Product Design and Technology BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Through a combination of taught modules, practical workshops, and a final year project, graduates develop critical, analytical, and practical skills, preparing them for careers in product design, digital manufacturing, and related fields.

Program Outline

It emphasizes responsible design and takes a technologically innovative approach, considering ethical interaction between users and clients, promoting inclusivity and sustainability in design solutions.

Objectives:

• Develop a thorough understanding of design practice, including user research and design for manufacture.
• Implement critical, analytical, conceptual, and practical skills.
• Integrate knowledge and skills from different modules into real-world projects.
• Apply digital manufacturing techniques, materials and processes.
• Gain proficiency in prototyping, working with advanced electronics and interfacing technologies.
• Conduct independent research projects.

Outline:

Program structure:

The program consists of a combination of taught modules, practical workshops, independent study, and a final year project.

Course Schedule:

• Years 1 & 2:
• Focus on developing fundamental design skills and knowledge through practical and skills-based modules
• Learn through practical and skills-based modules.
• Final year:
• Completion of an individual year-long project that aligns with product design and technology focus.

Modules:

Year 1:

• Design at SDCA
• Understanding People
• Mechanical Principles for Product Design
• Introduction to Digital Fabrication for Design
• Prototyping for Manufacture
• Augmented Reality Prototyping

Year 2:

• Design Communication
• Applied Mechanics, Materials and Sustainability
• New Product Development
• Studio Product Design
• Electronics, Programming, and Interfacing for Design
• Arts Management (Optional)
• Becoming a Responsible Practitioner (Optional)
• Creative Dissent: Protest, Activism and Art (Optional)
• Creative Placemaking (Optional)
• Design - Creative - Art with Waste (Optional)
• Design for Heritage Futures (Optional)
• Drawing Characters: Representation and Identity (Optional)
• Design for Wellbeing (Optional)
• Story Design for Creative Industries (Optional)
• User Experience Design (Optional)
• Computer Aided Modelling and Manufacture (Optional)
• Design for 3D Printing (Optional)

Final year:

• Live Projects (choice of either)
• Final Year Design Practice (Product)

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary and include design projects, case studies, workshop logbooks, sketchbooks, development folios, mid and hi-fidelity prototypes, presentations, research reports, in-class tests and verbal presentations.

Teaching:

• Teaching is delivered through a variety of face-to-face and online activities, with each year consisting of two six-week teaching blocks followed by a week of independent learning activities.
• The University Language Centre provides language modules in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.

Careers:

• Graduates are equipped to pursue careers such as:
• Consumer product designers
• Product design consultants
• Digital and 3D printing designers
• Design engineers
• Product interface designers
• Chief design officers
• Product technologists
• CAD/CAM experts
• Entrepreneurs
• Product buyers
• Technical salespersons

Other:

• The School of Design and Creative Arts has strong industry links, providing access to flexible work placements in the UK and internationally.

Summary:

The Product Design and Technology BSc course offers a thorough and well-rounded education, preparing graduates for successful careers in various design fields.

UK fees Full-time course per annum £9,250 Placement year Approx. 20% of the full-time fee International fees Full-time course per annum £28,600 Placement year Approx. 20% of the full-time fee University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Additional costs While the cost of your tuition covers lots of things, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance, this course doesn’t cover the cost of any stationary, printing, books or re-assessments which you might need. All costs for direct engagement in taught sessions are included as part of the tuition fees – this includes some materials used in the workshops and safety equipment. Students will need to cover the costs of project work and the creation of design folios. This amount will depend on material and manufacturing process selection, as well as other creative choices the student makes. Students will not gain any marking advantage merely through the costly development of work.