Design at Ulster University

We’re super excited to announce our new programme - BDes Hons Design (Product, Ceramics, Silversmithing & Jewellery) which will launch in September 2025.

We’ve been busy behind the scenes writing the new programme and engaging with industry stakeholders to get valuable feedback on the new curriculum design.

BDes Hons Design is a dynamic studio-based programme offering specialisms in Product Design, Ceramics and Silversmithing & Jewellery.

The programme embraces an experimental philosophy that is driven by materiality, engaging in design processes that prioritise the act of making. It aims to foster the development of sustainable and unique design practices within the fields of Product Design, Ceramics and Silversmithing & Jewellery.

You will investigate new terrain for the design of products, objects, and artefacts by embracing traditional handmade processes alongside advances in technology to create new and innovative approaches.

The Product pathway, which includes Product Design, Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, Service Design, and Critical Design, is grounded in human-centered design and investigates the production of products, objects, and services that address consumer needs as well as emerging and speculative challenges.

The Ceramics and Silversmithing & Jewellery pathways are rooted within a design-through-making methodology, aiding in the development of experimental approaches that are often driven by personal responses to the world around us.

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/design-product-ceramics-silversmithing-jewellery-35900

Great to see the 2024 Product Design show and some of our students getting such fantastic coverage during the 175 anniversary events! https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/theatre-arts/belfast-school-of-art-kicks-off-175th-anniversary-celebrations/a44073615.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1jslik1mRcxxRW6bay_1TDqeAKepBYs1NDXA95Yk2WmMbXlDdfkeS21ZY_aem_AV3-bCIYWJquqxX0Gsqk5Ko_XhA50nuXQQL_6epJlTEPdD8Xp4g0lG4DgVVn3TAXZTmdPOCVtV54gIBhA_R97msV .linton .pd 👏🏻🙏🏻🌟✨

Delighted that our graduating Ceramic Design student Daragh McGee is appearing in The Belfast Telegraph alongside his work and Chancellor Colin Davidson with award-winning artist Oliver Jeffers to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Belfast School of Art Ulster University 👏🏻✨🌟✨

Colin the right man to guide our future artists Rarely has there been a man better equipped to lead a new generation of talent towards the future of the art world in Northern Ireland.

Thank you to our very talented Year 2
Product Design .talbot for this years degree show photography!
So pleased to have been able to photograph some of the Product Design final year work. It was a challenging and fun experience and awesome to see the insane level of design work being created right here in Belfast 🔥

All designers/makers can be found here: .product.ceramics.sj

Definitely check them out!!

PALINDROME by .design ✨👏🏻 Come visit the show until 21st June and see these incredible body adornments in the flesh.

Proud of our Product Design (Ceramics) Graduate in Residence .murray.design_ . You can check out her textile Parian installation on the ground floor of BA block until 21 June!

More snaps of this years .product.ceramics.sj degree show. So proud of all our graduating students, well done on an exceptional show!

Some snaps of this years .product.ceramics.sj degree show. So proud of all our graduating students, well done on an exceptional show!

We were delighted to launch the show last night with a very special industry and VIP Private View. Here’s some snaps from the night! Thank you again to all those that were able to attend. Don’t forget, tonight the public opening of the show starts at 6pm! 🌟✨⭐️

Ulster University Chancellor and world renowned artist, Colin Davidson announced our BSOA 175 programme of events and exhibits as well as the 175 ambassadors, seven well known faces from across the creative arts sector - they are:
Award winning artist, author and activist Oliver Jeffers Oscar and BAFTA nominated illustrator Paul Young One of Ireland’s leading contemporary artists, Alice Maher, Award-winning fashion and embroidery designer,
Niamh McCarthy, Celebrated curator and Creative Director of the MAC Hugh Mulholland, Acclaimed product designer, Stephen McGilloway, Renowned textile artist Irene MacWilliam!

Day 18: Sneak peek at .liot_19 final project! Dont miss out on their final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Our 2024 BA Hons Product Design degree show marks a new genesis in our programme, showcasing the myriad of practice produced using the common language of design.

Product Design at uses design as a verb - the act of problem solving, making, doing, and innovating, through the disciplines of Product, Ceramics, Silversmithing & Jewellery.

From wearable sculpture, furniture, ceramic lighting, wall installation, architectural assemblages, ceramic design, footwear systems, product design, and much more…

Join us on the 7th of June to celebrate our big opening night! Our show runs through daily until 21st June so come along and check out our 2024 graduate designer projects

Follow our journey at to the big reveal! 🥂

Day 16: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 15: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 13: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on his final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 12: Sneak peek at .linton final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 11: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 10: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 9: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

This semester Year 2 Product Design Ceramics student responded to a brief exploring the theme of Comfort. Carl’s collection explored how the function of objects might be subverted and hacked to increase a sense of unease or discomfort for the user, questioning our value and emotional connection to everyday utilitarian objects. photography by our very talented Year 2 student .talbot

Day 8: Sneak peek at .design final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 7: Sneak peek at .pd final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Day 6: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Keep up to date on what’s happening in the Product Design studios on the lead up to the 175th anniversary of Belfast School of Art and the 175th annual Degree Show!

https://www.instagram.com/bsoa.product.ceramics.sj?igsh=MTBwaGl6aTFxNTM2eQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Day 5: Sneak peek at final project! Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers from the product design class of 2024. Dont miss out on her final project at our end of year show June 7th!

Busy day in the workshop today getting movie inspired charm bracelets completed.