Product Design MA

Overview

This course will help you to develop the key design skills and creativity required by entrepreneurs and industry professionals, in relation to your own professional ambitions and area of design.

This course is for students with a product, furniture or a directly-related 3D design degree who wish to build on their expertise, specialist knowledge and employability. You will develop an advanced understanding of design practice, learn about research methodologies, explore service design and the ways that emerging digital technologies can enhance your work. The flexibility of the curriculum allows you to create a distinct programme of learning that is focused on your individual interests and ambitions, and equip you with the practical commercial skills for a successful career in the creative industries.

Within the course, you can choose from two specialisms. On the Design Practice specialism, you will explore design innovation and the creation of innovative products that fulfil the users’ wants and needs. Alternatively, our Design and Business specialism focuses on commercial practice, research methods and product design – all valuable skills that you would need to forge a career as a creative entrepreneur.

Your studies will culminate in a self-directed design project, during which you will explore real world product design processes such as external validation, prototyping, testing, technical definition and specification.

In all your designs and processes we will empower you to experiment boldly and encourage you to take risks. We aim to develop independent learners who can take their own personal and critical approach to tackling complex design challenges. Access to our sophisticated facilities, including industry-standard vector-based and three-dimensional modelling packages, will enable you to push design boundaries and realise your creative visions.

Teaching and assessments

Assessment methods include report submissions, individual/group oral and design-based presentations as well as a major design project submission comprising development, technical specification, prototyping and testing elements.

The school close-knit community of postgraduate students and staff creates a supportive learning environment for design students from around the world.

All postgraduate module teaching staff are involved in research and commercial activities that shape the curriculum. Within the product design subject area, the team maintain the currency of their modules and design project teaching through involvement in consultancy, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships as well as noteworthy research activities.

The teaching staff have particular expertise in additive manufacture, new product development and inclusive design.

Graduate careers

Our graduates have found employment in product and display design, and the manufacturing industry, both in the UK and internationally. We also place a strong focus on research and developing your skills as an independent learner, meaning that this course provides an excellent stepping stone to study at PhD level.