phd product design engineering

Industrial and Product Design Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 26 results

Stanford School of Engineering

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Current Master's student: The best part about coming to Stanford are the people and the ability to find a group of friends who are interested in the same things that you may be very interested in . Coming from India, there is a large Indian community here such that I have never felt homesick. The campus does get a bit dead during the holidays but it is to be expected as people who do live in the USA, go back for vacations. Overall the professors are great and are leafing professionals in their respective fields doing some of the most fascinating research in the world. I would highly anyone to come here to experience this type o f workhand play hard culture that is fostered into this place. ... Read 3 reviews

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The best part about coming to Stanford are the people and the ability to find a group of friends who are interested in the same things that you may be very interested in . Coming from India, there... Overall the professors are great and are leafing professionals in their respective fields doing some of the most fascinating research in the world. I would highly anyone to come here to experience... .

Read 3 reviews.

Georgia Tech College of Design

Atlanta, GA •

Georgia Institute of Technology •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Great class choices with faculty always available for advising and help. I had a number of bad professors who did not deliver the material well but they, too, were available to help during office hours and beyond. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Great class choices with faculty always available for advising and help. I had a number of bad professors who did not deliver the material well but they, too, were available to help during office... .

Read 2 reviews.

College of Built Environments

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

School of Design - Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design •

Graduate School •

SAVANNAH, GA

Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing – Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University •

PHILADELPHIA, PA

College for Creative Studies

DETROIT, MI

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2

The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences

Columbus, OH •

The Ohio State University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: Not a bad place, good reputation but the College is cutting funds every year. Cutting funds within sociales sciences and humanities has been a problem that the college face every year. ... Read 1 review

Blue checkmark.

The Ohio State University ,

COLUMBUS, OH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Not a bad place, good reputation but the College is cutting funds every year. Cutting funds within sociales sciences and humanities has been a problem that the college face every year. .

Read 1 reviews.

NC State College of Design - NC State University

Raleigh, NC •

North Carolina State University •

North Carolina State University ,

RALEIGH, NC ,

College of Business - Clemson University

Clemson, SC •

Clemson University •

• • Rating 3.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: The academics are good; however, there does appear to be a small-town/local preference for students (i.e. South Carolina locals, etc). I would like to see the school progress by becoming more selective on admissions using both professional and academic success as benchmarks. There are numerous students in the MBA program in particular which do not have any professional experience - it is hard to participate in a program such as an MBA when you do not have any experience to offer the group. ... Read 5 reviews

Clemson University ,

CLEMSON, SC ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The academics are good; however, there does appear to be a small-town/local preference for students (i.e. South Carolina locals, etc). I would like to see the school progress by becoming more... .

Read 5 reviews.

• Find college scholarships

Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction

Auburn, AL •

Auburn University •

Auburn University ,

AUBURN, AL ,

Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Tempe, AZ •

Arizona State University •

Arizona State University ,

TEMPE, AZ ,

School of Architecture, Design, and Planning - The University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS •

The University of Kansas •

The University of Kansas ,

LAWRENCE, KS ,

Rochester Institute of Technology - College of Art and Design

Rochester, NY •

Rochester Institute of Technology •

Rochester Institute of Technology ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

Houston, TX •

University of Houston •

University of Houston ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Parsons School of Design

New York, NY •

The New School •

• • Rating 4.55 out of 5   20 reviews

Master's Student: Parsons is truly a gem for anyone looking to specialize in a creative field. Whether you're into fashion, fine arts, graphic design, spatial design or any other creative discipline, Parsons has a reputation for fostering innovation and pushing boundaries. Something I really appreciate about Parsons is that the institution emphasizes learning by doing, which is very impactful! Parsons understands that creativity thrives in an environment that celebrates different perspectives and backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning experience and prepares students for the realities of the global creative industry. ... Read 20 reviews

The New School ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

20 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Parsons is truly a gem for anyone looking to specialize in a creative field. Whether you're into fashion, fine arts, graphic design, spatial design or any other creative discipline, Parsons has a... .

Read 20 reviews.

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• Law Schools
• Public Administration Graduate Programs

College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts - University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Illinois Chicago •

University of Illinois Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

Pratt Institute School of Design

Brooklyn, NY •

Pratt Institute •

Pratt Institute ,

BROOKLYN, NY ,

Philadelphia, PA •

Thomas Jefferson University ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Detroit, MI •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Niche User: The art facilities are stunning and inspiring, and there are various and many resources made available to students to be inspired, create, and network with professionals in a chosen field of study. ... Read 2 reviews

DETROIT, MI ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says The art facilities are stunning and inspiring, and there are various and many resources made available to students to be inspired, create, and network with professionals in a chosen field of study. .

College of Engineering - Wichita State University

Wichita, KS •

Wichita State University •

Wichita State University ,

WICHITA, KS ,

Savannah, GA •

Savannah College of Art and Design ,

SAVANNAH, GA ,

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

• • Rating 4.05 out of 5   22 reviews

Master's Student: The staff and faculty of this program are passionate and deeply dedicated to their mission. The sharing of knowledge across disciplines has given a well rounded education. ... Read 22 reviews

22 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The staff and faculty of this program are passionate and deeply dedicated to their mission. The sharing of knowledge across disciplines has given a well rounded education. .

Read 22 reviews.

University of the Arts

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Current Master's student: It seems complex, but there are a lot of helpful hands. I’m just starting and learning there’s a lot of work. Sometimes people are clear and sometimes they’re not. It’s learning to work through distant dynamics of other humans display of action and teaching and communication. ... Read 6 reviews

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says It seems complex, but there are a lot of helpful hands. I’m just starting and learning there’s a lot of work. Sometimes people are clear and sometimes they’re not. It’s learning to work through... .

Read 6 reviews.

College of Design - Iowa State University

Iowa State University •

Iowa State University ,

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Bloomfield Hills, MI •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: Cranbrook has a unique educational model, and it was a perfect fit for me. I already had decent skills and needed a place to explore ideas. The facilities are pretty good for a small school, especially the workshops which have most digital fabrication tools. There was easy access to many different departments. I especially learned a lot from my peers, and the conversations with teachers and guests. ... Read 2 reviews

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Cranbrook has a unique educational model, and it was a perfect fit for me. I already had decent skills and needed a place to explore ideas. The facilities are pretty good for a small school,... .

Golisano Institute for Sustainability - Rochester Institute of Technology

School of animation and motion - savannah college of art and design, school of individualized study - rochester institute of technology.

The New School

NEW YORK, NY

• • Rating 4.46 out of 5   37

BROOKLYN, NY

Pacific Northwest College of Art

PORTLAND, OR

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4

Showing results 1 through 25 of 26

Today’s design work is vast.

It’s broader than products, experiences, and systems. It includes the technologies and data that power the above, and the implications and consequences of all of our work in the world in the short and long term.

This interconnected landscape is today’s design work. We believe that we have the responsibility to design and teach the full problem space.

Stanford MS Design Program

Offers design core courses through the Stanford d.school plus focus area electives selected from across the Stanford campus

Enables future designers to prototype across all mediums, learn from human needs and navigate ambiguous projects

Where are alumni now?

Our diverse alumni populations continue to lead and evolve design at the cross sections of human behavior, technology, manufacturing, aesthetic and more.

Akemi Leung

Class of 2020, andrea cuadra, class of 2017, class of 2021.

Doctor of Design Program (DDes)

Professor Martin Bechthold advises students at Autodesk's BUILD Space in Boston.

The Doctor of Design (DDes) program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design is a leading doctoral degree program for highly creative and motivated professionals who wish to conduct rigorous, intensive design research.

The program is geared towards applied research that advances design related knowledge in a broad range of scales from product design to buildings and landscapes to urban design and regional planning. Common to the diverse range of DDes research investigations is the belief that design research makes essential contributions to understanding, analyzing and ultimately improving the built environment in our increasingly complex world.

DDes research is often multidisciplinary and encompasses a broad range and combination of theoretical, applied and technological topics that represent the cutting edge of applied design investigation. DDes research is intimately linked to ongoing investigations of the GSD’s research labs and programs that integrate many DDes students both intellectually and operationally as investigators in ongoing research projects.

Research topics are proposed during admission and are decided upon entry into the program. Student research should align with current faculty research interests, allowing for affiliations with faculty and, possibly, the research labs. Applicants are expected to clearly articulate their research topics in the application by submitting a concise and well-structured research proposal. Typical research areas include studies in urban design and theory, landscape urbanism, novel design techniques and technologies including material systems, design computation, and building technologies, planning and real estate studies, and theoretical investigations of emerging trends in digital design culture. Thesis topics investigate more specific issues within individual or combined research areas, and do not necessarily correspond to individual academic disciplines. Instead, they are often interdisciplinary in nature, involving faculty and resources from other graduate schools at Harvard and contribute to expanding the intellectual range of design research.

The DDes program is highly regarded internationally, and DDes alumni have become thought leaders in their respective fields. Their work promotes and advances improvements of the built and the natural environment worldwide. They hold prestigious positions in private practice, industry, government and academia.

We invite you to review the program details at left. Please feel free to  contact us for more information.

Ali Malkawi Professor of Architectural Technology Director of the Doctor of Design Studies Program Founding Director of the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home
• Graduate Catalog /
• School of Engineering and Applied Science /

Integrated Product Design, MIPD

The MIPD provides students from engineering, design or business backgrounds with expertise in a human-centered design process that leverages their existing skills and enables them to develop new ones.

Designed to ground students in the disciplines of product design while allowing them to tailor their learning experience to meet their individual goals. M:IPD students take both integrated courses designed specifically for the degree and single discipline courses that provide more in-depth training in business, design arts or engineering.

For more information: https://ipd.me.upenn.edu/ipd-programs/m-ipd-degree/

The curriculum is comprised of 5 core courses, and 5 additional courses.

