Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-18 | - |
Program Overview
Why this course?
Product design is an exciting industry that continually evolves alongside technology, product advancements, the demand for quicker turnaround times, unique and personalised products and environmentally friendly supply chains and production.
Product design is about understanding people and their emotional connections with products, questioning existing ways of doing things and seeing opportunities to change things for the better.
Product design and innovation encompasses a variety of skills including an engineering theoretical understanding with marketing, branding, user experience, entrepreneurship and provides our graduates with all of the skills to successfully benefit both their own ventures or to become innovators within other businesses.
This is integrated with manufacturing processes, CAD, rapid prototyping and digital prototyping technologies, software and practical skills to turn the design into reality which is fundamental to global market success and requires not only customer appeal, aesthetics and brand awareness but also consistent and correct functionality, superior quality and fitness for purposes all at a competitive price.
What you’ll study
Your classes will focus on developing your understanding of business, including customer experience, product interaction and brand loyalty, for example:
As well as looking at production and manufacturing techniques as well as product design and development, for example:
You'll have core knowledge of the design process, ensuring that well-designed products are suited to particular companies and markets and can compete both locally and globally. You’ll also develop a wide range of aesthetic, graphic communication, analytical and practical skills to overcome the problems encountered when turning a good idea into a best-selling product.
The community here is great - the staff and students I have met are very friendly and kind. They will always answer your questions patiently and try their best to help you solve your own problems.
Minghan Li Read about Minghan's experienceIndustrial experience
During the fourth year of your course, you'll undertake an industrial group project. This will help you to develop and apply your skills as a product designer in the real world.
The Industrial Group Project will give you the opportunity to work as part of a team. You'll develop your people, project management and leadership skills. You'll do this by applying your skills and knowledge to address a practical problem for an industrial client, gaining direct industry experience. The Industrial Group Project works in conjunction with major organisations that face challenges with the management of product design projects and have a demand for the skills gained from this course.
Through this module, you'll gain experience to add to your CV, develop skills, manage a project through to completion and practice working in a multidisciplinary group preparing you for collaborative work throughout your future career.
We work with, on average, 50 organisations per year and previous students have worked with companies such as:
The department had the perfect course for me. The outline of the course for Product Design Innovation encompassed loads of subjects that I wanted to learn about.
Keri Cummins Read about Keri's experienceAccreditation
Accreditation has been awarded for this programme from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting, in part the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
This accreditation is achieved through a panel of trained and expert accreditors looking closely at our programme’s content and delivery, including its relevance, coherence, challenge, assessment, staffing, quality assurance and resources.
The accreditors also monitor that the programme is continually improving and in line with the latest best practice, providing assurance to our students that they are getting a relevant and quality degree.
Institution of Engineering & Technology
Accreditation has been awarded for this programme from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Gaining accreditation isn’t just about ensuring the quality of our programmes, it also benefits you as a student. For example, being accredited by IET means that our graduates will benefit from a more straightforward process when applying for professional registration. Also, being part of an IET accredited programme is part of the eligibility criteria for many IET Scholarships and Prizes, including the Diamond Jubilee, Belling and BP Scholarships and IET Grants.
Institution of Engineering Designers
Accreditation has been awarded for this programme from the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Accreditation by IED means students would automatically be offered free IED student membership for the duration of their studies, would receive a bi-monthly journal ‘Engineering Designer’ in which they can submit articles for print and their final year projects would be eligible for entry into the IED Student Prize competition held annually. These prizes are prestigious and are only awarded for outstanding engineering design projects. Student members can also place their CV on the IED website and have access to the Job Board which gives details of current vacancies within the field of Engineering Design. In addition, students will also be able to use IED’s online CPD system.
Program Outline
Course content
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Integrating Studies 1
This module aims to develop a broad range of knowledge and skill concerned with studentship, professionalism and ICT and a technical working knowledge of product development resources, processes and procedures.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of an ‘industrial disaster’ assignment (35%), CADCAM assignment (10%), Buggy assignment (55%).
