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Whitestone International College of Innovation delivers quality-assured, standards-aligned programmes that integrate academic rigour, industry relevance, and digital fluency to develop principled leaders who deliver measurable impact.

Courses

Whitestone International Diploma in CAD & 3D Product Design

The Whitestone International Diploma in CAD & 3D Product Design is a 12-month vocational programme designed to provide a structured, practice-focused foundation in computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modelling and product-design workflows for engineering, manufacturing and creative industries.

Course Overview

The programme integrates four key dimensions:

Design and engineering fundamentals – product-design principles, form and function, materials awareness and design intent.
2D drafting and 3D parametric modelling – creating, editing and managing parts, assemblies and technical drawings using industry-standard CAD tools at vocational–intermediate level.
Digital prototyping and visualisation – 3D assemblies, rendering and design communication for manufacturing, clients and stakeholders.
Design documentation, standards awareness and professional practice – dimensioning, tolerances at awareness level, design change control and collaborative workflows.

It is intended for individuals who wish to enter or progress within product design, mechanical or manufacturing design support, CAD operations and digital modelling roles in technical and creative organisations.

Learners will experience how design and engineering teams translate requirements into concepts, develop 3D models, create assemblies, prepare drawings and communicate with manufacturing and stakeholders, always within defined standards and ethical practice. The emphasis is on applied CAD and 3D design skills at support level, not on advanced structural analysis, specialist finite- element modelling or regulated engineering sign-off.

This diploma is vocational and non-regulated. It does not qualify learners as chartered engineers, licensed designers, professional product designers, or authorised signatories for certified engineering documents. It does not replace a full engineering or design degree. Design approval, structural verification, safety-critical calculations and regulatory compliance remain the responsibility of suitably qualified engineers and design professionals working under applicable laws and standards.

Why This Course is Important?

Manufacturing, engineering and creative industries rely on accurate digital models and drawings to move ideas from concept to production efficiently.
Parametric 3D modelling and digital assemblies improve design quality, communication and change management, reducing errors and rework.
Organisations require CAD technicians and design-support professionals who can work with engineers and product teams to deliver high-quality digital design outputs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

Explain key concepts in product design, form and function, materials awareness and design intent at a vocational–intermediate level.
Create and edit accurate 2D sketches and technical drawings using computer-aided design tools, applying basic dimensioning and annotation conventions.
Build parametric 3D part and assembly models, including features such as extrusions, cuts, fillets, patterns and simple constraints.
Prepare assembly layouts, exploded views and bill-of-materials (BOM) information to support communication with manufacturing and stakeholders.
Generate technical drawings and visual outputs (renders/illustrative views) from 3D models to support reviews, proposals and production.
Demonstrate awareness of tolerances, manufacturability, basic design-for-assembly concepts and applicable standards at conceptual level, escalating specialist issues to qualified engineers.
Work effectively within multi-disciplinary design and engineering teams, following naming conventions, version control practices and structured feedback cycles.

Target Audience

Individuals in or aspiring to roles such as CAD Technician, Junior Product Designer, Mechanical Design Assistant, Design Drafter, 3D Modelling Technician or Engineering Drawing Office Assistant.
Technicians and aspiring designers working in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, industrial design, automotive, consumer products, construction components, and related sectors.
Graduates from technical, engineering, vocational or creative backgrounds seeking a structured route into CAD and 3D product-design roles.
Professionals from adjacent areas (e.g. CAM/CNC programming support, prototyping, quality, project coordination) who require stronger CAD and 3D design literacy.

Entry Requirements

A recognised higher secondary qualification, diploma, or equivalent, preferably with prior exposure to technical drawing, mathematics or science
Interest and basic comfort with computers, digital tools and spatial/visual reasoning
Proficiency in English (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent recommended) to engage with technical documentation, software interfaces and collaborative work

Programme Structure & Modules

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Product Design, Engineering Graphics & CAD Concepts

Role of CAD in product and engineering design:
From concept to prototype, tooling and production.
Design principles at awareness level:
Function, form, ergonomics and aesthetics at introductory level.
Engineering drawing basics:
Orthographic views, projection principles, scales and line types.
Introduction to CAD environment:
Workspaces, coordinate systems, navigation and user-interface fundamentals.
Sketching principles:
Constraints (horizontal, vertical, parallel, coincident), dimensions and constraints-driven geometry.
Good practice in CAD:
Structured naming, feature organisation, design intent and simple revision control.

Module 2 – 2D Drafting, Detailing & Technical Documentation

2D drawing creation:
Plan, elevation and section views at vocational level.
Dimensioning and annotation:
Baseline and chain dimensioning, notes, symbols and basic conventions.
Section views and detail views:
Communicating internal features and complex regions.
Layouts and drawing sheets:
Title blocks, scales, view placement and drawing standards awareness.
Simple tolerance and fit concepts (awareness):
Introduction to limits and fits at conceptual level, for communication with engineers.
Print and export for stakeholders:
Preparing drawings for printing, PDF output, and sharing within teams.

Module 3 – 3D Part Modelling, Assemblies & Parametric Design

3D solid modelling:
Creating parts using features such as extrudes, revolves, sweeps and lofts at vocational–intermediate level.
Parametric design principles:
Dimensions and constraints driving geometry; relationships between features.
Feature management:
Sketch organisation, feature trees and ordered modelling practices.
Assemblies:
Inserting components, applying mates/constraints and checking basic interferences.
Motion and clearance awareness:
Simple checks for mechanisms and moving parts (conceptual).
Design change and reuse:
Configurations, design variants and re-using components across products.

