Medical Product Design, MA, MSc

These new courses focus on the application of new and innovative materials and technologies to provide innovative design solutions for the healthcare industry.

The new MA and MSc Medical Product Design courses have been developed in collaboration with the medical profession and are underpinned by our active and innovative research within the subject area.

The courses focus on the application of new and innovative materials and technologies to provide innovative design solutions for the healthcare industry. They also provide a strong foundation in materials and technology analysis, design principles and ethical principles in relation to medical device innovation and design.

You will develop your design skills to a level capable of combining requirements such as functionality, aesthetics and ergonomics to align with the needs of the medical profession.

MA or MSc?

The courses are available as an MA or MSc. The key differentiation between the MA and MSc pathways will be the Health and Wellbeing module and the topic of your Major Study Project.

Postgraduate open events

Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.

Find out more and book your place.

Further information

Course enquiries:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418

Admissions enquiries:
Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418

What will you study?

The application of new and emerging technologies and materials has led to a demand for designers who have proficiencies in developing products to complement and enhance the growth of medical products.

You will study the following modules:

• Design Tools and Processes* (20 credit points)
• Research Methods* (20 credit points)
• Horizon Scanning* (20 credit points)
• Multidisciplinary Innovation Project* (20 credit points)
• Medical Design: Theory and Practice (20 credit points)
• Design for Health and Wellbeing (MA only) (20 credit points)
• Technology for Health and Wellbeing (MSc only) (20 credit points)
• Major Study Project (60 credit points)

*Shared modules with the other five product design courses.

How do you study?

This course is project-based. You will learn through a combination of practical and theoretical sessions, including:

• lectures – with all students from the Product Design suite
• intensive workshop introductions – to introduce all the equipment available so that you can use it to its full advantage
• studio sessions – these will often underpin areas introduced in the lectures
• seminars – with the rest of your course group you will examine and develop areas through discussion
• tutorials
• field trips and study visits.

You will work on a number of individual and team based projects, sharing a common modular structure with the other postgraduate courses within the Product Design subject area. This will maximise opportunities for you to work across a range of design disciplines, with students from a variety of backgrounds.

You will have an intensive first 15 weeks where you will enhance your key skills in areas including computer aided design (CAD), modelling, drawing and research skills.

The projects involve live briefs supplied by industry which involves working directly with companies and possibly also working in-house for short periods.

The Horizon Scanning module incorporates case studies and briefs from industry, consultancy and experts from NTU and other UK and European universities. This module will open up your horizons, introduce you to new and diverse areas and may inspire you to explore a different project or to combine your skills with a new technology.

To enable you to make informed choices about your Major Study Project, you will define a learning agreement before you start. This will ensure that you select a project based on your latest aspirations and knowledge. Your will develop and agree your learning agreement with your academic supervisor and any other potential collaborating parties.

Assessment

Assessment is 100% based on coursework and project work.

Course structure

The course is studied on a one-year full-time basis. There are 53 teaching weeks in total. Students are able to take a break during August.

The taught modules are delivered in the first two semesters, and the Individual Major Project comprises the final 60 credit points during the Masters semester.

Who teaches on this course?

Our Product Design team is made up of experienced academics and staff who have recently joined from industry. These, together with regular visiting experts, provide a rounded, up-to-date education, informed by current practice and industry developments.

Course leader: Dr Phil Breedon

Industry collaboration

A key focus of the courses is collaboration with industry. The School has established links with many companies, including Unilever, John Pacey-Lowrie and Queens Medical Centre who will provide live briefs, case studies and projects. This makes the courses particularly exciting and relevant to real word product development.

Recent projects

Take a look at the gallery of work from our 2012 Smart Design graduates - this shows the variety of projects including several with a medical focus.

Course location

The courses are based on the City site and benefits from the multidisciplinary features of the School - combining strengths in engineering, design, art, architecture and the built environment.

Resources and facilities

The course is based in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

You'll benefit from our high-quality engineering laboratories, extensive modern studios and workshop facilities, and full IT and CAD suites. Specialised equipment includes the following.

• Rapid prototyping modellers: these machines quickly create a 3D object from a virtual computer model using a highly advanced laser process.
• Waterjet cutter: the latest generation precision technology capable of up to 150mm in almost any sold material such as glass, steel, granite, marble, aluminium and rubber.
• You will have access to a CNC (computer-numerical control) router and a brand new laser cutter.

Find out more about our facilities, equipment and software .

Our workshops are based in the Maudslay building and are supervised by skilled technicians.