Bachelor of Science in Product Design and Technology Entry requirements
Key information
Entry to Product Design and Technology is accessed by satisfying two criteria (i) CAO points and (ii) a portfolio submission. Portfolio guidelines and Portfolio examples will be made available in late October 2026.
Minimum grades
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Subject requirements
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O3/H7 in Mathematics and grade O4/H7 in any one of the following: Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering, Design & Communication Graphics/Technical Drawing, Technology, Computer Science, Construction Studies, Agricultural Science, Biology.
All Applicants are required to submit a portfolio during their designated submission window. CAO applicants including QQI, Late and Change of Mind applicants should carefully check their submission window to ensure their portfolio can be assessed. Students should read the portfolio guidelines provided on the university website when submitting their portfolio. Portfolio guidelines and Portfolio examples will be made available in late October 2026
Additional considerations
A Special Mathematics Examination (Higher Level) will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.
Mature students
We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.
Application information for mature student applicants
QQI Entry
Certain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme.
For the most up to date information on QQI entry requirements please visit the Central Applications Office (CAO) website
Portfolio entry
All applicants to the BSc Product Design and Technology at UL must submit either a digital portfolio or a mini project and written statement for assessment. These submissions should demonstrate your aptitude for and interest in Product Design.
The most up-to-date Portfolio Guidelines can be accessed here (PDF)
You can view examples of previously submitted portfolios here (PowerPoint)
Mini Project
If you do not have enough work to include in your Portfolio, please complete the Mini Project and include it as part of your submission.
Mini Project 2027 - Design The School/ College ‘backpack of the Future’
Imagine life in 2035, now think about what students will need to bring to school/college for a typical day. Begin by researching students' daily activities, routines, and challenges to better understand their needs.
Keep in mind that things might have changed by 2035. Using your insights, design an innovative solution that helps students transport their belongings in a practical, comfortable, hygienic, and visually appealing way.
Consider the wide range of items students may carry, including books, stationery, laptops, tablets, phones, sports equipment, cosmetics, food and drinks, reusable utensils, and personal items; things might be different by 2035.
Be creative and challenge yourself to think beyond traditional bags and backpacks. Explore different ways of carrying, organising, storing, and accessing these items. Your solution should be creative, user-centred, and appropriate for student life.
Present your idea through freehand sketches (pencil or pen) and a simple physical model made from readily available materials such as paper, card, fabric, tape, rubber bands, or other household and craft materials.
Use your phone camera to document and com pile your work into a PowerPoint or PDF file for submission. This project should be completed without the use of CAD software or AI-generated design tools, allowing you to demonstrate your own creativity, design thinking, and making skills.
Mini Project 2027 - Design The School/ College ‘backpack of the future’ - 2035 (PDF)
Once you have applied through the CAO, the Admissions Office at the University of Limerick will contact you with instructions on how to submit your portfolio or mini project.
For September 2027 entry, portfolios will be assessed and applicants may be awarded up to 200 additional points on top of their CAO points.
