Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

To advance the understanding of designing with particular attention to human factors

To provide opportunities for students to develop skills, values and attributes, and to acquire knowledge and understanding, relevant to user centred product development

To enable students to develop a range of conceptual, practical and professional skills that reflect a synthesis of product design and ergonomics

To develop and foster imaginative, creative and scientific abilities, both individually and in teams

To provide opportunities for students to develop and apply appropriate methods to identify user needs and abilities and critically evaluate products that require human interaction

To enable students to develop effective communication skills, including those required for verbal, visual and technical presentation

To promote an understanding of, and examine the opportunities for, professional practice

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

QAA Benchmark Statements for Art and Design

The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors - 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 …

K1 -   design methodology, the context of design activity, and the role of the designer within professional practice

K2 -   the role of ergonomics and human factors within design practice

K3 -   a user centred approach to design

K4 -   human needs, variability, capability and limitations

K5 -   the role of product form and the semantic impression generated

K6 -   the principles and practice of extended enquiries and user evaluations

K7 -   2d and 3d modelling in both analogue and digital media and their role within product development

K8 -   experimental design, data processing and presentation

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

C1 - analyse design contexts and develop a design strategy

C2 - demonstrate evidence based reasoning and make critical judgements about arguments in ergonomics and design

C3 - develop design ideas, as an individual and also as part of a group

C4 - identify suitable ergonomics techniques and the appropriate stages where they may be used to support the design process

C5 - demonstrate substantial competence in research skills through practical activities

C6 - analyse quantitative and qualitative data relating to the user and / or design

C7 - analyse human variability and capability in terms of cognition and physiology

C8 - understand the ethical context of psychology and ergonomics as a discipline and demonstrate this in relation to their own empirical work

C9 - identify appropriate 2d and 3d prototyping techniques to support design activity

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

P1 -   design appropriate evaluations, process quantitative and qualitative data and apply findings in an iterative design process

P2 -   present quantitative and qualitative data relating to the user and / or design

P3 -   measure human variability and capability in terms of cognition and physiology

P4 -   apply ergonomics to real world design situations

P5 -   apply a broad range of 2d and 3d modelling and presentation techniques in both analogue and digital forms to support design activity

c. Key transferable skills:

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

G1 - use creativity and innovation in problem solving

G2 - work within contexts of ambiguity, uncertainty, and unfamiliarity

G3 - reflect upon and present ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms

G4 - interact effectively with others, working as a member of a small group or team

G5 - manage self learning including efficient time management and the ability to meet deadlines

G6 -  identify, retrieve and analyse information relevant to a proposition, discussion or issue

G7 -demonstrate competence with information technology, using a range of different software tools

4. Programme structure

4.1       Part A  - Introductory Modules           

In the following table, ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module 

Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (total modular weight 50)

Compulsory modules in Semester 2 (total modular weight 30)

Compulsory modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2 (total modular weight 40)

4.2       Part B  - Degree Modules 

Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (total modular weight 30)

Compulsory modules in Semester 2 (total modular weight 20)

Compulsory modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2 (total modular weight 50)

4.2.1 Permissible Option combinations

4.3       Part I – Placement (8 semester programme only)

Candidates on degree programme Design Ergonomics with the Diploma in Professional Studies will undertake industrial/professional training.

Part I –  Overseas Study / Placement (8 semester programme only)

Candidates on degree programme Design Ergonomics with the Diploma in International Studies will undertake industrial/professional training for half the year and will study at one of the Design School’s approved academic institutions for the other half of the academic year.

4.4       Part C  - Degree Modules

 *Students must select from either DSC029 or DSC030 depending upon the nature of their DSC028 Final Year Design Ergonomics Practice: Product Development module

**Only students selecting BSC522 as an optional module in Semester 1 may select BSC524 as an optional module in Semester 2.

Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (total modular weight 40)

Compulsory modules in Semester 2 (total modular weight 50)

4.4.1 Permissible Option combinations

Any combination of modules to a total of 30 credits, with no more than 20 credits in Semester 2.           

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

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

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.