This module is designed for design students who wish to develop their digital skills in their practice. This module will enable students to acquire the skills and competencies to represent designs and ideas graphically using digital tools and software. Participants will develop a firm understanding of digital tools associated with their chosen design pathway. Learners will develop skills through a series of demonstrations, direct experience and focused reflection.

On completion, learners will have gained experience in navigating a range of industry standard digital tools with focused learning in their core pathways.

1. Identify professional practices and production processes for digital design

2. Recognise key theoretical principles, skills and technologies involved in the production of digital design

3. Transform analogue concepts into digital form

4. Prepare digital artwork, using a range of techniques and software, for both digital and print media

5. Apply key design principles, skills and technologiesin the production of digital designs

6. Produce a coherent body of design work using digital tools to a presentation standard

This module provides an overview of the role of design in contemporary society, and design methodologies to address the challenges faced by people and planet. Contemporary theories and principles of design including sustainable, universal and service design will be explored. Global strategies and reports pertaining to complex design problems will be referenced and innovative contemporary designers and their platforms will also be discussed.

1. Define a design problem in comprehensive terms and viewpoints.

2. Research, develop and evaluate alternative ideas and possible solutions to complex design problems

3. Write and present clearly articulated, factually supported, critical reflections on a topic from the lecture series employing academic methods of research and citation

4. Apply knowledge of design theory and principles to the analysis of case studies in both written and verbal presentations.

5. Interpret and critique the effectiveness of various design methodologies in addressing the issues that impactcontemporary society.

A mixture of lecture, laboratory, workshop and studio, this module will work with Materials and Additive Manufacturing Processes available to the Product Designer. It will focus on the basic understanding of Additive Manufacturing Processes and the design opportunities presented by the materials and processes. Projects will involve the design and prototyping of basic 3D products. The studio will introduce a variety of materials & related to additive processes. A practical approach to the basic product design process will include design problem-solving, and application of skills such as drawing and visualising concepts, and prototyping of 3D objects. Project work will require the student to apply elementary design thinking to develop solutions.

Students will be working both individually and in teams.

1. Produce a variety of products using additive manufacturing processes

2. Apply design thinking and design skills to the solution of simple design problems and product design

3. Appreciate the health, safety and environmental considerations associated with the materials and processes
4. Experiment with design opportunities presented by the materials & processes of additive manufacturing.

5. Evaluate a variety of basic screen to the machineprocesses and machine calibration for additive manufacturing materials

This module will begin working with synthetic and natural materials focusing more on automated subtractive manufacturing processes and their design challenges/opportunities. Projects will involve the design and prototyping of product, for production, within time, budget, and user constraints. Studio work will begin with Computer-aided design & Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) processes, with more of an emphasis on the subtractive screen to machine processes for wood, metal, plastics and other synthetic materials. Design thinking and practical skills will also be applied to project work. This module will also focus on the skills required to communicate ideas to multiple audiences, applying learning from design history, with practical skills of visualising concepts and presentation skills. The projects will also expose students to time, budget and user/audience constraints.

1. Evaluate and specify a variety of synthetic and natural materials for use in product design, prototyping and manufacture
2. Apply design thinking and design skills to the solution of more complex design problems and product configurations

3. Appreciate the health, safety and environmental considerations associated with the materials and processes
4. Applya variety of basic screen to machine machining and assembly processes toa variety of synthetic and natural materials

5. Design 3D models and prototypesinvolving multiplematerials

6. Interpret and apply the product development process in terms of commercial and consumer products

The module explores ergonomics and human factors for product design and interior design. Students will explore various interiors sectors and related products (Healthcare, Education, Workplace, Hospitality, Leisure, Retail, Residential), and will research and apply anthropometric data to address design problems. Learners will explore case studies of evidence based design solutions, and apply to their own project work.

1. Access, interpret and apply evidence-based ergonomics and human factors research to design solutions

2. Integrate systems of form, function,colour, material, and finishin design solutions.

3. Communicate design ideas through visual, verbal and written methods

4. Evaluate and propose ergonomic interventions to existing case studies, making recommendations for further design development

This module involves a semester-long professional project (or projects) in a design discipline to be undertaken on campus. The project will provide learners with practical, hands-on experience with projects selected to enhance the learner's skills and problem-solving abilities to address real challenges and produce tangible outcomes. Undertaking professional projects on campus aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application by immersing students in a simulated professional design project setting.

