Product Design Innovation

The course creates opportunities for students to originate new ideas and model or prototype design solutions that will meet perceived manufacturing, marketing and consumer needs.

Modules

The range of modules reflects the nature of innovative design solutions plus the additional knowledge and skills required to put it into practice professionally.

Six of the taught modules are compulsory, and three elective modules are chosen from a selection of six options.

Learning, teaching & assessment

The modules in this programme are delivered with lectures, seminars and lab-based tutorials giving a good balance between scientific methodologies and hands-on practice.

Creativity will underpin much of the interactive work during this course. Developed ideas can be manufactured using a variety of techniques including the use of our range of Rapid - Prototyping equipment.

Modules are assessed mainly through coursework although some modules may also have exams. The major project is assessed by dissertation and supporting design work.

Examples of past major projects range from the development of innovative Rigging for Stunt Kite Boarding, Race Car Suspension using composite technologies with Innovative Designs to the use of Solar Energy to help cool domestic conservatories.

Career opportunities

Career prospects for graduates are excellent On completion of this one year course the student should be able to confidently develop their own product ideas and innovations ‘ready for manufacture and marketing', start their own design business enterprise, or enter new product development organisations and other creative businesses at a higher level of responsibility.

Personal development

This is an interactive course aimed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the changes, developments and potential opportunities that face us all in a Global economy.

You will create and deliver a major project and develop effective research and specification skills.

Semester 1 modules will enable you to develop the knowledge, skills and expertise required for this level of work, as well as the opportunity to initiate the research for the major project idea.

Semester 2 modules will enable you to extend your professional understanding and expertise through module coursework, individual projects and teamwork.

You will also make several individual presentations and get chance to hone your interview techniques.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Essential and/or desirable academic qualifications:

• A minimum of a lower second class Honours Degree in product design, engineering, or a business related subject. Graduates with at least two years relevant design work experience are particularly encouraged to apply. Students without such experience may be admitted based on individual merit.

• A score of 55% or above from (Aston University) Pre-Masters Programme for applicants not meeting the lower second class or English language requirement.

English language requirements for international students.

• IELTS 6.5, TOEFL score of 600 or equivalent

• References are required