The MA in Computer-Aided Product Design explores the process behind the development and production of a concept. Rather than concentrating on creating an actual product you will use industry standard visualisation and prototyping techniques to show how a product or virtual concept is achieved. This course will give you the chance to explore new developments in technology, and apply these to your work.
Opportunities within the course are wide-ranging. It is suitable for both those from a technical or engineering background and those from a creative digital art or animation background. You will develop your own projects in areas of interest to you. These may vary from the virtual to the technical, encouraging inclusion of personal experiences, views and ideas.
Student work
Take a look at recent work in our online student gallery.
Postgraduate scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Postgraduate open events
9 May 2012
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
Course enquiries:
Email us
+44 (0)115 848 2572
Admissions enquiries:
Ask NTU
+44 (0)115 9418 418
Visit the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment website.
Please note the following information for applicants
Course content
The course shares lectures with the rest of the Product Design postgraduate suite for the following modules:
- Research and Design Methodologies
- Design Philosophy
- Design Paradigms.
They also share studio time and seminars for the following modules:
- Computer Aided Design Systems
- Artefact and System Realisation.
Additionally the following modules are specific to the MA Computer-Aided Product Design course:
- Ergonomics
- The Global Market.
What will I produce?
By the end of the course you will have used CAD techniques to create elements that show the digital process behind the production of an idea or concept. These could include:
- a digital art-form
- a branding animation
- sculptured maquettes
- CNC cutting programmes.
These elements will be supported by a reflective journal and either a dissertation explaining the background and process of the project or a technical report detailing the programme, materials and process behind the concept.
Student work
Take a look at recent work in our online student gallery.
How do you study?
The course will be taught through:
- lectures – with all students from the Product Design suite
- intensive workshop introductions – to introduce all the equipment available so that you can use it to its full advantage
- studio sessions – these will often underpin areas introduced in the lectures
- seminars – with the rest of your course group you will examine and develop areas through discussion
- tutorials
- industrial and study visits.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via coursework at the end of each stage.
Who teaches on this course?
You will be taught by an experienced team who are passionate about this subject area. Take a look at some of their profiles to find out more about their areas of expertise.
Course leader: Dr Sarah Kettley
Alan Crisp
Jim Dale
Leslie Arthur
Resources and facilities
The MA is hosted by the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, giving students access to a range of excellent dedicated facilities within the School. Facilities are supervised by skilled technical personnel.
Research opportunities
This course promotes development towards MPhil and PhD.
Opportunities for progression
The collaborative nature of the Product Design Masters courses allows students to work closely with those studying other postgraduate courses. Access is also available to The Hive - a business incubator unit based on the University's City site, which facilitates the formation of companies and development of complementary product solutions. Staff can help to secure any intellectual property rights resulting from course activities.
Each of our Masters courses is designed to increase the employability of its graduates by identifying new product opportunities. Students become more strategically aware, technically literate and able to communicate concepts and outcomes of an advanced level in an ever-changing global marketplace. Recent graduates have set up their own businesses, progressed on to further postgraduate study, or secured employment in research, the manufacturing industries and consultancy.
Work placements
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry.
How to apply
Applications for this course should be made through our website; apply now for our MA Computer-Aided Product Design.
You can study this course in a number of ways:
- full-time over one year
- part-time over two years.
Personal statement
Your course of study will be based on the research, development and production of a major project that you'll propose.
Your personal statement should be submitted as part of your online application form in the personal statement field.
It should be approximately 500 words and include the following:
- your aims and motivations to study Computer-Aided Product Design
- what you hope to achieve upon graduation from this course
- any specialist areas or ideas that you'd like to explore within your studies
- any practical skills that you possess that you think are relevant to your studies.
Please also include what your expertise is within the subject area, and whether you have any professional working experience.
Examples of work
In order for us to consider your application, we need you to submit examples of your practical work.
Please upload these as part of your online application.
For full details on what we require, please read our Masters Work Submission information 
.
English language entry requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English courses
We offer Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) courses from six to 30 weeks for students who need help achieving these requirements. Even if you have already met the minimum entry requirements you could still benefit, as many students do, from the study skills and orientation to the UK education system that is offered by a short PEAP course.
For more information on PEAP including dates, fees and English language entry requirements for these courses, please visit our website.
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Application deadline
Applications should normally be received by the end of July for entry in September.
Overseas applicants must take into account the time required to apply for a visa (if applicable) before applying for an MA course.
Postgraduate scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Postgraduate open events
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Course enquiries:
Email us
+44 (0)115 848 2572
Admissions enquiries:
Email us
+44 (0)115 9418 418
