Product Design Control (Postgraduate Diploma, L9, 60 ECTS)

This module will facilitate an in-depth understanding of quality and quality management, from the various definitions of quality, through to the practical application of systems and processes to manage quality. The module will draw from International Standards for Quality Management, the teachings of the various quality Gurus, National and International Quality Awards, and self assessments models. This module will help the student develop a number of Professional Transferable Skills, such as leadership, strategic direction, system approach, PDCA, and customer focus. Learners will develop skills to become leaders and innovators in the application of Quality principles and techniques and develop as quality management professionals for senior roles in the service and manufacturing industry.

Module aims to provide the learner with a broad overview of product Design Control elements in the product lifecycle. Covering each phase from concept through to sustaining. The learner will understand that the Design Control is an iterative process, throughout which the product design is continuously refined and changes are reviewed, documented, and approved. Through this understanding the learner will understand the importance of achieving the user needs and the linkage between each stage of the Design Control process from Design Input, Design History File, Design and Development Planning, Product Risk Management, Human Factors and Usability Engineering, Design Review, Design Output, Design Validation/Verification, Design Change and Design Transfer. This module will help the student develop a number of Professional Transferable Skills, such as working within teams in planning, managing and execution of design projects with the ability to be customer focused.

Module will introduced formal project management methodologies and the project management environment. Learners skills and knowledge will be developed in the tools and techniques that are documented in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). A significant focus of the module will be on the application of these tools within industry. The module also adopts both theoretical and active learning, as the learner will be required to identify and complete an individual industry-based project. They will complete a set of weekly assignments on their chosen project which, when combined, will give them experience across all of the areas of the PMBOK. They will be fully encouraged to apply theory and analytical tools practically within their industry-based project.

The aim of  the Design Verification and Validation module is to provide the learner with a broad overview of design verification and validation activities in a product’s lifecycle. To evaluate design verification and validation approaches, models, development, implementation, testing and maintenance of a product. The importance and application of design verification and validation management, reporting and risk management in the product lifecycle will be defined and evaluated. This module aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare them for industry-based employment, including creative problem-solving, and technical writing.

Aims to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of product Risk Management as part of the Design Control process. The module will give the learner the ability to estimate and evaluate associated risks, controlling the risk, and verifying the effectiveness of control. The learner will fully understand each element (Risk Management Plan, Risk (Hazard), Risk Management Report, and Design FMEA) of the Risk Management File which allows them to develop and maintain the file throughout the Design Control process. This module will help the student develop a number of Professional Transferable Skills, such as working within Risk Management teams in planning, managing and development of design failure mode analysis ensuring that safe and effective products are delivered to the customer.

Aims to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of EU and international regulatory systems required during process design. The module will cover the role of regulatory affairs, classification, regulatory structure, and the impact of various submission pathways as they apply to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutical, and Food manufacture. This module will enhance a learner’s career in regulatory affairs by developing increasing levels of competence and professionalism by obtaining a formal qualification in industry.

This programme will be delivered online from September to April

Number of Weeks: 12 per semester
Number of Days/Evenings per week: 3
Delivery Day/Evening: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Number of Hours per day/evening: 3 hours (lectures) / 1 hour (support classes)

Semester 1 (Sep – Dec)

Lectures:

Mondays from 7 – 10 pm
Tuesdays from 7 – 10 pm
Wednesdays from 7 – 10 pm

Support Classes:

Thursdays from 6 – 8 pm – Optional Attendance
Fridays from 3 – 4 pm – Optional Attendance

Course Content:

Project Management; Product Design Control; Quality Management

Semester 2 (January – April)

Lectures:

Mondays from 7 – 10pm
Tuesdays from 7 – 10pm

Thursdays from 7 – 10pm

Support Classes:

Tuesdays from 6 – 7 pm – Optional Attendance
Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm – Optional Attendance
Fridays from 4 – 5 pm – Optional Attendance

Course Content:

Product Design Verification and Validation; Product Risk Management; Process Design Standards & Reg Affairs

Class recordings: All classes will be recorded and can be watched back.

The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.

Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

Continuous assessment (100% online). No end of semester exams.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Product Design Control, Level 9, 60 ECTS

€8,250*

This programme was Springboard+ funded for 2024.

Successful applicants in employment qualify for 90% Springboard+ funding & are liable for the balance of the 10% fee of €825.

Successful applicants on a qualifying DSP payment qualify for 100% funding.

TBC

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, prioritizing unemployed and returning applicants.

Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached.

Courses run subject to viable numbers.