Computer-Aided Design BSc (Hons)

University of the West of Scotland

This degree will put your creative and technical skills to the test to produce digital models (2D and 3D designs) and specifications for various product development projects.It has been developed to meet the needs of industry to enhance your existing qualifications in design, or a related area, to Honours level.You will use CAD/CAM packages, analysis software, prototyping systems and ancillary equipment, and modern communications technologies. You will gain knowledge of the broader spectrum of design and manufacturing systems and the importance of systems integration and will undertake a range of projects.As a graduate, your wide-ranging skills and experience will be sought by employers within the design, engineering and manufacturing sectors. Roles include Design, CAD/CAM, Manufacturing, Process Planning and Product Design Engineer and Civil/Structural CAD Technician.Accreditation is being sought from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).Course contentThe programme has been developed to meet the needs of industry to enhance your existing qualifications in design, or a related area, to degree and honours level.Increasing pressure on manufacturing organisations to be more productive, efficient and pro-active to market needs has forced manufacturers to adopt new, faster and functionally advanced design, manufacturing and communication tools to maintain a competitive advantage.Year 3You will gain a broad understanding of, and an ability to apply, CAD technology. CAD modelling and analysis techniques will be taught using theoretical and ‘hands-on’ approaches. An overview of the design process and project management methods will enhance your understanding of the management of the design process in an industrial context.Year 4Focuses on the application of advanced CAD techniques within the design and manufacturing environments. Many examples of current industrial CAD applications will supplement ‘hands-on’ and theoretical approaches to your learning. An understanding of the broader industrial context will direct you towards future employment or postgraduate study.Career prospectsThis programme has been designed to meet the needs of industry to enable you to enhance your career prospects. As a graduate, your wide-ranging skills and experience will be sought by employers within the design, engineering and manufacturing sectors, offering you a variety of exciting career opportunities. Roles include Design, CAD/CAM, Manufacturing Process Planning and Product Design Engineer and Civil/Structural CAD Technician.Further StudySuccessful completion of the programme allows entry to the University’s PgD/MSc Computer-Aided Engineering course.Placement/Work-based learningYou will gain experience of using sophisticated CAD/CAM packages, analysis software, prototyping systems and ancillary equipment. You will be introduced to modern communications technologies, which enable quick responses to supplier organisations, customers and the global marketplace. The Honours year provides a more in-depth knowledge of the broader spectrum of design and manufacturing systems and the importance of systems integration, and you will undertake individual and group-based projects in an appropriate subject area.Professional recognitionAccreditation is being sought from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).