BSc (Honours) Product Design
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time
UCAS code • H770
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Engineering
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View a 360 degree tour of our precision workshop.
Product design graduate Nathan Bestwick has been shortlisted in Sheffield Hallam's Enterprise Challenge, a business start up competition with a £5000 cash prize.
View a 360 degree tour of our model making workshop used to make prototypes of students’ designs.
Find out about Creative Spark, our annual graduate showcase of final year students' work, and Brightest Spark, an exhibition featuring projects completed by our elite students.
View the Creative Spark image gallery, taken from the 2010 graduate showcase of final year students' work.
Watch a video of Mark Thompson, head of undergraduate recruitment for engineering, talking about our engineering courses.
Examples of project work from students on this course.
Find out about our engineering teaching team.
Read about SHU Racing and our formula racing team.
Watch a video about our formula student racing car and the benefits of being involved in the team.
Sheffield Hallam University has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award for its innovative work in engaging with regional and national employers. Find out more.
Our Digital Design Centre can print medium to large format high quality outputs on a range of different media. The laboratories have software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
View profiles of students on this course.
At a glance
Study for a career as a product design engineer in excellent industry-standard computer-aided design (CAD) suites and workshops. During the course you develop your professional knowledge and experience with projects set by industry and the opportunity of a year-long placement earning around £14,000.
Key points
• Take advantage of industry-standard CAD suites and workshops.
• Learn about the demands of industry with projects set by companies.
• Complete a paid placement at major companies like Rolls-Royce, Bosch and Airbus.
• Develop your skills from lecturer-guided projects to autonomous projects progressing an idea into a fully functioning prototype.
What is product design engineering?
Product design engineering combines the traditionally separate fields of industrial design and engineering. They provide skills needed to the bridge the gap between creative design, material science and the science and manufacturing processes required to prototype new ideas.
A product design engineer may be involved in the initial designs of a product with engineers and designers to develop the conceptual, preliminary and detail designs. They work on a range of technical products including complex technological and scientific systems such as aircraft, computers and cars. They may then provide consistency throughout the product’s life cycle making requested changes and corrections whenever necessary.
This course
Study the skills required to play a central role in designing, engineering and developing products, processes and services as a product design engineer.
On this course, you learn to design, engineer and prototype working products through • drawings • models • engineering calculations • rapid prototyping • laser scanning • CNC machining • testing and analysis.
You also learn to balance the needs of users and the cost of manufacture, and develop an awareness of the broader issues affecting engineering design including sustainability.
As a student, you benefit from extensive computer-aided design suites and workshops. Our computer suites run industry standard CAD software such as Solidworks and Creo. Your final year project includes producing computer models and working prototypes for the degree show using our IT and engineering studio facilities.
This course is designed in consultation with industry and these industrial partners provide real life projects to work on. Because of this you get the opportunity to work on projects that include designing general consumer products.
You develop skills in • design • mechanical engineering • information technology • problem solving • product performance testing • aesthetics and function of products • metrology • manufacture and materials • computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) • rapid prototyping • industrial design • engineering analysis • reverse engineering products.
You can then apply those skills in a professional environment, with at least 36 weeks spent on a paid placement in industry. By taking this opportunity you gain valuable professional experience, subject and industry understanding and new skills. All of this enhances your career prospects and employability. Sometimes it can also lead to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate, or may lead you onto a graduate scheme.
Previous students have worked with companies such as • Reckitt Benckiser • Bosch • Airbus • Lubrasol • Penny Hydraulics • Thermotechnology • Kostal UK Ltd •
Rolls-Royce. Currently the average salary for a student on placement is £14,000.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • structured systematic strategic design approach • problem solving using different technologies and engineering calculations • testing and analysis • production (manufacturing) and selection techniques • a mix of pencil drawings, CAD and hand-made prototypes to represent your ideas.
We've run a consultancy project in partnership with the product-testing and consumer campaigning charity Which? to test fitness equipment.
