Course Title |
Product Design (Higher Diploma) |
Length of Study |
2 years Full-Time / 3-4 years Part-Time |
Award by |
BTEC |
Level |
5 |
Start Date |
September |
Credits |
120 |
Campus |
City Centre |
Tuition Fees |
€6000 |
Our BTEC Higher Diploma (HND) in Product Design is a specialist programme of study that covers the fundamentals and develops the required practical skills in the 3D and Product Design field. It also develops a critical awareness of the historical, contextual and social issues relevant to the practice.
Our HND in Product Design prepares students to enter the industry, and to be aware of, and fully equipped with all the technical skills. The main aim of the Diploma is to develop students’ technical skills and to introduce them to industry regulations and requirements.
BTEC HNDs are internationally recognized qualifications with a proven track record of success. They are a recognized and popular route to university leading to the second or third year of a bachelor degree accordingly.
The successful delivery of the course includes classroom teaching, group or individual tutorials, technical workshops, lectures, seminars and professional visits. During the second year of the course, students will have the opportunity for work placement in relevant industry.
Other pathways are: Fine Art, 3D Design, Animation, Illustration, Fashion and Textiles, Art Photography, Product Design, and Graphic Design.
Level 4 HNC
Year 1
Semester 1
The 1st semester of study is mostly investigational, experimental and research based, in order to start defining the perspectives of the fields of specialization. It will help you to better understand your course specifications and values, and you will be introduced technically and conceptually to the course and to industry expectations.
FA/AD01/01
Specialization Roles in the Industry and Design Development – Contextual Studies
(30 credits)
The purpose of this module is to define specialized roles in the industry, expectations, and to develop necessary skills, such as defining personal career goals. Students will build critical skills, and learn about social, historical and cultural theories and practices, as well as how to prepare a personal development plan.
FA/AD01/02
Art & Design Techniques & Idea Processes (part set assignment)
(30 credits)
The purpose of this module is to develop a general understanding and knowledge of 3D and Product Design areas, which will help you to distinguish the differences between the fields of specialization, as to create appropriate techniques and processes within the art & design fields and personal practice. Students will learn techniques on how to generate new ideas and possible solutions and will evaluate the importance of discovering and connecting new media and materials to their working processes.
Semester 2
FA/3D01/03
Model Production – 2D, 3D, Computer Software & Material Applications
(60 credits)
During the 2nd semester of studies the emphasis will be placed on developing technical skills through personal experimental work including 3D practices, measuring techniques, software applications and technologies taking into consideration the context of the produced work. Students will research and test a variety of materials, their properties and design potentials, developing strategies for identifying the appropriate for own work applications. Students will be introduced to technical drawing and learn to use computer technology and relevant 2D and 3D CAD software applications to explore own design ideas in photorealistic and other visual styles of rendering, to simulate how design work will look and perform in the real world prior to production as this is an integral part of the design process in all areas of the creative industries. 3D objects and spaces will be produced that are suitable for use by analyzing material specifications and capabilities as well as their structural applications.
Level 5 HND
Year 2
Semester 3
FA/3D02/01
Collaborative Practice and the Role Specialization
(75 credits)
During the 3rd semester emphasis is placed on collaborative practice and the special roles within it, with the participation of external partners. Students will develop interdisciplinary collaboration and creative engagement through a project that brings together different skills from across the creative industries. Students will learn about designing purpose for commercial, residential, retail and cultural environments but mostly how to design spaces that are meaningful to those who inhabit them. This module aims to carry out a full project cycle, including iterative development, and multiple stages of presentation like technical drawings, 3D models, digital processes and software renders. At this stage, students will have the ability to define, plan and undertake a project and realize the critical set of skills throughout the various roles within the creative industries. Working in a group will help to recognize key industry structures and characteristics, and will prepare students for the transition from study to employment or freelance work. By the end of the module, students will be able to develop a strategy for their future career, whether in extended education, employment or self-employment. Students will learn how to produce career plans, how to prepare a CV, build their interview skills, make marketing and self-promotional material, learning about legal frameworks, business planning, social and professional networks.
Semester 4
FA/3D02/02
Professional Practice and Extended 3D Design Studies
(45 credits)
During the 4th semester students will be engaged in an extended study of Product design practice by developing an in-depth project. At this stage, professional work will need to developed, presenting all steps, from the beginning to the end. Different types of technical drawings and appreciation of related information in the design and manufacturing processes will be shown on work development. Visual ideas will need to be developed in different digital formats through 2D/3D software renders at a professional level. Also students are expected to use effective methods of making 3D models by using the right machinery techniques, hand finishing, laser cutting and CAD drawing, showing material combinations and techniques that have evolved within model making.