Product Development

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Start dates: September 2010

Course overview

The MSc Product Development programme covers the product development process from conception to market, with the computer acting as a facilitator to the problem solving process.

The course uses application software such as ProEngineer, Solidworks, 3D studio, Ansys, and Fluent - this software aids the design and analysis process.

It is an exciting and demanding course, preparing you for a rewarding career in areas including CAD, games design, engineering, product design and animation.

About the course

The course deals with areas such as, product management, CAD, creativity, design issues, computer aided simulation and design. In addition, students undertake an individual dissertation. The course is taught in the University’s multi-million pound design studio and some of the course modules are also available through e-learning systems.

The University of Bolton has a long standing regional, national and international reputation for excellence in the study and development of computing, engineering and design.

The University leads the way in direct relationships with employers and all courses are developed with the current and future needs of the industry in mind. Our graduates are in strong demand by employers.

What you will learn

The course has been developed to enable you to become highly proficient in key areas of computer aided product design whilst still offering you flexibility in terms of the route/specialist area that is right for you.

Postgraduate study at the University of Bolton gives you the edge. You can be sure that modules are stimulating, rewarding and directly relevant. They have been designed by expert tutors who are in close contact with employers in this fast moving and exciting sector.

What you will study

The course is modular. You will take four modules plus an individual dissertation, which can be carried out as a product development project.

The core modules are:

• Research Methods (30 credits);
• Product Development Management (30 credits);
• CAD and Creativity (30 credits);
• Dissertation (60 credits).

The optional modules are (choose one):

• Design Issues (30 credits);
• Computer Aided Simulation and Design (30 credits).

The course is split into three stages of progression:

Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
The postgraduate certificate provides a thorough introduction through the Computer Based Simulation and Design and Product Management modules. You will develop a good working knowledge of the overall product development process, an understanding of where your area of expertise is applied within this process, as well as how analytical approaches can be used to optimise design outcomes, and how the overall process is managed.

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
At the postgraduate diploma stage you will study Computer Aided Design and Creativity, plus have an option to choose between Design Issues, and Computer Aided Simulation and Design. You will further develop your product development skills via live group projects, looking at topics including the delegation of process areas and group dynamics.

Master of Science (MSc)
To gain the award of master of science requires the successful completion of the Dissertation module. The nature of this module depends on the route taken through diploma level and usually consists of either a research-led thesis or a product development project.

Special features

You will have full access to the school’s dedicated product development facilities including laboratories, study areas with WiFi, and a state of the art design studio with design, analysis and simulation software.

The team of expert staff is taken from academia and industry; members of the teaching staff carry out current research and consultancy work within the field and have established a good reputation nationally and internationally.

You will benefit from small group learning and one-to-one support from tutors throughout your course, whatever your chosen route.

As well as excellent teaching facilities and supportive atmosphere, the University of Bolton campus also offers 24/7 IT access and WiFi for all students.

Careers and professional development

The course is internationally recognised and its multidisciplinary nature helps you to obtain rewarding roles in many different areas of employment, from engineering design and production management, system or process design/engineering to a range of management roles.

Graduate opportunities within the product development and engineering design fields are growing all the time. The University of Bolton postgraduate courses are designed to give you a specific edge in this market. As a postgraduate, you can bring your advanced multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in product management, creative design, trend forecasting for product development and the application of computer aided analytical techniques and processes to a high level within a company.

On graduation you will automatically become a member of the University’s alumni association, gaining access to a wide range of the University's facilities, including the library, journals and periodicals, as well as professional and employment advice throughout your career.

Professional recognition

MSc Computer Aided Product Development (the previous name for this course) is recognised by the Chartered Society of Designers for applicants to membership of the society.

We are seeking to extend this recognition to MSc Product Development as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

You should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2), or an appropriate professional qualification, in industrial design, product design, computer aided engineering, engineering, technology or a design related subject.

Your application will also be considered if you have alternative equivalent qualifications with extensive relevant work experience.

If you have not studied your previous qualifications in English a TOEFL score of at least 575 (written)/230 (computer-based) or an academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 will be required.

We are more than happy to have an informal chat with you about this course, either over the phone or in person. If you wish to meet in person please contact the programme leader to arrange a mutually convenient time. (While we reserve the right to interview it is not our usual practice for this course.)

How to apply

Please apply directly to the University of Bolton using the standard application form.

Please visit our 'how to apply for a taught postgraduate course' web page for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Paul Clavell (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903048
E-mail:P.Clavell@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the university and how to apply please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk