Industrial Design and Technology BA (Hons) DIntS / DPS

What you'll study

On our Industrial Design and Technology degree, all teaching and learning is completed via a number of modules across two semesters. Modules are covered using a combination of lectures, practical classes, workshops, CAD sessions, computer laboratory sessions, working with tools and machinery in tutorials in groups and one-on-one with academic staff, practical demonstrations, studio sessions and independent study.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Final year

Year 1 aims to help you develop designing and making skills, including 2D sketching and drawing, 3D physical modelling (e.g. in foam and resistant materials), computer aided design and an understanding of basic electronics, mechanics and materials technologies as they relate to industrial design.

Semester 1 & 2

Year 1 Design Practice Core

Year 1 Design Practice

This module is taken by all undergraduate students in Year One on all three of the School’s undergraduate courses. The module will give you an understanding of the fundamentals of designing products, the importance of the user and market need, the designer client relationship and the role of the design team. Problem investigation and solving methods are explored along with development of fundamental design skills and presentation methods. You will cover appropriate design modelling/presentation techniques, including: 2D and 3D virtual and physical prototyping, sketching and general assembly drawings. This module will involve classroom and workshop based activities.

Industrial Design Studies 1 Core

Industrial Design Studies 1

This module covers the basic understanding of product semantics and introduces you to branding within the context of industrial design. You will look at form, colour and texture and how to analyse and present visual research information. You will also cover how to generate design concepts from a range of data and semantic concepts.

Prototyping for Design Core

Prototyping for Design

This largely practical module introduces you to prototype planning and three-dimensional manufacturing techniques required to realise your designs. It also allows students to appropriately communicate design intent through the use of engineering drawings and notation.

Technology in Industrial Design Core

Technology in Industrial Design

In this module you gain a basic understanding of technology i.e. electrical, electronic and mechanical systems and materials as they relate to industrial design. You will also learn how to use software to model simple electronic circuits and basic measuring equipment to analyse them.

User Centred Design Practice Core

User Centred Design Practice

This module looks at the core concepts relating to user centred design and its place in design practice. It will cover the philosophical approach that user centred design requires and how it can be applied to the development of products, services and systems. It will cover the difference between user centred design, user involvement, participatory design and co-design and show how these approaches complement each other.

Design Research and Professional Practice 1 Core

Design Research and Professional Practice 1

This module explores design from an academic perspective. This will include reviewing the changing role of the designer and building knowledge, skills and values inherent in design practice.

Year 2 encourages the learning of further knowledge and skills in product styling, user research, computer aided manufacturing, branding, model-making, and manufacturing and materials. Design projects are undertaken alongside an associated lecture course.

Semester 1

Design Research for Practice Core

Design Research for Practice

The aim of this module is to deepen and expand your understanding of, and proficiency in selecting and applying, qualitative data collection, analysis and synthesis techniques for design research; emphasising the relevance of research insights in informing design opportunities.

Semester 1 & 2

BA Design & Manufacturing Technologies Core

BA Design & Manufacturing Technologies

This module will help you gain an understanding of the relationship between design and manufacturing. You will work as part of a team to produce a small product using an injection mould tool that you will design and produce as part of the project. You will also learn about various materials and the processing they can undergo such as the joining of metals, polymers and ceramics.

Design Communication Core

Design Communication

The aim of this module is for you to: extend and enhance the industrial design modelling, communication and presentation techniques introduced in part A modules: Year 1 Design Practice

Industrial Design Studies 2 Core

Industrial Design Studies 2

You will learn to manage a programme of industrial design, involving concept generation, design development and product presentation. This will include a focus on product form and user interface, as well as an introduction to the principles of eco-design.

Year 2 Design Practice Core

Year 2 Design Practice

In this module you will look at advanced industrial design technologies including social trends, PEEST analysis and user and brand research. You will also be working in groups to develop a design project.

In your final year you will use all of the experience and knowledge you have gained in previous years to complete a number of projects that include live industry projects. During this year you will complete your final project, which is usually displayed at the School’s annual Degree Show in June.

Semester 1

Industrial Design Studies 3 Core

Industrial Design Studies 3

In this module you will take what you have learned across years 1 and 2 to enter an international student design competition. Topics will include design research, user research, generation of insights from research data, concept generation and development, communication of research and design outcomes, identification of user needs and problem solving.

Sustainable Design Optional

Sustainable Design

In this module you will gain the knowledge and skills required to develop innovative sustainable design solutions.

Product Design and Failure Optional

Product Design and Failure

The aim of this module is to inform you of examples of the practical application of good and bad design on product safety. Using examples of real world design and failure, the quality, effectiveness and safety of products will be explored in order to better understand the needs of users.

Computer Aided Modelling and Manufacture (CAMM) Optional

Computer Aided Modelling and Manufacture (CAMM)

This practical module builds on the CAD/CAM skills you have developed during Year 1 and 2. During this module you will look into core and advanced modelling techniques, modelling strategy, 3D rendering, 3D CNC machining, virtual prototyping, rapid prototyping and the advanced use of CAD throughout the product design lifecycle.

Computer-aided Ergonomics Optional

Computer-aided Ergonomics

This module uses CAD to help you understand human modelling in particular posture, fit, reach, vision and the use of body scanning technologies. As well as a hands-on approach, this module uses case studies from a variety of fields including automotive, rail, aerospace and consumer products.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Optional

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

This module is delivered by the Business School and focuses on the nature of enterprise, innovation, the protection of intellectual property, business plans and government policy to support innovation.

Universal Design Optional

Universal Design

This module develops your knowledge and understanding of designing for elderly and disabled people within a mainstream population.

User Experience Design Core

User Experience Design

This module will help you to broaden your experience and skills as a designer in user centred design principles and with screen-based product design and communication.

Semester 1 & 2

Design Research Core

Design Research

The aim of this module is an in-depth study related to design on a subject chosen by the student and approved by staff. It involves setting research questions, reviewing literature, selecting and implementing research methods, collating and presenting results, discussion and conclusions.

Final Year Design Practice Core

Final Year Design Practice

This module is an extended project across both semesters and focuses on the selection, application and management of an appropriate design process. The module provides a significant example of your design and innovation capability for your portfolio and Degree Show. This module is the culmination of your design studies and an opportunity to display the breadth and depth of your abilities; integrating all that you have learned from previous modules. You can see examples from this module on the Design School’s website.

Live Projects Core

Live Projects

The aim of this module is to provide two live design projects with briefs set by leading companies that mimic activity in a design consultancy where initial responses to client briefs need to be generated rapidly.

Programme specification

Module specification