• Since the program is cross-disciplinary, students who do not have the requisite background in the three areas, engineering, design arts, and business, may be required to enroll in additional foundational courses in these areas.
• The core curriculum is comprised of 5 courses that are required of all students regardless of their undergraduate degree. The 5 additional courses are one in design, one in business one in engineering, and two additional electives in any of the disciplines and chosen from a pre-approved list.

For more information about design, engineering and business courses see the Course Directory .

Plan of Study

For guidance on the policies and procedures that govern the program see the   IPD Guidelines .

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

A PDF of the entire 2023-24 catalog.

A PDF of the 2023-24 Undergraduate catalog.

A PDF of the 2023-24 Graduate catalog.

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Product development, ms.

Product development is in demand across many technology industries and is widely thought to be the engine of innovation. The Sherman Center for Entrepreneurial Engineering Education is uniquely positioned to offer students a combination of product process and technical skills. The mission of the center is to enable interdisciplinary student entrepreneurship in the broadest sense by providing education about tools, concepts, and resources to foster creativity and the ability to develop commercially viable ideas.

Products ranging from smart devices, to the Internet of Things, to software as a service all require people with product development skills. These positions guide product innovation and lead in crafting products for users. A look at any careers page for any technology firm currently hiring shows many positions open for individuals that have a mix of technical and product development knowledge.

The Master of Science in Product Development program contains a core of courses that span the product development cycle and then allows students to customize the rest of their degree to fit their chosen industry or path. The core courses cover topics such as customer acquisition, technical market analysis, product life cycle, intellectual property, prototyping, iterative development, product design, user testing, and manufacturing. 

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Core Requirements

Complete one of the following options: 

Coursework Option

Project option, thesis option, course list, program credit/gpa requirements.

32 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF

2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF

2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF

2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

New prostate cancer screening trial could save thousands of lives

Believing environmental damage is done by others can cause ‘race to the bottom’

Voluntary corporate emissions targets not enough to create real climate action

• Dyson School of Design Engineering
• Faculty of Engineering
• Departments, institutes and centres
• Study With Us
• Postgraduate Research (PhD)

Applying for a PhD in Design Engineering

All applications to the Design Engineering PhD Programme are made online via the Imperial College Application System . Please see below for a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to apply. 

• Check the entry requirements below to ensure you meet the minimum entry criteria for research.
• You need to determine a potential supervisor before submitting an application. Please see  here for our current academic and teaching staff to identify topics of interest and an appropriate supervisor in the department.
• Contact your proposed supervisor to devise and discuss your potential PhD project. You can find their contact email address in their profile on the academic and teaching staff page. 
• Consider how you will fund your PhD - both tuition fees and living costs. You can find information on the College's tuition fees  here , and information on scholarships available  here . Please also consult the 'Funding your PhD page' here for more information. 
• Make your official PhD application via the Application system . Make sure you state your chosen topic and supervisor(s) on the form and details of any department/College funding you may be applying for, as well as attaching all necessary documents. Please note that we do not accept applications that do not detail a proposed supervisor or a research topic. Once submitted, you can monitor the status of your application in the portal. 
• If successful, your proposed supervisor will contact you to arrange an interview. Following the interview, your proposed supervisor will inform you whether they would like to offer you a PhD position and/or nominate you for funding (if appropriate). 

PhD applications can be made all year-round. However, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Specific application deadlines apply if applicants would like to be considered for certain scholarships. Such deadlines are driven by the funding requirements. Please refer to the application deadlines highlighted on the  Imperial College Scholarship page for full details.

For general information about joining us to do PhD research, please refer to the  online postgraduate prospectus.  

Additional Information for the Application Process

Entrance requirements.

Design Engineering requires higher than the minimum Imperial College entry requirements; our PhD applicants are expected to have a First Class (Distinction) Degree or equivalent at Masters level in a relevant engineering, design or scientific discipline. In exceptional cases where extensive research/industry experience can be demonstrated, candidates with a UK-equivalent of 2:1 (Merit) at Masters level can be considered. 

As part of the application process applicants will need to show that they have met the College’s English-language requirements. Details can be found  here .

Candidates with study up to Bachelors degree level will not normally be considered without evidence of significant industrial, research, or field experience. However, they are welcome to apply for our Master's Degrees,  Innovation Design Engineering  and  Global Innovation Design .

If your undergraduate and/or master's qualifications are from overseas institutions, please see  here for information on international grade equivalencies and how they relate to the Imperial College entry requirements. 

International Applicants

If you are applying to the PhD Programme as an overseas student, there are a number of additional requirements you may need to fulfil as part of the application process: 

• Meeting the College's  English language requirements . 
• Securing a  tier 4 student visa to study in the UK. 
• Most nationals who require immigration permission to be in the UK and intend to study an Engineering PhD will require ATAS clearance. Further information on this is available  here . Please note that nationals from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA are NOT required to have ATAS clearance (as of 5th October 2020).  The CAH code used in ATAS applications for Design Engineering is CAH10-01-01.  

Submitting your Application

You should  apply online using the College's application portal. Please keep in mind the following:

• Enter ‘Design Engineering Research’ in the programme title field on the application form
• Start your application as early as possible
• Many studentships have application deadlines well ahead of your planned start date
• Sponsors will be more impressed if you can show you already meet our requirements

As part of the application, you will need to upload the following supporting documents: 

• Degree transcripts 
• 2 references
• Evidence of your English language qualifications (where applicable)
• A short personal statement and/or a research proposal (maximum 1-2 pages)

The main thing to keep in mind is to answer the following questions:  

• What is your motivation to undertake a PhD and why now?  
• Why Imperial and why Design Engineering? Why this particular research team?  
• What is your research question or what is the area you are interested in? What is the need/gap for this research?   

Preparing for Interviews

All applicants must be interviewed before a formal offer of admission can be made. This interview will be conducted by at least 2 members of academic staff; on occasions the Director of Postgraduate Research or the Head of Department may be present. The interview should be carried out in English. 

Normally, interviews are carried out face-to-face. If it is not feasible for the candidate to meet with the potential supervisor – for instance if they are an overseas applicant – candidates may be interviewed by phone or via Teams/Zoom. Due to Covid-19, all interviews are currently being held remotely.   

You are requested to prepare an appox 20-minute (maximum) PowerPoint presentation that should include the following items. 

• Highlights of your CV:  Academic performance, skills, achievements, etc.
• Description of your undergraduate project.
• Description of your MSc project or equivalent.
• Description of any advanced project  (for candidates with industrial experience).
• Highlight skills of particular relevance to your PhD topic.

Funding your PhD

The College has a number of scholarships available for you to apply for. We would recommend you look at the  available scholarships to help you find all available sources of funding. 

The application form will request information on how you plan to fund your PhD, and this will be considered in appraising the strength of your application. Applications to the College's  President's Scholarship Scheme  are made in the PhD application form.  

It is important to consider the deadline dates of scholarship schemes when applying for to the PhD programme. Scholarship applications can take some time, and it is therefore best to apply in good time in order to secure funding. 

EPD PhD Programme

The EPD PhD programme provides a  comprehensive and intensive  approach in the study of products and their design, whose development cuts  across traditional disciplinary boundaries . Through a combination of cutting edge research and a sound understanding of design principles, students will engage in the development of engineering  products to meet society’s needs  and also in the  exploration of new scientific breakthroughs  as the emerging technology for future applications. The objectives of our programme are:

Development of engineering products that is important for society needs, such as electronic, electromechanical, magnetic, photonic, robotic, automated systems, aerospace and automotive, microelectronics, optoelectronics, information technology, digital media, biomedical devices and systems, and many areas indicated in the research areas ( see table below) .

Exploration of new scientific breakthrough that is potential to become the emerging technology for future applications.

Thus our programme is suitable for students with different backgrounds, such as physics, chemistry, electrical / electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and any other relevant fields. We believe that students will be attracted to the interdisciplinary nature of the EPD PhD programme supported by our faculty members with different research backgrounds.

We encourage you to contact [email protected] for inquiries about the programme.

Overview of the PhD Programme

Overall requirements.

In addition to the normal requirement of submitting a research thesis and passing an oral defence, a student working towards a PhD degree in EPD is required to:

• Fulfill 5 regular graduate levels courses,
• Complete 1 term of research project courses,
• Participate in a 2 terms of research seminar courses,
• Complete professional development module (optional),
• Overseas attachment & industry internship (for up to 6 months each – optional).

Course Work

Courses are primarily for graduate students with an interest in the diverse nature of science, engineering and technology. Thus, there are 3 components in EPD course work: Graduate level course, Special Research project and Research seminar.

Graduate Level Course A student working towards a PhD degree is required to take 5 graduate level courses in specific areas selected in consultation with the assigned advisor or mentor. 3 of the 5 courses must be selected from a list of EPD graduate courses. The minimum requirement is 5 graduate courses.

Research Seminar Each student is also required to participate in 2 terms of EPD research seminar courses throughout their career. Participation would be by attendance and by actually delivering a seminar. A minimum attendance of 75% of all scheduled seminars is required. A student may decide to attend research seminars in other pillars in lieu of an EPD seminar. Attendance at talks by external or internal speakers will be counted towards fulfilling the seminar requirement.