1. Work independently or collaboratively towards the completion of project objectives.
2. Apply theoretical learning to practical problems in a design discipline.
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems.
4. Develop professional practice in project work i.e. communication, quality, deadlines, budgets.

This module involves a semester-long professional practice in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design. Learners combine experience in the day-to-day operations of the organisation with projects selected to enhance the learner's skills and provide benefits to the organisation. In addition to using practical skills in a real-world environment, students will develop valuable soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Undertaking professional practice for industry provides learners with invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

1. Work as a productive member of a team in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design.
2. Apply theoretical learning to practical problems in a design discipline.
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems.
4. Develop professional practice in project work i.e. communication, quality, deadlines, budgets.

Work Based Learners will participate in a seminar series which will develop their theoretical knowledge, writing and presentation skills, while offering them the opportunity to apply this to active learning situations.

There will be an emphasis on preparing for independent research with a focus on methodologies that can be applied towards an Extended Essay for level 7 or onwards to a level 8 dissertation if they choose to progress to the Higher level BA stage.

The Seminar Series will commence with workshops delivered that respond to current trends in design theory, practice and research.

Learners may present topics based on their experiential learning while completing their professional practice and projects module.

Delivery will be fully online to accommodate remote placement of learners throughout the year.

1. Demonstrate ability to source and critically reviewpublished literatureon design theory and case studies,themes and issues in contemporary design.

2. Synthesise a review of literature with their own critical thinkingin awritten essayfully supported with academic referencing and illustrations

3. Deliver a Seminar Presentation of their researchto peers using current online presentation tools.Actively engage peers in discussion and participate and contribute todialogue during peer seminar presentations

4. Bring previous knowledge of design history and theoryto the analysis of the consequences and impact of historic practices oncontemporary design solutions

5. Source innovative international case studies of contemporary design that exemplify current theories and best practice

6. Contributeto group discourse in the online space in which the seminar series is delivered and present both written and presentation content in an e-portfolio along with other modules from level 7.

This module is designed for design students who wish to deepen their digital skills in the context of their practice. The module builds on the competencies learned Digital Tools 1, and prepares students for implementing modern digital skills in the workplace. This module will enable students to develop the skills and competencies to represent designs and ideas graphically using digital tools and software. Participants will develop a deep understanding of digital tools associated with their chosen design discipline. Learners will develop skills through a series of demonstrations, tutorials, direct experience and focused reflection.

On completion learners will have strengthened their competency in using a range of industry standard digital tools with focused learning in their core pathways.

Product Design – This module develops the learner's use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems and their application for the realisation of 2 and 3 dimensional images of design concepts. It employs currently used industry-standard software and stresses the value of computer based visual data to professional designers, particularly in respect to the speed of producing or updating visualisations, drawings, models and to their communication.

1. Recognise the relationships between design technology,production,the individual, society and the environmentwithin contemporary design practices.

2. Select appropriate techniques and software to transpose design ideas into digital form and environments.

3. Express solutions in response to scenarios through problem solving, experimentation and testing ideas within the digital environment.

4. Apply the features of design software to implement geometric concepts and principles.

5. Generate enhanced visualisations ofdesign conceptsusing industry-standardsoftware.

6. Prepare technical drawings and specifications in accordance with relevant standards.

7. Compose multimedia presentations which clearly express design information and embody design intentions.

This module normally involves a year long professional practice and/or project a design company, department or other organisation involved in design. Learners combine experience in the day-to-day operations of the organisation with projects selected to enhance the learners skills and provide benefits to the organisation. Some learners may be based on campus while carrying out their professional practice work. Learners can complete 26 weeks focused on an industry project or professional placement, or can complete a semester long project and a semester long professional practice.

1. Work as productive member of a team in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design.
2. Apply learning, working as a professional in the design sector
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems
4. Develop professional practice in project work – quality, deadlines, budgets etc.

This module engages learners in in-depth understanding of project management processes, methods and activities. Through the practical application of project management theories learners will engage in a team-based project to prepare, organise and carry out a project in response to a given design brief. The learners will negotiate their position within a multidisciplinary design team to design, develop and create a collaborative body of work to meet industry and sustainability standards.

1. Evaluate and apply project management concepts, techniques and standards in design projects,todesign and create/produce/manufacture projectsto a professional standard.

