Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aim of the programme is to produce high quality graduates with a unique combination of skills and knowledge to bridge the gap between business needs and deep-rooted materials technologies. Graduates should have the ability to undertake project management, to provide expertise for high level technical development, and to pursue entrepreneur-type initiatives and achievements. Specifically, this programme is intended to produce high-calibre graduates in ‘product design’ who possess detailed knowledge of materials: their selection, processing technologies, micro-structure, properties and environmental credentials which make them suitable for innovative new projects.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

• QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials

• QAA Benchmark Statements for Art and Design

• The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining - Guidelines for Accreditation

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Principles, methodologies and communication skills for accomplishing and presenting a viable product design in both technical and business aspects, including regular peer evaluation of the design and use of stage gate systems, where appropriate, to ensure the ultimate marketability of the product;
• Defining product or component performance and cost through manoeuvring the product characteristics by considering user’s requirements, including the principles and practice of ergonomic analysis and user evaluations;
• Principles and methodologies of materials selection for a specific product, and their application in predicting and analysing the influence of progress in materials/manufacturing technologies on the evolution of existing products and innovation of new products;
• Fundamental principles of materials engineering and performance of various materials, as well as the frontline technologies and evolutionary trends in new or enhanced materials;
• Strategies and principles for business implementation of a product design, and  external constraints and pressures influencing the design process, including consideration of legislative and financial issues and needs for wealth creation.
• Modern information technology (IT) methods to support the design process, including the use of CAD and validating tools;
• Environmental impact of products including sustainability, waste management and recyclability, within the design and materials/manufacturing process selection;
• Appropriate quantitative analysis to determine the origin of failure in product design, and to relate the key attributes of materials with the technical functions and business requirements of a product. 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Analyse a design problem/brief and develop appropriate design strategy and approach to facilitate a viable design solution within the stated and implied constraints;
• Develop design concepts through to detailed design and/or prototype stage, and predict the likely performance and mode of failure of a given material/product depending on the service conditions/design requirements;
• Correctly identify the material property requirements for efficient processing and product performance, and select and identify an appropriate material and manufacturing route for the design of a component to meet functional, aesthetic, environmental, user and legislative requirements;
• Evaluate the design requirements of a product in terms of human factors;
• Analyse and evaluate a product design and propose suitable modifications by which its performance, appeal and/or cost might be improved;
• Discuss the economic/financial/business implications of design decisions.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Apply appropriate materials, tools and techniques at various phases of a design process;
• Apply alternative design strategies and select the most appropriate;
• Make prototype models suitable for evaluation by users, using a variety of materials, tools and techniques;
• Use appropriate computer software for materials selection, to produce rendered 3D solid models, and detailed 2D part and assembly drawings;
• Use appropriate mechanical testing, corrosion testing, microstructural, analytical and forensic techniques to evaluate materials suitability for a design application, both in materials selection and post-mortem failure investigations;
• Evaluate and present laboratory and product performance test data in a suitable format;
• Operate practical processing equipment and collect, analyse and interpret experimental data.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
• Manage team based and individual design projects effectively;
• Possess skills needed to communicate effectively through written, graphical, inter-personal, and presentation media;
• Competence with information technology (IT), using a range of different software tools;
• Apply constructive and structured approaches to problem solving;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately.

4. Programme structure

4.1         Part A – Introductory Modules

4.1.1     Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

For students entering Part A from 2014

 For students entering Part A before 2014

 4.2          Part B – Degree Modules

4.2.1    Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

For students entering Part A from 2014 

For students entering Part A before 2014

4.3      Part I –   Diploma in Industrial Studies and Diploma in International Studies Modules

4.3.1    Eight Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students will undertake an approved placement or study abroad leading to the Diploma of Industrial Studies, if following Module MPI001, or leading to the Diploma in International Studies, if following Module MPI002.  Participation in a placement or study abroad is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B.

4.4      Part C – Degree Modules

4.4.1    Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

For students entering Part A from 2014

For students entering Part A before 2014

4.5       Part D – Degree Modules

4.5.1    Compulsory modules (total module weight: 120 for students commencing studies before 2014, 110 for students commencing studies from 2014)

For students entering Part A from 2014

For students entering Part A before 2014

4.5.2      Additional optional modules for students commencing their studies from 2014. Chosen option to be approved by the Progamme Director.

Choose 10 credits from:

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B,  from Part B to C and from C to D and to be eligible for the award of an extended Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also: 

• In order to progress in each Part students must obtain 120 credits together with an overall average of 55% for the Part.

5.2 Re-assessment

• Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates, who have the right of re-assessment in all parts of the programme, to undergo re-assessment in the University's Special Assessment Period (except where SAP-exempt modules are involved).  
• Where a candidate has achieved fewer than 60 credits in a part of the programme, reassessment in the relevant part is not available to that candidate in the Special Assessment Period.

5.3  Criteria for candidates who do not receive permission to Progress or gain the award of a Degree

5.3.1 Any candidate who fails to achieve the criteria for progression from Part A to Part B shall have the opportunity to repeat Module Assessments in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XX in order to qualify to progress to Part B.  Alternatively, the candidate registered on the MEng degree programme may elect to enter part B of the BEng degree programme in Design with Engineering Materials provided that the candidate has achieved the criteria for progression required for that programme.  Failure at re-assessment will not prejudice this permission to enter the BEng degree programme subsequently.

5.3.2 Any candidate who fails to achieve the criteria for progression from Part B to Part C shall have the opportunity to repeat Module Assessments in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XX in order to qualify to progress to Part C.  Alternatively, the candidate registered on the MEng degree programme may elect to enter Part C of the BEng degree programme in Design wth Engineering Materials provided that the candidate has achieved the criteria for progression required for that programme.  Failure at re-assessment will not prejudice this permission to enter the BEng degree programme subsequently.

5.3.3 Any candidate who fails to achieve the criteria for progression from Part C to Part D shall have the opportunity to repeat Module Assessments in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XX in order to qualify to progress to Part D.  Any candidate who

            (i)  fails to meet the progression requirement to Part D after reassessment, or

            (ii)  having successfully completed Part C is unable to commence or complete Part D, or

            (iii)  having studied Part D fails to meet the requirements for the award of an MEng degree,

            may be permitted, at the discretion of the Programme Board to register for those additional modules necessary to satisfy the regulations for the award of the degree of BEng in Design with Engineering Materials.  In such instances, the degree classification will correspond to the candidate’s achievements in Part B and C assessments and be determined on the basis of the weighting given for the BEng programme.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B, C, and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 : Part C 40 : Part D 40 to determine the overall average percentage mark for the programme (the programme mark).