Application and Contact Details

Dr. Ian Walsh
Phone: 01792 481120
Fax: 01792 481158
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Programme Length

This new Masters programme, validated by the University of Wales, is being offered on both a full-time and a part-time basis. The full-time mode will be of one calendar year's duration, while the part-time mode has a minimum duration of two academic years.

Programme Description

This programme will explore the nature of the innovation process and its relationship to the design and development of consumer and industrial products. The programme provides a platform for students to further their knowledge of the nature of innovation and the necessity for its application in the design of innovative products, systems and services. The main strands of the programme are: creativity, innovation and product design. These themes are considered in the context of the clear need to bridge the gap between the design and development of innovative products and need to develop sustainable and universal solutions to human needs.

This course has been designed to ensure graduates are given the best possible support to realise the exploitation of their own or their company's IPR. The programme provides graduates with the opportunity to develop their expertise to make them a more effective and reflective design practitioner.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of two parts: a taught part consisting of 120 credits, followed by a second part (the project) requiring in-depth research and the generation of a strategy for innovation and a design proposal which exploits on the identified IPR.

Part I

Students study the following subject areas grouped together in discrete modules. The total value of part 1 is 120 credits. The full-time students study over a period of one calendar year but part-time students study the same subjects but over two years.

MA Product Design and Innovation Modules:

Contemporary Issues in Design 20 Credits
Design Development Principles & Practice 20 Credits
Research Methods & Project Investigation 20 Credits
Product Visualisation 20 Credits
Innovation Practice 20 Credits
Managing Intellectual Property 20 Credits

Part II

Part II, the Major Project, is an in-depth investigation into a particular area. This element of the programme will be equivalent to 60 credits. The execution of this project may take a variety of forms and it a process of negotiation between student and project director. The project outcome would be expected to demonstrate innovation in some, or all, aspects of its design, function and means of manufacture.

Assessment

The taught modules in Part I are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. Each module is examined by means of course work assignments of a maximum 6,000 words or equivalent. The project in Part II is normally assessed through the submission of a project and dissertation of not more than 20,000 words.

Full-time mode

The full-time scheme runs over a calendar year. The 6 taught modules in Part I will be studied over three 10-week terms. Each term includes an allowance for revision and assessment of a module. Part II (the project) will involve regular tutorials with members of the project supervisory team.

Part-time mode

A student enrolled on the part-time MA programme would require a minimum of two years to achieve the award.

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirements for admission to the MA programme are:

an Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline
for graduates of non-UK universities, sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of the programme (e.g. TOEFL 550 or equivalent)
This programme is ideally suited to applicants who are involved with or who have a background in new product development or new business development though candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds will be considered.

To be read in conjunction with this page

Equivalent Qualifications

Equivalent qualifications will be considered for entry onto the programme. For example, a candidate with a good HND, together with at least five years relevant experience would be considered. The candidate would be expected to provide evidence to support his/her application.

Other Skills Considered

Our offers are not solely based on academic results. We take your skills, achievements and life experience into consideration.