Module 4 – Visualisation, Rendering & Design Communication

Visual communication principles:
Using 3D views, exploded diagrams and simplified visuals to communicate intent.
Basic rendering awareness:
Applying materials, appearances and environments for non-photorealistic visualisation at conceptual level.
Exploded views and assembly instructions:
Creating visual sequences for assembly, maintenance or training documents.
Design reviews and mark-ups:
Using CAD tools to support review sessions and incorporate feedback.
Integration with other tools (awareness):
Exporting models for downstream use (e.g. neutral formats) within organisational standards.
Presentation skills:
Structuring a design presentation for engineers, managers and clients.

Module 5 – Design for Manufacture Awareness, Standards & Data Management

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) awareness:
Basic considerations for machining, forming, moulding, additive manufacturing and assembly.
Materials awareness:
Common engineering materials (metals, plastics, composites) and their basic implications for design at conceptual level.
Basic standards awareness:
Non-jurisdiction-specific awareness of typical mechanical and drawing standards, without providing legal or design authority.
CAD data management:
File naming, folder structures, revisions and simple versioning within teams.
Collaboration workflows:
Exchanging models with engineers, suppliers or manufacturing, and tracking changes.
Quality and review processes:
Checklists for CAD quality, feature order, constraints and drawing completeness.

Module 6 – Professional Practice, Portfolio Development & Industry Readiness

Working in a design office or studio:
Role of CAD technicians and junior designers in multi-disciplinary teams.
Project and time management awareness:
Managing tasks, meeting deadlines, handling revisions and supporting multiple projects.
Communication and teamwork:
Interacting with engineers, project managers, production and clients; managing feedback and clarifications.
Ethics and professional responsibility:
Accurate representation of designs, respect for intellectual property and confidentiality.
Portfolio preparation:
Selecting and presenting CAD and 3D projects to demonstrate capability and growth.
Career planning:
Mapping potential pathways in product design, mechanical design, industrial design and allied areas.

Awarding Body

Whitestone International College of Innovation

United Kingdom

Qualification Type

International Diploma – Vocational Qualification

(Industry-aligned qualification issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, UK)

Assessment & Certification

Assessment Methods Include:

Written and practical assignments on product-design fundamentals, engineering graphics, CAD concepts, 2D drafting and detailing, 3D part and assembly modelling, visualisation and communication, manufacturability awareness, standards awareness, and professional practice.
Lab-based tasks requiring learners to produce specified drawings, models, assemblies and views to meet defined criteria.
Scenario-based exercises evaluating learners’ ability to interpret given requirements, suggest design improvements at vocational level, and prepare clear documentation.
Peer and tutor critique on design communication, drawing clarity and adherence to agreed conventions.
Final Capstone Project: Integrated CAD & 3D Product Design Project, with a structured portfolio submission and/or presentation.

To obtain the diploma, learners must successfully complete all module assessments and the capstone project in line with Whitestone’s academic standards.

Certification:

On successful completion, participants will be awarded:

Whitestone International Diploma in CAD & 3D Product Design Issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, United Kingdom

Benefits of Attending

Provides a robust, practice-oriented foundation in CAD and 3D product design for early and aspiring design and engineering practitioners.
Equips learners to support engineers, product designers, manufacturing teams and project managers through high-quality models and drawings.
Enhances employability in roles such as CAD Technician, Junior Product Designer, Mechanical Design Assistant, 3D Modelling Technician or Design Office Assistant, subject to employer requirements.
Helps organisations strengthen digital design capability, communication with manufacturing and suppliers, and control of design data, reducing errors and rework.
Creates a strong platform for further study in Product Design, Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, Automotive/Transportation Design, or related disciplines, and for progression towards specialised CAD platform certifications and advanced design programmes, where the learner meets entry criteria.

Industry Alignment

The programme reflects widely recognised principles of CAD practice and product design, including:

Emphasis on parametric modelling, clear technical drawings, structured data management and design communication.
Focus on collaboration across engineering, manufacturing and product functions, aligning digital models with real-world constraints.
Recognition that effective CAD professionals combine technical proficiency, attention to detail and professional behaviour within formal design and engineering frameworks.

£2000

£ 0

Industry-focused programmes with global standards.
Practical skills for real-world success.
Academic excellence with career-ready outcomes.

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Progression & Academic Pathways

Graduates of the Whitestone International Diploma in CAD & 3D Product Design may:

Progress to higher-level diplomas or degrees in Product Design, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, Automotive/Transportation Design, Digital Design Engineering or related disciplines (where entry criteria are met).
Enhance their suitability for roles in design offices, engineering and manufacturing organisations, CAD service providers, prototyping studios and product-development teams in diverse sectors.
Use this diploma as a structured foundation for additional professional development, such as advanced CAD platform certifications, computer-aided engineering (CAE) awareness courses, design-for-manufacture and design-for-additive programmes, or specialised industry-sector design training, in line with employer expectations and individual career ambitions.

Together We Learn, Together We Grow

At Whitestone, we believe in collaborative learning where students and faculty grow together through knowledge and experience. Our supportive community fosters teamwork, innovation, and shared success.

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London, united kingdom

+44 20 3727 6493

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