Download PhD Programme Brochure

• Programme Info
• Proposed PhD Projects
• EPD PhD Programme Requirements
• Master of Innovation by Design
• Master of Engineering (Research)
• NanoElectronics Engineering by Design (NEED) Dual Masters Program

Penn State    |    College of Engineering

Search this site Search Penn State Search PSU People Search PSU Depts. Web

• Undergraduate
• Prospective Students
• Certificates
• Global Experiences
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• First-Year Engagement
• Research Areas
• Labs and Facilities
• Professional Degrees
• Research-Based Degrees
• Home in Happy Valley
• Programs and Initiatives
• Doctor of Engineering
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Entrepreneurship
• Engineering Leadership Development
• Engineering Technology and Commonwealth Engineering
• First-Year Engagement 
• Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship
• Law, Policy, and Engineering
• Undergraduate Application
• Graduate Application
• Undergraduate Advising
• Career Resources
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Penn State Maker Commons
• The Learning Factory
• Student Organizations
• SEDI University Park Faculty
• SEDI Commonwealth Campus Faculty
• Emeritus Faculty
• Adjunct Faculty
• Complete Staff
• School Head Office
• School Head Office Contacts
• Faculty-Staff SharePoint
• College-level Communications Resources
• The Bernard M. Gordon Factory
• Office of the Senior VP for Research at Penn State
• Penn State Corporate Engagement Center
• Employer Relations
• Diversity Programs
• Giving Opportunities
• Sponsorships
• Integrated Design Solutions
• Continuing Education
• IP Policies
• Volunteering
• Penn State Engineering Alumni Society
• Penn State Alumni Association
• Recognitions
• Early Career Award
• Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award
• Penn State Engineering Alumni Society Awards
• Penn State Alumni Association Awards
• Update your Information

The DESIGN Graduate Experience

The Engineering Design (DESIGN) graduate program prepares the innovators of the future. We integrate the disciplines of engineering with design theory, business, psychology, and art through project-based learning. Through the graduate program, students develop the technical depth and breadth to solve problems related to products, systems, processes, and services. 

Become a Master Designer

We are real-life problem solvers, focusing our curriculum on collaborative, client-driven project-based learning. We are creative thinkers and innovators, designing solutions to society's most complex dilemmas. 

We help you master DESIGN. 

Master of engineering in engineering design.

• Intensive one-year, 32-credit program
• Completion of an engineering internship or a scholarly paper
• Ideal for working engineers who wish to dive deeper into design

Master of Science in Engineering Design

• Comprehensive two-year, 32-credit program
• Completion of a thesis
• Ideal for engineers wishing to pursue a traditional two-year, research-based master's degree

Both degrees provide ample opportunities for students to sharpen their holistic design skills while gaining substantial practical experience in a studio environment. Both offer a chance to explore engineering challenges through multidimensional context-specific lenses, from beginning to end—helping students become master designers. 

• Funding Information
• AMP Scholars
• Nicholas Meisel Associate Director of Engineering Design Graduate Programs and Associate Professor of Engineering Design 323 Engineering Design and Innovation Building [email protected] 814-865-3163

The School of Engineering Design and Innovation delivers effective engineering education and unrivaled research opportunities through active, collaborative, project-based, and professionally oriented classroom experiences. The school offers a variety of programs that partner faculty, students, and industry in the study of real-life engineering problems. Our programs teach students to solve real-life problems with innovative solutions. 

• Privacy and Legal Statements
• Accessibility
• University Hotlines
• Email Webmaster

School of Engineering Design and Innovation

304 Engineering Design and Innovation Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-2952

• ©2024 The Pennsylvania State University
• Contact Webmaster

Ph.D. in Human Factors of Systems and Product Design

Human factors engineering plays a central role in the design and operation of many systems which involve humans as consumers, operators, controllers, passengers, and/or monitors. Inadequate or even suboptimal design can lead to market failure, product recall, system ineffectiveness and errors, rapid obsolescence, safety issues and hazards, and lack of viability as a consumer product or other human interface. To perform design, development, and evaluation of these systems, the ergonomist must gain proficiency in human visual and auditory processing and display design, cognitive ergonomics, usability testing, empirical methods, ethics and legal issues, and intellectual property development and protection. In this concentration, a two-pronged coursework path is designed to instill skill and knowledge in both: a) empirical research supported by human subject experimentation, and b) analytical, modeling, and physical measurement methodologies.

Coursework Requirements

Core ise courses (required), concentration courses (required), preapproved electives.

CS = Computer Science; PSYC = Psychology; STAT = Statistics

Supporting Faculty Members

Designed to design what’s next.

An interdisciplinary, collaborative approach that builds technical, strategic and leadership skills..

Human-centered design is at the heart of the program, which brings together design, engineering and business perspectives to create new products and experiences. IPD graduates are entrepreneurs, designers, product engineers, product managers, user experience designers and innovation leaders. They are changing the world, one product, one service, one business at a time.

Our product design programs combine the vitality of a start up with the rigor of an Ivy League education; drawing on three renowned schools within the University.

Integrated Product Design offers two degrees, the Master of Integrated Product Design (M:IPD) & the Master of Science in Engineering in Integrated Product Design (MSE:IPD) . A Certificate in Integrated Product Design is offered for students who are pursuing other graduate degrees at Penn.

Discover your ideal program.

Who it's for, number of courses, disciplinary focus, qualifications.

Within each offering there is the opportunity to create an elective curriculum that gives students the opportunity to specialize in one of many fields such as User Experience Strategy, Robotics and Intelligent Products, Healthcare Innovation and Social Impact. View our Sample Tracks for ideas.

IPD students work on a variety of projects throughout their time at Penn. Some are executed over the course of days or weeks; others span two semesters. Some are solo endeavors; others are team exercises. While pursuing their degrees, students work on both design problems that follow their passions and on real world problems provided by our partners in academia, industry, or the non-profit world.

Curious what current students are creating?

• Studio Life
• Resources @ Penn
• Academic Programs
• M:IPD Degree
• MSE:IPD Degree
• IPD Certificate
• News & Events

Design (PHDESIG)

• Master's programmes in English
• For exchange students
• PhD opportunities
• All programmes of study
• Language requirements
• Application process
• Academic calendar
• NTNU research
• Research excellence
• Strategic research areas
• Innovation resources
• Student in Trondheim
• Student in Gjøvik
• Student in Ålesund
• For researchers
• Life and housing
• Faculties and departments
• International researcher support

Språkvelger

Phd - industrial design engineering.

PhD programme (doctoral degree)

Studier PHD-faktaboks

• PhD Full time, 3 years
• Campus Trondheim and Gjøvik
• Admission Application and admission
• Application deadlines Ongoing admissions

The PhD program in design is research training for those who have a master's degree.

More and more industries need the specialization that the PhD education provides: a good basis for leading work in business, administration, education and research.

About the programme

The PhD program is standardized to 180 ECTS credits, 3 years of full-time study.

It is academically linked to the Department of Design, where the main areas are product design, interaction design, graphic and information design, sustainable design, design theory and health-related design.

Read more about the programme

Programme structure

The programme consists of a coursework part of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits and a doctoral thesis. The thesis may consist of a monograph or a collection of several smaller works.

The coursework and the work on the thesis are carried out in parallel. It is recommended, however, that the coursework be completed early in the course of study. All the coursework must have been completed and approved before you submit the thesis.

The coursework can be taken at other faculties at NTNU or at other higher education institutions that provide doctoral education. You must have taken the final exam or received another form of assessment for all subjects included in the coursework.

You decide on the courses in agreement with your supervisor. The courses are adapted to the subject matter of your thesis.

Read more about the programme structure

Career opportunities

Working life increasingly appreciates the specialization that the PhD program provides, and surveys show that people with a doctorate quickly achieve leading positions.

Read more about career opportunities

How to apply and admission

In order for you to be admitted to the doctoral program, you must have a five-year master's degree or equivalent education with an average grade equivalent to B or better in the last two years.

The master's degree must normally be within a subject area that falls under the PhD program in design. If you have a different professional background, you can be admitted after an overall assessment of the project, theme and project description.

Read more about how to apply and admission

Please contact us should you have any questions about the program.

Contact information

More about PhD

• PhD 1-2-3 for NTNU's PhD Candidates
• PhD handbok
• Thesis types
• PhD projects at the Department of Design

Regulations

Regulations concerning the degree of PhD at NTNU

Mini calevent portlet

Phd defence.

What is a Product Design Engineer? A Beginner’s Guide

Product design engineers design and build physical items that provide value to users by satisfying a need.

What are you using to read this article right now? A phone, tablet, or desktop computer? Are you drinking coffee from a mug or listening to music through headphones while you read? A product design engineer played a critical role in bringing all these everyday objects to market.

If you’re a naturally inquisitive problem solver who can’t help imagining how to improve even the most mundane everyday objects, a career as a product design engineer might be for you. Not only does it offer a chance to exercise your creativity and analytical inclinations, but it’ll also help you develop skills that will serve you well in a variety of roles during your lifetime.  

So what do you need to know about becoming a product design engineer? Read on to find to find out:

• What does a product design engineer do?
• What’s the difference between a product design engineer and a product designer?
• Where do product design engineers work?
• How to become a product design engineer (Step-by-step guide)
• Final thoughts
• Product design engineer FAQ

1. What does a product design engineer do?

Product design engineers create physical objects that solve a specific problem. They use product requirements, market research, and specific computer-aided software (CAD) to design and bring them to market.  

What are product requirements?

In order to build a product that comprehensively solves a problem, you need to define how your product will do this (features and functionality) and why this product is needed (purpose). Product requirements also can include specific characteristics like weight, size, color, materials, etc. All this information will form the foundation of your product requirements.

For example, maybe your client wants to build something that will enable users to transport and drink hot liquid, like coffee, on the go. In this case, a travel mug solves this particular problem. 

Some basic product requirements for this travel mug might be:

• Small enough to fit in a cupholder in a car
• Dishwasher safe
• Able to keep hot liquids above 100 degrees for at least 30 minutes

What is market research?

One of the worst mistakes a product design engineer can make is creating a product that doesn’t deliver value. Perhaps it solves one problem but creates another, larger issue. Or maybe it is too confusing for people to use, so they never experience the full value. 

