Product design is about:

• understanding people and society by questioning and reflecting on design's role in existing and emerging systems
• exploring opportunities for innovative products

Through practical experience, you will develop diverse skill sets building on traditional methods and exploring those at the forefront of the discipline. These experiences will allow you to explore and understand:

• societies
• complex issues
• emerging technologies and materials 

Across a group of courses, you will explore making, critical thinking and designing using a variety of materials and technologies. These are informed by thought-provoking briefs.

We support you to:

• develop your own ways of exploring the world through design
• understand the needs of people and the environment
• question the role of design in diverse contexts

You will engage with a range of contemporary issues and future challenges, including: 

• the circular economy and sustainability
• product semantics
• speculative design
• connected objects, services, and systems

We are committed to providing you with enhanced career prospects and the ability to achieve at the highest level.

You will enter the job market with a fresh approach and the flexibility and adaptability to respond to modern challenges.

The huge range of career opportunities will enable you to apply your:

• knowledge
• experience in the design process
• considerable skillsets
• approach to learning

Design jobs 

Our graduates have a strong track record of gaining employment in the creative industries within six months of completing their studies. 

Our graduates typically join a: 

• design consultancy
• product development team within a company
• technology and design-focused start-ups

Graduates interested in designing and making often establish their own practice or start-up. 

A range of skills 

The wide range of skills you will develop opens up diverse career options. 

For example, our graduates have gone on to work in:

• product design and development
• user interface and user experience design
• interaction design
• service design
• design research
• design management
• model making
• packaging design

Other examples include: 

• marketing
• retail design
• exhibition design
• multimedia installation design
• computer-aided design
• technical roles within the University

Connections with industry 

Through self-directed and industry-led project work you will build skills in: 

• project planning
• project management
• working as part of a team
• personal and collective accountability

We have built strong contacts with the industry through: 

• industry-linked projects
• staff research
• our range of visiting speakers

This will make sure you are aware of the full range of career possibilities and are provided with a strong footing from which to develop your chosen career. 

Where our graduates work 

Our graduates can be found working in a range of companies, including: 

• Puma
• Microsoft
• SusTrans
• National Cash Register
• Phillips
• Andthen
• RBS
• The National Museum of Scotland
• Herman Miller
• Habitat
• Zara Home
• Viaduct
• Isu
• Blue marmalade
• Moo
• Bodo Sperlein
• Optoplast Actman Eyewear
• The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design
• Peebles CAN
• 4S Technologies
• Martha Stewart Living
• Elivo AB
• Tayburn
• HSBC
• Unilever
• 1508 London
• Lakeland

If you'd like to study on an undergraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder, where you'll also be able to

• see the structure of the programme and what you will study each year
• see detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
• get information on what to expect after you apply
• find out about fees
• find out where to go for further advice and guidance.

If you have any questions about the application process, your qualifications or deadlines, our Undergraduate Admissions Office will be happy to help you.

Email the Undergraduate Admissions Office: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

You need to submit a digital portfolio to show your artistic skill and potential. 

The portfolio guidance for 2026 entry will be released in August 2025.