Postgraduate courses in Design Technology

Two important ideas come together in this field – design and technology. They are both powerful tools separately so when they are joined there is a world of possibilities that can follow. 

If you think you;d like to twerk in this area in a range of roles from designing to teaching then you’ve come to the right place because we have a few examples of courses that might suit you below.

Take a look and see if this is the right area for you!

What is design technology?

Design technology is the study, design, development, application, implementation, support and management of computer and non-computer based technologies that impact and help in product design. 

There are a few different routes you could take with this degree where you can go into a few different areas of design. We’ll look at product design as an example. As a product designer you will be in charge of the entire creation process of different products. 

One of the main responsibilities is discovering and defining a problem and then creating a solution to that problem. You will mostly work around 37 hours a week between offices, studios, workshops and even factories where products are made.

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. Some examples of courses on offer include:

Design: Products and Technology 

A course in this area will give students a foundation in a range of different approaches to design practice from manufacturing, computer science and advanced internet techniques as well as artificial intelligence and more. Modules include Design tools, products and furniture design and development and realisation and evaluation. You will gain all the necessary skills and knowledge in order to work in this area. 

Initial Teacher Training – Design and Technology : Secondary (QTS) PGDE

Design and technology are important subjects in schools across the UK. If you take a postgraduate course such as this one you will gain the necessary qualification to teach at secondary level. You will gain a strong foundation as well as learning the skills involved in teaching while inspiring younger generations to work in the field. 

Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design Technology

Postgraduate courses such as this will give you the foundation and skills required to enter the industry and work to a high level. You will be introduced to a large range of diverse approaches to research. Key focuses include diagnostic and development projects, negotiated major projects and fashion practice. Students of courses similar to this one will allow you to gain the opportunity to get a feel for this world of work from a fashion point of view. 

Other courses available in this area include Design and Technology, Technology and Design Certificate of Education and more. Be sure to look into your specific course in detail to ensure it is the right course for you and covers the area you desire to work in. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses accept a 2.2 degree while others require a 2.1 degree in a related field. 

Salary 

Your salary may differ depending on certain variables including your exact employment, your experience and the role you’re working in. As a junior designer your salary will be between £25,000-£35,000 and can increase to up to £45,000 as experience is gained over the years. THose in senior positions can earn up to £80,000. It is believed that the average salary of a product designer in London is around ££53,156. All figures are used as a guide only. 

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• Organisational skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Creativity 
• Ability to use technology
• Problem solver
• Technical ability
• Customer service skills
• Analytical skills