Design at Ulster University

Join us for the BDes (Hons) Design Degree Show at showcasing work from the next generation of designers across furniture, jewellery, spatial design, product, ceramics, and critical design.

This exhibition brings together ambitious, material-led, and innovative projects that explore how design can shape objects, spaces, experiences, and ideas. From beautifully resolved artefacts to critical proposals for future ways of living, the show celebrates the creativity, skill, and vision of designers emerging from Belfast School of Art.

5 June, 6-9pm
BB-04, Belfast School of Art

Come along and see the designers of the future!

Congratulations to BDes Design (Product) students Odhran Harkin and Patrick Cowan who presented their Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) Business Pitch Showcase today. Excellent work, well done!

Great to have Head of Product at Cumulus Neuroscience in with us again to talk with our year 2 Product Design students and final year Technology with Design students about their iterative and user-centred design process, an approach which led to two patents and numerous awards including a Red Dot Design Award for Cumulus. Thanks to Ian and Cumulus for the fantastic insights!

Our final year and year 2 Product Design and Technology with Design students were introduced to placement and graduate opportunities at Cooneen Group who have many exciting roles available

Year 1 students recently submitted work for each specialism on the BDes (Hons) Design (Product, Ceramics, Silversmithing and Jewellery) programme having engaged in 3-week projects across semester 1. Here are some of the Product Design submissions. Students were tasked with exploring the history of the creepie (milking) stool and to create their own version of this object using reclaimed material.

This year’s Allstate Distinguished Graduate of the Year trophy was designed and manufactured by our 2025 Silversmithing and Jewellery graduate and current Graduate in Residence, Carl Gingles.

Carl’s work demonstrates a high level of technical skill, material intelligence, and professional maturity, translating conceptual thinking into a resolved ceremonial object.

Congratulations to Carl on this achievement, and to Sam McBride on a well deserved award!

We’re proud to announce that our BDes (Hons) Design Graduates-in-Residence, and .talbot have been commissioned to co-design the customisation and decoration of the Northern Ireland Baton for the King’s Baton Relay, Glasgow 2026. This is a major honour and an outstanding commission for our graduates.

The King’s Baton Relay began on 10 March 2025 at Buckingham Palace, when His Majesty King Charles III placed his message to the Commonwealth inside the first Baton. Over 500 days, the Relay will travel through all 74 nations and territories, arriving at the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow on 23 July 2026.

For the first time, every Commonwealth nation and territory will receive its own Baton, each one customised to represent its unique culture and identity.

The design representing Northern Ireland will incorporate innovative surface design, precious metal and digital technologies to celebrate our rich heritage and vibrant culture.

This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase the imagination, skill, and ambition of our graduates on an international stage.

Huge congratulations to Kirsty, Carl, and Matt – a moment of real pride for and

Keep an eye on our channels for updates as the project develops!

🎉 Congratulations Clodagh and Charlie! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Clodagh McKenna and Charlie O’Hagan, both 2025 graduates of BDes (Hons) Design at the Belfast School of Art, who picked up awards at tonight’s IDI Graduate Awards 2025!

Clodagh was recognised for her outstanding work in Furniture Design, and Charlie for his exceptional achievement in Craft Design.

We’re incredibly proud to see their creativity, skill and dedication celebrated on a national stage. A brilliant achievement, well done both! 👏

Dublin study trip today, visiting National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks and Irish Design Shop (huge thanks to Laura for a tour of their lovely shop and studio!)

Super work from year 1 BDes Design students who visited the BSoA Life Room to study anthropometrics and ergonomics in relation to Product Design, using a range of media to draw the life model interacting with everyday objects