By studying our accredited design engineering programme, you will embark on a journey of creativity and innovation. Recognised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, this dynamic course empowers students to Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate using a practical learning approach. With a strong emphasis on technical skills, you will gain expertise in product design and mechanical engineering, bridging the gap between these disciplines. At Aston University, you will learn through hands-on experience, collaborating with engineers and designers to develop professional skills whilst mirroring the challenges of the real world.
Design Engineering
Ignite your creativity and engineering capabilities by studying our design engineering degree, where innovation meets practicality for real-world change.
Location: Aston University, Birmingham
Course overview
Course description
Facilities
Whilst studying design engineering at Aston University, you'll have the opportunity to learn in our cutting-edge facilities. Our engineering laboratories offer hands-on experience with practical experiments. In our design studios, you'll work with advanced CAD software, and our prototyping and fabrication facilities house a variety of 3D printers. Additionally, you'll have access to workshop spaces, machine and model shops, an engine test lab, two professional garages, clay modelling facilities, a solar array simulator, dynamometers, and more to enhance your hands-on project work.
Course objectives
- Provides you with the opportunities to realise their academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
- Encourages you through a practical approach, to have a passion for design and engineering and an enthusiasm for creating and learning.
- Provides you with a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of mechanical engineering and product design including relevant aspects of societal, environmental, and commercial matters.
- Provides you with an opportunity for advanced levels of study and a focus on skills and appreciation of the changing nature of engineering and contemporary design trends.
- Prepares you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching and learning in theoretical mechanical engineering and product design issues with practical and digital skills training.
- Prepares you with an up-to-date and professionally focussed curriculum satisfying the accreditation requirements of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
- Provides you with the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich placement year.
Modules
Entry requirements
A Levels
BBC to include a B in Maths and a Physical Science or Technology subject
BCC to include Maths, a Physical Science or Technology subject, and grade B at EPQ or Core Maths
CCC to include Maths and a Physical Science or Technology subject (contextual offer)Physical Science or Technology subject accepted: Physics, Further Maths, Design Technology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering science, Biology or Electronics
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.
Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DDM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction with the following units at Distinction: - Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics.
National Diploma and Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics. This BTEC requires 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C, with the following units at Distinction: - Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics.
OR Achieve overall grade Distinction plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit, with the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics
OR Achieve overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in Math at grade C.Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering type): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B. Diploma should include the following units at Distinction if A level is not in Mathematics: (QCF) Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics or similar physical science A level subject.
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering type): M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum Grade B. Diploma should include the following units at Distinction (QCF) if one of the additional A level is not in Mathematics: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics or similar physical science A level subject.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted
- 29 overall points with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including Higher Level 5 in Maths and Physics.
Access to Higher Education
Subject related Access with at least 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at Level 3 including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics and at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Physical Science
Non-standard qualifications
Degree:
- Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
- Year 2 entry: International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with these approved teaching partners: Kaplan International College London or NCUK. Please note that other second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
- Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 View our Admissions Policy.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.
The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:
- Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D
- Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade D
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D
Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:
GCSE English Grade C/4 or above and Maths Grade C/4 or above
Fees and scholarships
Course fees
UK students
(2024/25)
Annual tuition fees: | £9,250 |
During placement year: | £1,250 |
International students
(2024/25)
Annual tuition fees: | £21,100 |
During placement year: | £2,500 |