MDes Product Design
Four years full-time
UCAS code • W242
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Art and design
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View examples of work by students on this course.
View a profile of one of our design students.
View a 360 degree tour of our model making workshop used to make prototypes of students’ designs.
Find out about the Sheffield Institute of Arts (SIA) and view a 360 degree tour of the SIA gallery, where our students exhibit their work.
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.
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 print making studio.
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.
Our Printmaking Centre supports a range of processes including silk screen printing, etching, relief, cyanotype, bookmaking and letterpress. Find out more.
All new students on this course undergo a comprehensive induction program to learn how to make the most from our workshop facilities. 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.
At a glance
Learn the research, design and development skills needed to develop new and original products for the marketplace. Throughout the course, you work on sponsored live briefs for well-known companies to build portfolio that will catch the eye of future employers.
Key points
• Learn the how to develop original products for small- and large-scale production.
• Build up career-ready skills with sponsored briefs for well-known companies.
• Build relationships with internationally renowned companies such as Morphy Richards and Ideal Standard.
What is product design?
Product design combines art and technology to create solutions which improve our daily lives and create new opportunities for industry.
This course
Learn to design products that are original, attractive, usable and functional. On this course, you gain the skills needed to produce imaginative design solutions for predominantly large-scale production. You also learn about the factors that make design rational, suitable for manufacture and affordable.
We help you to think like a designer, and develop the ability to design and present work to a professional standard. You gain skills in industry-standard computer-aided design software that employers look for.
By developing your skills in research, design and development, you develop a clear understanding of social, market, technological and materials-based trends and of what products mean to users.
You also get to build up your industry knowledge by taking part in sponsored, live projects for well-known companies such as Morphy Richards and Ideal Standard. Throughout the course you’ll continue building a portfolio of work to start your career.
Our live projects and industry links help our students develop career opportunities by linking up with internationally renowned companies.
Year one includes projects focusing on • workshop, drawing and computer skills • contextual, business and marketing studies • manufacturing, technology and human factors.
Year two involves • live design projects • visual and presentation skills • product materials and manufacturing • an overseas study tour.
In year three you become more self-directed, and complete a substantial major project which you choose yourself.
About the MDes
You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. We run this course parallel to our BA (Honours) Product Design. The difference comes in the third year. From then the pace of work intensifies as you finish your undergraduate studies and prepare for your postgraduate studies.
On the MDes third and fourth years you learn professional research skills and build on your existing strengths through design projects. You also take your first steps in establishing your future career with either a flexible work placement or an academic exchange with one of our partner universities in Europe, Australia or North America.
Self-directed study forms a large part of your final year, and we support you through taught modules, culminating in a substantial major project.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • live design projects • computer-aided design • product materials • product manufacturing • business and marketing • research and development.
Starting in 1974, our course is one of the longest standing in the UK. All our core staff are experienced professional product designers and researchers.
Related courses
- BA (Honours) Product Design (Full-time)
- MDes Graphic Design (Full-time)
- BSc (Honours) Product Design (Full-time)
- BA (Honours) Product Design: Furniture (Full-time)
- BA (Honours) Graphic Design (Full-time)
- MDes Jewellery and Metalwork (Full-time)
- MDes Product Design: Furniture (Full-time)
- MDes Interior Design (Full-time)
You apply for this course through UCAS.
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
• coursework • projects • written assignments
Key Information Set 
Daniel Janyu Ng, Jiàn-Logic
Jiàn-Logic promotes and makes traditional Chinese medicine more accessible. It includes a set for the brewing of traditional Chinese herbs and a massage device to provide relief to minor injuries/illnesses. Inspiration came from Daniel's work placement in Hong Kong.
Daniel Janyu Ng, Jiàn-Logic
Jiàn-Logic promotes and makes traditional Chinese medicine more accessible. It includes a set for the brewing of traditional Chinese herbs and a massage device to provide relief to minor injuries/illnesses. Inspiration came from Daniel's work placement in Hong Kong.
Joanna Mitchell, Matchfit Gaming System
Matchfit, a hand-worn controller and sports video game system for Wii, uses motion sensing and gestural tracking technologies to actively encourage physical activity.
Joanna Mitchell, Matchfit Gaming System
Matchfit, a hand-worn controller and sports video game system for Wii, uses motion sensing and gestural tracking technologies to actively encourage physical activity.
Joanna Mitchell, Matchfit Gaming System.
