This course equips you for a career in product design, industrial design or in the product development sector, and is aligned to the way the design process is conducted in industry today. You will develop your creativity, backed by a thorough understanding of engineering issues, to ensure that products can be manufactured within the constraints of time, cost and quality.
Year one
The first year shares many modules with the department's other engineering degrees and will therefore give you a broad foundation in engineering science and design, manufacturing processes, material selection and behaviour, mathematics and business studies.
Year two
You will develop further design skills and commercial awareness in year two. There are several design projects throughout the year, complemented by modules in the areas of design techniques, manufacturing, ergonomics and business.
At the end of year two you can opt to continue on the four-year MEng degree provided that you have obtained at least 55% in the end of year assessment. Alternatively, you can choose at that point to switch to the three-year BEng degree.
Year three
In addition to studying a number of more advanced modules, year three includes more challenging design projects that will develop your skills further. This includes major individual and group projects, both studied over the full year.
Year four (industrial placement year)
At the end of year three you will spend a year working in industry. You will gain first hand experience of the exciting challenges that are faced by product designers and manufacturing engineers, and will significantly enhance your technical skills.
During the placement, students are classed as employees of the host company, but also remain fully registered with the University and receive support from their tutor throughout the placement. The faculty has a dedicated Placements Team who work closely with Careers and Employability to support you in finding the right placement.
Year five
The project-based approach continues in year five with work that follows a more intensive industry-related route. A major design project is undertaken in the final semester along with a technical review of a manufacturing company.
More information
See also the Engineering and Science Foundation Year Programme.