Market research is the act of pressure-testing your concepts and products to validate your hypothesis that they will indeed solve the problem. You can do research by talking to people individually or use third-party information that will help you confirm your ideas. 

What is computer-aided design software? (CAD)

Maybe the very first iteration of a new product is scrawled on the back of a napkin. But that won’t cut it once you need to build a prototype. CAD software enables product design engineers to create digital 2D drawings and 3D models that can be easily modified during the refinement stage.  

Now that you know what product design engineers use to create products, let’s move on to daily tasks for product design engineers.

Product design engineer tasks

Product design engineers work on products from inception to overseeing the manufacturing process. Everything from dreaming up the initial concept to researching product costs to gathering customer feedback falls under their purview. Here are some of their regular tasks:

• Coming up with product ideas
• Crafting product requirements that align with the client’s budget
• Conducting market research to understand what other products exist and how to fill the gap in the market
• Drafting designs or models of the product using CAD software
• Determining the most cost-efficient manufacturing process that meets the client’s budget
• Acquiring customer feedback and using it to continuously improve on the design

Product design engineers need to be creative and analytical problem-solvers to be successful at their jobs. 

2. What’s the difference between a product design engineer and a product designer?

Product design engineers and product designers have similar jobs. They both use market research, product requirements, and digital design software to create problem-solving products that fill a gap in the market. 

However, the main difference is that product designers are focused on the design and aesthetics of a product, whereas product design engineers are also very invested in the functionality of the product. Once a product designer has finished the final designs for a product, they hand it off to developers to bring it to life.   

Product design engineers are responsible for delivering a tangible (usually physical) final deliverable that a company can sell to customers rather than a prototype. They’re also heavily involved in the manufacturing process–including choosing materials–all the way to the finished product, which is why it’s incredibly beneficial for them to have a degree in industrial design or mechanical engineering. Finally, they capture user feedback on the finished product that will inform future iterations.

3. Where do product design engineers work?

Any company that builds and sells physical items, from coffee makers to space shuttles, employs product design engineers. They can work for massive government agencies, like NASA, or tiny startups where they are the entire product design team! 

It’s worth noting that once you have experience as a product design engineer, you can use many of your skills working for a tech company on digital products. 

4. How to become a product design engineer (Step-by-step guide)

If everything you’ve learned so far about being a product design engineer has you hooked, you’re in luck. Here’s a step-by-step guide to snagging your dream job!

Step One: Talk with current product design engineers

Whether you’re considering an entirely new career path or taking Mechanical Engineering Principles 101 at a university, it’s important to know the pros and cons of any given career before you embark on a path. And who better than to tell you what to expect but people who have the job you want?

You can connect with people on social media sites like LinkedIn, use an alumni directory, network within your local geographic area–the possibilities for talking with real product design engineers are endless. And once you do connect with one, aim for an objective view of what the job entails. No job is 100% perfect, but if every discussion with product design engineers gets you more excited about being one, it’s a good sign that your interests align with the role. 

Step Two: Get an education

This doesn’t strictly apply to a four-year education or a master’s program. There are plenty of robust online product design programs and bootcamps that can provide the skills you need for a lot less than the cost of a more traditional, campus-based program–if you have a background in engineering. Such online programs are ideal for individuals who are already in the workforce and are considering a career change.

That said, having a bachelor’s degree in mechanical design, product design, mechanical engineering, industrial design, or even graphic design is often a requirement for many product design engineering jobs. And for good reason–this type of education teaches you fundamental principles of engineering and design that are crucial building blocks for future education.

Step Three: Learn the tools

Tools aren’t limited to CAD software, either! You’ll need to learn how to use software to conduct market research, analyze your data, plan out manufacturing processes, crunch the numbers to ensure your product stays within budget, and more. 

When you talk with product design engineers, ask them what tools they use on a regular basis to get a better idea of what to expect. 

Step Four: Hone the skills

As with any complicated job, you’ll need to endlessly practice everything you learn about product design engineering during your education (and beyond!) to become a seasoned product design engineer.

Dive into your education and do your best on your projects–and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers, mentors, fellow students, and other people you meet during your career journey.

Step Five: Build a stellar portfolio

Having a bachelor’s degree or certificate from a product design program signals to potential employers that you have put in the effort to learn the skills you need to do the job, but it doesn’t prove you know your stuff. That’s where portfolios come in handy. 

An online portfolio is where you can outshine your competition and credibly prove that you know how to build products that people want and love to use. You can show off your final project you did for your education, freelance work you’ve picked up, or just designs or models that you’ve built exclusively for your portfolio. 

There’s no shame in checking out other people’s portfolios for inspiration. Or ask product design engineers you meet what types of portfolio pieces will make you stand out as the best candidate for a job.

Step Six (and beyond): Keep learning!

Product design is always evolving. One of the best ways to ensure you’re always using cutting-edge technology and techniques is by keeping a pulse on the industry.

Sign up for newsletters, follow bloggers, attend conferences, and keep networking . It may be tempting to stop when you snag a product design engineer job, but staying in touch with your existing contacts and meeting others will keep you energized and dialed into what is going on in the field.  

5. Final thoughts

Being a product design engineer is a challenging but satisfying job potential for growth. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for industrial designers (which includes product design engineers) is expected to grow 2% per year for the next decade.

If you’re looking to make a career switch, be sure to explore Career Foundry’s f ree product design course to get a taste of what it’s like to be in this exciting role.  

6. Product design engineer FAQ

What do you need to become a product design engineer.

To become a product design engineer, at a minimum, you will generally require a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, product design, mechanical design, mechanical engineering, or even graphic design. Experience conducting market research and using CAD software is also valuable. 

Do product design engineers need coding?

Most product design engineers work on physical items that do not require coding. 

Is a product design engineer an engineer?

There are definite aspects of product design engineering that require mastering fundamental engineering skills, such as principles of physics and understanding how materials will react under specific types of stress or movement. However, a product design engineer’s role is more creative and encompasses more usability tasks than most engineering jobs do. 

Can a mechanical engineer become a product design engineer?

Yes! Having a background in mechanical engineering is incredibly beneficial for would-be product design engineers. Mechanical engineers use CAD software, build prototypes, and evaluate the structural integrity of their products, and more. All of these activities will help prepare you for a job as a product design engineer. 

What is the typical salary for a product design engineer?

Geographic location, years of experience, industry, and company size all heavily influence how much a product design engineer can earn. However, the average salary for a product design engineer is around $78,000 . (The BLS also supports this, stating an average salary of approximately $79,000 for industrial designers.)

• Enroll & Pay

Track: Biomedical Product Design and Development

Ku bioengineering graduate program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering Track: Biomedical Product Design and Development Track Director: Sara Wilson, Ph.D. ( [email protected] ) Applies to students entering SP2020 to present (for earlier requirements email  [email protected] )

Breadth 18 Hours Minimum. See Course List .

1. Math; Statistics; Numerical Methods (1 course min) 2. Sciences (1 course min) 3. Advanced Engineering (1 course min) 4. Management & Business (0 required, 1 course max)

Minimum Hours Required for Degree: 60

No more than 3 classes may be taken at the 500‐600 level and counted towards the graduate degree.

• Skip to main content

We use cookies

Necessary cookies.

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website. We use Google Analytics. All data is anonymised.

Clarity helps us to understand our users’ behaviour by visually representing their clicks, taps and scrolling. All data is anonymised.

Privacy policy

• Postgraduate study
• Taught degree programmes A‑Z
• Product Design Engineering

Postgraduate taught  

Product Design Engineering MSc

The Masters in Product Design Engineering, taught in collaboration with the School of Design, Glasgow School of Art will develop your ability to design products with significant engineering content, address user needs, and optimise solutions for specific markets.

• Academic contact: [email protected]
• Teaching start: September
• MSc: 12 months full-time

Register your interest for more information

Thank you for registering

Something went wrong, please try again

Why this programme

• This exciting programme will enable you to benefit from the combined resources and complementary expertise of staff of two top ranking Scottish institutions, University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art.
• Studio-based, student-centered learning based around design project activities. Students have access to state-of-the-art product design engineering prototyping and manufacturing processes in the PDE workshops at GSA and University of Glasgow.
• There are increasing pressures, from both existing and emerging world marketplaces, for products which not only respond to the needs of function, user and society, but which can be brought to market ever more rapidly through state-of-the-art development and manufacturing processes. Industries which develop, manufacture and market today's products need high-caliber graduates equipped to handle these processes with management skill and creative drive, and this programme develops graduates with these skills.
• The studio programme explores cultural, management, perceptual, process and psychological issues, offering a curriculum relevant to the needs of industry and an understanding of the role of the design engineer in society.
• The MSc Product Design Engineering is accredited in the “Further Learning” category accredited the  Institution of Engineering Designers  (IED). This means that a student with an accredited BEng undergraduate degree can take the accredited "Further Learning" MSc to top-up their academic qualifications in order to meet the full academic requirements for conferral of the title of Chartered Engineer. This is an alternative route to the 5-year undergraduate MEng route.
• The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers .
• The University of Glasgow has been delivering world-class engineering education and research since 1840.
• The School of Engineering has an Athena Swan Silver Award, demonstrating the school’s commitment to supporting women in scientific studies and careers, and to improving the working environment for all.

Programme structure

You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in lab, project, team and studio work, industrial visits, and workshops.

Core courses

• ADVANCED MANUFACTURE
• HUMAN FACTORS
• INTEGRATED ENGINEERING DESIGN
• MICROELECTRONICS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS 4
• PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERING PROJECT
• MSc PROJECT

Optional courses

• INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA SYSTEMS 3
• GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART ELECTIVE (you will choose from a list of options)

Programme alteration or discontinuation The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract .

