MSc - Integrated Product Development


	University of Malta, Faculty of Engineering
MSc / PgDip :	Integrated Product Development

Course Introduction - Why IPD ?
This interdisciplinary taught course on Integrated Product Development (IPD), commencing in October 2006 has been purposely designed to give particpants a thorough grounding in the use and integration of design methods, manufacturing processes, technology and engineering management for exciting careers in developing, managing, leading and researching engineering/scientific projects. Graduates with an understanding of IPD can help reduce time to market, improve the quality of a product, save costs, and provide process improvement. This integrated engineering and management expertise uniquely provides IPD graduates with great career opportunities and professional confidence. A foldable, printer-friendly course flyer in pdf format can be downloaded.
The course is run by the Faculty of Engineering on a part-time evening basis inconjuction with the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy. Course modules are administered by academic staff members qualified to PhD level. In addition, lecturing staff members with industrial experience and foreign visiting lectures are also invited to deliver lectures where appropriate to enable IPD course participants acquire a good mix of theoretical and practical skills.
Course Structure & Syllabus
Course participants may opt to either following a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or a Masters degree in the topic of Integrated Product Development. The course is built on the three major pillars, or areas (see right), that are essential for the achievement of success in the manufacturing industry. Particpants would benefit from taught modules, deliver individaul course projects and take part in team-based work. An outline of the IPD course structure can be downloaded. A syllabus for each individual study unit is also available on-line.	The first pillar is that of Product Engineering, dealing with issues of Product Design, Modelling, Materials Engineering, Quality, and Safety. This pillar also includes an elective module on Micro and Nano Technology, which is an emerging area of major importance in modern high technology manufacturing and research. The second pillar is that of Manufacturing Engineering, and deals with the planning, technical, and sustainability aspects of the production process. The third pillar deals with Engineering Management and fortifies the course with the various essential business skills that are required for the achievement of success in the industry. This pillar also includes an elective module on Technology Entrepreneurship, in line with a major Government objective to encourage and facilitate entrepreneurial spirit in the manufacturing industry.
Course Relevance
The IPD course is intended mainly for two types of participants. The first type is the engineering or science graduate who is employed in the manufacturing industry, and who may obtain sponsorship from his/her employer to specialize at the PgDip/Masters level. The second type of student is the engineering or science graduate who would like to improve his/her expertise and qualifications in order to start a technology company, or in order to find better employment. This makes the IPD course relevant to a range industiral organisations, including small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), consultancies, large multi-nationals manufacturing companies and design offices. It is designed to enhance the professional ability of graduates from a range of backgrounds, including: mechanical electrical science.
Course Length
MSc : The course shall extend over a minimum period of three academic years of part-time study. Lectures are delivered twice a week in the evening.	PgDip : The course shall extend over a minimum period of two academic years of part-time study. Lectures are delivered twice a week in the evening.
Admission Requirements uirements
MSc/PgDip : the course is open to applicants in possession of one or more of the qualifications indicated on the right. If in doubt, potential applicants are encouraged to contact the course coordinator below.	Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) degree with at least Second Class Honours OR Bachelor of Science(Hons.) degree with at least Second Class Honours in appropriate subjects as approved by the Board of Studies OR Equivalent qualifications approved by Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies.
Registration & Fees	Contact Details
Prospective course students are encouraged to contact the Faculty of Engineering course coordinator (see right) for further information. Application details can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar Tel: (00356) 23402848 or email: info.registrar@um.edu.mt. Registration for this MSc/PgDip course is open till 21st July 2006. Course fee is of LM 600 per year.	Dr Conrad Pace MSc IPD Course Co-ordinator Faculty of Engineering University of Malta Msida MSD 06 MALTA Tel: (00356) 2340 2061 or (00356) 2340 2440 email: cmpace@eng.um.edu.mt