Product Design Engineering (Hons)

Overview

The basic underlying approach for  The Glasgow School of Art 's Product Design Engineering (Hons) is 'core-explore'. The first three years of the studio programme at GSA are centred around core design project activities.  The curriculum is designed to develop creativity, exploration and expression of ideas, and to build confidence in applying the PDE design process. You will be involved in a wide range of activities including design awareness and aesthetics, drawing and visualisation, model-making and prototyping. Skills in communication and project management are also developed. 

Overview

The PDE programme’s rationale is to meet a growing industry demand for confident design engineering graduates, able to deliver and demonstrate a comprehensive blend of sound theoretical technical understanding coupled with creative practical application in the development of products to meet human needs. 

The integration of two distinctive educational cultures is the essence of PDE. This experience and mix of design studio work with engineering theory and labs provides an introduction to the requirements of working in industry. 

The practical application of these skills is primarily through studio engagement, and students will develop skills in PRODUCT – What the Product you’re designing on has to do and have. PROCESS – How you carry out the activity of designing products and PRESENTATION – Externalising and Representing your ideas. 

Embedded in these will be an ever increasing application of Quality, Responsibility, Resolution and Relevance as students progress through the programme. The PDE studio programme at the Glasgow School of Art is centred around design project activities. The overall approach of the PDE studio is ‘Core-Explore’. 

The early years (Core) are designed to build familiarity and skill with a variety of tools, increasing confidence in the design process, and to develop creativity and the exploration and expression of ideas. 

The later years (Explore) of the degree focus on the acquisition of in-depth technical skills, and their application to substantial design engineering projects. The study of contextual issues within the studio programme relates work to entrepreneurial, economic, business, and social considerations.