Career prospects

Career opportunities include product research and development, system design, product manufacture and engineering design. The programme aims to provide opportunities to work on live projects with industry: this can lead to employment opportunities. Examples of companies that employ our Product Design Engineering graduates are Apple, DELL, Dyson, Jaguar-Land Rover, TomTom and Smart.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024-25

Fees available from the  Glasgow School of Art .

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
• Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

• Beit-Glasgow Scholarship

One year Scholarship for an MSc in developmental subjects only. The Beit-UoG Scholarship does not cover MBA, PG Diploma, PG Certificate or CPD Online distance learning programmes. 

Please see  Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships  for more details. 

• GREAT Scholarship for Science and Technology 2024- India

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, University of Glasgow is offering a scholarship to students in India applying for postgraduate courses in Science and Technology.

The scholarship offers financial support of £10,000 to students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK.

• The Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship

The Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship is accelerating exceptional Disabled Students through masters’ programmes into leadership positions to create change.

Do you have ambitions to change the world? Are you pioneering in your field? Are you creating change for Disabled People? Let us open some doors.

We are searching for individuals who choose to use their lived experience of disabling barriers to make a difference. To create change.

Applications open 2pm 15 January 2024.

Please see  Snowdon Trust, Investing in Disabled Students  website for more details.

• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)

Eligible full-time and part-time students, undertaking an eligible postgraduate course, can apply for a tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £7,000 towards their course. Eligible full-time postgraduate students can apply for a living-cost loan of up to £4,500.  

This support extends to online Masters or Postgraduate Diplomas, and not to the online Postgraduate Certificate courses.

For more information visit the SAAS website .

• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Master's Finance

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:

• a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
• a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.

For more information visit  Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.

• Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit  www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate  .

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

Entry requirements are normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent (eg GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject area (product design engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic and electrical engineering being of particular relevance) or equivalent professional practice. Depending on your previous experience and qualifications you may be asked to complete a design engineering assignment as part of your application.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

Toefl (ibt, mybest or athome).

• 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our  enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

• Find out more about entry requirements and other country-specific information
• International student support & visas

How to apply

Students should apply for this degree through Glasgow School of Art. The application procedures can be found at: Glasgow School of Art: how to apply .

More information about this programme

• Product Design Engineering on the Glasgow School of Art website
• Background/Aims
• Accreditation

SoundTracks is our fortnightly podcast, jam-packed with sound advice from our graduate world-changers to inspire you.

• Listen to more SoundTracks...

Related programmes

Electronics & electrical engineering.

• Advanced Imaging & Sensing [MSc]
• Computer Systems Engineering [MSc]
• Electronics & Electrical Engineering [MSc]
• Electronics & Electrical Engineering & Management [MSc]
• Electronics & Photonics Manufacturing [MSc]

more related Electronics & Electrical Engineering programmes

Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering [MSc]
• Aerospace Engineering & Management [MSc]
• Biomedical Engineering [MSc]
• Civil Engineering [MSc]

more related Engineering programmes

Mechanical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering [MSc]
• Mechanical Engineering & Management [MSc]
• Mechatronics [MSc]
• Quantum Technology [MSc]

more related Mechanical Engineering programmes

Related links

• About postgraduate study
• How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
• Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
• How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
• Fees and funding

Postgraduate events

Open Days, information sessions, campus tours, events near you

Postgraduate prospectus

Skip to Content

Mechanical Engineering Design Projects 2024

Engineering Projects Expo is here! We invite you to spend some time getting to know this year's Mechanical Engineering Senior Design projects and teams. 

Engineering Projects Expo  celebrates the hard work and many achievements of more than 250+ students as they close out their undergraduate careers. Since August 2023, these students have been working through the design process from start to finish and have engineered solutions to real-world problems. 

Students completing industry-sponsored projects were presented with challenges of relevance to their clients from a variety of specialties. Those in the Engineering for Social Innovation section of Senior Design developed entrepreneurial products based on user needs. 

Teams were mentored and supported by a dedicated group of faculty directors and student program assistants, as well as fabrication, administrative, and laboratory staff over the course of the academic year. Most projects required students to develop skills across disciplines with some multi-disciplinary teams bringing together student expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. 

Please explore projects below to learn more about this year's teams, their designs and the positive impact these engineers are making. Thank you for your support of our program and students. 

If you would like to learn more about the program or sponsoring a project, please visit  Design Center Colorado . 

Design Projects

Engineering Students

Student Hours per Project

Dedicated Directors

2024 Winners

Team 01: Airbag Deployable Data Recorder for Aircraft

The Air Bag Deployable Data Recorder is a floating flight data recorder used to assist in the evaluation, search, and rescue of a water landing of a Boeing 777 aircraft. Using a pressure sensor, we can detect when the plane conducts a water landing, eject the device from the plane, and send out a distress signal to the rescue teams in the area. This allows Boeing to quickly analyze the problem and correct it to help prevent further disasters in the future.

Sponsored by Boeing Digital Solutions

• Project Poster

Team 02: Small-Scale Spacecraft Composite Curing Oven

Securing technological superiority in space requires tailorable composite solutions. In partnership with CesiumAstro, the SSSCCO cures composites with the precision and accuracy necessary to optimize for Low-SWaP and enhanced material properties. Our solution is an affordable and innovative approach for in-house manufacturing methods and vertical integration bespoke to the needs of CesiumAstro.

Sponsored By CesiumAstro

Team 03: Wide-Field Imaging Device for Retinopathy of Prematurity Examination

To help doctors at Children’s Hospital Colorado detect a debilitating but correctable disease called retinopathy of prematurity in infants, our team has developed an affordable and portable device that illuminates an infant's retina using a high-power lighting system and captures wide-field images. Captured images are processed on-board and displayed in an app on any personal iOS device, facilitating rapid and remote detection to enable prompt treatment.

Sponsored by Children's Hospital Colorado

Team 04: Automated Insulation Wrapping Machine

CU Physics is working with Advanced Conductor Technologies to develop high temperature superconducting cables for high-current power systems and high-field magnets. Our team has been tasked with developing an insulation wrapping machine capable of wrapping these cables in a dielectric film. Our machine will minimize the number of defects in the insulation, ultimately improving cable performance.

Sponsored by CU Physics Department

Team 05: Aerially Deployed Jetpack Launched Mars Helicopter Chassis

The Aerially Deployed Jetpack Launched Mars Helicopter Chassis design project will provide JPL with a high-precision mass estimate for the proposed Mars Science Helicopter exploration rotorcraft. The rotorcraft structure is designed to withstand the loads associated with launch and flight operation. The rotorcraft mechanisms are designed to facilitate a complex mid-air landing procedure on Mars.

Sponsored by Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Team 06: EOD Flexible Cutting Tool

EOD Technicians are responsible for handling hazardous explosives to render them safe. Partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory, the team designed a flexible wire cutter attachment that technicians can equip to current defusing tools to better access wires around obstacles. Cutting force is delivered through a hydraulic piston design using tension from cable reels to flex the assembly.

Sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory

Team 07: Electronic Ligasure Handle

Medtronic has developed a portfolio of blood vessel sealing devices known as the LigaSure. By Reducing the cost of purchasing and manufacturing the device, Team 7 has designed the next step in LigaSure technology. These changes eliminate the single use nature of the device by adapting a reusable housing where major components can be user replaceable and serviced.

Sponsored by Medtronic

Team 08: Robotic Surgery Sterile Interface Module

Medtronic’s Hugo ™ robotic-assisted surgery system is modular and portable for flexibility and efficiency across surgeries. Our team redesigned the Sterile Interface Module, which separates Hugo’s arm and reusable instrument to maintain a sterile field. The modified SIM connects to a now single-use instrument, creating opportunities for more affordable and sterile surgeries with the Hugo ™ system.

Team 09: Dragon Boat Paddle Assist

We designed a race paddle for one-armed use by Gary, a local veteran. Gary enjoys dragon boat racing, but his current shoulder-mounted paddle hurts, limits motion and fails race specifications. We made a leg-mounted paddle that is comfortable, easier to use and enables powerful paddling with better form. It also meets international racing specifications so Gary can compete with his team worldwide.

Sponsored by Quality of Life Plus

Team 10: 3D Archery Target Challenge

We partnered with Quality of Life Plus to advance archery technology by creating a moving target base that replicates realistic shooting scenarios for the user. The product can be moved with a remote control, pre-made paths, and an independent autonomous program. We implemented electromechanical design, impact ballistics, and dynamic programming to create a durable and practical prototype.

Sponsored by Quality of Life Plus

Team 11: Digital Aircraft Skylight Mockup and Study

This project, led by Rosen Aviation, developed a life-sized business jet cabin mock-up with an OLED skylight, enhancing the passenger experience through simulated natural light. Key tasks included design, material procurement, psychological study contributions, and setting new standards in aviation interior innovation.

Sponsored by Rosen Aviation

Team 12: Particle Damper for Wind Turbine Blades

Wind turbine blades are structures subject to dynamic loading. The project explores particle damper technologies as a passive vibration suppression system to damp unwanted blade vibrations. Through experimentation on a representative blade model, key variables influencing particle damper performance were identified, leading to the development of an optimized prototype to improve turbine longevity.

Sponsored by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy

Team 13: Net Launcher

Orbital space debris poses a significant threat to current and future space missions, from damaging satellites to hindering future space travel. Sierra Space tasked the team to develop a Net Launcher to identify, capture, detumble, and retrieve space debris of varying sizes. This project contains several mechanisms, sensors, and control systems to enable net capture of an unresponsive satellite.

Sponsored by Sierra Space

Team 14: Blood Plasma Bottle Active Weight Station

Our team has partnered with Terumo, a global leader in blood component technologies, to maximize plasma yields from their new Rika Plasma Donation System. We developed a motor-integrated base that communicates with a weight station to rotate a plasma bottle throughout the donation process. This design will allow for an increase in plasma collection while maintaining donor safety and comfort.

