At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential. On the BEng in Product Design and Development we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are: • Team based design-build-test projects: forming the core of an integrated curriculum these projects facilitate the application of technical knowledge and practical skills developed in related modules in a context which prepares students for professional practice. The scope and challenge of the projects increases in a staged manner through each year of the degree. • Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments. • Practical laboratories: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. • E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project-based work etc. • Tutorials: Most engineering science lectures are supported by tutorial classes, in which students work in groups on the application of theory to applied problems. These provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups. • Self-directed study: This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out. • Work placements: Students taking the BEng sandwich programme undertake a work-placement, usually after Stage 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. An employability programme provides support on application and CV completion, interviews and what to expect on placement, while our dedicated Careers Officer provides both information on current placement opportunities, and ‘on placement’ support. • Work-Related learning/Field Trips/Study Tours: In stages 1,2 & 3 (modules: Product Design Methods and Practice 1, Design and Manufacturing Studies 2 and Product Design and Development Studies 3) students will visit a number of local companies who design and manufacture their own products and will work on assignments and projects based on these visits. They will normally be expected to present their findings to classmates and a panel of lecturers and industry guests. • Individual supervised projects: In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of design work. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you during the write up stage.

BEng graduates from the Product Design and Development course at Queen’s have been successful in gaining high quality jobs in the discipline or product design engineering. The majority of graduates are working in manufacturing companies or design consultancies in the UK or Ireland. Their broad skill set and experience has enabled them to fit in equally well in small and dynamic companies as within the multidisciplinary design departments of larger organisations. While many companies have transferred their manufacturing operations overseas they are retaining and expanding their Product Design and Development capacity. They realise that product innovation is essential to remain competitive, but they need suitably educated graduates. Graduates from the Product Design and Development course will have an optimised combination of creative, technical and business skills to meet this demand. Studying for a Product Design and Development degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international). The majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Product Design or Design Engineering significant numbers develop careers in a range of other sectors including management and teaching. The Prospects websiteprovides further information regarding the types of jobs that attract Engineering Graduates. Further study is also an option open to Product Design and Development graduates and several have chosen to study a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to become Technology and Design teachers.