Most IGD schemes are based on specific technologies and attract graduates nationwide. The Competitive Product Engineering IGDS is run by a consortium of academic and industrial partners. The Scheme is therefore tailored to the needs of industry, whilst retaining the academic rigour required by institutions which are regularly inspected by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. The keynote of the South West IGDS is flexibility.
Delegates can study for an award or attend individual modules as short courses.
Delegates will be able to acquire business expertise not normally provided by their undergraduate course. In addition delegates will be offered technology modules with the object of upgrading to a masters level their knowledge of topics in their field of interest and of bringing them up to date with developments since they graduated. The MSc in Competitive Product Engineering involves a delegate taking 12 modules on a part-time basis as well as conducting a supervised project on a subject of interest to their employer. To gain a Postgraduate Diploma, delegates are required to take 12 modules without carrying out the supervised project and to gain a Postgraduate Certificate delegates are required to take 6 modules only. To succeed in a competitive environment a business needs to recruit the best people.