK 2025-2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £8,600 for 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.

Funding opportunities

International 2025-2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £11,800 for 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.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

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.

Where could Product Design take you?

 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

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 £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

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.