Your Foundation Year will introduce you to the skills you’ll need to prepare you for your future studies. From perfecting freehand drawing and sketchbook use to learning about materials and fabrication, you’ll gain practical experience through real-world briefs and develop your confidence in presenting your ideas.
This course has both eyes (and hands) on the technological side of design — the making and manufacturing of products, systems, and services. It’s a great option if you’re naturally curious about design engineering, and looking for a practical, hands-on approach.
Your Foundation Year will introduce you to the skills you’ll need to prepare you for your future studies. From perfecting freehand drawing and sketchbook use to learning about materials and fabrication, you’ll gain practical experience through real-world briefs and develop your confidence in presenting your ideas.<br/><br/>This course has both eyes (and hands) on the technological side of design — the making and manufacturing of products, systems, and services. It’s a great option if you’re naturally curious about design engineering, and looking for a practical, hands-on approach.<br/><br/>We’ll be analysing form and function in design, encouraging your creativity whilst also taking a specialist’s dive into areas like electronics and robotics, mechatronic techniques, materials testing, and manufacturing. We’ll explore the emerging trends — things like UX, smart technology, and sustainability.<br/><br/>In product teardowns, you’ll ‘reverse engineer’ items from the inside, and then design out their flaws; on site visits, you’ll receive live project briefs from some of the industry’s biggest players, who’ll review and feedback on your work. You could even test your skills on a year-long professional placement; our previous assignments have included TATA, Samsung, Autodesk (San Francisco), and Hubs (Amsterdam).<br/><br/>We’ve developed this course to ensure you’re not just an option for employers, but their priority. You’ll graduate with a designer’s eye for innovation, an engineer’s skill in manufacturing, and a CEO’s appetite for the bottom line. That’s a powerful package — and it’s why our graduates secure work with companies like Dyson, Tesco, PepsiCo, Disney, Unilever, and McLaren F1.<br/><br/>**Key Features**<br/><br/><br/>- Inspiring Spaces | You’ll be using the same equipment as the pros. From 3D printers to water-jet cutters and bandsaws, plus dedicated workshops for wood, metal and concrete working, we’ve got the lot — minimising the jump from uni to industry.<br/><br/><br/>- Live Projects | We’re industry-focused with great connections. Through live projects and placements, you’ll be working with leading companies such as Tesco, PepsiCo and JCB. It’s great for your portfolio and CV, and you’ll also get excellent employability support.<br/><br/><br/>- Placement Year | Acquire vital skills and experience in the workplace by undertaking a one-year placement on our sandwich route. Our students have spent their placements at companies such as TATA, Samsung, Autodesk (San Francisco), and Hubs (Amsterdam).<br/><br/><br/>- Exhibitions and Shows | Prove your talents to industry reps — exhibitions like New Designers and NTU’s annual Degree Show are fixtures in the product design calendar, while our students have won big at competitions like the Starpack Awards and Engineers Without Borders.<br/><br/><br/>**Key Statistics**<br/><br/><br/>- Top 2 Ranking | NTU is 2nd for the number of undergraduate students studying Design subjects (HESA 2021/22).<br/><br/><br/>- Graduate Outcomes | 100% of BSc (Hons) Product Design sandwich students are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).turing. <br/>
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
15/09/2025
Campus
City Campus
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
H717
Institution Code
N91
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffAccess to HE DiplomaPass your Access course with 60 credits overall with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)GCSE/National 4/National 5GCSE English grade C/4 GCSE Maths grade C/4 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)72 UCAS Tariff points from your BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-Level or equivalent qualification Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)72 UCAS Tariff points from your BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-Levels or equivalent qualifications A level72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-Levels or equivalent qualifications T LevelWe will consider T Levels for entry to this course, either as stand-alone qualifications or in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications, in accordance with the specified course tariff points. |
Find more courses from Nottingham Trent University with our undergraduate course search.
30
Nov, 2024
Undergraduate Open Day
18
Jan, 2025
Undergraduate Open Day
Request More Information
Request Information Request Information
Any questions about a specific university or course? Request some information and find out everything you need to know.
Order Free Prospectuses
The ideal way to read about detailed course information is with a university prospectus. Request a FREE prospectus and learn more about this course today.