Total Design 1
This module aims to provide a foundation learning experience for engineering product design, through the experience of an integrated design process that ranges across research, specification, concept design, design evaluation, refinement and presentation.
The module covers a foundation course in engineering product design intended to give an appreciation of modern design as the integrator of engineering, business and other specialisms. The class will give practice in the execution of each of the stages of the design process through participation in a team and individual based project. Topics to be addressed include freehand sketching in 2&3D, presentation graphics, and scale drawing. Scale drawing will address orthographic projection, layout drawing, isometric drawing, manufacturing component and assembly drawings. Much of the work of the class will be conducted through studio workshops, coursework and projects. Students will also be required to participate in model making and oral presentations.
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a team presentation and critique (33%), a team folio (33%) and an individual drawing pack (33%).
Introduction to Production Engineering & Management
This module aims to provide students with an overview of the manufacturing industry and an appreciation of:
- the range of processes and materials employed in production
- operations management theory and practice, emphasising the key role of managers and engineers within organisations
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a report - business and operations strategy (35%) and a video pitch – the sustainable organisation (15%).
Technology Concepts
This module aims to introduce students to the language of technology and stimulate awareness of the basic ideas, laws and electrical and mechanical science that underpins technology.
The module covers:
The topics listed above will be reinforced by simple experiments and examples of application on everyday items.
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of two exams (30% each), coursework (20%) and practical lab activities (20%).
Entrepreneurship, Theory & Practice
This module aims to:
st
centuryA decision to follow an entrepreneurial pathway poses other critical decisions. The module helps you provide answers to the following: When is the best time to start my own business? What do I need to know? What skills do I need? How do I learn these skills? How much experience should I get working for someone else before starting on my own? What kind of experience do I need?
At the end of this module students will be able to understand:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a 1,500-word group report (15%), online tests (30%), an individual essay (20%) and group work (35%).
Elective classes
You can choose one (20 credit) module from any department in the university, as long as it coincides with the availability in your schedule. Example modules include:
Total Design 2
The aim of this module is to provide continuation of the first year design class Total Design 1, concentrating on techniques appropriate to different phases of the design process including user centred research, conceptual, embodiment and detailed design.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework:
Design & Manufacturing Management
This module aims to provide an understanding of the key issues faced by designers, engineers, production, and project managers, in the design and development of new products and services.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of:
Design Prototyping
The aim of this module is to develop a broad range of student knowledge and skill concerned with the practical techniques, methods and technologies for prototyping within the product design process.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of assignments all relating to learning Design Prototyping Skills including:
- students design a child’s toy - this tests modelling skills and knowledge
- students submit a full aesthetic model demonstrating finishing and various types of manufacturing processes
- class logbook (containing material relevant to assignments 1 and 2)
Integrating Studies 2
The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to create appropriate functional prototypes for the purposes of mechanical design and visualisation. To engender an appreciation of different prototyping methods and their application areas.
The module will cover the following areas:
At the end of this modules students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of two major project design and make assignments, 50% for a team based project; 50% for an individual project.
The individual project is graded from a physical prototype (25%) and a CAD design folio (25%). The team based project is graded from a model (15%), a CAD folio (20%) and a team presentation (15%).
Production Techniques 1
The aim of this module is to increase the depth of production technology knowledge. It introduces students to primary processes for metal and polymer production, metal cutting theory, secondary manufacturing processes, engineering metrology, and the manufacture of electronic components and products.
The module covers:
At the end of this modules students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework and an exam.
New Venture Planning
This module is designed to provide a practical introduction to the processes involved in early-stage development of a new growth-orientated business concept. Building on leading practitioner methodologies such as lean startup, design thinking, business model canvas, and MIT’s “Disciplined Entrepreneurship” programme, the class covers best practice strategies for shaping a business idea into a tangible offering.
The module allows the student to be able to:
Students will have an understanding of:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a Group Tradeshow Pitch (25%), a Group Business Plan (40%) and an Individual Growth Strategy (35%).
Design Emotion and Experience
This module aims to develop student knowledge and skill concerned with contemporary form and aesthetic design, working from concept to detail, in reference to specific aspects of everyday human emotion and experience.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of: a critique submission (5%), a second critique submission (10%), an exhibition submission (65%) and a design journal (20%).
