Enhancing creativity and innovation within engineering.
This four-year honours degree course provides you with the opportunity to study technology in the context of design for the marketplace. It provides the skills, technical know-how and market awareness you need to apply creativity to the pursuit of innovation.
This course will appeal to students interested in engineering, technology and product design and development. Combining design and engineering skills, you will learn how to conceive and develop innovative designs and turn them into manufacturing reality.
Teamwork is at the core of engineering and design and this course promotes an integrated approach to product development. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to have a direct and positive influence on the way industry operates.
The course is delivered jointly by the School of Engineering and the Belfast School of Art. The third year of the course consists of a compulsory placement.
It is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The BSc Hons Technology with Design is a four-year honours degree course consisting of three years in the University and one year on Industrial Placement. The course provides you with the opportunity to study technology in the context of design for the marketplace. It provides the skills, technical know-how and market awareness you need to apply creativity to the pursuit of innovation. The course is delivered by the School of Engineering and the Belfast School of Art
In Year 1 of the course, you are introduced to the main themes of the course. The technology and engineering design content includes learning about things such as materials and manufacturing methods, analytical methods, and computer aided design. You begin to develop your practical skills in model building and workshop practice. You also study design culture and develop your design skills. A teamwork project allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the role of engineering and design in a global context taking account of ethical, cultural and sustainability issues.
Second year deepens your understanding and knowledge of design, engineering and technology. You also develop your analytical, problem-solving and design skills. Visits to local industry provide an insight into real-world design and manufacturing. Individual and group project work allow you to gain experience of project management, team-working and help improve your communication skills. Preparation for the year of industrial placement also starts in year 2.
In Year 3 you undertake a year-long placement in an industrial or academic setting. This is normally a paid placement. Placement is compulsory and is an integral part of the course, providing you the opportunity to develop your professional skills and a deeper understanding of design and industry. Upon graduation, you are awarded a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) for successful completion of your placement.
Group and individual projects form an important part of final year where innovation and design are important themes. You can also pursue particular interests by choosing from a range of optional subjects.
Details of the course modules may be found in the section on modular structure.
This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Duration
This is a four year course that includes a compulsory placement in year 3. The course is only offered as a full-time option.
Attendance
Classes are normally scheduled from Monday – Friday. There are no timetabled activities on Wednesday afternoons.
The teaching, learning and assessment methods used largely reflect what you are expected to learn from each subject you study. So design is largely studio based with regular dialogue with your tutors. The technical underpinning required in science and mathematics are taught in ways that combine traditional features such as lectures and tutorials with a range of practical activities that embed this underpinning knowledge in the context of real-world systems and examples. Laboratory sessions include both demonstrations and experimentation. Other methods used include group and individual project activities, industrial visits and case studies. Learning is supported by access to design studios, extensive general and subject-specific IT facilities, including computer-aided design and simulation packages.
Design modules tend to use continuous assessment only. In other subjects, a combination of continuous assessment and formal examination is generally employed. Continuous assessment includes individual and group project work, class tests, design activities, oral presentations, and library and laboratory based assignments.
Staff delivering the course are focused on the provision of good quality, timely formative feedback to encourage students and to promote deeper learning.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
Design Practice introduces students to the importance of visual and physical representation and how they are applied in Product Design professional practice. From the iterative development process through to communication of finished Designs. Students will explore systems of drawing including freehand and measured perspective, orthographic projection and physical soft modelling in a range of media. Iterative Sketching alternating between 2D and 3D, drawing and modelling, is explored as a key part of the creative process and students are introduced to a range of techniques with the aim of demonstrating creative and appropriate ways of generating and communicating ideas within a creative design environment.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces major issues and concerns within design research to broaden the student's understanding, knowledge and critical observation of design and material culture. Students are encouraged to think about design within a wider theoretical, historical and social context to enable them to evaluate and respond to discourses, past, present and future. There is a strong emphasis in establishing the rigors of reading, writing and research required at this level to develop the student's ability to support, defend and express their ideas.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the language and terminology of mathematics, together with the mathematical techniques from algebra, calculus and statistics that are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to working in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world problem and present their solution to an audience of their tutors and peers.
