Learning the theory behind great design and professional practice is important and so is the ability to make the cross over from theory to practice. Design-Design looks at some links between academia and industry.
Academia and industry have a long history of partnerships in a variety of forms such as www.step.org.uk/ [formerly Shell Step], collaborations between companies such as Torse and the Environmental Technology Centre at Nottingham University and Loughborough University’s Diploma of Professional Studies. Each partnership or scheme aims to improve links, skills, research and standards in their own way by creating new experiences and understanding of core activity in the subject area. In particular, this article will focus on how Loughborough University’s Design School works with industry.
A colleague of mine at Loughborough University, Syd Pace, is responsible for co-ordinating the Diploma of Professional Studies for students at Loughborough Design School. He is keen to promote collaboration and partnerships with industry in order to provide third year design students with opportunities to develop professionally relevant skills. Whether you are a student, production manager in a manufacturing company, service provider of some sort or a design consultancy it is worth paying attention to the mutual benefits of getting involved with student placements from somewhere like Loughborough Design School.
1. How did the DPS scheme start and what are its key aims?
As of 2010, the scheme has been running for about 15 years. I introduced it and wrote the regulations based on existing good practice at Loughborough University Engineering Departments. The regulations have evolved over the years, but the aims of the scheme have remained the same. Initially, we invite potential sponsors from industry to create competitive interview opportunities for students during the second year of study. The scheme aims to match student career aspirations to sponsor expectations. We also monitor a student’s progress throughout the year by way of visiting them at their chosen company.
2. What are the benefits to the a) student b) company and c) University?
Benefits to the company are numerous. A student can bring to the workplace the skills of managing projects undertaken in years one and two and an understanding of design processes developed from their academic studies. Also, students bring fresh blood with fresh ideas and new approaches. In some cases Company reputation may be enhanced through working with one of the top universities in the UK.
If you want to look at the benefits to the student – well, the evidence is clear. There is a maturity and a further appreciation of how the theory we have been teaching them is applied in the real world. After being given responsibility, surviving pressure and experiencing the delight of seeing their work being successfully applied by professional designers, engineers and marketing staff they return to Loughborough able to deal with projects on a new level. These are students who have been given a contract, asked to deliver and who have been treated in an equivalent manner to professional members of staff within the organisation.
The University stands to gain from this kind of scheme by being able to demonstrate strong links with some of the big players in industry such as Boots, Triumph, Stanley, Reebok, Bosch and many more prestigious companies. Partnerships help academics to keep in touch with what is really happening inside organisations involved in product design and manufacture and keep Loughborough’s design education at a high standard.
3.What has the general response to the scheme been?
The number of students on placement has grown steadily over the years, we currently place about 70 students despite the so called recession. Some employers have taken a student almost every year since the scheme began and we have a hard core of satisfied sponsors. Other placements are generated entirely from students own initiatives and from the growing body of graduates employed in the design sector. An indication of the success of the scheme is provided by the fact that many students feel that their extra year exposing themselves to an ‘industrial education’ really does add value to the theory and practice they study within the University.
Feedback we have received from employers has been extremely positive. With some of the top companies in the UK willing to take back students on placement each year and when we consider the achievements of the well rounded designers we receive back – we know the scheme is a success.
a useful member of the team – his input has enabled the business to move forward with new processes - Team Leader BAE Systems
an exceptional performer with energy and applied enthusiasm — professional young man with tremendous potential - Head of PFI, E-oN
a constructive and valuable member of the predevelopment team – able to undertake any task the team require of him – dealing with purchasing, marketing and production
– Team Leader Bosch Garden Products
Students also find the scheme valuable:
very beneficial to understanding design for manufacture — a high level of responsibility was good and made me feel a valued member of the company
I have had my own project to run from concept work to talking with manufacturers.
Overall a fantastic year. I never thought I would benefit so much from an industrial year. Having so much responsibility has made me grow up rapidly.
Conclusion
If you or your company would like to be involved with the Diploma of Professional Studies scheme then please contact Mrs Sue Johnson at Loughborough University at the following address:
s.johnson@lboro.ac.uk
01509 228319
Download the Diploma of Professional Studies PDF
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