Program Overview

MSc Product Design

The MSc Product Design programme is designed to provide students with a thorough training in design theories and methods, including product aesthetics and human-centred design, as well as the utilisation of advanced design techniques in digital modelling and physical rapid prototyping of design solutions.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Accreditation: Institution of Engineering & Technology/Institution of Engineering Designers
• Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• Industry experience: Guaranteed through the industrial group project, working directly with a client in industry
• Ranking: 4th in the UK (1st in Scotland) for Product Design (Guardian University Guide 2023)

Course Overview

The course aims to provide graduates not only with enhanced skills in creative product design but also a deeper understanding of the cognitive, cultural, and physical needs of users that inform new product design and development. Students will gain enhanced skills in product design, learn about products aesthetics and human-centred design, digital modelling, and rapid prototyping, and develop a deeper understanding of the needs of users.

Course Content

The course consists of compulsory and optional classes. Compulsory classes include:

• Product Modelling & Visualisation (10 credits)
• Design Methods (10 credits)
• Global Design (10 credits)
• Management of Innovation (10 credits)
• Design Form & Aesthetics (10 credits)
• Human Centred Design (10 credits)
• Design Management (10 credits)
• Postgraduate Group Project (40 credits)
• Postgraduate Individual Project (60 credits)

Optional classes include:

• Sustainability (10 credits)
• People, Organisation & Technology (10 credits)
• Strategic Technology Management (10 credits)
• Supply Chain Operations (10 credits)
• Strategic Supply Chain Management (10 credits)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (10 credits)
• Engineering Risk Management (10 credits)
• Total Quality Management (10 credits)
• Fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma (10 credits)
• Sustainability Product Design (10 credits)
• Systems Thinking & Modelling (10 credits)
• Advanced Materials & Production Technology (10 credits)
• Remanufacturing (10 credits)
• Mechatronic Systems Design Techniques (10 credits)

Entry Requirements

• Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant design or innovation discipline.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, please visit the English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Fees & Funding

• The fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
• Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
• Annual revision of fees: Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.

Careers

With continual advancements in the market place, including customers wanting personalised products, faster turnaround times, globalisation, as well as increasing backings of local businesses, product design continues to evolve and stay at the forefront of our physical and online stores. Potential graduate roles include:

• Product Designer
• CAD Technician
• Furniture Designer
• Interior and Spatial designer
• Graphic Designer
• Product Manager
• Materials Engineer
• Product Developer

Example employers include:

• Industrial and domestic product manufacturers
• Car manufacturers
• Point-of-sale designers
• Retailers

According to PayScale, the average Product Designer salary is £31,558, the average salary for a Product Manager (Software) is £51,896, and for any entrepreneurial students, the average salary for a Product Owner is £44,824.