Invitation to official of new Design courses at the University of Dundee today, Wednesday, April 16.
Meeting point: Reception, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, 5.30pm.
The official 'christening' of two trailblazing new Design courses will take place at the University of Dundee today, Wednesday, April 16.
The Undergraduate programmes in Innovative Product Design and Interactive Media Design were developed by the University in response to the continuing evolution of the products, services and spaces which we all use and occupy. As advances in technology make previously unimaginable products possible, training the designers of tomorrow means equipping them with the skills necessary to meet these rapidly changing demands.
The courses draw on the established strengths of the University in design, applied computing and mechanical engineering, combining them to give students a sound technological understanding, the creative skills of the designer and a clear understanding of the market needs. Students of IPD are taught by both the School of Design and the School of Engineering, while the IMD course is unique in that it is the first in the UK to combine the study of design and computing.
New state-of-the-art studios have been established at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) where students are taught by an expert team of staff. Demand for places on the courses is high - already more than 500 applications have been received for the existing 20 places per year on each course.
Colin Burns, from the London offices of international design and development firm IDEO will officially launch the courses at tomorrow's event. Professor Tom Inns, head of the School of Design, and University Principal Sir Alan Langlands will also give presentations detailing the courses and their place in the wider context of the Creative Industries in Scotland. There will be interactive presentation of the work of the first student's to have enrolled in the courses.
Professor Inns said, "Now that this platform of talent has been established in Dundee there are enormous opportunities for developments through research and enterprise and for new post graduate programmes. The world of products and media is changing quickly and the University of Dundee is already planning what it will be offering in the future to help support and lead those changes."
For more information, contact Professor Inns on 01382 345290 t.g.inns@dundee.ac.uk
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk