Product Design Engineering (with placement year)

Our Product Design Engineering course blends design principles, ergonomics, engineering science and technology to create new products. This is integrated with manufacturing processes, technology and knowledge to turn designs into reality.

Product Design Engineering is the process of developing functional products for customers that can be then sold by businesses in competitive markets. It is fundamental to global market success and requires not only aesthetics and customer appeal, but also fitness for purpose and correct functionality, together with superior quality at a competitive price.

It is only when design is combined with a knowledge of the opportunities presented by new design tools, new materials and manufacturing processes, that innovative ideas may be exploited to their full potential. This linking of product design with manufacturing technologies is demanded by a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors and is critical to allowing quality products to be designed and produced in the right quantities, to an appropriate level of quality and at the right price.

It brings together detailed and versatile product design skills with an in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes and technologies. By combining a thorough design education with a sound engineering base, our graduates are ideally placed to conceive and develop innovative designs and turn them into profitable products.

What's the difference between MEng and BEng?

If you’re choosing between the BEng and MEng, here’s the good news: the first three years are the same on both routes, so you’ll build the same strong foundation in engineering science, design and hands‑on problem‑solving whichever degree you start with.

A BEng gives you everything you need to launch into exciting early‑career engineering roles. You’ll learn the core technical principles, develop practical skills, and get plenty of opportunities to tackle real engineering problems. It’s a great choice if you want a solid engineering qualification in three years, with the flexibility to enter industry sooner.

The MEng includes everything in the BEng plus an additional year when you can dive deeper into the areas of engineering that excite you most. You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to specialise and explore advanced topics. You’ll also take part in a major multidisciplinary design project that involves real companies or research teams to help strengthen your employability by building standout technical and teamwork skills.

If you’re already aiming high and want to become a future industry leader, the MEng is the most direct route. That extra year means the degree meets the educational requirements for later professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), which many top employers look for.

Pick BEng if you want a high‑quality engineering degree with the option to start your career sooner. High‑performing BEng students can apply to move onto the MEng as long as you meet the required academic level, so you’re not locked into your choice.

Choose MEng if you’re ambitious, want to specialise, enjoy project‑based learning, and like the idea of graduating ready for professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer.

Both routes set you up for success. You just get to choose the path that suits your goals and ambitions best.

Course Modules

For a full list of areas studied, see the 'What You'll Study' section of the course page on our website.

Lecture based modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and formal examinations taken at the end of each semester.

Project module assessments require written reports and technical presentations, preparing you for your subsequent career. In their final year, BEng students prepare a design and technical exhibition respectively.

The proportion of coursework assessment is approximately 30% to 50% depending on degree course, semester/year and optional modules.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
• Engineering Designers, Institution of
• Engineering and Technology, Institution of