Sponsored by Terumo BCT

Team 15: Train Bearing Inspection Automation​

Locomotive bearings require quality inspections before reuse, with their longevity heavily dependent on thorough surface level examinations. Wabtec requests a device to automate this bearing inspection process. The machine manufactured for this project manipulates five 70 lb. bearings to accurately measure for roundness and scan for surface defects smaller than a human hair.

Sponsored by Wabtec

Team 16: Baja SAE Vehicle Design Competition

The 2023-2024 Baja SAE team is designing and manufacturing a one-seated, off-road vehicle. The team must design for durability, agility, speed, and comfort while adhering to strict guidelines. A final competition will take place in May 2024, where colleges from across the country will come together to test and race their vehicles on multiple courses build around tough terrain.

Sponsored by SAE International

Team 17: Aerosol & Particulate Generation and Test System For Aircraft Mounted Atmospheric Measurement Instrumentation

To better understand aerosols in the atmosphere, Boeing utilizes instruments over a wide range of sizes and composition. These instruments require precise calibration. Our team developed a system that produces, mixes, and delivers aerosol to these instruments with high accuracy, repeatability and uniformity, to enable Boeing to perform in-house sensor calibration for more accurate data collection.

Sponsored by The Boeing Company

Team 18: Miniature 3mm Laparoscopic Port

Laparoscopic surgeries on neonates require smaller surgical ports than those used on children to facilitate minimally invasive access to the abdominal cavity. Larger ports can crowd the surgical field and are easily dislodged from the abdominal wall. With Children’s Hospital Colorado, we developed a 3mm port that incorporates a novel retention mechanism and minimizes the presence of the port head.

Team 19: Autonomous Methane Monitoring Rover​

Addressing the need for frequent landfill methane monitoring, Team 19 designed a fully autonomous rover equipped with HAQ Lab's methane sensing package, terrain navigation, and obstacle avoidance, complemented by a solar-powered rover house for charging. The project builds on current monitoring attempts by minimizing human interfacing, increasing safety and frequency of methane scans in landfills.

Sponsored by Hannigan Air Quality Lab (HAQLab) 

Team 20: Optimized Arrow Vanes for Broadhead Flight

An arrow’s flight is characterized by a delicate balance of drag, accuracy, stability, sound, and wind drift. With Iron Will Outfitters, we wanted to design a new arrow vane that improves upon these characteristics in broadhead flight over industry competition. By utilizing empirical testing and complex fluid simulations we have developed the optimized arrow vanes for broadhead flight for use in both the target and hunting archery market.

Sponsored by Iron Will Outfitters

Team 21: Miniature HAZMAT Crimp and Seal Tool

In conjunction with Los Alamos National Lab, the team designed a handheld crimp and seal tool to allow HAZMAT teams to quickly seal tubes leaking hazardous materials. We characterized crimping forces and associated leak rates by developing precise testing systems which informed our 4-bar linkage design. This design creates a high mechanical advantage and effectively seals to a desired leak rate.

Team 22: Low SWaP Dust Tolerant Interface

The resurgence of humanity's presence on the lunar surface calls for fresh ideas. Lockheed Martin’s Team 22 has developed a dust-tolerant mechanical and electrical robotic interface, a robotic arm, and an end effector for use on the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle. The team's solution allows for reliable autonomous connections between the arm and interface despite the hostile lunar environment.

Sponsored by Lockheed Martin 

Team 23: Cordless Monopolar Smoke Attachment

Surgical plume is a hazardous byproduct of electrosurgery and is typically captured using large, cumbersome smoke evacuation systems. Our team has innovated a hand-held solution, eliminating the trip and entanglement hazards of traditional plume evacuator tubing. The final design is an ergonomic, functional, and all-in-one monopolar surgical pencil attachment capable of plume capture and filtration in the OR.

Team 24: The Vibe Table

Our team has designed and built a vibration table for small-scale testing of constant vibration loads experienced by components utilized in the flow meters made by Micro Motion. The design utilizes a slip bearing composed of a granite base, oil circulation system and magnesium test plate, with a custom control system to generate accurate acceleration and frequency for vibration profiles.

Sponsored by Micro Motion

Team 25: Adaptive Fishing Device

The Adaptive Fishing Device is a versatile, intuitive, and robust product that provides people with spinal cord injuries independence and a return to normalcy. Our advanced mechanical design gives users complete control over the therapeutic fishing experience and can adapt to accommodate different disabilities, settings, and equipment.

Sponsored by Quality of Life Plus

Team 26: Pressure Sensors

To enhance the communication between practitioners and patients during the diagnostic fitting stage of prosthetics, our system is designed to visualize high-pressure areas causing discomfort. The spider-like design is integrated between the inner liner and outer diagnostic socket and transmits data, representing true pressure values, to a 3D model to optimize the prosthetic socket fitting process.

Sponsored by RockyTech

Team 27: Smart Aviation Cupholder

Our team has developed a smart cup holder designed to enhance the private aircraft travel experience, integrating heating, cooling, and beverage level measurement into a compact package. The system recognizes standard cup-ware via RFID, automatically activating set functions and notifying flight staff when a beverage is low.

Team 28: Automated Optical Fiber Alignment for Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing

One approach to creating a quantum computer is to use trapped ions, which rely on lasers delivered by optical fibers for quantum control. Our robust feedback control system uses a six-axis stage to autonomously align optical fiber arrays with micron scale precision. Using a final epoxy connection, we have streamlined the coupling process — paving the way for the quantum computing revolution.

Sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories

Team 29: Project R.O.C.K. - Remote Observation and Covert Kinetics

With support from the US Army Research Office and Practical Scientific Solutions, this project aims to minimize operational risks to military intelligence gathering and surveillance. Project R.O.C.K., a geologically camouflaged autonomous system, will be deployed in the field to detect and verify the presence of an approaching vehicle and, subsequently, launch a sensor onto the vehicle in motion.

Sponsored by United States Army Research Office ​

Team 30: Collegiate Wind Competition and Multipurpose Wind Tunnel

Designed to meet the test metrics of the Collegiate Wind Competition, our wind tunnel serves a range of student needs previously not met on campus. The wind tunnel features a 4’x4’ cross-section, sensors for wind speed, and provides high-resolution near-laminar flow up to 36 fps, allowing students to get hands-on with aerodynamics. Its modular design allows for easy maintenance or relocation.

Sponsored by Design Center Colorado ​

Team 31: Collegiate Wind Competition

The fourth annual CU Wind Team will compete in the Department of Energy’s Collegiate Wind Competition to design a small-scale prototype offshore wind turbine that utilizes advanced controls; create a detailed financial analysis and timeline for a hybrid offshore wind farm site; and conduct outreach activities with local K-12 and collegiate students to promote the future of wind energy.

Sponsored by Collegiate Wind Competition

Team 40: LegUp

MobilUS addresses inaccessibility issues a person may face while recovering from a lower-leg injury. Existing solutions cause discomfort and restrict mobility. The Leg-Up solution elevates the injured leg above the ground with a flexible composite blade to prevent pressure from being applied to the foot while enabling normal walking, traversal of stairs, knee mobility, while being cost effective.

Sponsored by MobilUS

Team 41: Click Changer

Team Dextrous has developed the “Click Changer”, a mechanical device revolutionizing the speed, safety and accessibility of changing drill bits. Easy to use and comfortably worn on the belt, the Click Changer allows drill and driver bits to be changed using one hand, in any environment, such as on the top of a ladder or crawling under equipment. Electric drills have been around for a long time - it is time for such innovation! Team Dextrous is looking forward to revolutionizing the drill industry and making similar innovations.

Sponsored by Dextrous

Team 42: Talon Tech Ski Bindings

Over 15,000 US skiers injure their knees every year. Many of these expensive injuries are caused by industry-standard ski bindings failing to release during falls. Talon Tech has invented a new style of ski binding with specialized releases that allow users to release from their skis in high-risk falls. This will disrupt a 50-year-old industry to keep our users skiing safe, not slow.

Sponsored by Talon Tech

Team 43: Air Quality Monitor

Air quality affects health today significantly, but is often neglected since we can’t see what’s in the air we breathe. We address this problem through an air quality monitor that informs users when air quality is poor using an LED and speaker, as well as how to improve it. This kitchen countertop device ensures the user is always breathing heathy air.

Sponsored by High AQI

Team 44: wAIste

wAIste, our innovative waste management solution, employs artificial intelligence to ensure waste stream purity. Its modular and customizable system categorizes waste in real time, guiding users to the correct disposal bin category. This streamlined process eliminates the need for man-hours spent on hand-sorting waste, reducing contamination and diverting recyclables and compostables from landfills, thereby cutting unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. wAIste not only promotes education and awareness but also facilitates compliance with climate change initiatives. By adopting wAIste we ensure businesses, municipalities, and organizations can prioritize environmental sustainability and compliance in their waste management practices.

Sponsored by wAIste

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Design

Team 52: Full Motion Flight Simulator

We've collaborated with Boeing Global Services, a division of The Boeing Company, to create, develop, and implement a full-motion flight simulator for the Denver Simulation Lab. Incorporating high-fidelity human factors scenarios alongside diverse flight simulations and real-time motion on the 6 Degree of Freedom platform, this setup will closely emulate actual flight conditions, showcasing the future of aircraft technologies.

Sponsored by Boeing Global Services

Team 53: Electromagnetic Hold-Down and Release Mechanism

This hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) utilizes an electro-permanent magnet and ferrous plate to attach a Cube Satellite to a deployable. The HDRM provides secure attachment of a deployable during launch and controlled release once powered. Flight performance was verified by exposure to NASA's General Environmental Verification Standards for vibration, thermal, and vacuum conditions.