Matchfit, a hand-worn controller and sports video game system for Wii, uses motion sensing and gestural tracking technologies to actively encourage physical activity.
Oliver Boulton, Magnetic Tableware.
A range of products aimed at encouraging etiquette and suggesting a new approach to dining. One half of the range incorporates magnets into the design to control how the cutlery interacts with the product. The other half focuses on the design and form of the products themselves to encourage etiquette.
Oliver Boulton, Magnetic Tableware
A range of products aimed at encouraging etiquette and suggesting a new approach to dining. One half of the range incorporates magnets into the design to control how the cutlery interacts with the product. The other half focuses on the design and form of the products themselves to encourage etiquette.
Oliver Boulton, Magnetic Tableware
A range of products aimed at encouraging etiquette and suggesting a new approach to dining. One half of the range incorporates magnets into the design to control how the cutlery interacts with the product. The other half focuses on the design and form of the products themselves to encourage etiquette.
Richard Mannion, The Sustainabots
Sustainabots are sustainable, educational toys for children. Their purpose is to give children an experience of how energy is generated and transferred through play. Children power and charge Sustainabots through play by creating renewable energy as opposed to disposable batteries.
Richard Mannion, The Sustainabots
Sustainabots are sustainable, educational toys for children. Their purpose is to give children an experience of how energy is generated and transferred through play. Children power and charge Sustainabots through play by creating renewable energy as opposed to disposable batteries.
Richard Mannion , The Sustainabots
Sustainabots are sustainable, educational toys for children. Their purpose is to give children an experience of how energy is generated and transferred through play. Children power and charge Sustainabots through play by creating renewable energy as opposed to disposable batteries.
Richard Mannion, The Sustainabots
Sustainabots are sustainable, educational toys for children. Their purpose is to give children an experience of how energy is generated and transferred through play. Children power and charge Sustainabots through play by creating renewable energy as opposed to disposable batteries.
Samuel Davies, Repairware
This steam iron is part of a conceptual range called Repairware, which comprises a series of domestic products designed to afford ease of repair. Designed to be taken apart and reassembled intuitively they make repairing simple to encourage a culture of repair.
Samuel Davies, Repairware
This steam iron is part of a conceptual range called Repairware, which comprises a series of domestic products designed to afford ease of repair. Designed to be taken apart and reassembled intuitively they make repairing simple to encourage a culture of repair.
Samuel Davies, Repairware
This steam iron is part of a conceptual range called Repairware, which comprises a series of domestic products designed to afford ease of repair. Designed to be taken apart and reassembled intuitively they make repairing simple to encourage a culture of repair.
Samuel Davies
MDes Product Design, 2010 graduate
Why did you choose your course? Influenced by my uncle, who also studied product design at Sheffield Hallam 10 years ago, I have been interested in the subject since high school. I've always been sketching and making things so product design was the only choice for me.
What did you think about the facilities?
The facilities, such as the workshop, have been excellent. I have enjoyed making use of the CNC and rapid prototyping machinery and there are plenty of technicians who are always willing to help solve problems with model making. The library has subscriptions to some of the popular design journals and has been a great resource for keeping up to speed with current design news.
Did you receive good academic support?
As well as my weekly project tutorial, the tutors always made time to see my work if I had any particular problems or had hit a creative dry patch. They are all really friendly and enthusiastic about design which really encourages you to get excited about your work. This really makes the difference between just getting by and excelling!
What have you got out of the course?
I have developed an understanding of what makes good industrial design as well as my own opinions about the role of design in society. I focused my aim on the career I wish to pursue in the future. I've made some good friends during my time at Sheffield Hallam who are now turning into potential business contacts.
What were the best bits of the course?
During the second year I took part in two live projects which injected some reality into what I had been taught. We presented our projects to the marketing director of O2 which was very memorable!
Did you complete any of your studies overseas?
During my third year as part of my masters, I spent a semester studying in L'École de Design Nantes Atlantique in France, which I can safely say was the best thing I've ever done! I learnt a different design methodology at the school which really helped me to develop my skills further. Working in a class with students from around the world was very exciting! I had to learn French very quickly, I didn't speak the language before I went and half the classes were taught in French. It was very challenging. I chose to study in France as it was recommended by a former student who had been and really enjoyed it. The Erasmus scheme helped to fund my accommodation so I really didn't have any excuses not to go. I'm glad I went and really miss my time there.
We understand you have secured a new job working for Kenwood as junior designer...
