The BSc in Industrial Design Engineering Technology at Ghent University (offered at the Kortrijk Campus) is a 3-year, Dutch-taught program focused on designing innovative and functional products. It merges technical engineering knowledge with creative product development, enabling students to become product "architects" who design solutions that are practical, user-friendly, and environmentally sustainable.
Key Focus Areas:
Product development process & design methodology
Materials science & manufacturing technologies
User-centered and ergonomic design
Aesthetic and functional integration
Sustainable and innovative design solutions
Project-based learning & industry collaboration
Unique Selling Points:
Strong focus on the integration of theory and practice
Access to modern prototyping labs and workshops
Collaboration with industry on real-world design challenges
Part of a technology-oriented faculty with a hands-on approach
Smooth transition into the Master of Science in Industrial Design Engineering Technology
Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules
Year 1: Foundations
Introduction to Industrial Design
Engineering Mechanics & Materials
Drawing & Visualization Techniques
Design Methodology I
Mathematics & Physics for Engineers
CAD Tools & Prototyping Basics
Group Design Project
Year 2: Intermediate
Advanced CAD & Digital Manufacturing
Ergonomics & User-Centered Design
Design Methodology II
Electronics & Product Integration
Business Economics & Product Marketing
Materials Technology & Sustainability
Interdisciplinary Design Projects
Year 3: Advanced
Product Development Strategy
Intellectual Property & Design Ethics
Mechatronics in Product Design
Manufacturing Techniques
Final Bachelor Project (Capstone Design Project)
Elective specialization courses (e.g., UX design, Smart Products)
Learning and Assessment Methods
Teaching Formats:
Lectures and tutorials
Studio and lab-based learning
Collaborative design projects
Prototyping and simulation workshops
Company visits and industry seminars
Assessment Types:
Written exams and oral presentations
Design portfolios and technical reports
Project-based evaluations
Practical assignments and workshops
Group and individual design assessments
Rankings
Ghent University is ranked =96th in the world (Times Higher Education 2024)
Ranked =141st globally by QS World University Rankings 2024
One of Belgium’s top-ranked public universities, known for engineering and technology
Real-life design projects in collaboration with companies
Access to state-of-the-art labs for prototyping and testing
Optional interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial modules
Participation in competitions and exhibitions of student work
Transition to master's-level research and development projects
Career Paths:
Industrial/Product Designer
Design Engineer
Innovation Consultant
Technical Project Manager
Manufacturing and Development Engineer
Employability Rate/Placement Statistics:
High employability due to practical and industry-oriented education
Strong ties with companies and product design consultancies
Notable Employers:
Barco, Bekaert, Picanol, TE Connectivity, and many Flemish and European design firms
Postgraduate Progression:
Direct access to the MSc in Industrial Design Engineering Technology (Ghent University)
Eligible for master’s programs in innovation, design strategy, product development, and engineering
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