Team 54: Smart Prosthetic Cooling System for Amputee Patients (SPC system)

Our team addresses a critical need for adjustable cooling in prosthetics to prevent heat buildup. We're developing above-knee/below-knee prosthetics with thermo-electric devices to absorb heat from the liner. Additionally, our innovative flexible heat sink efficiently dissipates heat from these devices, ensuring user comfort and temperature regulation.

Team 55: Pump-Fed Space Vehicle Propulsion System

Traditional propulsion systems are not viable for smaller space vehicles, therefore it is necessary for innovative solutions. An electric pump-fed system would allow multiple benefits. The goal of this project is to design and build a bench-top fuel pump system to simulate flight operations and perform data collection and testing to characterize critical components.

Team 56: Free-Piston Linear Generator

In partnership with Woodward, Inc., a global leader in controls in Fort Collins, CO, the team is developing a free-piston linear generator as an alternative internal combustion technology. It utilizes a magnetic piston oscillating through copper coils to generate electricity. The FPLG removes many traditional and costly engine components, making it a direct competitor to hydrogen fuel cells.

Sponsored by Woodward Inc.

• Share via Facebook
• Share via Twitter
• Share via LinkedIn

Apply   Visit   Give

Departments

• Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences
• Chemical & Biological Engineering
• Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering
• Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Creative Technology & Design
• Engineering Education
• Engineering Management
• Engineering Physics
• Integrated Design Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering

Affiliates & Partners

• ATLAS Institute
• BOLD Center
• Colorado Mesa University
• Colorado Space Grant Consortium
• Discovery Learning
• Engineering Honors
• Engineering Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Herbst Program for Engineering, Ethics & Society
• Integrated Teaching and Learning
• Global Engineering
• National Center for Women & Information Technology
• Mortenson Center for Global Engineering
• Western Colorado University

What are you looking for?

Most popular topics.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Students and Graduates

Start your career with airbus, play your part in the future of aerospace.

Ignite your career journey with an unforgettable experience at Airbus!

We believe that learning happens with hands-on experience, and guidance from the industry’s best. That’s why we have built a series of programmes for students leaving school, taking time out to gain some industry experience, or graduating from university!

Ready to start on an adventure by launching your career with us?

Discover our exciting graduate programmes available around the world and step into a brilliant career at Airbus.

Apprentices

Gain valuable practical training with our teams across the company.

Interns & Placement Students

Join us for your internship and contribute to projects of vital importance to the future of aerospace.

Want to advance your professional capabilities? Discover our VIE and PhD offers in the world of aerospace.

Launch your career at Airbus

Visit our jobs board and discover many opportunities dedicated to students and graduates.

Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice .

UConn Today

• School and College News
• Arts & Culture
• Community Impact
• Entrepreneurship
• Health & Well-Being
• Research & Discovery
• UConn Health
• University Life
• UConn Voices
• University News

May 1, 2024 | Jessica McBride, PhD - College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

CAHNR Graduate Research Forum Spotlights Innovative Work, Real-World Impact

Organized by CAHNR's Office of Research, the event provides graduate students from across the College with an opportunity to showcase their work.

Students from all CAHNR departments presented their research. (James Shiang/UConn Photo)

On Saturday April 20, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources held its annual Graduate Research Forum. The event is organized each year by CAHNR Office of Research and Graduate Education to provide graduate students from across the College with an opportunity to showcase their work.

This year, 34 students presented posters and 30 gave oral presentations to an audience of over 130 attendees. 35 volunteers also helped make the event successful.

“The forum was a celebration of the hard work, intellectual curiosity, and commitment of our graduate students,” says Kumar Venkitanarayanan, CAHNR associate dean for research and graduate education. “I am sure it is the foundation to more discoveries and contributions these students will make to society.”

Dean Indrajeet Chaubey provided opening remarks. Amy Harder, associate dean for UConn Extension, provided the keynote address, entitled “Beyond Scholarly Metrics: Creating Real-World Impact with Research and Extension.”

Follow  UConn CAHNR  on social media

Recent Articles

May 1, 2024

Researchers Explore Non-Surgical Approaches to Treat TMD Pain, Free Treatment Available

Read the article

Students From Public Health House Learning Community Feel Their Best Self

UConn John Dempsey Hospital is a National Champion in Patient Safety

Quick links

• Find a course
• Request a prospectus
• Undergraduate

Product Design BA

Search the website.

Driven by a passion for understanding people and technology – exploring innovative solutions driven by real opportunities, addressing challenges faced by industry and society

• Book an open day

Register your interest

Viewing course details for 2024 year of entry

• Course overview

About your course

• Teaching and learning

Facilities and support

Entry requirements.

• Fees and funding
• Related courses
• Download prospectus

Our product design degree gives you the knowledge, practical skills and industry experience to build a portfolio that will help you launch a career in a wide-range of sectors.

Why choose Product Design BA Honours at Middlesex?

Develop the confidence, knowledge, skills and experience to launch a successful career across the product design sector.

What you will gain

Sat within the Faculty of Science and Technology, we strive to develop product designers who are creative, confident, responsible and insightful in responding to user needs, but who also have a fundamental understanding of how to design and make things that work.

As well as studio-based design skills, you will gain extensive expertise in 3D CAD, physical prototyping and design for manufacture. We will help you to understand the wider context that surrounds our subject, developing the theoretical and practical skills, experiences and attitudes needed to enter the profession, across a wide range of sectors and emerging practices.

Accreditations

Our BA course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and meets the requirements of Registered Product Designer (RProdDes). You will get student membership to the IED for the duration of your studies. This accreditation validates the relevance and content of the degree programme to current industry requirements and practice.

What you will learn

Through project-based practice, we will support you with the experience, advice, feedback and encouragement you need to grow as a product designer.

You will develop skills in:

• Graphical communication and sketching
• Critical thinking
• Design process and iteration
• Design research
• Design for manufacture
• Sustainability

You will be able to demonstrate high-level 3D CAD and rendering, and the development of physical prototypes.

You will graduate from the programme with a portfolio of work that demonstrates your own creativity, process and skillset, culminating in a final-year project tailored to the pathway you want to take into the profession. You will have the opportunity to showcase yourself as a designer through our final-year exhibitions.

The programme content is enriched through industrial engagement and collaboration, such as live projects with industrial partners, external competitions, workshops and projects run by staff in professional practice, and our industry guest lecture series. Through these experiences, you will come to understand design in a commercial context and appreciate the nature and breadth of the design industry.

Student work

Find us on Instagram @MDXPD , follow out hashtag #mdxpd and take a look at our annual MDXPD magazine   that showcases staff and student work.

3 great reasons to pick this course

5th in london.

for overall student positivity (National Student Survey 2023)

Innovation centre

This course is connected to redLoop, the MDX design and innovation centre. redLoop is a research-led hub for product, service, interaction, and technology innovation

Real-world experience

We offer a work placement option in your third year so you can gain vital experience within a design consultancy or manufacturing company

In your first year, we will help you build the foundational technical and practical skills of the subject through hands-on exercises and mini-projects. You will develop core skills in 2D and 3D design including: Sketching, visualisation and communication skills Understanding users and developing ideas Prototyping and workshop practice 3D parametric CAD modelling. You'll also develop a Developing the mindset and approach of a product designer.

Design and Studio Practice (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to core skills in design and studio practice. The focus of the module is on developing both an intellectual awareness and a practical application of design process methods, ideas generation and communication techniques and creative conversations.

Prototyping (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to core skills in prototyping. The focus of the module is developing confidence in an awareness and practical application of prototyping techniques appropriate for different stages of the design process.

Design Tools (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module offers an introduction to core computing skills for design practice. It enables you to develop skills in CAD modelling, design visualisation, design communication and product prototyping. It introduces strategies for engaging with distributed communities or practice and developing an online presence.

Design Methods, Processes and Practices (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop your design knowledge, practice and experiences and to apply their design skills through workshops and selected external collaborative projects covering a range of sectors. You will focus on deepening theory, process and contextual knowledge, and applying that knowledge in responding to complex briefs.

Advanced Prototyping (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module equips you with the prototyping tools and approaches to enable you to successfully engage in a range of prototyping activities to develop, explore, test and validate design proposals. The module will develop your capability to analyse design problems, to develop effective prototyping strategies and to explore creative approaches to prototyping. You will develop your knowledge and skills in building working prototypes, at a range of fidelities, and employing a range of methods for exploring prototyping

Advanced Design Tools (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module develops your advanced CAD and CAM capabilities. It focuses on advanced surface and feature-based modelling techniques as product design tools and enables you to develop competence in the use of these processes, techniques and tools. The module develops students’ understanding of reverse engineering, mass manufacture design requirements and related design optimisation techniques.

TKSW Placement (120 credits) - Optional

The aim of this module is to strengthen, extend and apply your knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained from your programme in the context of a working environment and to complement, stimulate, reinforce and encourage the development of discipline-specific technical knowledge and your transferable skills.

Design Projects and Professional Practice (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module provides the opportunity for you to synthesise your design project experiences and to develop your practice to a professional level, through selected external collaborative projects and through the generation of your Final Major Project. The focus of all projects is on various forms of innovation. The Final Major Project is self-initiated and self-directed, taking place over an extended period of time across the academic year. It requires you to make a significant personal contribution to all phases of the design development process and to your personal professional goals.

Professional Context (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module develops your design research, strategic planning, theoretical background and contextual and commercial framework for your Final Major Project and your personal practice. You will prepare and publish a range of technical and contextual texts, and a professional and personal reflection upon your project work.

