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MSc Industrial Digitalisation

3D Print & Digital Technology

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Overview

Embrace advances in technology and help to shape the future with this unique masters degree. 3D design and digital manufacturing technology is advancing at an incredible rate. We are living in an age where it is possible to 3D print everything from cars to clothing and even entire houses, with scientists currently exploring the possibility of 3D printing human organs for transplant.

Gaining this qualification is your chance to be at the forefront of a huge growth area, with major international companies such as Boeing, Adidas and the NHS investing heavily in 3D print technology. This innovative new masters programme offers hands-on training in the fascinating field of digital manufacturing, and aims to educate and develop industry-ready professionals.

A wide range of units will develop your skills in computer-aided design, modelling and industrial sustainability. As well as 3D printing, course content has been designed to train students in all aspects of Industry 4.0, and explores The Internet of Things, generative design and even augmented and virtual reality.

The programme is positioned at the cutting-edge of technology and examines how UK manufacturing could be transformed through the adoption of industrial digital technologies. As such, as part of this programme, you will visit complex technical organisations to witness the impact that is being made.

Features and Benefits

Career Prospects

The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is already underway, where physical and cyber systems work together. These cyber-physical systems are affecting every industry across the globe and are growing at a staggering pace. Manufacturing is changing and so have the tools. The digital skills and knowledge gained in this course will allow graduates to embark on, or enhance their career within Industry 4.0 and to be well-positioned to disrupt industries or businesses that have yet to make the switch. Graduates will also be well-placed to pursue a PhD following successful completion of the course.

Learn more about graduate careers

Entry requirements

A minimum of 2:2 in a UK Honours degree that contains laboratory or practical components is normally required. Examples of relevant degree subjects include: Engineering, Product Design and Technology, Computing and Digital Technology, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Technology and Interior Design.  Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted. Applicants who don’t meet these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other professional qualifications or degree disciplines will be considered on merit and/or with relevant professional experience. We may interview you as part of your application.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

Course details

Whilst covering all aspects of industrial digitalisation, the course will centre around 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing). The aim of the programme is to educate and train work-ready, capable and equipped professionals; better placed to fulfil the requirements of higher-paid positions within Industry 4.0 and contribute to its further research and development.

You will learn how to digitally model, design and evaluate components and products; some of which cannot be made using other methods of manufacture. We strongly embrace a ‘fail-fast, fail-often’ design approach so that you can learn which parts of your designs work, and which need redesigning. You will 3D print a large number of these models on-site using our wide range of stereolithography (SLA) and fusion deposition modelling (FDM) printers. In addition, you will perform post-production operations in a dedicated laboratory to finalise your creations.

The programme is positioned at the cutting-edge of technology and examines how UK manufacturing could be transformed through the adoption of industrial digital technologies (IDT). As such, as part of this programme, you will visit complex technical organisations to witness the impact that is being made.

  • CAD Modelling and Product Design
  • Industrial Digital Technologies
  • Generative Design and the Wider Digital Realm
  • Project Management and Organisations
  • Project Quality Management
  • Research Project in Industrial Digitalisation
  • Research Methods and Skills

Read more about this year of study

Core Units

CAD Modelling and Product Design

This unit is to provide students with knowledge of 2D sketching and 3D modelling in a computer-aided-design (CAD) environment to design a bespoke artefact (product) before being 3D printed using FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) and SLA (Stereolithography) technologies.

Industrial Digital Technologies

This unit further develops CAD skills by working with more complex digital structures and designs including joints and assemblies with multiple components. You will investigate the integration of digital technologies into industries and examine barriers to their adoption. The unit will include a visit and review of a complex technical organisation.

Generative Design and the Wider Digital Realm

This unit examines contemporary and emerging trends at the cutting edge of industrial digital technology. The primary focus is ‘generative design’ which utilises software to mimic the evolutionary approach to design in the way nature does, based on parameters such as materials, method of manufacture and costing. Students will also become more skilled in ways to visualise and present their CAD data through the use of immersive technologies.

Project Management and Organisations

The unit aims to develop knowledge and skills in project management, employing a practitioner and academic perspective. Projects are contextualized within the organisational setting, with a particular focus on the management of people. 

Project Quality Management

The aim of this unit is to enhance students understanding of the main principles of quality management in the context of a project, and to critically appraise  the changing views of quality standards and quality measures  in project management processes. This will underpin informed decision making with regards to prioritising tasks and trade-offs.

Research Project in Industrial Digitalisation

This unit allows students to complete an independent piece of research, allied to employment aspirations and specific academic interests within Industry 4.0 via a significant individual research project and written dissertation/oral-poster presentation.

Research Methods and Skills

This unit will lay the core research foundation skills for the student in preparation for the final year project.  It will encompass ethical and legal regulatory guidelines in both the academic and industrial sectors and the theory of experimental design, interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data by statistical analysis.

School of Engineering

Our School of Engineering comprises more than 60 academic staff and post-doctoral researchers, supported by an experienced technical team and a wide range of specialist equipment and resources.

The school strives to align their research to the needs and challenges of industry and society, ensuring that research has a wide impact. Teaching and learning in the school are employability-focused, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge that reflects what students will do in engineering roles when they graduate.

More about the department

Taught by experts

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. We also work with external professionals, many of whom are Manchester Met alumni, to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Meet our expert staff

Fees

UK and EU students

UK and EU students: Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Non-EU and Channel Island students

Non-EU international and Channel Island students: Full-time fee: £16,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A Masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time students may take a maximum of 90 credits each academic year.

Additional costs

All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 for books and printing. Total optional cost: £400

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

Loans of up to £10,280 for many Postgraduate Courses

Find out more

Alumni Loyalty Discount

Rewarding our graduates

Learn more

Want to know more?

How to apply

The quickest and most efficient way to apply for this course is to apply online. This way, you can also track your application at each stage of the process.

Apply online now

If you are unable to apply online, you can apply for postgraduate taught courses by completing the postgraduate application form. There are exceptions for some professional courses – the course information on our on-line prospectus will give you more information in these cases.

Please note: to apply for this course, you only need to provide one reference.

You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

MANCHESTER IS YOUR CITY. BE PART OF IT.

Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our Terms and Conditions.

Important Notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of Regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk.

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan.

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