Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc in Digital Design and Manufacturing
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 22,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* full-time fee for EU and Non-EU international students
Key Summary
Embrace advances in technology and help shape the future with this unique masters degree. 3D design and digital manufacturing technologies are advancing at an incredible rate. Today, we can 3D print everything from prototype products to clothing and even entire houses, with scientists even exploring 3D printing human organs for transplant.
Gaining this qualification is your chance to be at the forefront of a huge growth area. From aerospace and healthcare to major sportswear manufacturers, global companies are investing heavily in 3D printing, driving the demand for highly skilled professionals. This course prepares you to meet that demand through practical, future-focused modules and assessments.
You’ll develop expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) modelling, digital scanning, and industrial sustainability, while exploring key elements of Industry 4.0, including:
- Generative design
- Mixed reality
- The Internet of Things (IoT)
With 100% of our research in engineering rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), you'll also gain real-world insights from a team of academic experts working at the cutting edge of the sector.
Positioned at the forefront of innovation, this MSc examines how industrial digital technologies could transform UK manufacturing – and equips you with the skills to lead that change.
Features and Benefits
- Build your world – You’ll learn to build your immersive realities with Unity 3D technology and Gravity Sketch. You’ll also be provided with a Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality system to develop immersive environments and exhibit your designs. The headset is then yours to keep upon successful completion of the degree.
- Cutting-edge facilities – Study in the state-of-the-art PrintCity facility, the University’s digital manufacturing hub. PrintCity is equipped with more than 70 3D printers used to produce parts in many different materials, including metal. Here, you'll be guided by our expert technical support team at every stage, from the conception of ideas to finished products, ensuring you're confident in the practical aspects of 3D printing.
- Live project opportunities – PrintCity attracts businesses as part of its commercial arm for those wishing to develop prototypes. Wherever possible, we offer these opportunities to students to work alongside their studies.
- Student community – We've built a reputation for creating a strong group dynamic where we all work together in the same space - staff and students. We meet every week as a group to keep up-to-date with Industry 4.0 or plan outings. In recent years, we've gone sailing, karting, and visited TCT, the UK’s largest 3D printing show.
- Be career-ready – You’ll build a variety of specialist skills and a broad portfolio of work which is invaluable in preparing you for a successful career within Industry 4.0. You can also choose to put theory into practice with an optional industry placement year. This helps to boost career prospects by providing valuable experience and transferrable professional skills.
- Gain project management skills – This course features modules that equip you with the skills to manage projects from conception to completion, considering the sustainable use of materials and energy.
“I do hold Manchester Metropolitan University’s MSc in Digital Design. - Live project opportunities – PrintCity’s strong commercial arm opens doors to work with industry on projects and prototypes, helping you gain real-world experience alongside your studies.
- Join a supportive student community - Collaborate with peers and staff through weekly group sessions, social events, and visits to major industry events like the TCT 3D printing show.
- Stand out with industry experience - Build your professional network and boost your career prospects with an optional industry placement year.
Course information
While this course covers all aspects of digital design and manufacturing, it centres around 3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing. Designed for students with backgrounds in engineering, digital and creative disciplines, this masters equips you with the knowledge and skills to take on high-level roles in Industry 4.0 and contribute to its future research and development.
Additive manufacturing offers unprecedented design freedom, enabling the creation of geometrically complex objects that traditional methods can’t achieve. From plastics to concrete, you’ll explore a wide range of materials, examining both established and emerging 3D printing technologies to create innovative, functional designs.
As modern society expects better products made with fewer resources, you’ll explore the circular economy and learn how to optimise your designs for sustainability through full product lifecycle evaluation.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in digital modelling, design, and evaluation, adopting a ‘fail-fast, fail-often’ learning approach to quickly refine your ideas. You’ll prototype and test your ideas using our suite of advanced 3D printers, including:
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Fused filament fabrication (FFF)
- Continuous fibre fabrication (CFF)
- Digital light processing (DLP)
- Multi-jet fusion (MJF)
You’ll also master 3D scanning techniques to capture the shape and texture of real-world objects and environments, then process and transform this data into accurate digital models or replacement parts through additive manufacturing.
This future-focused course blends creativity with cutting-edge technology, giving you the tools to push boundaries in design and manufacturing. Whether you want to innovate in established industries or shape emerging ones, you’ll graduate ready to make a lasting impact.
Year 1
You'll study seven core modules over this one-year course, including an individual engineering research project.
If you choose to apply to study full-time with an optional industry placement year, the MSc course will be two years and you'll start your placement after completing all the core modules in year one.
Core modules
- Rapid Prototyping and Scanning
- Management of Project Fundamentals
- Engineering Sustainability
- Additive Manufacturing and Immersive Engineering
- Management of Projects Professional Practice
- Digital Manufacturing
- Individual Engineering Research Project
Year 2 (Placement)
You may choose to apply to complete an optional industry placement year, extending the course duration to two years.
Please note that the placement year is only offered to students starting the course in September and is not available for the January intake.
Option modules
- Postgraduate Industrial Placement Year
The digital expertise gained throughout this course enables you to lead, innovate and transform industries embracing Industry 4.0. Whether you’re looking to shape the future of product design, manage cutting-edge projects, or bring digital transformation to traditional businesses, this masters degree opens doors to a range of high-impact careers.
You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as:
- Product designer
- Design engineer
- Project manager
- Product development manager
- 3D media content creator
- 3D print manager
You may also choose to pursue careers in teaching, research and development, or helping businesses adopt advanced digital technologies.
Our alumni have gone on to work for major organisations, including the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, while others now work in design roles and teach or manage additive manufacturing facilities within UK universities.
Study
- Full-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 10% lectures, seminars or similar; 50% placement; 40% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination