2017/18 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MDes, BSc Product Design

Total credits: 480

Entry requirements:

GCE A level grades AAA preferably including an Art & Design related A level such as Design, Design Technology or Art & Design. GCSE grade B in Mathematics and Science.

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Mechanical Engineering

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

School of Mechanical Engineering

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Programme specification:

The programme will develop knowledge and transferable skills in the combined areas of applied technology and design. It is anticipated that the degree award will be a MDes, BSc. Graduates will have knowledge, technical literacy, and personal skills such as creativity and team-working, essential to their future working success.

Two themes [artefact and design process] will be drawn together through a project core in which students will conceive, design and prototype physical products. Topics covered will include engineering science and technology, aesthetics, psychology, identification of customer needs and business management. The curriculum will focus on the skills and knowledge needed by design professionals and will be delivered in a learning environment that bridges the academic and professional worlds.

In addition to general Product Design subject material, each student will specialise in at least one topic (architectural and consumer products (including embedded systems), and design technology management) in Levels 3 and 4. These topics align with the research interests of the participating staff.

The Design Studio provides a tailored environment for the acquisition of skills relevant to industry and facilitates creative interactions between students and staff across work groups, academic years and departments. Project work undertaken within the studio will develop key transferable skills such as oral and visual communication, team working and research techniques. In addition, project work will provide a framework for the development of design specific skills and knowledge, such as Concept development, CAD and Rapid Prototyping. A synergistic approach to projects, drawing together streams of activity including: theory, practical study and research ensures a focussed environment for students to achieve learning outcomes.

Such an approach also provides a platform for students to build industry relevant portfolios illustrating the skills, knowledge and competencies they possess and providing them with the ability to competently present such work to peers, academics and professionals.

Interaction with a diverse range of tutors, including cross faculty module leaders, and industry professionals encourages students to reflect upon their approach to design work and supports the development of frameworks enabling them to critically appraise their response to projects. This process is formalised via the development of self directed Personal Development Plans (PDPs) at levels 3 and 4 which support students in the transition to their future careers.

A Visiting Professor in Sustainable Design will provide an industry relevant view of how to develop design solutions that deal with the complexity implied by sustainable design practices. This will take the form of a series of lectures and seminars supported by design studio work - encouraging students to develop frameworks for the development of sustainable solutions and providing them with the basic knowledge required to appreciate the significant issues which should be considered when attempting to develop such solutions.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Year3 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Discovery modules:

Candidates are also required to study a 10 credit discovery module.

Year4 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Last updated: 12/01/2017

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