The programme of study will give you experience of designing products from initial ideas to results. The first year has an emphasis on drawing, designing and the creative process, as well as digital fabrication and workshop skills. You will learn to generate ideas, research inspiring references, create engaging final images of your products and developing prototypes. During the first and second year you will learn to apply the principles of product design using diverse techniques. These will include sketching, CAD, and fabrication. You will acquire industry standard software skills and the creative strategies to be able to develop professional projects as well as client briefs. The course aims to provide you with a portfolio that will allow you to start professional activities, apply for post-graduate studies, and enter the design industry.
YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
MODULES
- Skills you need
- Visual Investigation
- Materials and Methods
- Contextual studies
- Creative Processes
- Progression Project
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules
- Concept Design (20 Credits)
- Digital Fabrication (40 Credits)
- User Centred Design (20 Credits)
- Sustainable Design (20 Credits)
- Prototypes and Production 1 (20 Credits)
Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules
- Ergonomics and Human Factors (20 Credits)
- Environmental Sustainability (20 Credits)
- User Centred Design 2 (20 Credits)
- Prototypes and Production (40 Credits)
- Creative Futures: Making a Living (20 Credits)
Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules
- Dissertation (20 Credits)
- Creative Futures: Professional Practice (20 Credits)
- Design for X (20 Credits)
- Manufacturing and the Marketplace (20 Credits)
- Product Design Degree Project (40 Credits)
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
All candidates will either be invited to the university for an informal conversation (please bring a portfolio, showcasing your best work), or where this is not practical, submit a digital portfolio of recent work in hard copy or by digital representation. In addition to the academic entry requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh must demonstrate English language proficiency.
International students
International students are required to meet Glyndwr University’s minimum entry IELTS score of 6. International entry qualifications are outlined on the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) as equivalent to the relevant UK entry qualification. International students require a UKVI Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) (please see http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/Internationalstudents/EntryandEnglishLanguageRequirements/ for details).
There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as you complete assignments and modules.
There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques, and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including design sheets, finished artwork, 3D work, screen-based work, CAD files, journals, essays and presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.
On this course teaching and learning are tailored to support students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs and to Encompass the supportive learning environment and pastoral care the School of Art and Design provides. Timetabling is developed to help learning teaching and assessment methodologies and provide clear and effective feedback to students. Contact hours are 16 per week in year 1, 14 per week in year 2 and 12 per week in year 3.
There are a number of support options for students with learning differences including additional help from support assistants through Student Support Services.
The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually. This is supported by a personal tutor / tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme.
We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors who are dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has plenty of information on what’s available.
Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication, and entrepreneurial skills, so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.
Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like Airbus, AMRC, Rolls Royce, Ministry of Defence, Bentley Motors, Tata Steel, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BAE Systems, and MBDA missile systems. Students have also sold designs to Marks & Spencer, Next, the V&A and supplied interior design companies such as Fiona Barratt interiors (London).
This degree also allows you to gain a range of transferable skills that can lead to a variety of employment opportunities. Further study opportunities are also available at MA or PGCE level.
You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.
Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2020/21 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages.
You can see the full programme specification here.
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then why not take a look at our accommodation section to get more information, including prices.
Those studying at our Plas Coch campus can stay at Wrexham Village, while students at our Northop campus can stay at Corbishley Hall, our on-campus halls of residence.
