Blending arts and sciences: gimmick or necessity?

Prior, Stephen D., Karamanoglu, Mehmet ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5049-2993 and Bradley, Michael D. (2008) Blending arts and sciences: gimmick or necessity? In: Proceedings of the higher education academy international conference on innovation, good practice and research in engineering education conference. The higher education academy, engineering subject centre, Loughborough, pp. 1-12. . [Book Section]

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Abstract

The shortage of degree qualified engineers in the UK is well documented. On the other hand the surplus of art and design graduates is growing. Whilst acknowledging the
shortage in engineering graduates, there is also the need to recognise the breadth and increased skill level that engineering graduates require. Is it therefore possible to convert some of the excess graduates in art and design to careers in design and development engineering?

The success of many engineering businesses depends not only on technical excellence but also on understanding of the market needs and the speed of response to this demand. To make this task even harder, businesses are also expected to compete in markets that are open to global competition and are also faced with much more sophisticated consumers.
Businesses that are engaged in the manufacture of goods now require a new breed of engineer. These are not only technically competent individuals, but also possess what is known as “soft” or “creative” skills traditionally found in graduates of art and design disciplines.

This paper details an innovative curriculum model offered at postgraduate level to address the 21 st century needs of engineering businesses. The paper also details rigorous recruitment tools developed and used for selecting students exclusively from the art and design disciplines.

Item Type: Book Section
Additional Information: International Conference on Innovation, good practice and research in engineering education conference, 14-16 July, Loughborough University, 2008.
Research Areas: A. > School of Science and Technology
A. > School of Science and Technology > Design Engineering and Mathematics
Item ID: 6590
Useful Links:
Depositing User: Mrs Sue Black
Date Deposited: 05 Oct 2010 13:55
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2022 01:52
URI: https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/id/eprint/6590

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