Product Design Engineering or "PDE" brings together two cultures - the studio and creative environment of one of Europe's leading art schools - the GSA, and the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow - a world top 100 university (QS World Ranking).
If you can imagine bringing together your academic and creative abilities to design exciting and innovative products, then Product Design Engineering is the career path for you. PDE offer you a unique opportunity to gaining a Masters of Engineerng (MEng) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) with honours and a foundation for a career as a design engineer.
Core
The basic underlying approach for PDE is 'core-explore'. The first three years of the studio programme at GSA are centred around core design project activities. The curriculum is designed to develop creativity, exploration and expression of ideas, and to build confidence in applying the PDE design process. You will be involved in a wide range of activities including design awareness and aesthetics, drawing and visualisation, model-making and prototyping. Skills in communication and project management are also developed.
At GU the first three years of the course contain elements common to the Mechanical Engineering degree and include the following engineering core studies: applied mathematics, mechanics, thermofluids, materials, electrical and electronic engineering, management, economics, and foreign languages.
Explore
The final years of the degree focus on the exploration of the skills from the first three years and the application of in-depth technical skills. The format for this is usually represented through substantial design engineering projects.
Students are introduced to industry through placements and visits, and the final year involves an individual major project often organised in collaboration with industry. Contextual studies relate work to entrepreneurial, economic, business, and societal considerations.
Professional Status
PDE is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Institute of Engineering Designers to allow Chartered Engineer status - an excellent springboard for industry, consultancy, or higher degrees.
