Product Design and Technology BSc (Hons)

What you'll study

On our Product Design and Technology BSc (Hons) course 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

Year 1 aims to develop your designing and making skills, modelling skills including 2D sketching and drawing, 3D physical modelling (e.g. in foam and resistant materials), computer modelling and electronics, mechanics and materials technologies.

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.

Electronics for Design Core

Electronics for Design

Some fundamentals of electronics aimed at augmenting the designer’s tool kit are introduced. The aim of this module is for you to explore issues relating to electronic systems relevant to industrial and product design. This module seeks to develop skills that will facilitate the capability to learn independently and apply theory to practical design scenarios.

Materials and Processes for Designers Core

Materials and Processes for Designers

This module will provide you with a knowledge of materials, properties and processing. It will cover metals, polymers, ceramics, composites and wood.

Mechanics for Design Core

Mechanics for Design

In this module you will be able to learn about Newton’s law of motion, centroids, stability, stress and strain, and equilibrium of static force systems and properties of structural sections. You will also learn about the mechanical properties of materials, safety, frameworks and trusses, energy and work, Hooke’s Law and springs. Simple machine theory, variable velocity ratio machines and mechanical devices in machines will also be covered.

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.

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

Year 2 encourages you to learn further knowledge and skills in research, planning, modelling, building and evaluating. Design projects are undertaken alongside an associated lecture course. Optional modules, chosen in Year 2 and Year 3, allow you to tailor your course to particular interests or specialist areas of design.

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

Electronics, Programming & Interfacing for Design Core

Electronics, Programming & Interfacing for Design

In this module you will lean about applied electronics and embedded systems. You will cover electronics CAD systems as they are applied to the design of products and systems. High level programming, interfacing, sensors and displays are also covered.

Further Mechanics for Design Core

Further Mechanics for Design

This module looks at selected topics in the mechanics of solids including combined bending and direct stress, buckling of columns, shear force and bending moments, shear and torsion momentum and impulse and impact. You will also cover selected topics in the mechanics of machines including centrifugal and centripetal force and the dynamics of rotation.

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.

Final year

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 & 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.

Semester 1

Applications of Mechanics and Electronics for Design Core

Applications of Mechanics and Electronics for Design

This looks at the design issues in programmable and embedded electronic control, electrical machines and printed circuit board design. This module uses practical classes so you can understand and develop electronic circuits related to design.

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.

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 Optional

User Experience Design

This module looks into the areas of interactive product design, user experience design, persona and scenario based design techniques, user interface design, usability testing user requirements and investigating the user centred design process.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Optional

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The aims of this module are to present a range of issues on entrepreneurship related to the development of technical and non-technical innovation; to present a range of topics on small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs), as these companies are an important channel for the diffusion of technical and non-technical innovation; and to develop relevant transferable skills.

Sustainability, Recycling & Environmental Issues Optional

Sustainability, Recycling & Environmental Issues

This module will provide you with an appreciation of the resource and sustainability requirements of materials and related industries and to consider the needs of environment protection through environmental control of pollution, materials sustainability, recycling and controlled disposal.

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.

Sustainable Design Optional

Sustainable Design

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

Programme specification

Module specification