Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design at Institute of Technology Carlow

Industrial design is a creative problem solving activity focusing on humans. Through an understanding of human needs, wants, limitations and desires, product opportunities are identified, researched and solved.

Industrial designers work across many industries like electronic goods, domestic appliances, medical equipment and sports equipment as well as service systems and product interaction.

This course equips students with knowledge and skills in design, presentation, technical detailing, model making, professional practice and research.

The course blends creative problem solving design skills with business and an entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring graduates emerge with a pragmatic approach to industrial design. In Year 2 students must take either a semester-long work placement or a study abroad option.

Students develop through individual and group focused project work, helping to foster the skills required for a dynamic new product development team.

Special Features:

• Studio-based course that nurtures a culture of investigation and creativity. Each year group have their own studio space with access to workshops and computer facilities.

• Facilities for students include: design studios; 3D modelling studio; traditional workshop; suite of rapid prototyping equipment; testing room and equipment; model finishing room; design research centre and printing/plotter facilities.
• On-going collaboration with industry across all years of the course to allow students to experience the design process in action.
• One semester work placement or study abroad option in Year 2.
• Students are encouraged to enter national and international design competitions and have a strong record of success including the Dyson Awards, FP7 Marie Curie Awards, Universal Design Awards and Student Graduate Awards.
• Annual design exhibition to allow students to present their work and demonstrate their skills to industry and community.
• The designCORE Research Centre provides cutting-edge research and is directly linked with the undergraduate course enabling knowledge transfer.
• Exit award – Higher Certificate in Arts in Industrial Design (NFQ Level 6) after Year 2.