Product Design at SETU
Level 7 & Level 8 Undergraduate Product Design Degrees in Ireland
South East Technological University Carlow Campus
Study Product Design
At SETU Carlow
Studio-based design education in Carlow since 1971 — where creative thinking, technical skills, and hands-on making come together to prepare designers for the real world.
Studio-based design education at SETU 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.
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 real-world design challenges.
Why Study Product Design at SETU?
A Design Education Built On Real Foundations
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 Learning
Dedicated studios and prototyping spaces support hands-on learning from day one, helping students explore, test, and develop ideas.
Small Class Sizes
Small class groups (30) create a supportive environment, with regular feedback, close lecturer contact, and time to build design confidence.
Industry-Standard Facilities
From 3D printing and digital modelling to workshop tools, students use dedicated facilities to prototype, test, and realise their ideas.
International Experience
In Year 3, students can pursue Erasmus+ exchange, an industry placement, or a live project work an studio with external partners.
Project-Led Curriculum
Real-world design challenges run across all years, building toward a self-directed final year project and professional portfolio work.
54 Years of Design
SETU Carlow has over five decades of applied design education, making it one of Ireland’s longest-running design programmes.
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
Two Pathways, One Shared Foundation
Product Design at SETU Carlow offers two connected undergraduate pathways: the BA Design Level 7 and the BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation Level 8. Both programmes share a common studio-based curriculum in Years 1–3, where students develop core skills in design thinking, prototyping, digital modelling, visual communication, and applied product design.
Students can choose the three-year Level 7 route, with the opportunity to progress to Level 8, or enter directly onto the four-year honours programme, which includes an additional final year focused on advanced studio practice, self-directed project work, and professional portfolio development.
BA (Hons) Design
3 YEARS / CAO CODE: SE201
A three-year programme developing creative, practical, and technical design skills through the same shared studio-based curriculum in Years 1–3. Students build confidence through sketching, modelmaking, digital tools, collaborative practice, and applied product design projects, with the opportunity to progress to the Level 8 honours year.
BA (Hons) Product Design Innovation
4 YEARS / CAO CODE: SE202
A four-year honours programme developing creative, practical, and technical design skills through a shared studio-based curriculum in Years 1–3. Students build confidence through sketching, modelmaking, digital tools, collaborative practice, and applied product design projects. Year 4 is dedicated to a self-directed major design project and professional portfolio development.
A Flexible Path Through Design Education
The Level 7 and Level 8 programmes share a common curriculum across Years 1–3, building core capabilities through studio-based learning, design thinking, prototyping, and applied project work.
The Level 8 honours degree includes a fourth year of advanced studio practice, self-directed projects, and professional preparation — helping students consolidate their design direction before entering industry.
In Year 3, students may broaden their experience through Erasmus+, an industry placement, or a live studio project with external partners, subject to availability and programme requirements.
Design Skills That Open Every Door
Graduates develop creative, technical, and problem-solving skills that support careers across a wide range of design-led sectors. Career pathways include product and industrial design, medical device design and R&D, human factors and usability design, UX/UI design and digital modelling, prototype development, creative consultancy and design strategy, as well as marketing, graphic design, and brand development.
Ready To Study Product Design at SETU?
Whether you’re drawn to making physical products, designing digital experiences, or exploring the full breadth of design, SETU offers a pathway that suits your ambitions.