Product Development
The selection and use of design methods within the context of modern design practices and the new product development process will be explored, both for supporting the management of the design process and for specific design activities. Emphasis will be placed on recently developed product independent design methods and their application within a company environment.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a group presentation (20%), a group poster presentation (20%) and an online test (60%).
Production Techniques 2
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of modern and non-traditional manufacturing techniques and with the ability to apply this knowledge to the design of tooling and the selection of the appropriate manufacturing techniques for creating components and products. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of manufacturing processes in converting advanced materials into products, and the ability to carry out computer simulations of some of the primary processes.
The module covers:
On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of an exam (60%), a group presentation (20%) and coursework (20%).
Innovation Management
This module aims to provide engineering students with an understanding of the importance of innovation in today’s business environment. The module aims to also develop understanding and skills in the area of innovation management, including the management of the innovation process, intellectual property, financial decision-making and commercialisation of ideas.
The module covers:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework (100%) including a business plan, sales video and presentation.
Multidisciplinary Integrating Project
This module aims to develop design and manufacturing project based skills relevant to each of the four undergraduate degree courses, and to provide practice in the application of engineering, manufacture and design principles.
The module will consist of an individual project and a team project intended to develop and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the students’ particular course of study. These activities will consist of:
On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project model and demonstration.
Individual Integrating Project
This module aims to develop design and manufacturing project based skills relevant to each of the four undergraduate degree courses, and to provide practice in the application of engineering, manufacture and design principles.
The module will consist of an individual project intended to develop and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the students’ particular course of study. These activities will consist of application of relevant engineering principles, utilisation of software tools, project planning, management and reporting.
On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project, there is no exam.
Mechatronics Design & Applications
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods of mechatronic system design and applications including those in manufacturing industry.
The module will teach the following topics in the context of designing mechatronic systems:
On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework submission outlining the design of a mechatronic system (30%) and an exam (70%).
Product Programming
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental programming concepts, knowledge of programming core languages and skills in programming for the development of contemporary products and production equipment.
The module will teach the following topics in the context of designing mechatronic systems:
On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project submission (100%).
Industrial Group Project 1
This module aims for students to integrate and apply design, manufacturing and operations management knowledge and skills to an industry based product and process development project and to develop project management skills.
The module consists of a team-based industrial project where an outline project brief is set by an industrial client. The team is expected to manage all aspects of the project through to a finished solution. This can be a product, system or process depending on the nature of the project. Teams meet with academic staff and industrial clients regularly through the project.
On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of client and risk management reports (10%), a project report (75%) and a presentation to the client (15%).
Advanced Product Design & Manufacture
This class aims to introduce design and manufacturing techniques and systems at an advanced level. It enables you to understand the application of advanced product design engineering and manufacturing techniques/systems in product development (in particular in mechatronic systems). This includes developing manufacturing plans for product realisation. It provides opportunities for you to develop technology focused products/systems within the class supervised environment as well as to generate plans for the manufacture of these products/systems for volume production.Advanced Design Methods
This module builds upon the knowledge of Design Methods acquired in DM306 and will develop knowledge and understanding of the integration, development and application of design methods in the areas of design for manufacture and assembly, sustainability, and design for Xs at embodiment and detail design level.
The module covers:
design for manufacture and assembly:
DFMA within simultaneous engineering, DFMA methods, economic considerations, manufacturing process considerations (design for casting, machining, assembly and automation, joining), design for plastics (including tool design), standardisation and modularisationsustainable design:
review of key concepts, life cycle analysis including practical application, legislation, introduction to advanced sustainable design methods, remanufacture, design for recycling, disposal, and remanufacturedesign for Xs:
frameworks including integrating systems design methods and approaches to support efficient and effective DfX leading to the development of strategies to support DfX.At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a report (50%) and a Reflective report/folio (50%).