Design Manifestation (30 credits) - Compulsory

The Design Manifestation module continues the making experiences from Year 1 & 2 modules to develop a high level of technical capability and an equivalent level of reflective practice sensitivity. It interweaves with the final year modules to create a coherent and supportive final year experience which will prepare them for their chosen future. The module will equip final year students with: - the understanding and experience of HOW to evolve great ideas and manifest them in appropriate and high-quality ways. - the ability to consider WHY the manifestation process they pursue is best suited to them, their project, their practice and the wider world. - the confidence to engage with challenges early in an active, exploratory and open manner, and to apply their knowledge and experiences in effective ways.

To find out more about this course please download the Product Design BA specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

We will provide a supportive, encouraging and collaborative learning environment that allows each student to explore and develop their creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills. You will gain your knowledge and understanding of the subject through a variety of practice-based learning approaches including: Interactive guest lectures Design workshops Creative exercises Project-based learning (from directed through to self-initiated and self-directed) Lab-based IT classes Visits Group and individual project work. Central to the teaching and learning is ongoing engagement with industry (through guest lectures, live projects, visits, staff teaching on the programme etc.) This supports each student in building their personal creative network. Every staff member teaching on the programme is currently engaged in professional practice (design practice and/or design research) alongside their teaching.

• How we'll teach you
• Coursework and assessments

Where will I study?

You will be based at our north London campus with access to industry-standard equipment and software within our design studio, CAD and workshop facilities.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Teaching vs independent learning

Independent learning.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Academic support

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Your learning will be assessed regularly and is made up of 100% coursework.

Assessments

As product designers, we learn through our design practice. Within the BA Product Design programme, this happens through activities such as projects, workshops, reports and set exercises both within taught sessions, and as independent work.

You will receive regular feedback on your work and progress, and will be supported in developing the skills and confidence to engage in creative conversations around design ideas. There are formal assessments for each module. Your knowledge and understanding is assessed through a series of creative tasks, ranging from portfolios of work, oral or recorded presentations, completed projects, physical or digital product prototypes or models, through to more formal design documentation

The first year is graded as pass/fail (with extensive feedback), providing a supportive learning environment that supports exploration, experimentation, taking risks and making mistakes as a core component of design practice.

Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback your work. This is central to skills development within the subject and is embedded throughout each module as a core part of our design practice. This includes approaches such as creative conversation around ongoing project work, peer feedback, individual tutor feedback, interim submissions etc.

North London campus

Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.

Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.

Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.

We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.

Student support.

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team .

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page .

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget .

How can the BA Product Design support your career?

As a product design graduate from a course accredited by the IED, you will leave the course with a skill set appropriate for contemporary product design practice in a wide range of sectors that fall within the new definition of ‘product design’ and ‘product design engineer’.

Graduate job roles

Potential employers exist across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Graduates enter employment taking up positions including industrial designer, product designer, service designer, interaction designer, UX/UI designer, designer/craftsperson, creative technologist, and more.

Graduate employers

Our graduates are employed across the design industry, from high profile organisations such as Apple, Tesla and Lego, through to London-based design consultancies, government organisations, and start ups. Alternatively students can set up their own businesses in a creative field.

Check out our '5 years on' and '10 years on' alumni showcase.

Transferable skills

The transferable nature of the skill set (communication, problem solving, critical thinking, etc.) means that transition is possible to adjoining creative disciplines.

Our employability service , MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money 2023 and a top 10 university for producing CEOs (Novuana, 2023).

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

Placements and internships can greatly improve your future job prospects after you graduate. They usually boost your confidence and academic results by giving you the opportunity to practice what have learned in a professional setting.

The course offers a 4 year sandwich option with a year long industry placement at the end of year 2. Successful completion of this placement year results in an additional qualification - a Diploma of Industrial Studies.

Our specialist employability service will support you in finding placement opportunities, and the product design staff team will work with you throughout your programme to develop your CV and portfolio for placement application.

At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way. We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.

• Standard entry requirements
• International entry
• How to apply

Qualifications

We'll accept T Levels for entry onto our undergraduate degree courses (including our extended courses with a foundation year) with the standard application of science requirements and GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.

Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.

Foundation year

We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.

Mature students (over 21)

We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.

Academic credit

If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can   transfer courses .

If you have relevant   qualifications or work experience , we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

• Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
• Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
• Work placements and networking with top London employers
• Career support to get you where you want to go after university
• Global alumni network and connections

English language

You'll need good English language skills to study with us. That's usually an IELTS 6.0 qualification (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections). And, if you need help, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.

112 UCAS Points

In addition to qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate, we accept a wide range of international qualifications.

Find out more on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office .

Entry onto this course requires a portfolio of work. Please view our   interviews and portfolios   page for more information.

Your portfolio is an important part of the application process for the programme. It helps us to understand a little more about you, and supports meaningful conversation about your interests, skills, and experiences. It is important to remember that when we review portfolios we are looking for passion and potential, rather than a complete set of existing skills. You are coming to university to learn to be a designer, so we don’t expect you to know how to do it all already (that’s what we’re here for!)

Please  apply via UCAS  using the UCAS code  W240.

Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.

Fees and Funding

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students 1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students 2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

• Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
• Free e-books and e-journals for key course texts
• Free access to everything on your reading list
• Free specialist software for your course
• Free printing for academic paperwork
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

• MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
• Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
• Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about   undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries .

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors

Related courses for you.

Unistats information

Discover Uni provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Middlesex.

Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for Animation.

• How to apply arrow_forward_ios
• Book an open day arrow_forward_ios
• Get in touch arrow_forward_ios

Explore your prospectus

Take your first step towards the future you want with our guide

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Why not explore

Join us to discover more about our range of courses, and get a feel for life at Middlesex for yourself

Accommodation

We’ll help you find your new home in London while you study at Middlesex

Student life

Find out more about what life is like on campus and discover what student life is all about

The university promotes research and encourages students to participate in research projects

Modal video

• Hispanoamérica
• Work at ArchDaily
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Letovo Schoolcampus / atelier PRO

• Curated by Fernanda Castro
• Architects: atelier PRO
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  39000 m²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
• Photographs Photographs: NARODIZKIY , Dmitry Voinov , atelier PRO
• Interior Design : Atelier PRO , Thijs Klinkhamer
• Landscape Designer : Buro Sant en Co
• Client:  Letovo
• Project Architects:  Dorte Kristensen, Pascale Leistra, Karho Yeung
• Design Team:  Thijs Klinkhamer, Abel de Raadt, Alessia Topolnyk
• Russian Co Architect:  Atrium, Moscow
• City:  Moscow
• Country:  Russia
• Did you collaborate on this project?

Text description provided by the architects. The official grand opening of a special school, Letovo School , took place in Moscow last September. The assignment entailed a 20 hectare schoolcampus with educational facilities, student housing and school staff housing. The school campus offers extended outdoor sports facilities with a soccer stade, a running track, tennis courts and basketball courts. In addition there is a greenhouse, a treeyard and ample space for wandering and relaxation in the green.

While the architecture and interior of the school were designed by atelier PRO, the landscape design was developed by Buro Sant en Co landscape architecture. Russian firm Atrium Architectural Studio was responsible for the technical execution. In 2014 Atelier PRO had won the international design competition, the construction began mid-2016 and the campus was taken into use by mid-2018.

Letovo, a dream come true Letovo School is a special school for gifted and motivated children aged 12 to 17. The idea to create the school came from entrepreneur and philanthropist Vadim Moshkovich: ‘My dream was to offer talented children from all over the country access to high-quality education, regardless of their parents’ financial means. This school makes it possible for them to continue their studies at the 10 best universities in the country or at one of the top 50 universities in the world.’

Landscape-inspired design and shape Located in Novaya Moskva,southwest of Moscow ,the campus sits atop a beautiful plot of land that slopes down to a forest-lined river. Distinctive level variations were applied in and around the school to integrate the architecture into the landscape.

The shape of the large complex brings it down to a human scale for the children: the building appears to dance across the landscape due to its dynamic design. Due to the perspective effect one only ever sees part of the building's full size when walking around, which gives the impression of a refined scale. The building’s contours and flowing curves create surprising indoor and outdoor spaces as well.

The heart of the school: the central hub The central hub is the place where day-to-day life at the school unfolds. This flexible, transformable space will be used throughout the day as an informal meeting place. The dance studio on the ground floor can be transformed through a few simple adjustments into a theatre with a stage, a cosy living room or an auditorium that can accommodate 1,000 people for special events such as graduation ceremonies and large celebrations, as seen at the grand opening. This central hub connects the building’s three wings: the art wing, the south wing with science- and general-use rooms and the sports wing

Learning environment with a diversity in working spaces Letovo envisioned an innovative and modern take on existing education in Russia. In the spatial design, this perspective translates into space for theoretical education as well as special areas for group work and independent study in the tapered building wings. In the library wing there are silence spaces workshop spaces and a debating room. These are all supportive to the student’s personal development. 

Sports programme In addition to the extended sports outdoor facilities, the indoor supply of sports facilities is substantial. These cover fitness rooms, martial arts rooms, a swimming pool, a small and a large sports hall. Around the sports hall there’s an indoor running track which can be used throughout the year. It is available to school staff and external users as well.

The interior, also designed by atelier PRO, is tailored to the aims of the ambitious programme. The design of the interior also focuses extensively on the various spaces where students can go to chill and meet up with friends. The extreme cold in this area makes the school’s indoor atmosphere important for relaxation.

Ambitous learning environment The Russian client has established a private, non-profit school which aims to be the most prestigious school in the country and to offer the best educational programme through a Russion and an IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum. Students’ personal development is paramount, with the school adopting a holistic approach. It is a true learning environment that provides scope for a range of disciplines, areas of interest and recreational opportunities to foster children’s development. This aim is supported by the campus facilities and functions.

Project gallery

Project location

Address: zimenkovskaya street, sosenskoye settlement, moscow, russia.

Materials and Tags

• Sustainability

世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!

想浏览archdaily中国吗, you've started following your first account, did you know.

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

Check the latest Desks

Check the latest Desk Accessories