I have been extremely lucky getting this role because I didn't apply when it was initially advertised as I wasn't aware of it. A few weeks after exhibiting my graduation project in London's New Designers exhibition this summer, I received an email from the head of the design office at Kenwood inviting me for an interview. He had seen my graduation project based on creating longevity in the redesign of a steam iron and this resonates with Kenwood's design ethos. I'd received several emails and opportunities before I exhibited, including an email from Kevin McCloud (Grand Designs) himself!
What does the role involve?
Broadly, my role involves developing new products in response to marketing and business initiative. I also have the opportunity to develop my own ideas and present them to the company. Kenwood Drawing Office has only five designers, including myself, which means I already have a lot of responsibility.
How do you feel about starting your career with Kenwood?
Starting in a large company like Kenwood has been daunting. I'm still meeting new people and I'm already a month into the job. It's difficult to remember everybody's name and job title within the business. I'm really looking forward to seeing my first product on the shelves – this has been something I've been working towards since the start of university. All of the designers in the studio have got Red Dot Design awards to their names so I've got a lot to live up to.
Do you think your course helped you get this job?
Other than encouraging me to exhibit at the New Designers exhibition, it definitely has. Throughout the journey from first to the end of fourth year, I've learnt so much. The tutors' enthusiasm really rubs off on you and my interest in industrial design has matured into a passion. I've managed to build a strong portfolio through my projects at Sheffield Hallam which has allowed me to demonstrate everything I've learnt.
Do you have any advice for potential students?
Be enthusiastic about your subject. Take a student exchange.
Profiles
Samuel Davies
MDes Product Design, 2010 graduate
Model making workshop
Model making workshop used to make prototypes of students’ designs.
Sheffield Institute of Arts
Sheffield Institute of Arts at Sheffield Hallam University is one of the oldest and most well-established centres of creative learning in Britain. Since 1843, we’ve built an excellent reputation and nurtured generations of students in a culture where anything is possible and with the resources to make it happen. To find out more about the Sheffield Institute of Art and its creative community visit the website.
Sheffield Institute of Arts gallery
The gallery offers and exciting programme of changing exhibitions of the best in art, design and creative practice. Located in the Cantor building, it hosts exhibitions throughout the year.
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
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.
Print making studio
Our print making studio supports a wide range of print activities including etching, drypoint, cyanotype, lithography and screen printing.
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.
The Printmaking Centre
The Printmaking Centre supports the following processes
• silk screen printing
• etching
• relief
• cyanotype (an early photo graphic process)
• bookmaking
• letterpress
The printmaking workshop is divided into process lead areas which are outlined below.
Screen print area
In this area there is everything the student needs to get a good grounding in every aspect of silk screen,
with facilities for printing onto to paper, fabric and MDF.
Resources include
• four screen beds
• large exposure unit
• wash-out and development area
• in house photo positive facilities
Intaglio and relief area
We have all the facilities on hand to give you a broad experience of traditional printmaking techniques. We offer support in dry-point and etching as well as photo etching, relief and linocut.
• large etching press (max plate size- 1060 X 715 mm)*
• medium etching press (max plate size – 770 X 935 mm)*
• medium relief press (max plate size – 565 X 820 mm)*
• small relief press (max plate size – 285 X 410 mm)*
• horizontal etching tank (for copper only/max plate size – 300 X 600 mm)
• small exposing unit for photo-etching
Letterpress area
This area includes a printing press, cases of select fonts and smaller support equipment.
Bookbinding
Facilities for making and binding books are provided within the studio and some specialised equipment is available for students to use within the department.
Digital area
We provide a small digital suite within the printmaking workshop enabling students to make their own positives and negatives for the processes supported in the department such as silk screen, photo-etching and cyanotype. Our print facilities enable us to output a variety of different types of photographic positives in house creating an immediate bridge between digital and traditional processes. This enables you to design and make exciting print works to a high standard within one location. Resources include Two AppleMac computers with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign (CS5.5) A3 scanner, large format A0 inkjet printer, A3 b/w laser printer.
Workshop skills induction
These are specifically designed for all first year students that will require access to the workshop facilities as part of their course. The core essential techniques are covered and include both theory and practice.
Core techniques covered include
• using hand held power tools
• using a bandsaw and scroll saw – wood, foam and plastic
• using a pedestal drill – wood, metal and plastic
• sanding techniques – wood, plastic and foam
• metalworking techniques – cutting, shaping and grinding
• plastics manipulation – use of strip heater and vacuum forming
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.