2. Use project management systems to structureaproject,job tasks, estimate costs, schedule and manage execution.

3. Analysethe complexities of team-based management.

This module will encourage students to use their personal career ambitions to position their practice within a professional context. Students will engage with a series of lectures, seminars and workshops related to possible pathways in design practice and industry. The module will address pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and business start-up, including topics such as internship opportunities and competing in design competitions. The module will provide students with multiple opportunities to research and meaningfully engage with external agencies to explore and identify professional context including progression to employment, self-employment, or postgraduate study.

1. Integrate entrepreneurship, business and competitive considerations towards the development their professional practice.

2. Exploreprofessionalenvironmentsand apply strategic thinking to their own career pathway development in the design/creative sector.

3. Produce effective self-promotional materialto developa creativepractice in a professional and ethical manner.

The Dissertation module is designed to provide learners with the support and tuition to pursue independent research and writing leading to specialist knowledge on a selected topic within their design discipline. Learners are encouraged to select a research topic directly related to their current studio practice and utilise the UN Sustainable development goals to inform their research topic further. Learners are required to undertake research on an approved topic using appropriate research methodology. The dissertation will be undertaken throughout the duration of the academic year with key staged deadlines and ongoing formative feedback. A series of seminars will take place in the first semester and there will be a student led seminar presentations on their research to develop their presentation skills and discursive ability. In the second semester, the emphasis will be on individual tutorial supervision towards completion of the written work which should be approximately 8,000 words (not including bibliography, footnotes, appendix, and cover sheet).

1. Determine a topic for investigation engaging with relevant design theories, principles and examples.

2. Demonstrate research skills and systematic methodology in the location and accessing of appropriate information through libraries, electronic databases and other resources.

3. Synthesise analytical and critical skills in the evaluation of examples of objects of craft and design, with integrated supporting references to published texts.

4. Generate a considered argument, logically structuring relevant evidence in support of the case being made applying standard methods of citation and bibliography.

5. Exhibit writing skills that articulate a clear expression of ideas, insights and conclusions.

This module focuses on digital fabrication technologies and the potential design opportunities associated with them. The use of Computer Aided Manufacturing software and digital fabrication technologies are integrated with 3D modelling technology and applied in this module. The application of parametric and logic principles to product models in order to produce variants and customised versions of original designs using digital technology is also developed. The module also applies design for manufacture, value engineering, and other analytical techniques to product design and development. Projects encourage material exploration and apply learning from other modules to develop comprehensive design solutions. Systematic innovation is also applied in project work. Solutions are user/market tested and evaluated.

1. Experiment with and test new materials in product design, prototyping and manufacture
2. Use a number of digital fabrication technologies and processes to implement a full digital product design cycle from \”art to Part\”

3. Apply design thinking, design skills and innovation to create product that is beautiful, functional, and innovative
4. Create 3D model, prototype, full manufacturing information and product data management in designing a product ready for manufacture

5. Demonstrate skill, knowledge, competence and ability as a designer to create and critically evaluate a body of self-directed high quality, innovative objects.

6. Apply design for manufacture, product engineering and analytic tools to consumer and commercial products

In this module, the learner will become proficient at the methods common to users experience (UX) design. The module studies the behaviours and experiences of users interacting with Products, devices or systems, by way of understanding the perceptual, cognitive, ergonomic, and other scientific underpinnings of usability. The student will seek out an innovation opportunity by way of an independent project requiring in-depth research relating to context and audience analyse, ethnographic research, persona development, visualising concepts, prototyping, and user feedback. Emphasis will be placed on design thinking to evaluate and scrutinise the development of new innovative value propositions. The output of the module will be a fully finished Industry-standard innovative prototype that's intent is to improve the user experience in an existing scenario. It will be supported by the full process documentation, describing the opportunity, the design thinking process, user analysis, concept ideation and selection, intermediate prototypes, usability testing, refinement, and final client presentation.The module will also apply the relevant UN sustainability goals to project briefs.

1. Identify an opportunity for innovation with existing products and services.

2. Apply design thinking, design skills and innovation to create products

3. Critically assess UX/user interaction and principlesfrom a range of perspectives

4. Design low fidelity prototypes and evaluate using the appropriate methods of usability testing

5. Produce industry-standard prototype for final presentation