| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-07-27 | 2023-04-01 |
| 2023-10-01 | 2023-07-01 |
| 2024-01-05 | 2023-10-01 |
| 2024-04-01 | 2024-01-01 |
Program Overview
Introduction:
On this course, you’ll learn the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using programmes needed for effective 2D and 3D design: AutoCAD, Solidworks, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
You’ll cover the fundamental principles of creating, editing, and managing 2D and 3D models.
This course is for designers and professionals working in 2D and 3D who have little design software experience; if you’re CAD skills are in need of boost this course will show you how to bring your designs to life and allow you to present ideas to clients in a cohesive and coherent way.
It’s also useful for anyone working with existing technical drawings that someone else has made, so that you can replicate designs or change dimensions without the added costs of sourcing or amending bought-in or pre-existing designs.
You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
With a limited class size of 11 people you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work.
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here’s what our previous attendees said:
‘I was looking at doing this course as considering a possible career change and have taken away more of an interest in design, and I’m beginning to understand the depth of the subject. Sarah was so helpful and patient. I felt I learnt a lot in just ten sessions to progress with my career. I will definitely be coming back for the intermediate course.’ CQ
‘The course was first class. Professional, informative and flexible, to allow individual development. Sarah had great patience.’ SS
‘Really enjoyed the course, thank you. Sarah dealt with the groups mixed level of ability extremely well and tailored the course content to individual requirements. I'd certainly recommend the course to others.’ NB
‘Absolutely outstanding. The best course I have done in years. I've learnt so much. The whole course was enjoyable; I've gone from no CAD experience to gaining a well-rounded understanding of SolidWorks, Adobe and AutoCAD. I most enjoyed SolidWorks 3D modelling. I felt the course covered everything necessary and Sarah allowed us to focus on what suited us best.' JW
‘I learnt more on this course than I had in a year at another university. I didn’t appreciate the importance of learning the software when studying and now my job requires I have these skills, which I feel confident I have gained during the course. Thank you Sarah’ SB
Program Outline
What you’ll study
The course will begin with an introduction to the different types of CAD software, their uses and the basic features and functions.
First, you’ll cover the basics of creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD by practicing making shapes, lines, and curves, as well as learning how to add text, dimensions, and annotations to your technical drawings.
Next, you’ll move on to Solidworks, where you’ll learn create 3D models, making 3D shapes, extruding them, and adding features such as fillets and chamfers.
Finally, you’ll use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to enhance and modify your 2D and 3D models, create renderings and add textures and materials.
The course will also show you how the programmes are highly flexible and work with each other so they can be used in a number of different directions and outputs.
Throughout the course, you will complete a series of hands-on projects and exercises to reinforce your understanding of the software applications and their capabilities.
During this course, you will:
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying during the course
Sessions 1 – 3: AutoCAD
Sessions 4 – 6: SolidWorks
Sessions 7 – 9: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Session 10: Portfolio Creation / Focus on your own projects
This programme is used to create technical drawings – GA (General Assembly) and component drawings. Drawings can be used for CNC router, laser cutter, water jet cutter and other rapid prototyping techniques.
This programme is used for modelling 3D products, rendering 3D products and technical drawings.
Adobe Photoshop will be used for photo editing, sketch rendering and rendering models (for example models in blue foam or card).
Adobe Illustrator will be used to create presentation boards, business cards, leaflets, graphics, logos, and rendering AutoCAD technical drawings.
This final session will be used for you to create your portfolio showing what you’ve learnt on the course, or work on something you have an interest in with the tutor’s help.
You’ll have time to finish the tasks you’ve started throughout the course and run through any of the processes again with your tutor.
Further information on what you'll study
The course will give you the skills and confidence to create professional-standard visuals for your work or your portfolio.
By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in CAD using AutoCAD, Solidworks, and Adobe, and will be able to apply your skills to a wide range of design projects.
How you’re taught
During the sessions you’ll be taught the basics of each programme, with tasks and activities to complete with support from the tutor.
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Further information
96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Tutor profile
Sarah Turner
is an artist and designer with her own business, Sarah Turner Eco Art and Design.She graduated from the Nottingham Trent University with a BA (Hons) in Furniture and Product Design and has also been teaching at NTU since 2009.
She makes artworks, sculptures, and lighting from waste materials using both handmade and rapid prototyping techniques where they are utilising their CAD skills.
Sarah’s work proves that ‘just because a product is made from rubbish it doesn’t mean it needs to look like it does!’.
Her work has been exhibited in Paris, Milan, LA, London and of course Nottingham.
Sarah has completed some stunning and innovative commissions around the theme of sustainability for companies including: Nandos, Heineken, Coca-Cola, SodaStream, the Marine Conservation Society, British Airways and even the BBC, where she made a life-sized Dalek.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the design industry; students who have taken this course have come from a wide variety of industries including product design, art and design and manufacture.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
After the course, you will be able to progress onto the CAD for Improvers course.
Nottingham Trent University
Overview:
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a public university located in Nottingham, England. It is known for its strong focus on employability, student experience, and research. NTU has been recognized as "University of the Year" five times and is ranked first in the UK for employability by Uni Compare.
Services Offered:
NTU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Employability and Careers:
NTU has a strong focus on employability, with a Graduate Promise program and worldwide work placements.Accommodation:
NTU provides a variety of accommodation options for students, including on-campus and off-campus housing.Library:
NTU has a modern and well-equipped library with extensive resources for students.StudentHub:
A platform for students to access information and services, including academic support, wellbeing resources, and student events.NOW:
A platform for students to access online learning resources and support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NTU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
NTU has a strong sports program and is ranked in the top ten universities for sport in the UK.Arts and Culture:
NTU has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a dedicated arts center and numerous events throughout the year.Student Societies:
NTU has a wide range of student societies and clubs, catering to various interests.Campus Events:
NTU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including open days, lectures, and performances.Key Reasons to Study There:
Excellent Employability:
NTU is ranked first in the UK for employability, with a strong focus on preparing students for the workforce.Outstanding Student Experience:
NTU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved.High-Quality Research:
NTU is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Award-Winning University:
NTU has been recognized with numerous awards, including "University of the Year" five times.Academic Programs:
NTU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Business and Management:
NTU is known for its strong business school, offering programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.Art and Design:
NTU has a renowned art and design school, offering programs in areas such as fashion, graphic design, and photography.Science and Technology:
NTU offers programs in areas such as computer science, engineering, and life sciences.Law:
NTU has a strong law school, offering programs in areas such as criminal law, commercial law, and human rights law.Other:
NTU is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the second most sustainable university in the world by the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. NTU also has a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity, with a commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
Entry requirements
Level:
Beginner
Entry requirement:
No software experience is required, although you must have basic computer skills and be familiar with Windows operating systems and file management.You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