Find out more about BSc (Honours) Product Design
Related courses
You apply for this course through UCAS.
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• examinations • coursework • drawings • models • posters • reports • working prototypes
You also take larger individual and team design projects, which we assess at certain stages and by final report.
Find out about work placements and how we can support your placement experience.
Optional year-long work placements are normally gained by competitive interview and are not a guaranteed part of a course.
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and is the first step to becoming an incorporated engineer.
Key Information Set 
Engineering precision workshop
The workshop is supported by technicians who are there to provide you with help and guidance. You can use the facilities for individual projects outside timetabled classes.
Nathan Bestwick, 25, a product design graduate, has been shortlisted in Sheffield Hallam University's Enterprise Challenge competition, a business start up competition for students and recent graduates, with a £5000 cash prize.
Nathan designed 15 kitchenware products called MILLME that can be used by the disabled - including a spice mill that requires no gripping and works by rubbing it between your hands. He will join six other business finalists at the awards dinner.
Nathan, originally from Rotherham, said: "I wanted to design kitchen products that can be used by people with disabilities but don't lose any of their design values. They can be used by people who have problems gripping or twisting objects or those who suffer from arthritis.
"I feel privileged to have been selected as a finalist for this competition and would use the winning money to do further work to develop my prototypes."
Nathan is already receiving mentoring advice from former Dragons' Den star Doug Richard as part of his Mentoring Club and is in talks with a Danish company to manufacture his products.
Organisers of this year's Enterprise Challenge say the competition is more important than ever in promoting students' entrepreneurial skills so they can succeed in a competitive business environment.
Finalists have all used the University's Enterprise Centre to guide them through the process of setting up in business.
The Centre offers valuable free support and resources for Sheffield Hallam students and graduates from the past five years, including The Hatchery, a 24/7 business incubator, mentors and access to funding for activities such as market research or developing a prototype.
Model making workshop
Model making workshop used to make prototypes of students’ designs.
Spark - be creative
Subjects included are • animation • architecture • computers • creative writing • digital media production • engineering • fashion design • film and visual effects • film and media production • fine art • furniture and product design • games design • graphic design • interior design • jewellery and metalwork • performing arts • photography • product design.
Creative Spark
Creative Spark is an annual showcase of student work and celebrates the innovation, creativity and imagination of our most talented graduates. Creative Spark is hosted across four university venues • Owen • Cantor • Sheaf • Arundel Gate Court and S1 in the city centre.
For further information visit the Creative Spark website.
Brightest Spark
Brightest Spark is an exhibition housed in the SIA Gallery and Cantor building. This exhibition features the elite students in each Sheffield of Institute of Arts course as chosen by industry professionals.
For further information visit the Brightest Spark website.
Project Spark
Sheffield Hallam students have the opportunity to play a key role in the promotion of the Creative Spark and Brightest Spark exhibitions by submitting entries for Project Spark. The 2012 competitions included • concept design • branding and wayfinding • creative writing • image • brightest spark logo and branding.
For further information visit the Project Spark website.
Students' work on display at the Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery.
BA (Hons) photography students exhibited their work in the Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery.
An example of a contemporary fine art project.
Laura Hayes final year project for BA (Hons) Contemporary Fine Art.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work on display for Thomas Lloyd's final year project entitled The Window Pianist.
An example of a metalwork and jewellery piece.
Emma Middleton's jewellery piece for BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery.
The concept behind Emma's work is based on the idea of sentimental jewellery and the burden this can become on the wearer.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work by Luke Adams for his final year project entitled Uneasy Rider.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Graphic students work on display.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by engineering students.
Four students' workbooks on display.
BA (Hons) Interior Design student workbooks (Shamila Hussain, Faiza Khan, Naomi Nunn and Helen Genia Austin).
A collaboration between fashion and engineering students.
A collaboration between fashion and engineering students creating a wedding dress that could be dissolved after the wedding to transform it into five new fashion pieces.
This went on to achieve international acclaim.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by interior design students.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery students work on display.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
BA (Hons) Product Design work.
Students' workbooks on display.
A visitor to Creative Spark looking at students' workbooks for BA (Hons) Product Design.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work on display from the Extended degree in Design.
An example of a final year metalwork and jewellery project.
Final year project for BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery.
Gallery
About our courses (1:19)
Mark Thompson, head of undergraduate recruitment for engineering, talks about studying engineering courses at Sheffield Hallam. Mark covers topics including employability, practical-skills building, specialist facilities and student support.
Dr Andy Young
Principal lecturer
On leaving school I became a craft apprentice in a defence company manufacturing naval artillery, where I was trained as a precision miller-turner-fitter. In 1989 I was awarded a Whitworth Scholarship from the IMechE to encourage practical engineers to seek higher education, which led to my enrolment on a Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree at The University of Leeds.
In my first year I transferred onto mechanical engineering to get a more general education, and by the third year I developed an interest in computer modelling of how fluids behave. I was awarded prizes from the IMechE and Sun Microcomputers for project work, a Parkinson scholarship for continued study from the University, and sponsorship from International Paper to embark on a PhD research degree into thin film generation for the printing industry.
I was then employed as a Research Fellow in the Industrial Coating Research Group, where I focused on the transference of academic research to industrial problems, working with companies such as Kodak, 3M, and Ilford.
I moved to a leading industrial consultancy company called Fluent in 1998, and became focused on thermo-fluids and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). I worked in materials processing industries, helping manufacturers apply technology to understand how to make better glass, polymer, and metals products.
In 2005 I began teaching engineering fundamentals and their industrial applications to students. I joined engineering at Sheffield Hallam leading the teaching for thermo-fluids and CFD, and supervising PhD students.
In 2009 I recognised an opportunity to start-up a new venture in the University called Hallam Energy which works directly with industry to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions by the application of technology.
David Legge
Senior lecturer, engineering and mathematics
I am a senior lecturer in the engineering design subject group. I am a time served engineer with professional experience in design, manufacturing, logistics and organisational development.
I teach on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, with a bias towards design and manufacture. I am particularly keen on developing the formal and informal formative experiences of undergraduate engineers; especially within the aerospace degrees, which are a relatively new group of degrees at Sheffield Hallam. I feel well placed to do this as I am a qualified gliding instructor and own my own glider.
My education was in manufacturing systems engineering. I also have a postgraduate degree (Technical Licentiate) from Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. This was for research into off-line programming of coordinate measuring machines (CMM's) and standards for data transfer between CMM's and computer aided design (CAD) software.
My previous academic role was as a senior lecturer in the Department of Manufacturing Development at Lulea University of Technology (LTU). For the last few years I have been a freelance consultant in logistics and LEAN. I divide my time between Sweden, where I have lived for the past 20 years, and the UK.
I have some 20 research publications to my name. Areas in which I have carried out research or have particular skills include CAD/CAM, CNC machining, metal cutting, metrology, robotics, organisational development, LEAN, workspace design and pedagogy.
Dr Qinling Li
Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids
I am a senior lecturer in thermo-fluids. I am interested in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology and applications. Before moving to Sheffield Hallam, I was a research associate in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge.
I also spent part time in the CFD Lab, which is part of the Acoustics, Fluid Mechanics, Turbomachinery and Thermodynamics Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge.
From 2003-2006, I worked as a research associate in the Aeronautical and Automatics Engineering Department, Loughborough University.
I studied for a PhD degree in the Aerodynamic Flight Mechanics Research Group, Southampton University, in 2003. And I obtained my first and master degrees, and used to be a lecture at Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.
Research interests
• fundamentals of turbulence
• direct numerical simulation (DNS) of compressibility effects in wall-bounded channel flow
• large eddy simulation (LES) of fan/outlet guide vane (OGV) broadband noise prediction
• les for short take-off and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL)
• turbine blade cooling
• biomechanical
• fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
Dr Mark Thompson
Principal lecturer
I gained an upper second degree in BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Humberside University in1994.
I then studied for a PhD at York University, applying artificial intelligence techniques to the control of antenna systems, resulting in the development of a software package and the publication of a number of international papers.
After gaining my doctorate in 1997, I worked as a research associate for a number of years, first at Hull University, developing fault monitoring and diagnosis systems. I then worked at the University of Sheffield developing an artificial intelligent control system for a chemical processing plant. In 2000 I became a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam.
I am currently head of undergraduate admissions for engineering and have designed courses for a number employers including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Kimberly-Clark in collaboration with Derby College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and North Lindsey College. This has helped to ensure that our courses are relevant to the needs of industry.
Dr Karen Vernon-Parry
Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering
Phone 0114 225 4852
E-mail k.vernon-parry@shu.ac.uk
I studied materials science at Oxford University, and also completed my DPhil there, which was on the microstructure and properties of superconducting thin films. After a post-doctoral position at Oxford, I moved to the University of Manchester and then to UMIST. In 2004 I came to Sheffield Hallam University, becoming a senior lecturer in 2006. I have been course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering (prep year) since January 2009.
I am interested in the correlation between the structure and the physical properties of materials at the atomic scale. In the past 10 years this has concentrated on the development and evolution of process-induced defects in semiconductors, initially ion implantation damage in silicon and silicon-germanium alloys, and more recently defects such as grain boundaries in multicrystalline semiconducting diamond. Such studies are in support of electronic device development. I also collaborate with the electroceramics group at Manchester University to investigate the role of specific dopant species in varistor formulations.
I have recently become involved in a multi-disciplinary research program developing 'intelligent' materials, particularly for healthcare applications.
I am a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College and am a Member of the Institute of Physics
Chris Short
Principal lecturer
I trained as an apprentice engineer in the hand tools industry, during which time I completed a degree in mechanical and production engineering.
After graduating I worked in the design departments of a number of companies designing special purpose machine tools before beginning a postgraduate teaching qualification. I subsequently taught a range of engineering subjects in the further education sector for eight years before joining Sheffield Hallam in 1990.
My role is a Portfolio Director with responsibility for all the BSc technology degrees, and I teach on several design modules at all years of the courses.
I am a chartered mechanical engineer and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
My areas of interest and research are design, design management, the implementation of new technology and engineering education. I have completed a range of research and consultancy work with companies implementing new technology or developing new products and have written around 30 publications.
The most recent development in my portfolio has been the addition of an aerospace technology degree and this has proved very exciting for me.
Profiles
Dr Andy Young
Principal lecturer
David Legge
Senior lecturer, engineering and mathematics
Dr Qinling Li
Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids
Dr Mark Thompson
Principal lecturer
Dr Karen Vernon-Parry
Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering
Chris Short
Principal lecturer
SHU Racing
SHU Racing 2011 team
Students from almost every engineering and technology course make up our SHU Racing team. If you feel you have the enthusiasm and dedication to work on an exciting motorsport project from start to finish, then you could be an ideal team member.
SHU Racing develops your personal and technical skills. It gives you valuable business experience as the outcome relies on the performance of every team member.
You work on every part of the project including • design • manufacture • business • liaising with sponsors. This experience increases your value to all types of engineering companies when you graduate.
You design, build and test the car with a view to competing in the Formula Student event at Silverstone.
The Formula Student competition, which is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, aims to inspire and develop young engineers. Universities from across the globe are challenged to design and build a single-seat racing car which is judged for its racing performance, design and the strength of the teams' business models.
Cars are judged by a panel of experts from the field of automotive engineering. The competition is backed by Ross Brawn OBE, who has worked for a number of Formula One teams, serving as the technical director of the championship-winning Benetton and Ferrari teams.
SHU Racing and the Formula Student project is a popular choice for many of our students as a final year project. It also forms an integral part of the BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology.
Formula student (2:02)
Watch a video about the benefits of being involved in the SHU Formula student racing team.
Previous SHU Racing team members have gone on to work for Formula 1 racing teams.
Download a transcript of this video.
University recognised for its links with industry
Sheffield Hallam University were shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award for its "innovative" work in engaging with regional and national employers.
The University was nominated in the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative category for its work delivering flexible engineering education, which has been recognised as a "strategic and innovative approach to delivering employers’ workforce development needs."
Through its "engineering hub", the University works with industrial partners such as Rolls-Royce, Kimberly-Clark and Severn Trent Water to offer their employees the chance to study while they work.
Employees can study on the University's Integrated Engineering course, which has four specialist engineering routes and leads to professional accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Technology.
Delivery of the courses is completely flexible allowing for staff development that suits business requirements.
Gary Herbert, a mechanical technician for Kimberly-Clark, has been studying for a foundation degree at the University, which offers him the flexibility to learn with ten days' study time over the academic year.
He said: "I have been working in my technician role for the last 12 years. This opportunity to study through Sheffield Hallam University gives me a chance to consolidate the knowledge I have acquired through my role within Kimberly-Clark alongside a more academic route."
Rolls-Royce has worked with the University to support the development of its young engineers.
Chris Keane, from Rolls-Royce's UK apprentice development team, said: "The foundation degree has provided an excellent framework in which to develop Rolls-Royce's engineers of the future. The students are able to develop their knowledge and qualifications quickly, whilst continuing to contribute to the company."
Martin Howarth, head of the engineering and mathematics department at the University, said: "We identified the need for greater flexibility in both course content and delivery in order to meet the needs of both employers and their staff.
"Our flexible approach means employers can choose how and when their staff access learning, as well as contribute to the course content.
"This ensures we are providing consistent, relevant education and making a key contribution to the development of engineers in the United Kingdom."
The Digital Design Centre
The Digital Design Centre comprises a suite of 6 IT laboratories (4 PC and 2 MAC) together with the Print Output room, an area for printing medium to large format high quality output on a range of different media. The laboratories have a wide range of software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications.
The Digital Design Centre runs a high quality computer printing facility and has the ability to print sizes between A4 and A0 and wide format banners. A3, A2, A1, A0 and Banner photo quality printing is available on a range of papers, as well as AutoCAD type plans ( B & W ) on standard paper.
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.
Amy Hirst
2012 graduate
'I chose my degree course because I have always taken a real interest in design and how things work. Having studied product design at A level and following a year working in an office, I decided university was the way forward for me. And it was clear that product design would be the subject area.
'On my degree course I most enjoyed the project work – developing an idea and creating a 3D model in CAD or a prototype in the workshop.
'After some thought, I decided that I didn't want the kind of job my degree was lining me up for. I enjoy interacting with other people, however I think I would have spent the majority of my time at a computer and this is not something I would have enjoyed.
'I chose to continue studying at Sheffield Hallam because I enjoyed my time at the university and it has a good reputation for training design technology teachers.
'I've learnt so much on the PGCE Engineering course so far, there is so much more to teaching than meets the eye. I enjoy passing on the knowledge I gained on my degree to the pupils in my class and seeing their achievements. They are always so proud of themselves when they make progress on a difficult topic.
'In the future, I hope to be teaching product design and engineering to an outstanding standard. I feel that the skills I've gained during both degrees have made me a well-rounded person with good communication skills. I hope to use these skills to my advantage and to travel to countries such as Australia and America.
'The advice I'd give to prospective students is to work hard and it will all pay off in the end, this could be the beginning of your dream career, so don't waste the opportunity.'
Profiles
Amy Hirst
2012 graduate
