Product Design Engineering With Foundation Year

CCCU is 2nd in the UK for graduate employment
Among 111 UK higher education institutions with 3,000+ graduates (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2026).

1st in the UK for continuing students in the subject area of general engineering
Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2026

Get ready for degree-level study with our degree with a foundation year. In Year 0, you’ll be part of a supportive Engineering Foundation Year community, gaining essential skills in mathematics, programming, applied science, and engineering, as well as the confidence to complete a full honours degree as part of this four-year course.

You’ll be able to begin this course without needing to meet the standard Level 3 entry requirements, as Year 0 is designed to prepare you for the challenges of engineering study and help you grasp the fundamental concepts needed to progress with confidence. Successful completion of the Foundation Year means you can progress directly into Year 1 of your degree.**

From there, you’ll combine your creative flair and technical skill through a Product Design Engineering degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. Designed in collaboration with IMechE, a leading professional industry body, the course will enable you to transform your ideas into physical, practical solutions.

What you’ll learn across your four-year course

• Master the international CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) approach to solve complex mechanical engineering issues with practical results.

• Integrate core engineering principles with creative design skills through industry-related projects.

• Transform your concepts into physical prototypes that demonstrate genuine commercial potential.

• Collaborate with peers to develop evaluated solutions for modern industrial challenges.

• Apply critical thinking to navigate the product lifecycle across diverse sectors like aerospace and health.

• Opt for a placement year between Years 2 and 3 to gain first-hand industry experience. You can choose this option once you’ve joined us, and we’ll support you throughout, helping you develop valuable real-world experience and enhancing your employability.

You'll benefit from CCCU's STEM facility, the Verena Holmes building, where you'll be able to use extensive labs and technology, such as 3D printers, laser and plasma cutters to name just a few. What's more, with a Product Design Engineering degree from CCCU, you'll get prepared for a variety of sectors including consumer products, aerospace, and health.

You’ll learn how to integrate engineering and design skills via practical and industry related design projects, transforming you into a confident and creative product design engineer.

This course also offers the opportunity to study abroad between your second and third years, giving selected students the chance to study at one of our prestigious partner institutions in North America. You’ll immerse yourself in a new culture, experience a different academic environment, broaden your horizons, and help you to stand out to employers in an increasingly global world.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), licensed by the Engineering Council, as fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). This ensures the highest standard of teaching, meeting industry standards and providing you with a clear path to professional registration.

Specialist facilities
Our multimillion-pound Verena Holmes building is home to our engineering workshop, mechatronics lab, makerspace and mechanical physics lab, all equipped with industry-standard technology such as wind turbines, plasma cutters, laser systems, industry-leading 3D printers, a water treatment plant, a bioreactor, a distillation column, and more.

For a list of core and likely optional modules, please visit our website.