Product Design MA/MSc

Program Overview

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This MA/MSc program in Product Design enhances students' expertise in design practice, research methodologies, and emerging technologies. It offers flexibility to focus on individual interests, develops practical commercial skills, and culminates in a self-directed design project, preparing graduates for successful careers in the creative industries.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Develop an advanced understanding of design practice
• Gain knowledge of how emerging digital technologies can enhance design work
• Develop the practical commercial skills required for a successful career in the creative industries

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Key Features:

• Flexibility to focus on individual interests and ambitions
• Gain practical commercial skills for a successful career in the creative industries
• Culminating self-directed design project
• Explore real-world product design processes (external validation, prototyping, testing, technical definition, and specification)
• Emphasis on experimentation, risk-taking, and independent learning
• Access to sophisticated facilities and industry-standard software
• Two pathways: MA or MSc, depending on studies and final Major Project
• Opportunity to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate award

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Outline:

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Block 1: Design Practice and Horizons

• Introduces students to a variety of design practices and research addressing a wide range of topics in Product Design
• Covers sustainability issues and approaches for design projects
• Develop professional design outcomes

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Block 2: Specialist Knowledge and Skills

• Introduces advanced Product Design research and design skills
• Research Component:
• Role of research in design context
• Personal attributes, skills, and values as a contemporary researcher
• Research design, data gathering, analysis, and reporting
• Design Component:
• Current design research, professional practices, and advanced scholarship
• Critical evaluation of specialist knowledge and skills in Product Design

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Block 3: Select one from the following

• Sustainability Strategy and Design:
• Examines historical and contemporary contexts relating to sustainable design and corporate strategy
• Alternative perspectives on traditional production and consumption models
• Impact of ethical and environmental considerations on products, production, and business ideology
• Technology for Design:
• Explores the impact of technological advancements in design and manufacturing
• Develop skills in computer-aided design, computer visualization, virtual prototyping, and direct digital manufacturing
• Research and investigate new technologies and their application in design
• UX and UI:
• Develop skills to design user interfaces that enhance user experience
• Conduct research to devise UX Strategy
• Apply UX design principles, tools, and techniques to existing or new design solutions
• Emphasize inclusive design, data security, and privacy

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Block 4: Research and Innovation

• Conduct primary research for the Major Project
• Develop and propose creative design solutions based on a self-defined brief
• Focus on relevant and applicable research for high-quality design outcomes (practice-oriented project)
• Design and execution of valid and reliable research with scientific rigor (research-oriented project)
• Develop a marketing strategy for the design, including positioning, target market, and a corporate strategy
• Supervised by a designated tutor

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Blocks 5 and 6: Major Project

• Develop and define a detailed product design
• Demonstrate initiative, ingenuity, and decision-making skills
• Two pathways:
• Practice-oriented project with more emphasis on design work
• Research-oriented project with a focus on report/dissertation

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Note:

All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include:

• Design journals
• Presentation banners
• Technical drawings
• Physical artefacts (test rigs, prototypes, aesthetic models)
• Reflective essays
• Research reports
• Oral presentations
• Dissertation
• Major design project submission (development, technical specification, prototyping, and testing elements)

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Teaching:

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The program uses a combination of teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Self-directed learning
• Group learning

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Faculty:

• All teaching staff are involved in research and commercial activities, ensuring the curriculum remains current and relevant.
• Maintain currency of modules and project teaching through consultancy, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and research activities.
• Expertise in additive manufacture, new product development, and inclusive design.

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Careers:

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Graduates have found employment in:

• Product and display design
• Manufacturing industry
• Research positions
• PhD studies

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Opportunities:

• Paid placement year
• Careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities
• DMU Global program offers international experience opportunities

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Graduate Testimonials:

• Emily Hancock, Project Manager for the Impacting Business by Design project, credits the program for developing her skills and enabling her current role.
• Dan Sawford receives a commendation in the international RSA Student Design Awards 2020 for his innovative pedestrian crossing ideas.

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Other:

• The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a competitive job market.
• The program emphasizes sustainability and social responsibility, preparing students to tackle complex environmental challenges.
• The program is supported by a team of experienced and dedicated staff.

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UK/EU: 2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,435 per year. EU/International: 2024/25 tuition fees for EU and international students: £15,800 However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.