Year: 1
Status: C
A module which integrates lectures with practical sessions in the study of the basics of common manufacturing methodologies and the behaviour of engineering materials. The student will consolidate their learning of the interaction among materials, manufacturing methods, quality and workshop safety. Production of a working electro-mechanical product will deepen knowledge and develop basic skills for selected manufacturing processes. Candidates will critique their work to improve the product design and select appropriate production processes for batch manufacture.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to studying Technology with Design at Ulster University and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programm
It includes an introduction to the fundamentals in the use of a modern 3D CAD system to create robust 3D part modules using an introductory range of feature types.
Year: 2
Status: C
Design Communication provides an introduction to the concepts and methodologies of visual communication, graphic design, 3D CAD, CAM, information design and presentation techniques. Through studio-based practice students are taught effective communication of ideas using appropriate presentation techniques and output media.
Year: 2
Status: C
Design Processes introduces students to the concept of a formalised design processes. It explores the tools and methodologies employed within those processes introducing creative strategies for idea generation and problem solving against a contextual background of key issues and drivers that inform contemporary design practice within the fields of Product Design, Industrial Design, and the Designer Maker, through the context of User Empathy and End-User Innovations.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module in Manufacturing Systems aims to provide students with an enhanced knowledge of modern manufacturing, linking design and manufacturing processes. It develops theoretical understanding and practical skills to enable the analysis, evaluation and optimisation of manufacturing systems and processes (conventional and non-conventional). It introduces simulation of variability at system and process levels and explores the interactions between design, materials and manufacturing.
Year: 2
Status: C
Content; industrial logic control systems, pneumatics and hydraulics in manufacturing- basic circuits, industrial applications. Programmable controllers- program representations, ladder diagrams, applications. Robotics - flexibility, geometry, actuation, performance, teaching, applications. Teaching will include lectures, demonstrations, tutorials, and lab work. Assessment will be by examination and coursework. Coursework will consist of a portfolio of practical investigations in automation/ fluid power and a class test in hydraulics.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module considers creativity in design; product innovation; technical and non-technical aspects of design; sustainability; design analysis techniques for economic product manufacture and assembly; functional analysis; visual design; value engineering; safety and reliability through design projects; manufacturing processes; assembly techniques; market intelligence; component and product inspection and testing. This module builds on the fundamentals of 3D solid part modelling with the introduction of more advanced solid modelling tools, assembly modelling, creation of 2D drawings and incorporation of all these tools and features within a design project, working as part of a team.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module uses a blended approach to provide a sound understanding of the underpinning chemistry and microstructure of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. How materials properties are controlled by processing techniques and the environmental impact of materials is also considered. In addition, a programme of industrial visits exposes students to a wide variety of production scenarios and processes.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides students with the opportunity to develop a real product for commercialisation. This module will be the accumulation of learning throughout a three / four-year degree process and provides the opportunity to evidence this education.
