Goldsmiths - University of London

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Professional Development Unit, PDU

The Professional Development Unit (PDU), situated within the department of Design at Goldsmiths, is both a service and resource that aims to provide effective and focused development for students and practitioners in design and education.

The purpose of the PDU is to bridge professional practice with current and emerging research and teaching strategies within and across the fields of design, technology and education. This takes the form of specialised training, guided research opportunities, tailored consultancy combined with access to high-end facilities and cutting-edge resources.

The PDU is fostering a growing network within the design community of academics, industrialists and educators. This offers a powerful forum for exchange of ideas and practices with a view to innovation towards the creative industries.

PDU services

We currently offer a range of professional services as follows:

Specialised training:

  • Speedstep: Dedicated CAD/CAM application software primarily aimed at the textiles industry and textiles education. leading to DATA accreditation

  • Health & Safety: focused on a broad range of workshop practices tailored to meet the demands of design and technology teaching in tertiary education leading to DATA accreditation.

  • ECDL4E (European Computer Driving Licence For Educators). This accreditation is devised and awarded by the British Computer Society and is now recognised across the industry globally. It provides portable core skills in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Consultancy:
The department of design is fortunate to house a very broad and diverse range of expertise. This enables a comprehensive and effective consultancy provision tailored to meet specific needs. Please contact us for further details.

Facilities and Resources:
Rooms, workshops, equipment, staff if and when required, library.
We encourage use of our resources throughout the year based upon negotiated planning and scheduled booking. These are often bookable outside main teaching periods pending on availability of staff and access.