Welcome to Product Design SETU
South East Technological University / Carlow Campus
For over 50 years, Product Design in Carlow has been shaping creative approaches to solving real, human-centred problems.
We are proud of our long-standing role in developing design thinking, making, and innovation, and of being the longest-running Product Design course in Ireland.
What Is Product Design?
Product design is about spotting real problems in everyday life and creating practical solutions. Designers look at how people live, work, and interact with the world, then develop products, services, or systems that better meet people’s needs, limitations, and aspirations. It combines creativity with clear thinking, understanding the problem, exploring ideas, testing solutions, and refining them.
Studying product design builds core skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, adaptability, communication, and teamwork. These skills are valuable well beyond design and support a wide range of career paths.
Design graduates move comfortably into many roles, including product designer, product engineer, medical device designer, UX/UI designer, graphic designer, 3D digital modeller, prototyping engineer, project manager, and researcher. The versatility of design thinking allows graduates to work across industries and disciplines.
A career in product design offers variety, challenge, and creative satisfaction. Designers have the opportunity to shape meaningful experiences, improve everyday products, and make a real impact on people’s lives, while enjoying a career that is engaging, rewarding, and enjoyable.
Studying Design At SETU Carlow
Product Design at SETU Carlow is a hands-on, practical programme where learning happens through making, testing, and refining ideas. You’ll work in a studio-based environment with small class sizes, allowing for regular feedback, close guidance, and strong support from experienced lecturers.
Each year group has its own dedicated studio space, your creative base for developing concepts, working through projects, and building confidence through project-led learning. It’s a space designed for experimentation, collaboration, and the growth of your design skills.
In addition to the studio, you’ll have access to a dedicated workshop for model-making and prototyping, giving you the opportunity to turn ideas into physical forms and test how they perform in the real world.
You’ll also use a dedicated 3D printing lab equipped with state-of-the-art machines, alongside industry-standard 3D modelling software, enabling you to design, build, and print your work from concept to final outcome.
