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Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: ABB-BBB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: HW22
Start date:: September 2026

16th in the UK for Product Design (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

At Sussex, you’ll learn to create products that satisfy the needs and behaviours of people and our changing society – both now and into the future.

During your studies, you’ll:

be taught by design experts with industry experience
combine design, art, environment, science, business and technology skills, reflecting the multifaceted subject of product design
work with industry professionals on live creative briefs that will challenge you and develop your understanding of how design fits in different sectors
have opportunities and guidance on how to develop your products beyond university.

We’ll ground you in critical design thinking and research. This helps you develop informed solutions and produce them through responsible prototyping and manufacturing models. You’ll also design your products to fit within the circular economy – a complex systems-based model of working that is regenerative to the planet and takes sustainability to a new level.

Your degree prepares you for success. In recent years, our students have:

won international awards from design leaders such as Dyson, LEGO and Hasbro
taken their own designs to market through the Sussex Innovation Centre
a wide range of career options – from stepping into design jobs after graduation, to setting up their own design studios.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

BSc or BA?

Course	Overview
Product Design BSc	You learn to apply advanced mathematical and engineering principles along with human-based methods to evaluate, analyse and design material objects, systems and environments.
Product Design BA	You learn to apply foundational mathematical and engineering principles along with human-based methods to evaluate, analyse and design material objects, systems and environments.

Sussex helped me re-think how we consume and use products, and what we waste.”Lucy Hughes
Product Design BSc graduate
Winner of the International Dyson Award 2019
Read Lucy’s story

Video transcript

Student 1: My favourite piece of product design is the Lego brick. It's infinitely creative, there's so much you can do with it.

Student 2: My favourite would be the 3D printers. It's a really new technology that we haven't fully explored yet.

Student 3: Loop earplugs, instead of blocking the noise, it filters it. And I just think they're a really good piece of design.

Student 4: The silicone menstrual cup, they're so convenient and they're really improving the lives of so many people.

Student 5: Regenerative packaging, because they're very environmentally friendly and I think it's a very creative and inspiring use of design.

Student 4: My favourite project right now is the live brief with a group.

Student 5: Disassembling a scooter and then redesigning a better scooter. I think it's a really cool way of getting into product design.

Student 1: We're writing magazines of our own to help us focus on our own design philosophy. I think that in the future, product design can take me anywhere. It's such an important subject in so many fields.

Student 2: Right now, I'm on an industrial placement at the International Workplace Group, looking into new ways we can make their company more progressive and more sustainable.

Student 5: In one of my courses, we worked with whittling spoons. So, we used axes, spoon knives and many other things, it was really interesting and I love the course

Student 1: Design can most certainly, change the world. It is the beginning of all things. It translates what we believe can be done into what can be done.

Student 4: There's so many interesting areas to explore.

Student 2: We can be way more sustainable.

Student 5: There's pretty much infinite possibilities.

[On screen text: Study Product Design]

[END CARD: University of Sussex logo]

How to apply

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A-level

Typical offer	ABB-BBB
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels should include Art or a Design subject normally at grade B. Without A-levels in these areas you will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 4 (grade C) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design subject at A-level you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade 6 (grade B). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Extended Project Qualification	We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21-24 credits at Distinction

Subjects

The Access to HE Diploma will need to contain substantial amounts of Level 3 credits in Art or design.

Applicants without an Access containing Art or Design will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 4 (grade C) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design through your Access you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade 6 (grade B).

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M1 M2 M2

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade A at A-level and, M2 and M2 in two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades AB at A-level and M2 in Pre-U.

Subjects

You must have either Art or a Design subject at A-level grade B or Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject with at least an M2.

Without qualifications in these areas you will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 4 (grade C) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design subject at A-level you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade 6 (grade B).

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects

Higher Levels should include either Visual Arts or Design Technology with at least grade 5. Applicants without one of these at Higher Level will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer	Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-level should be Art or a Design subject. Without A-levels in these areas you will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 4 (grade C) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design subject at A-level you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade 6 (grade B). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer	Grades BB in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels should include Art or a Design subject normally at grade B. Without A-levels in these areas you will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 4 (grade C) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design subject at A-level you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade 6 (grade B). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer	DDD-DDM
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in Art and Design. Applicants without this will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 4 (grade C) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design subject at A-level you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade 6 (grade B). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	AABBB-ABBBB
Subjects	Highers must include Art or a design subject.
GCSEs	You will need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics at grade C.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	ABB-BBB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
Subjects	A-levels should include Art or a Design subject. Applicants without A-levels in these areas will still be considered but will need to demonstrate a strong, recent background in Art and Design through other means.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade C (grade 4) and, if you are not offering Art or a Design subject at A-level you must also have GCSE Art or Design Technology at grade B (grade 6). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	Overall result of at least 75% to 77%.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential and a good level of Mathematics.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 88% to 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 to 5 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 2.0 to 2.2 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Belgium

Typical offer

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB-BBBBB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Typical offer

If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects.

