Technology with Design - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Enhancing creativity and innovation within engineering.

Summary

This four-year honours degree course provides you with the opportunity to study technology in the context of design for the marketplace. It provides the skills, technical know-how and market awareness you need to apply creativity to the pursuit of innovation.

This course will appeal to students interested in engineering, technology and product design and development. Combining design and engineering skills, you will learn how to conceive and develop innovative designs and turn them into manufacturing reality.

Teamwork is at the core of engineering and design and this course promotes an integrated approach to product development. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to have a direct and positive influence on the way industry operates.

The course is delivered jointly by the School of Engineering and the Belfast School of Art. The third year of the course consists of a compulsory placement.

It is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

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The BSc Hons Technology with Design is a four-year honours degree course consisting of three years in the University and one year on Industrial Placement. The course provides you with the opportunity to study technology in the context of design for the marketplace. It provides the skills, technical know-how and market awareness you need to apply creativity to the pursuit of innovation. The course is delivered by the School of Engineering and the Belfast School of Art

In Year 1 of the course, you are introduced to the main themes of the course. The technology and engineering design content includes learning about things such as materials and manufacturing methods, analytical methods, and computer aided design. You begin to develop your practical skills in model building and workshop practice. You also study design culture and develop your design skills. A teamwork project allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the role of engineering and design in a global context taking account of ethical, cultural and sustainability issues.

Second year deepens your understanding and knowledge of design, engineering and technology. You also develop your analytical, problem-solving and design skills. Visits to local industry provide an insight into real-world design and manufacturing. Individual and group project work allow you to gain experience of project management, team-working and help improve your communication skills. Preparation for the year of industrial placement also starts in year 2.

In Year 3 you undertake a period of paid placement in an industrial or academic setting. Placement is compulsory and is an integral part providing you the opportunity to develop your professional skills and a deeper understanding of design and industry. Upon graduation, you are awarded a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) for successful completion of your placement.

Group and individual projects form an important part of final year where innovation and design are important themes. You can also pursue particular interests by choosing from a range of optional subjects.

Details of the course modules may be found in the section on modular structure.

This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Chieftain Trailers
• Denroy Group
• Glen Dimplex
• Keystone Group
• Southwest College
• Sensata Technologies
• Terex Finlay

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Design Engineer
• Lecturer in FE
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Mechanical design engineer
• Product designer
• Product Support Engineer
• Technology teacher

Career options

This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career in the fields of industrial design or engineering. Alternatively, for those graduates wishing to follow a career in teaching, the course will provide an essential undergraduate experience for the schools' curriculum area of technology and design. Opportunities are also available for a range of postgraduate taught courses as well as research degrees.

Work placement / study abroad

You undertake your placement during year 3 of the course, in industry or in an academic setting. This is normally a paid placement and successful completion leads to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) upon graduation. The placement year provides you with a valuable insight into the working environment allowing you to develop design, technical and professional skills that give you a unique edge when seeking full-time employment. Indeed, many students secure offers of employment from their placement providers.

Alternatively, you may undertake study abroad for the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).

Professional recognition

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Apply directly

Next steps if you are applying directly:

1. find your course
2. check you meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements
3. If your first language is not English, check you meet the English language requirements for your given course