Postgraduate courses in Industrial Design

Industrial design is an area of demand and often, industrial designers will find themselves finding work rather quickly. 

If you have a creative mind and you’re interested in being a part of the early production of products, a course in this area might be for you. 

It’s a new year, new start. Why not add to your education with a new course? You can never be too educated!

What is an industrial designer?

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products. They combine business, art and engineering to make these products which are influenced by many factors such as materials, production processes, business strategy and others such as aesthetic attitudes. 

Industrial design not only helps manufacturers and companies to develop products but also helps them to establish corporate branding and identity. 

Roles and responsibilities of an industrial designers

Day to day duties of an industrial designer can differ depending on what they’re working on or who they work for. Examples of tasks include: 

• Research producers – who will use it? What will it be used for?
• Use computer software to design and develop models 
• Sketch ideas 
• Create prototypes of designs
• Look closely at materials that may be used for products
• Determine the production costs of products
• Work with other specialist such as engineers
• Look into product safety and make sure it is fit for purpose
• Present designs and prototypes to clients and colleagues 

Courses

There are quite a few different courses available in the area of dance across the UK. Course content may differ in different universities. Some courses offer the opportunity to study full time while others offer part time opportunities. Examples of courses include: 

Medical Engineering Design

Courses in medical engineering design will allow students to focus on three distinct areas such as medical devices design, sustainable devices design as well as formal, structured design. Students will be introduced to design methodology, design control, international medical devices regulations, auditing, risk management, risk analysis and medical device specific technical documentation. 

Simulation Driven Product Design

Courses in this area use mathematical modelling as a basis to allow complex problems to be solved. Students will develop the relevant skills and knowledge in order to build a career in product design and the equipment and technologies which will aid production. 

Architecture and Environmental Design

Students of courses in architecture and environmental design will gain the knowledge and tools to make informed design decisions based on post-occupancy feedback and performance analysis towards a new paradigm of environmental architecture. Key focuses include gaining skills that can help in relation to global, climatic and contextual issues.

Engineering Design and manufacture

These courses will see students develop skills in industrial design and development, prototype and testing different prototypes through simulation. They also look at advanced design principles and advanced design research methods. Knowledge is also gained in manufacturing and production techniques as well as gaining an understanding in project management principles. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university so it is important to do the required research before applying for courses. An honours degree is required to apply to these courses. Some may require a 2.2 degree while others may require a 2.1 degree. In many cases, applicants may have to upload videos of their dancing and previous work. 

Potential employers

Some of the main employers of industrial designers include:

• Design consultancies
• Commercial manufacturers
• Industrial manufacturers
• Domestic product manufacturers
• Retailers

Salary expectation 

The average gross salary of an industrial designer in the UK can range from £28,000 – £36,600. Like many other jobs, the salary can change depending on location as well as experience. Starting out as an industrial designer, the salary will be closer to £25,000 but as experience is gained that can increase. The highest salaries in the role can exceed £80,000. 

Skills and requirements 

• Analytical skills
• Computer skills
• Strong communication skills
• Problem solver
• Mechanical skills
• Creative 
• A critical thinker
• Artistic ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Work well with others 
• Work under pressure
• Able to work off own initiative