We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution.

The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer

Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of between 4 and 4.2

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of between 18/20 and 18.5/20 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Czech Republic

Typical offer

Maturita with a good overall average.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between MMMM - EMMM

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result between 12/20 and 13/20.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 2.0 to 2.2 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of between 18 and 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 4, 4 to 4, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good averageof at least 55544.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
80% HSC higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Typical offer

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 to H2,H2,H2,H3,H3.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential.

You must also have at least grade O4 in Mathematics.

Israel

Typical offer

For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 78/100 and 81/100.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Typical offer	Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. The grades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course.
Additional requirements	Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer

Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer

Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English).

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 43-46 points overall.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of ABB-BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%).

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile including Art or a design subject.

Additional requirements

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 16/20 and 17/20.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.0 and 8.5 including a score of 8 in Art or design subject.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Typical offer

Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer

A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade of 2.0 from 4 subjects including Art or a design subject or demonstrate a strong, recent background in art and design through other means.

Additional requirements

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Typical offer

National Senior Certificate with very good grades.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result between 7.5 and 8.0.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer

Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects and evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile taking into account everything you are studying, including the high school graduation diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and/or ACT grades We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see three good AP scores.

Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 5,4,4 to 4,4,4 in three subjects.

If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300.

If you've taken the ACT we'd expect to see a composite score of at least 26.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies in Art or design with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language (grade 6 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

Admissions information for applicants

Portfolio review	In some cases we may request a portfolio of your work.
Transfers into Year 2	Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

How to apply

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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Intersemester Week

Global Design Challenge

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Placement (optional)

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Find out more about placements and internships

Recent students have gone on placements at:

Rolls-Royce
IBM
Black+Decker.

You develop your technical, team-working and transferable skills, and apply what you have learnt in your studies to a business environment.

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Autumn and spring teaching

Design Project (BA)

Spring teaching

Thinking Big: The 5 Senses

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply

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Our staff

Dr Giovanni Contreras Garcia

Associate Professor in Product Design

View profile of Giovanni Contreras Garcia

Mr Steven Follen

Assistant Professor

View profile of Steven Follen

Ms Clare Harris

Senior Teaching Fellow in Creativity and Design

View profile of Clare Harris

Prof Ann Light

Professor of Design & Creative Technology

View profile of Ann Light

Mrs Bella Malya

Assistant Professor in Product Design

View profile of Bella Malya

Miss Claire Potter

Associate Professor

View profile of Claire Potter

Apply now

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Fees

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2026/27 – please check back in September 2025. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply

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Careers

During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to work on live industry briefs. You’ll gain valuable experience working with leading experts from a broad range of companies. Recent collaborations include:

IBM
Aardman Animations
Big Potato Games
Stanley Black and Decker
Dyson
Bird and Blend Tea
Paladone
Lush Cosmetics
Brighton Museum.

In recent years, a team of product designers won the Inventors Workshop New Designers Award, creating the brand-new toy concept Bandit at the Toy and Game Fair in London. The students worked together as a team on an industrial live brief, using the skills they gained at Sussex.

You’ll develop creative, problem-solving and project-management skills throughout your course. There are tailored careers events opportunities including drop-in sessions, industry talks and one-to-one support. Your Product Design degree prepares you for jobs in manufacturing, consultancy-based design and the wider creative industries (graphics, marketing, research and digital design).

Product Designers can work in a variety of roles including:

industrial, packaging, toy or furniture designer
design engineer or product developer
design researchers, strategists and consultants
UX (user experience) designer and 3D visualiser
UI (user interface) designer
specialist designers within sectors such as aviation/automotive
designer makers with their own studios.

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Rate My Placement Awards - Celebrating the Best Student Employers and Universities for Work Experience

Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards

How to apply

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Product Design BA (Hons)

Key information

BSc or BA?

Entry requirements

A-level

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

International Baccalaureate

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Scottish Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

International Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

Other international qualifications

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

USA

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education