BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation

The BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program at South East Technological University (SETU), Ireland, is an innovative and dynamic program aimed at nurturing creative thinkers and problem solvers in the field of product design. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for careers in various industries, including manufacturing, technology, consumer goods, and design consultancy. Students engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with industry partners, and explore emerging technologies to develop innovative solutions to real-world design challenges.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program at SETU is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of design principles, materials science, manufacturing processes, and design innovation methodologies. Core courses cover topics such as design thinking, 3D modeling, prototyping, user-centered design, and design for sustainability. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as industrial design, digital design, UX/UI design, or sustainable design. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning through studio-based projects, workshops, and industry placements, allowing students to develop a portfolio of design work that demonstrates their creativity and technical proficiency.

Research Focus: Research is a central component of the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program at SETU. Faculty members engage in research projects that explore cutting-edge design technologies, materials, and processes, as well as design trends and consumer behavior. Research topics may include additive manufacturing, biomimicry, smart materials, inclusive design, and design ethics. Students have the opportunity to participate in research activities, collaborate with faculty on research projects, and contribute to advancements in the field of product design innovation.

Industry Engagement: SETU places a strong emphasis on industry engagement to ensure that its programs are aligned with industry needs and trends. The BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program collaborates with industry partners, design firms, and manufacturing companies to provide students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. Industry partners offer internships, work placements, guest lectures, and design challenges, allowing students to gain insights into the design industry, build professional networks, and acquire practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program at SETU incorporates a global perspective by examining design trends, practices, and technologies from an international standpoint. Students learn about global design movements, cultural influences on design, and emerging markets for innovative products. Study abroad opportunities, international design competitions, and collaborations with design institutions from around the world provide students with exposure to diverse design perspectives and global design networks. This global perspective prepares students to work in multicultural environments and address design challenges on a global scale.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements 

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 17 in each section.
• PTE: Overall score of 57 with a minimum of 50 in each section.
• DET: Overall score of 90.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

South East Technological University offers a range of scholarships tailored to support and recognize the academic achievements of international students. These scholarships aim to facilitate access to high-quality education and contribute to the university's diverse and dynamic learning environment. 

International Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to reward outstanding academic performance. They are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and can significantly offset tuition costs.

Research Scholarships: South East Technological University encourages international students to engage in groundbreaking research. Research scholarships may be available to assist students in various research projects, contributing to advancements in their respective fields.

Diversity Scholarships: The university recognizes the value of a diverse and inclusive student body. Diversity scholarships aim to support students from a range of backgrounds and promote multiculturalism within the university community.

Excellence in Sports Scholarships: For international students with exceptional sporting talents, excellence in sports scholarships may be an option. These scholarships recognize and support student-athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic success.

Exchange Program Scholarships: South East Technological University encourages international exchange programs to promote cross-cultural understanding. Scholarships may be available for students participating in exchange programs with partner institutions.

Industry-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are designed for students pursuing specific fields of study, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, arts, or business. These scholarships may be provided in collaboration with industry partners.

Community Engagement Scholarships: The university values community involvement and engagement. Scholarships may be awarded to students who actively contribute to the local community through volunteer work and civic participation.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program at South East Technological University (SETU), Ireland, possess a versatile skill set that opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the field of product design, innovation, and related industries. With a strong foundation in design thinking, technical expertise, and business acumen, graduates are well-equipped to pursue roles in various sectors. 

Product Designer: Product designers are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing new products that meet the needs and preferences of users. They work closely with cross-functional teams to translate design concepts into tangible products, considering factors such as aesthetics, functionality, usability, and manufacturability. Product designers may work for design consultancies, manufacturing companies, or start-ups, creating a wide range of products including consumer goods, electronic devices, furniture, and medical devices.

UX/UI Designer: UX/UI designers focus on creating seamless and intuitive user experiences for digital products, such as websites, mobile apps, and software interfaces. They conduct user research, design wireframes and prototypes, and collaborate with developers to ensure that the final product meets user needs and design requirements. UX/UI designers play a crucial role in enhancing user satisfaction and engagement with digital products, improving usability and accessibility.

Industrial Designer: Industrial designers specialize in designing products for mass production, considering factors such as ergonomics, materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability. They create product concepts, develop 3D models and prototypes, and collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to optimize product design for production. Industrial designers may work in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, furniture, and consumer goods.

Design Engineer: Design engineers integrate engineering principles with design aesthetics to develop innovative and functional products. They use CAD software to create detailed product designs, conduct simulations and analysis to evaluate design performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine product specifications. Design engineers may work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

Product Manager: Product managers oversee the entire lifecycle of a product, from conception to launch and beyond. They define product strategy, prioritize features and enhancements, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure that the product meets market needs and business objectives. Product managers may work for technology companies, software firms, or consumer goods companies, driving product innovation and growth.

Innovation Consultant: Innovation consultants help organizations identify opportunities for innovation, develop new products and services, and foster a culture of innovation within the organization. They conduct market research, facilitate brainstorming sessions, and provide strategic guidance to help companies stay ahead of the competition. Innovation consultants may work for consulting firms, design agencies, or corporate innovation departments.

Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation program may choose to start their own design firms, product development companies, or startups, bringing their innovative ideas to life. As entrepreneurs, they have the opportunity to pursue their passion projects, disrupt industries, and create impact through design-driven innovation.

Design Researcher: Design researchers conduct qualitative and quantitative research to gain insights into user needs, preferences, and behaviors, informing the design process. They use research methods such as interviews, surveys, and observation to uncover user pain points and opportunities for innovation. Design researchers may work for design consultancies, research firms, or in-house design teams, supporting product development and innovation initiatives.

Sustainability Designer: Sustainability designers focus on creating products and solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. They incorporate principles of sustainable design, such as lifecycle assessment, eco-friendly materials, and renewable energy sources, into product development processes. Sustainability designers may work for companies committed to sustainability, government agencies, or environmental organizations, driving positive change through design innovation.

Design Educator: Some graduates may choose to pursue careers in academia as design educators, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of designers. They teach design theory, methodologies, and practical skills, mentor students on design projects, and contribute to research and scholarship in the field of product design and innovation.