BSC PRODUCT DESIGN AND INNOVATION

With MH305 you can expect a hands-on, studio-based programme combining project work, workshops, CAD lab sessions, and group activities. You'll learn to create products that are functional, feasible, and environmentally responsible – responding to society's real needs.

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
326
CAO/MU Apply code
MH305
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

Join a programme with a track record of international success, including winners and shortlists for The James Dyson Award, IDI Graduate Award for Medical Device Design, CUMULUS Green Award, Creative Conscience Commendation for Product Design, and the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards.

Using Design Thinking and research-led approaches, you will learn to create products that are functional, feasible, and environmentally responsible, responding to real needs in society.

In your third year, you can choose a six-month work placement or Erasmus/study abroad allowing you to expand your portfolio of experience.

This is a hands-on, studio-based programme combining project work, workshops, CAD lab sessions, and group activities. Expect:

  • real clients, professional briefs and industry-linked projects
  • meaningful experience within real-world constraints
  • individual and team projects, building confidence in your ideas while developing collaboration skills
  • experience in visualisation, sketching, 3D modelling, digital rendering and prototyping, using a range of traditional and digital tools
  • creative, analytical, and practical skills development
  • a strong understanding of materials, manufacturing, and human-centred design
  • research-active designers and entrepreneurs leading your learning

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme draws on engineering, business, and social innovation, preparing you to tackle complex design challenges with creativity, technical ability, and commercial awareness.

Course structure

Duration: 4 years

  • 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.
  • In third year, students may choose either to undertake a six-month, full-time work placement in a relevant employment setting, or to participate in the Erasmus/Study Abroad exchange programme by completing a semester at a third-level partner institution within the EU or at a non-EU partner university through Erasmus+ (subject to availability).

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

PD1SM - Product Design

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Product Design modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD166

7.5

2

Y

PD167

7.5

1

Y

PD151

7.5

1

Y

PD164

7.5

2

Y

PD154

7.5

2

Y

PD163

7.5

1

Y

PD165

7.5

1

Y

PD156

7.5

2

Y

Year 2

PD2SM - Product Design

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Product Design modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD221

7.5

1

Y

PD201

5

2

Y

PD222

15

2

Y

MN229

5

2

N

PD218A

5

2

Y

PD264

5

1

Y

PD215

10

1

Y

CS242

5

2

N

PD220

7.5

1

Y

Year 3

PD3SM - Product Design

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Product Design modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD311

5

1

Y

PD301A

5

1

Y

PD312

5

1

Y

PD307

10

1

Y

PD309

5

1

Y

PD399X

30

2

Y

PD366

30

2

N

PD362

30

2

N

PD361

30

2

N

PD363

30

2

N

PD360

30

2

N

PD365

30

2

N

PD364

30

2

N

Year 4

PD4SM - Product Design

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Product Design modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD303

5

1

Y

PD402D

25

2

Y

PD402C

10

1

Y

PD401

15

1

Y

PD404

5

2

Y

After Graduation

Our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to a wide range of fields, including:

  • product design
  • User Experience and User Interaction (UX/ UI) design
  • service design
  • agri-tech
  • medical device development
  • furniture and homeware design
  • digital marketing
  • user research
  • roles focused on design-led innovation

Product designers shape how we interact with products, services, and systems. As design plays a key role in addressing technological and social change, this degree prepares students to think critically, act creatively, and collaborate effectively across the fields of design, engineering, and business.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English and O3/H7 Mathematics plus three other subjects.

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O3

H7

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 3 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicant information

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this 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 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

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

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Design Innovation
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/design-innovation

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