Designing Healthcare Products & Services

Design is an important driver of economic growth, integral to both industry and society. EGFSN together for Design (2020) identified three major types of design as important for Ireland’s economic success: - Digital design;(Digital Media, Interaction Design, Web Design) - Product design; (Product Design Innovation, Process Design, Manufacturing Design) and - Strategic design; (Service Design, Design Thinking, Co-Design, Design Management, Design Innovation).

The core design modules on this program are based on conducting research in a health care setting to produce a design guide. This forms the basis of the subsequent ideation process to create a breath of product and service system solutions. The design modules are complimented with modules in business, entrepreneurship and health promotion. The program emphasises problem solving and creativity that centres on interdisciplinary collaboration, human centred design and contemporary design processes.

The programme is delivered in a design studio environment, through flexible online and on campus teaching. The focus is on cultivating a culture of creativity, peer learning and transdisciplinary collaboration.

The approach is based on real-world challenges linked with industry (medical devices, life sciences) and healthcare providers. Through this real-world approach students learn to identify stakeholder needs and develop a breath of solutions through ideation. Participants will conduct research in a clinical setting as well as work on external partner specified design briefs around specific development requests.

Award: Professional Diploma
Qualification: NFQ Level 9 Minor Award

Autumn Semester

MP6031 ESTABLISHING BUSINESS VENTURES: establish and grow a new venture and examine the key success factors in creating a business.

PD6001 PODUCT DESIGN RESEARCH: research approaches and their integration into the design process to create innovative designs.

CA4003 CAREER DEVELOPMENT: job readiness and future employability training

Spring Semester

NM4092 HEALTH AND HEALTH PROMOTION: appreciate health as a concept and the various determinants of health.

PD6012 IDEATION AND REPRESENTATION: fundamental design methodologies and techniques to turn ideas into product concepts.

IE2011 INDUSTRY LEARNING PROJECT: Application of course content in a real-life setting

Applicants must have a 1st or 2nd class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant subject or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.

Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants.

Applications are welcome from students of design and non-design backgrounds with an interest in innovating solutions for healthcare and wellbeing challenges and opportunities.

Backgrounds can include, but are not limited to, technical disciplines (science and engineering), business, medicine, allied health, social sciences. Supporting documentation will be reviewed by Course Director and course team.

What to Include with your Application

Qualification transcripts and certificates

A copy of your birth certificate or passport

A statement of interest as to why you would like to be considered for the professional diploma in Designing Healthcare Products and Services

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
AND
• English language competency certificate

1 year part-time

Course Start Date: September