ObjectivesIndustrial Design is a practice-based design course which challenges existing paradigms and assumptions by focusing on innovation and the development of cutting-edge, user-centred research. The learning environment encourages individuals to question the way in which they see the world so they can re-evaluate the role and use of design. The course places emphasis on live industrial projects, and links new product development to both strategic and creative vision. The course brings together a broad spectrum of graduates from 3D design, product and engineering backgrounds. A major benefit is the ability to tap into higher level research agendas, and the modular structure enables students to explore diverse themes such as semantics and semiotics, interactive multimedia, manufacturing technology and business strategy.
Entry requirementsEntrance requirements: A good honours degree in an appropriate subject or professional qualifications plus evidence of a general education deemed equivalent
Academic titleMSc/PgDip Industrial Design
Course descriptionIndustrial Design - MSc/PgDip
Duration: 1 year full-time
STRUCTURE | Semester 1 introduces the notion of user-centred design and explores how product development can exploit this, built around both team-based and individual activities. Emphasis is placed on developing abilities to model and represent ideas to a standard where the user can interact and test ideas, to integrate research findings and issues within a practice-based project, and to analyse and test user activity.
Semester 2 focuses on developing the ability to generate innovative product concepts, underpinned by strategic vision, and project management and manufacturing skills. Emphasis is placed on students managing their own learning and encouraging them to experience and explore technology at first hand. Close contact is established with industry, providing experience of professional practice.
Semester 3 is purely self-directed. Students undertake a practice-based design research project which requires them to initiate and manage their own studio and workshop time, supported by regular personal tutorials with the course team. In this final module, students are encouraged to experiment and create prototypes using a wide range of media.
FEATURES | Key features include: the adoption of leading-edge mapping techniques to develop an understanding of both users and stakeholders as a means of identifying new product opportunities; challenging existing paradigms within design; developing the ability to generate, model and prototype innovative ideas; developing the ability to coordinate and manage the design process and use it to drive business strategy. All of this is underpinned by the development of strong entrepreneurial and project management skills.
A network of external links with industry supports the course which has a strong reputation for consistent innovation. Students develop the ability to generate and model innovative ideas, together with the ability to prototype and test these visions. The course encourages graduates to develop their own ideas, and/or start their own ventures.
Master classes are run in both 3D CAD and modelmaking. Access to rapid prototyping facilities comes through links with other parties. A wide range of visiting professionals contributes to the course, and provides specialist input throughout. The course continues to enjoy high employment rates, with graduates pursuing design careers within consultancies, MNEs and education. The School also has an active research area, with 20% of graduates choosing to undertake associateships within Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (formerly Teaching Company Schemes), research posts and PhD level research.
APPLICANT PROFILE | Applicants should have a good honours degree in a design or related discipline and demonstrate: evidence of design methodology and practice-based skills, typically via a portfolio; strong communication skills; an appreciation of the design profession; a research agenda; a passion for design; 3D or multimedia skills.