Product Design at SETU – Undergraduate Product Design Degrees in Ireland
South East Technological University Carlow Campus
Product Design at SETU in Carlow is an undergraduate design discipline in Ireland, offering studio-based learning and applied product design education across Level 7 and Level 8 degrees.
Studio-led undergraduate Product Design education at SETU Carlow since 1971.
What Is Product Design?
Product design is the practice of identifying real human needs and developing thoughtful, functional, and responsible solutions through the design of physical products, systems, and experiences. It combines creative thinking, technical understanding, and hands-on making, allowing designers to move from initial insight through to tested and refined outcomes.
In an undergraduate context, product design brings together studio-based learning, design thinking, prototyping, and applied project work. Students learn to explore form, function, materials, and manufacturing processes, while considering users, contexts of use, and wider social and environmental factors.
At SETU, product design education is rooted in applied studio practice. Students develop ideas through sketching, model making, digital tools, and iterative prototyping, working individually and collaboratively across a range of design challenges. This approach supports the development of practical skills, critical thinking, and design confidence, preparing students for diverse roles within product design and related creative industries.
Why Study Product Design at SETU?
Studying Product Design at SETU offers a distinctive undergraduate learning environment grounded in studio-based practice, applied design thinking, and real-world engagement.
Studio-based product design learning, supported by dedicated design studios and prototyping spaces.
Small class sizes that encourage close collaboration, peer learning, and regular feedback from experienced design lecturers.
Access to industry-standard tools and facilities, including digital modelling, rapid prototyping, and 3D printing.
Project-led learning that reflects real-world product design challenges.
A long-standing design tradition, rooted in applied practice and product design education at SETU since 1971.
Claudia’s Story
Claudia now works as a designer for CarveOn Leather, where she operates across multiple areas of the business, including new product development, graphics, printing, machine maintenance, engraving, photography, branding, and client communication.
Product Design Degrees at SETU
We offer undergraduate design pathways tailored to your interests and ambitions
BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation (Level 8)
A four-year honours programme blending creative ideation with practical design skills. Students develop competencies in sketching, modelmaking, digital design tools, and collaborative design practice, culminating in self-directed final projects that demonstrate readiness for professional design roles.
Learn more about the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation (Level 8) degree at SETU
BA (Hons) Design (Level 7)
A three-year honours degree that builds foundational design expertise across products, visuals, and experiences, delivering a broad design skillset and opportunities for industry placement, study abroad, and portfolio development.
Learn more about the BA (Hons) Design (Level 7) degree at SETU
Programme Structure
The Product Design programme at SETU includes the BA (Hons) Design (Level 7) and the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation (Level 8), which follow a shared undergraduate curriculum in Years 1–3. During these years, students build core capabilities through studio-based learning, design thinking, prototyping, and applied product design projects, establishing a strong foundation in contemporary product design education in Ireland.
The Level 8 honours degree includes an additional fourth year, providing greater depth through advanced studio practice, self-directed project work, and professional preparation. This honours year supports students in consolidating their design direction, strengthening their individual design approach, and preparing for careers in product design and design-led innovation.
Undergraduate Product Design Programme Structure (Level 7 & Level 8).
This programme structure supports flexible undergraduate study in Product Design at SETU, combining studio-based learning, international experience, and industry engagement. Across the shared Years 1–3 and the Level 8 honours year, students are supported to identify and strengthen their emerging design interests, such as sectors, methods, or areas of practice, helping to inform portfolio development, graduate roles, and future employment pathways in product design.
Progression, Transfer & Study Opportunities
Because Years 1–3 are common to both the Level 7 and Level 8 pathways, students develop a broad and robust foundation before choosing their next step. In Year 3, Semester 1 (common to both programmes), students may have the opportunity to broaden their learning through a range of applied product design study options, subject to availability and programme requirements.
These options may include participation in the Erasmus+ exchange programme, a period of work experience / industry placement, or engagement in a live studio project delivered in collaboration with external partners. These pathways support international experience, workplace learning, and real-world product design practice.
Students who successfully complete the Level 7 award may have the opportunity to progress to the Level 8 honours year, subject to academic performance, programme requirements, and standard university regulations in place at the time of application.
Careers in Product Design
Graduates of product design programmes pursue careers across diverse sectors where design plays a central role.
The problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills developed through design education also enable careers in innovation management, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary research.
Graduates work as:
- Product & Industrial Designer
- Medical Device Design / R&D
- Human Factors & Usability Designers
- UX/UI Designer & Digital Modeller
- Prototype Development Specialists
- Creative Consultant & Design Strategist
- Marketing, Graphic & Brand Specialist
Hands-On Learning & Facilities
At SETU Carlow, product design students learn in dedicated studios and workshops equipped for prototyping, modelmaking, and digital fabrication.
From traditional workshop tools to industry-standard software and 3D printing, students are supported to bring ideas to life and to explore the intersection of concept, form, and human needs.
Ready to Explore Product Design?
Whether you’re considering a career in creative innovation or looking for a design degree that emphasises making and impact, SETU offers pathways that blend conceptual thinking with hands-on practice. Discover how product design at SETU can unlock your creative potential and prepare you for a future in design.