Advanced Product Design Engineering MSc

To maintain their competitiveness on a global business platform, it is essential for modern-day engineering companies to be able to develop new products quickly and functionally. State-of-the-art, computer-aided engineering software and web-based CAD/CAM systems make it more efficient to design and test a new product on computers without committing any physical resources.

If you would like to learn more about this evolving professional discipline, Kingston's Advanced Product Design Engineering MSc is ideal. It covers the latest computing technology at all stages of the design process in an engineering environment. You gain an insight into the entire Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), from design to manufacture, and the potential constraints in that process, including management/business issues.

Throughout the course, academic teaching is complemented by lectures from industry experts, keeping you up to date with the latest developments. There will also be plenty of opportunities to attend relevant technical seminars, both within and outside the University, further enhancing your learning experience.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

What will you study?

The course provides an in-depth knowledge of advanced skills in product design and development within an engineering environment. It combines:

• manufacturing technology;
• mechatronics control;
• electronic engineering;
• IT applications;
• the use of the latest materials andproduct design software; and
• emerging technologies such as advanced web/internet techniques.

Advanced topics such as 3D solid modelling, machining simulation and Finite Element Analysis allow you to gain further practical and theoretical knowledge of analytical software tools used in product design. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to engage in laboratory and group activities.

Option modules introduce you to subjects designed to help further enhance your career ambitions. These include project management techniques; engineering quality management; business environment and organisation behaviour; financial and resources management; and factory simulation.

The MSc project gives you the opportunity to choose a field of study in which to establish yourself as a specialist. You will be given a wide range of projects, many of which are associated with real-world problems in the engineering industry.

Studying this course means you'll have opportunities to be involved with organisations outside the University. Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries.
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Many engineering academic staff are engaged in a range of research and consultancy activities funded by the Research Councils, the European Union, the government, trade unions and industry. These activities ensure our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
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Students are required to complete a total of eight taught modules, which comprise six core and two option modules. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Integrated CAD/CAM Systems

• Integrated CAD/CAM Systems

  This module develops a fundamental understanding of 3D solid modelling and the core technologies of part modelling and parametric modelling. This will enable you to develop complex geometry, which defines many of today's engineering and product models.

  The module also develops an understanding of:

  • the state-of-the-art engineering philosophies of concurrent engineering, collaborative working and virtual product development; and
  • the role of contemporary engineering computing tools to support these.
  
   
• Advanced Materials Processing

• Advanced Materials Processing

  This module looks at:

  • the importance of modern materials in advanced manufacturing processes;
  • materials and processes that are available or in development; and
  • aspects of quality assurance related to advance materials.
  
   
• E-Engineering with Internet Applications

• E-Engineering with Internet Applications

  This module introduces you to the fundamentals of e-commerce and its potential benefits and impacts, particularly in different engineering companies. It explores:

  • how to use the internet to help meet engineering design and management objectives; and
  • the development of a web strategy for engineering companies.
  
   
• Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

• Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

  This module develops your understanding of the techniques required to extend the capabilities of a 3D solid modelling system by using the embedded application program interface available in many Windows compliant products.

  This enables you to develop an additional functional capability by accessing the modelling kernel within the CAD system and integrating functions across multiple systems (typically databases). This is achieved using Visual Basic as a programming language.

  
   
• Computer Aided Product Design

• Computer Aided Product Design

  This module covers:

  • the analytical computing tools that extend the functionality of 3D Solid Modelling systems;
  • the industrial context of the computing tools in the product development process;
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques - used to solve a range of engineering and scientific problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer, kinematics, and dynamics; and
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) techniques - with a particular reference to feature recognition and the automated generation of process plans for multi-axes prismatic components.
  
   
• Information Systems

• Information Systems

  This module examines the role of financial accounting within organisations. It provides an overview of financial accounting systems in business and public sector organisations.

  It also covers:

  • the needs of first level managers for financial information and their role in supplying information;
  • accounting concepts and conventions; and
  • ways of measuring income and valuing assets.
  
   
• Research Project (MSc Only)

• Research Project (MSc Only)

  This module gives you the chance to develop your research, design development and problem solving skills. You improve your project management, analytical, experimental and computing skills while solving higher-order engineering problems.

  You study an area of interest in depth, demonstrating your understanding through a variety of means, including

  • a conference paper;
  • an oral presentation; and
  • a substantial dissertation.
  
   

Option modules (choose two)

• Total Quality

• Total Quality

  This module introduces students to:

  • the management and improvement of quality in products and processes; and
  • supporting tools and techniques.

  The module has a bias towards statistical methods, but we do not assume any prior knowledge of statistics.

  
   
• Finance Resource Management

• Finance Resource Management

  This module examines the role of financial accounting within organisations. It provides an overview of financial accounting systems in business and public sector organisations.

  It also covers:

  • the needs of first level managers for financial information and their role in supplying information;
  • accounting concepts and conventions; and
  • ways of measuring income and valuing assets.
  
   
• Industrial Systems and Management

• Industrial Systems and Management

  This module gives you an understanding of the key operational elements in a typical manufacturing company. It considers what enables a company to function and successfully interact in an integrated environment.
  
  This includes hardware, software and management concepts that are important to the success of the company. You also look at a logical framework to:

  • identify and analyse particular problems in an engineering company; and
  • recommend feasible solutions with justifications.
  
   
• Systems Modelling and Simulation

• Systems Modelling and Simulation

  This module explores:

  • the use of computers to improve planning and control in industrial companies; and
  • the techniques and methods in computer discrete simulation modelling.

  You gain an understanding of the basics and benefits of discrete simulation modelling and how it can be applied to industry.

  
   
• Business Resources Management

• Business Resources Management

  This module familiarises you with the recent changes in the business environment, particularly in the expanded Europe. It explores:

  • the nature and impact of Japanese employment relations and human resource practices, both within Japan and worldwide;
  • the international dimensions to the employment relationship; and
  • how to analyse labour markets, resolve work-life tensions and evaluate ethical tensions.
  
   
• Mechatronics and Automation Systems
• Industrial Project Management

• Industrial Project Management

  This skills-based module teaches you how to:

  • undertake industrially relevant projects;
  • manage resources; and
  • keep track of project progression.

  You gain expertise in various project management techniques, such as PERT and CRP, as well as other suitable software systems.

  
   

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing teaches this course.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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The range of events and lectures in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning.

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