The outcome of this module will be a product that meets industry standards for potential commercial launch, while equipping the student with the skills and knowledge to be an independent or employable product designer, within contemporary industry practices. This module will educate the student to become an industrial practitioner of their own discipline, while attaining the academic critical attitude towards making choices under evidence and rationale. Prototyping and experimentation will be key and the processes involved in doing so, to assist the student in making validated decisions within a managed product development process against set criteria within a stage and gate methodology.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is based on the execution of an industrially generated major design project through multi-disciplinary team activity involving aspects of: project management, market analysis, specification, concept design, budget costing, decision making, detail design, production planning, manufacturing requirements and product costing.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides a practical, hands-on experience of Computer Aided Engineering in the context of industrial design and manufacturing. It focuses on advanced part modelling techniques, assembly modelling, creating associative links, good modelling practice, collaboration and interoperability, design documentation, 3D printing, surface modelling, photorealistic rendering, dynamic simulation and Finite Element Analysis. It involves the utilisation of an integrated, state-of-the-art MCAD suite, along with the teaching of the general principles of the aforementioned technologies.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is designed to provide design graduates with knowledge and understanding of one of the three tools necessary to practice new product development, design and innovation in an industrial context, the others are design and manufacture. At the end of this module students will have knowledge and understanding of the role and importance of market intelligence in the content of design, new product development and innovation, and will have an appreciation of professional practice in these careers.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the composition, function and application of synthetic and natural biomaterials in the context of the medical implant devices they are used to fabricate. The approach taken highlights the important materials science issues involved in the provision of these systems. The increasing importance of functional biomaterials to the provision of enhanced medical implant devices that can more effectively replace damaged and/or diseased tissues and organs is also addressed.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module extends the students understanding of the design and creation of software structures using an object-oriented paradigm. The programming language is C++ which is of particular relevance to engineering students.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces environmental issues, key aspects and provides coverage of science, technology, design, regulations and management systems pertaining to environmental protection, resource conservation and alternative energy sources.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module involves the technology of fixed automation; computer numerical control; materials handling; low cost automation; computer integrated manufacturing; industrial robot technology; robot applications; automated inspection and advanced robotics.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
BBC to include one Grade B from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Engineering or Double Award Science.
or
BCC to include one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM
Essential Subjects:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7588/6)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) (603/0861/8)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (RQF) (601/7590/4)
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
Essential Subjects:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7580/1)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) (603/0864/3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (RQF) (601/7583/7)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (RQF) (601/7584/9)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) (603/0862/X)
The BTEC qualification must be in an Engineering or Construction subject area and/or the A Level must be in one of the specified subjects (see A Level section).
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals do not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be accepted when presented with an A Level in one of the specified subjects (please refer to A level section).
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/equivalence
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 and Mathematics at H5 if studied at Higher Level or English at O4 and Mathematics at O3 if studied at Ordinary level.
Course Specific Subject Requirements
Higher Level subjects must include at minimum Grade H6 2 from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Technology, Computing, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Engineering.
Grades BBCCC (to include BB in Mathematics and a Science subject).
Grades CCD (to include Mathematics and a Science subject).
Overall profile is a minimum of 25 points to include 12 at Higher Level and to include minimum grade 5 in Mathematics or a Higher Level science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.
Overall profile of 63% and 63% in NICATS Mathematics module (Level 2) in Science/Technology (120 credit Access course) (NI Access Course).
Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit in Science/Technology (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course). GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics is also required.
Alternative Mathematics qualifications acceptable to the University will be considered for the Mathematics requirement.
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact section below.
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and in addition GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC
Pass HNC with overall Distinction in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical, Construction, Electrical, Architectural Technology or Building Engineering subject, for year 1 entry only. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND - Year One Entry
Pass HND in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical, Construction, Electrical, Architectural Technology, Building Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering subject. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND - Year Two Entry
Pass HND with overall Merit in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical, Construction, Architectural Technology or Building Engineering subject to include a Merit in either Level 4 or Level 5 Analytical Methods, Level 4 Engineering Maths or Level 5 Further Maths module. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules and 50% in the Level 4 Mathematics module within the Foundation Degree. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required. Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.
For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.
Exemption from parts may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL). The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification. Graduates may also apply for a post graduate certificate in education as a route to becoming a technology teacher.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career in the fields of industrial design or engineering. Alternatively, for those graduates wishing to follow a career in teaching, the course will provide an essential undergraduate experience for the schools' curriculum area of technology and design. Opportunities are also available for a range of postgraduate taught courses as well as research degrees.
You undertake your placement during year 3 of the course, in industry or in an academic setting. This is normally a paid placement and successful completion leads to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) upon graduation. The placement year provides you with a valuable insight into the working environment allowing you to develop design, technical and professional skills that give you a unique edge when seeking full-time employment. Indeed, many students secure offers of employment from their placement providers.
Alternatively, you may undertake study abroad for the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
£4,750.00
£9,250.00
£16,320.00
A range of prizes are available for students during their studies on the course.
Faculty Prizes can be viewed at: Ulster University Student Prizes and follow the links to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
