General Information
This programme has introduced a new dimension in
design education, in that it combines the creative
strategies of design relating to aesthetic sensitivity,
ergonomic best fit, inclusivity, environmental sustainability,
and contemporary design trends, with the disciplines of
the technological and manufacturing processes in the
context of learning by doing. It encompasses the core
elements of design, together with scientific principles and
materials and manufacturing technologies, and will provide
the graduate with a unique and marketable professional
qualification.The learning experience will produce
confident problem-solvers, capable of dealing with the
complexities of design in an ever-changing world.
In the early part of the course the design, modelling and
aesthetic elements are underpinned with cognate
science and technology elements.The latter will broaden
and deepen over the four years, so as to produce a
designer with advanced technological and manufacturing
knowledge and understanding.The development of an
aesthetic sensitivity, in synthesis with a sound
understanding of ergonomics (static, dynamic and
environmental), will allow the undergraduate to deal
with design problems effectively, while accommodating
the principles of ‘universal’ (inclusive) design, the ecology
and the environment and design for sustainability.
Participants are involved in design problem solving from the
beginning.These problems will develop in complexity and
solution expectations as the course progresses, and
will culminate in a major final year project that will
synthesise the range of skills acquired during the
course of study. It will reflect the creative,
innovative and professional skills and ingenuity of
the student, in the context of design problemdefinition
and problem solving. The Final year Design
Project (FDP) makes up the major element of the final
year, accounting for 60% of the credits in the final year. The
FDPs will be presented to the University and general
community in a Design Showcase, at which the designers are
introduced to the product design stakeholders.
The programme is of four years’ duration.The first year
provides the student with the required foundation in:
- Introductory Design and Presentation
- Model making skills
- Creative thinking and design methods
- Materials used in product design
- Product manufacturing techniques
- Introduction to Science and Engineering
- Computer applications in design
Students also study the business of designing and
management of innovation.They will undertake cooperative
experience in appropriate industries and design studies in
the sixth semester. The Final year Design Project will be
the major element in year four of this programme and will
give the students an opportunity to showcase their
achievements to the wider community.
For further details, log on to www.moe.ul.ie
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved
equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level
subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English.) In addition, applicants are required to
hold at least the following in the Leaving certificate, or an approved equivalent; Grade B3 in Ordinary Level
Mathematics (Grade D3 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffices) and a Grade D3 at Higher Level (or Grade
C3 or above at Ordinary Level) in any one of the following:Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with
Chemistry,Art, Engineering,Technical Drawing/Design & Communication Graphics,Technology, Construction
Studies,Agricultural Science, Biology.A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the
Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.
Career Prospects
Career opportunities for Product Design and Technology graduates will be in Design Consultancy, Resident
Designers, Manufacturing Technologists with Design Capability or Designers with Technological Capability, and in
such varied areas as:
- Consumer Products
- Medical Equipment
- Re-design
- Packaging
- Toys and Educational Equipment
- White Goods
- Assistive technology
- Office equipment and furniture
- Consultancy and self employment
- Environmental Design
- Transport
- Multi media
