Product Design & Technology (Swansea College of Art) MDes

Product Design is a profession that falls under the global term of Industrial Design. This discipline is situated between Art and Engineering, and although distinct from both, it assimilates relevant concepts, approaches and methodologies from both these disciplines to ensure that the outcome of its creative activity is both humane and functional. The course includes live design projects that enable students to engage with both major companies and small entrepreneurial businesses. This industrial contact allows students to develop their skills in response to real-world scenarios and prepares them for the demands of employment. External client projects across a range of industry sectors from toys to medical products are undertaken each year, recent client companies include Recaro, Hasbro, Freshwest, Clinique and Cyden. In addition to this, students are actively encouraged to enter national and international design competitions. Over the years, our students have been successful in both national and international competitions such as RSA Awards, Innovation in Plastics, Electrolux Design Lab and the Lighting Association Awards. The teaching team consists of highly experienced designers who are either engaged in industrial practice or are research active, supported by industrially trained technical staff. This ensures that the course delivers a qualification and experience that is highly relevant to the changing needs of the industry. The MDes option allows students to leave with a postgraduate level course on completion of the fourth year.