Creative Connections - Sat Nov 2
Join us on Saturday November 2, from 11am to 2pm
at our Richmond Campus for Creative Connections.
This free collaborative event will showcase programs
in the Wilson School of Design and KPU’s Faculty of Arts.
Featuring info sessions, hands-on workshops, campus tours, interactive demos and an opportunity to connect with KPU alumni working in creative industries,
plus a chance to win great prizes! Register to attend here!
Fall 2025
Applications for Fall 2025 opened on October 1, 2024.
Have questions? Contact the Future Students' Office at 604-599-3030 or study@kpu.ca.
Product Design
Where others see a problem, you see the opportunity for a novel solution. Our Bachelor of Product Design degree will transform your ideas into functional solutions.
Product designers combine science, design and technology to develop new or improve existing products that focus on innovative and responsive solutions for sustainable human development.
Whether you’re predicting how global warming will shape the sports industry or changing the life of a young person with a disability by creating meaningful solutions that improve lives, you’ll push your creativity and ingenuity further than you thought possible. And since our students often work alongside industry professionals, you’ll graduate with the connections needed to launch your product design career.
Why Study Product Design @ KPU?
We focus our students’ learning on the whole design process, taking concepts and ideas to completion by analyzing and implementing product designs from manufacturing to distribution
Whether identifying underserved, existing opportunities in the local or global market or innovating new products, services or systems to fill people's needs, our product designers are the leaders of tomorrow.
Our graduates are not only job-ready but are also critical thinkers who can problem-solve and create evidence-based solutions — necessary skills for the designers of the future.
The purpose-built building for the KPU Wilson School of Design allows for collaboration and community-building with designers in all of our disciplines.
Our small class sizes ensure that our faculty can mentor each and every student and help them realize their own unique potential.
We actively nurture our connections with community groups, from industry and government to alumni to form a reservoir of support, connections and advice.
The Product Design program has been carefully developed by our Program Advisory Committee, made up of industry experts. This guidance allows us to respond quickly to changes in the marketplace and continually adapt our curriculum to reflect current industry needs and standards, ensuring you're getting the most up-to-date education possible and are positioned for success. We're proud of our strong industry ties and since you'll often work alongside industry professionals, you’ll graduate with the connections needed to launch your product design career.
Who Studies Product Design?
Are you a lifelong tinkerer. Maybe you’re fresh out of high school? Enjoy drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, or crafting? Whatever your background, it's likely you're a risk-taker, problem-solver and tireless collaborator who's willing to push boundaries.
Students of the product design program often have an active interest in recreation, sports, dance, special occupations or an ambition to improve the design of items related to these pursuits. Or want to improve the quality of life for groups under-represented by product design
No matter your reasons for applying, to be successful, you should have solid English language communication, word processing, and math skills. You should also have an awareness of product design with ideas about how to improve current products and processes in Canada and globally. Want to know what Product Design students are working on? Check out some of our students' projects. Also visit our alumni page to see even more projects.
Alisa Yao
Alisa Yao is a product design alumna. And at heart, she’s an inventor. Learn more about Alisa's story or check out some of the incredible work our students have done.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Design, Product Design is a selective entry, full-time undergraduate degree program, preparing you for work as a product designer and entrepreneur. You'll develop a holistic skill set through interdisciplinary education, blending design, business and marketing.
Our program is all about the studio. This is where you'll experiment, discover, problem solve and innovate. It’s where creativity meets critical thinking, where theory meets reality, and where product designers learn by doing.
Our hands-on curriculum focuses on three major themes. Creativity and Innovation. Leadership. And Technology. You’ll begin with design basics and gradually tackle more complex projects. In your third and fourth year, you’ll customize your program by choosing electives in marketing, business, or other fields.
The Product Design program concludes with a graduation project that you’ll debut at a Graduation Design event, which is often attended by industry, media and the business community.
Applicants with experience in the product design field may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Students may obtain transfer credit for course work taken in other programs at KPU, or at other institutions. All applications for transfer credits are assessed on an individual basis. For information about transfer credit applications, please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Visit our Program Model page for more information. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ.
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Tuition and Fees
For information on tuition, please visit our Tuition Estimator. There are also mandatory student fees and other fees that you are subject to.
In the first year students will buy drawing, workshop and sewing tools that will be used over the course of the program. You should also be prepared to spend approximately $300-500 per year for printing, photocopying, and project materials.
You may be eligible for scholarships, student loans or other financial aid. Visit Student Awards and Financial Assistance for more information.
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Laptop Requirements
In addition to the standard tuition and fees, students entering the Product Design program should also factor in the cost of a laptop and recommended software to complete projects and course deliverables. To find out minimum specifications and required software, please visit our Tuition & Fees page.
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Laptop
The Product Design program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that uses laptop computers and specific software. You are advised NOT to purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided to you as a successful applicant.
Admission Requirements
Once you have completed your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your Portfolio and other required documents through an online submission platform.
Your portfolio is your chance to show us your creative skills and interests. Our Admission Requirements section will help you submit the strongest portfolio possible.
Please visit our How to Apply page for more information about applying to KPU.
Career Information
Graduates of our program are qualified to work in a wide range of exciting career paths, including:
- Product designer
- Industrial designer
- Product developer
- Product buyer
- Product production supervisor
- Environmental designer
- Packaging designer
You can also make your mark as an entrepreneur, retailer, manufacturer, or independent consultant.
Upon graduation, you'll have an extensive portfolio of innovative work, including a major research and development project showcasing your skills, knowledge and talent.
British Columbia is the fourth-largest design market in North America and is home to hundreds of design companies. Many of our graduates also pursue national and international opportunities.
Learn more about your career options in the field of product design through the accomplishments of our alumni.