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BSC PRODUCT DESIGN AND INNOVATION

Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH305

CAO Points : 329

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Degree Overview
>Students of Product Design and Innovation learn to harness their creative, artistic, and problem-solving skills. Students also gain a comprehensive understanding of technology and materials and develop a sensitive awareness of human needs and behaviour through user-centred design. You are taught to combine these abilities to create products that not only meet but also exceed user expectations.
>The program is a practical studio-based course, with an emphasis on project-based learning, workshops, CAD laboratory sessions and group work. The studio subjects include visualisation; freehand drawing and freehand rendering; computer modelling and rendering, model making and prototyping.
>The programme is interdisciplinary as students gain a broad understanding of product design and innovation from both engineering and marketing perspectives, focusing on creating solutions that balance business viability, human desirability, and technical feasibility.
>Students learn from accomplished designers and design entrepreneurs with experience in sports equipment, medical devices, user interfaces, consumer electronics, and homeware.
>Students get first-hand experience with clients through industry-linked projects.
>Includes the opportunity for a six-month, full-time work experience placement in a relevant employment setting or an Erasmus study abroad.

As a specialised 4 year Bachelor of Science BSc degree in Product Design, a range of technology, marketing and design subjects are taken in all years.

  • All students can take a 6-month, full-time, work experience placement in 3rd year or alternatively may opt to participate in the Erasmus/Study Abroad student exchange programme, completing a semester in another EU 3rd level institution (subject to availability)
Course Duration: 4 years

After Graduation
>Product designers are key in driving innovation in the modern world. As technological competence spreads globally, businesses are placing greater focus on achieving market success through design. Graduates are equipped to foster innovation in various areas, especially those related to design and technology, its application, or assessment.
>Potential career paths for graduates include product design, UI/UX design, medical device design, furniture design, service design, technical marketing, customer development and user experience, new product development, design management, technology business management and many other design disciplines.
>Some graduates choose to continue their studies. The Department offers a postgraduate MSc Design Innovation as well as a PhD in Design Innovation.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes O3 H7
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English and O3/H7 Mathematics MH305 Round 1 Points 2024: 329

HEAR & DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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