Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB-BBB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- HW1F
- Start date:
- September 2025
- 15th in the UK for Manufacturing and Production Engineering (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 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 rapidly 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
- get guidance on how to develop your products beyond university
- have the opportunity to apply to for a placement where you can gain experience working in industry.
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.
Accreditation
- Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes). Find out more
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. This can be a fantastic opportunity to gain real-life insight into industry as well as skills valued by employers. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:
- find an employer
- draft an application
- prepare for interviews.
Don’t worry if you’re not successful, you’ll simply transfer to a non-placement version of your course.
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. |
It doesn’t matter who you are, I feel everyone has an entrepreneurial spirit inside them and I’m grateful that Sussex helped to bring that out within me.”Emmanuel Oyemade
Product Design (with an industrial placement year) BSc
Student Coonector (Entrepreneurship)
Read Emmanuel’s story
Product Design student Jake Thompson’s cycling app, Flare, attracts global interest
Entry requirements
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 5 (grade B) 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 5 (grade B) 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 5 (or grade B) 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 (or 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 5 (or grade B) 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 (or 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 5 (or grade B) 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 (or 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 5 (or grade B) 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 (or 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 B. |
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 B (or grade 5) 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 (or 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 | 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.
|
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 75% - 80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE) |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of academic studies in art or design and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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:
You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. 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 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of academic studies in art or design and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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 and mathematics with good results are essential. |
| 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. 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. |
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 subject 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 and will look for around 600 in relevant subject tests. 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
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
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
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
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
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
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.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:
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
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.
- Creative Research Methods for Design
- Drawing for Design
- Materials and Processes for Product Design
- Mathematics for Product Design
- Applied Technology for Product Design
- Computer Aided Visualisation
- Experience Prototyping
- The Narrative of Design in Modern Culture
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Intersemester Week
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 2024/25. 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 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
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.
- Design for Manufacture for Product Design
- Design Techniques in Practice
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Interaction Methods
Autumn teaching
Autumn and spring teaching
Spring teaching
Live briefs
You’ll have the opportunity to work on live briefs. You’ll gain valuable experience working with leading experts from a broad range of companies. Recent collaborations include:
- IBM
- Aardman Animations
- Dyson
- Lush Cosmetics,
- Viva Magazines
- Surfers Against Sewage
- Brighton Museum.
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 2024/25. 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 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
An industrial placement gives you the chance to spend a year working with an organisation, in an area relevant to your course, while being paid. It’s a proven way to fast-track your career.
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.
Find out more about placements and internships
Our careers team offers dedicated support to help you obtain a placement, including:
- finding an employer
- drafting an application
- preparing for interviews
- ongoing help throughout a placement.
Don’t worry if you’re not successful in securing a placement, you’ll simply transfer to a non-placement version of your course.
I spent my sandwich year in a real commercial environment that allowed me to apply the skills I’d learnt on the degree.”Sam Foreman
Product Design (with an industrial placement year) BSc
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t undertake your 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
Spring teaching
Product Design Degree Show
This year culminates in an exhibition at the annual Product Design Degree Show where students meet trade professionals, potential employers and the media.
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 2024/25. 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 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
Find out about Product Design at the University of Sussex
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
Students have free rein to conduct real research within a supportive environment. This allows them to gain experience while still knowing that I’m right behind to guide them.”Professor Marianna Obrist
Professor of Multisensory Experiences
Dr Giovanni Contreras Garcia
Senior Lecturer in Product Design
Fees
- Home students:
- £9,250 per year
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £9,250 per year
- International students:
- £26,250 per year
- Placement:
- Find out about tuition fees for placements
Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.
Placement
This course offers you the opportunity to apply for a placement. Find out about placement fees at Tuition fees. You’ll need to pay for your own travel costs to and from your placement.
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 2025/26.
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
Through the Sussex Plus scheme I got a work-shadowing placement at the BBC.”Sam Foreman
Product Design (with industrial placement year) BSc
A-level - contextual offer
BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DMM