Individual Project 1
This module aims to consolidate and develop experience in undertaking a major individual project and develop a good appreciation of professional practice by utilising design, manufacturing and management knowledge acquired during the course and applying it to real life situations.
The module covers all aspects of managing a product development or production management project. The project, managed and conducted by the student under the guidance of a supervisor, is taken from project proposal to working prototype/validated production engineering implementation. Regular lectures and seminars presented to students will cover all aspects of project content and conduct; with workshops to support key project stages and activities. Students would normally meet with their supervisor on a fortnightly basis; weekly at key points of project.
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a Brief & Report/portfolio (75% = 5% brief preparation, 70% report/folio/models) and critique assessments (25%).
Optional classes
You must select 20 credits from an approved list of option classes available from the Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management.
Staff
You'll learn from leading experts in the field of product design engineering and innovation. All our staff have great experience working with innovation management and product development, engineering and improvement projects in a broad range of industries.
Staff include:
International experience
You’ll have the opportunity to choose to gain a truly international experience by studying, integrating and living abroad as part of your (Year 3) studies in Australia, Canada, North America, Singapore or a location in Europe. Many of our undergraduate students also undertake multiple placements and internships as part of their studies. Previous students have achieved internships around the world, for example with Michael Kors in New York, or:
Facilities
The Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management has a range of innovative purpose-built design and manufacture laboratories. Our students have access to a range of workshops and facilities including a digital design and manufacture studio. It brings together:
Additionally, as a student in the department, you'll also have access to a private undergraduate student community area, including collaboration work areas, computer suites and social areas, as well as vending machines, lockers and display boards.
Find out more about our facilities
Careers
Technical knowledge, creative flair, problem-solving and a passion for designing and refining the usability of luxury to everyday items is what’s needed for a career in product design.
Work experience is highly desirable for graduates applying within the product design industry, to best demonstrate their team working abilities, skills and portfolio breadth. Our students truly benefit from the industrial group project which is integrated into their degree, to provide them with this necessary experience to stand out when competing for graduate jobs. Furthermore, many of our students gain placements and internships throughout their studies to advance their professional development ahead of graduation.
Companies return year-on-year to recruit from our department, and specifically, companies such as Chivas Regal, Adidas, Rolls Royce, Dyson and Jaguar Land Rover have our graduates covering a plethora of roles across their teams. Some of our graduates go on to graduate trainee programmes with companies such as Diageo, Accenture, Unilever and Procter & Gamble.
Where are they now?
Other DMEM product design graduates become entrepreneurs and have started up their own companies or work freelance, for example:
Colour Academy Publishing Ltd
who create educational colouring books was founded by Product Design Engineering graduate Matthew CarterRecoil Kneepads
was founded by Product Design Engineering graduateVictoria Hamilton
Fiodh Scotland
, which produces Scottish heritage watches from old whisky barrels was founded by Product Design and Innovation graduate Michael YoumansRecent graduate job titles include:
Recent graduate employers include:
According to Prospects, a senior product designer can earn in the range of £50,000-£80,000.
Overview:
- Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
- Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
- Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
- Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)
Student Life:
- Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
- 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
- Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
- Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union
Academics:
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
- Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
- Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
- Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
- Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
- Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
- Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
- Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center with a range of medical services
- Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
- Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
- Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
- Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation
Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
Highers |
Standard entry requirements*:AAAB (Maths or Physics or Engineering Science) Minimum entry requirements** :ABBB or BBBBB (Maths or Physics or Engineering Science) |
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A Levels |
Year 1 entry: ABB-BBB
Year 2 entry: AAA-ABB(Maths or Physics or Design & Technology) |
International Baccalaureate |
Year 1 entry: 34-32(Maths HL5 or Physics HL5)
Year 2 entry: 36-34(Maths HL6 or Physics HL6) A-Level, Higher or HL Art & Design, Design & Manufacture or Graphic Communication recommended |
HNC/HND |
Year 1 entry: relevant HNC, A in Graded Unit
Year 2 entry: relevant HND, AA in Graded Units |
International students |
View the entry requirements for your country. |
English language requirements |
If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
Additional information |
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*Standard entry requirements
Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.
Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.
In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.
**Minimum entry requirements
Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.