Design Engineering

Course overview

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-course-page-testimonial

"My highlight of studying at Aston was my final year project, which gave me the freedom to explore a new area of interest for me. Being able to look at something in depth and taking the investigation in a direction that I wanted was liberating and very intellectually stimulating."

Tristan Stubbs

BEng (Hons) Design Engineering

Design Engineer at Orbital Fabrications

Why Design Engineering at Aston University?

Accredited

Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes

Aston engineering graduates at 14th in median earnings on average of £40,200 in the five years after graduation.

Design Engineering at Aston University

Teaching staff from mechanical and design engineering talk about the best bits of studying at Aston.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BEng (Hons) Design Engineering

Studying design engineering at Aston University will allow you to advance your creative skills and transform your ideas into reality, as you help to address global challenges for generations to come

What we will provide
As well as membership for IMechE you will have access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment, including 3D printing and software such as Solidworks, commonly used in industry. You will have access to industry-standard software and receive all materials for your projects ensuring you have the necessary tools and resources to excel in your studies and prepare for the workplace.

What you will provide
You must embrace a growth mindset, acknowledging that intelligence and success are achieved through effort and continuous learning. You should possess a genuine interest in personal and professional development, being open to challenges and viewing failure as a valuable learning experience within a supportive environment. Critical thinking is a crucial skill for any Design Engineer and you will be encouraged to think creatively, pushing the boundaries of conventional ideas and approaches.

What skills we teach
During your design engineering course at Aston University you will gain proficiency in CAD tools to boost your ability to create innovative ideas and develop design concepts. You will learn how to translate your conceptual ideas from paper to computer, honing in on your modelling skills using 3D printing, foam, clay and metalwork. With an emphasise on teamwork and effective communication, you will work on collaborative projects mirroring the working environment you will one day embrace in your career. This course helps build on problem-solving abilities, addressing technical and knowledge-based challenges. Sustainability, ethics, and social impact are crucial underlying themes you will master along with critical thinking.

Placement year
We highly encourage you to seize the opportunity of your placement year on the design engineering course and use the skills learned through the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) methodology to help not only with the interview process but in real working-life scenarios. Aston University students have secured placements in the past with prestigious companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Caterpillar Ltd and BMW Group. In addition to the placement year, local industry professionals often visit the university to discuss the wide array of opportunities available to students and our excellent careers and placements team are always at hand to assist.

Career prospects
Your career prospects once completing the design engineering course at Aston University are limitless, with previous years graduates going on to secure jobs as CAD technicians, Production Engineer, and Product Design Engineer. The Design Engineering course at Aston University offers excellent career prospects highlighted by being ranked 1st in the UK for Graduate Career Prospects according to the Complete University Guide 2024. Career paths include design engineering, consultancies, project management, and entrepreneurship—an emerging area with promising growth potential.

How you will learn

In our design engineering course at Aston University we embrace the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) teaching style. CDIO equips our students with the ability to conceive innovative ideas, design practical solutions, implement them effectively, and operate within real-world contexts. Through this framework, you will gain the skills and mindset necessary to excel in your future engineering careers, addressing complex challenges whilst making a positive impact on society.

You will also have a wide range of exciting extra-curricular activities available to partake in. You can participate in Engineering Without Borders, join the Formula student team for a thrilling racing experience, and engage in summer internships and projects. Various societies, including WEST, CAD, and Engineering societies all offer you interesting opportunities with like-minded students. The industry club helps you gain key industry connections, while the annual CDIO trip includes international conferences and collaborative challenges with other universities across the globe. Finally, the Aston Inspire design show allows students each year to exhibit their design-focused final-year projects and celebrate their achievements.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry and individuals, our course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of key quantity surveying concepts and an ability to critically analyse these, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of quantity surveying that interest you.

First year

During your first year you will participate in team projects to accomplish half of the year's credits. The second half will focus on technical modules, providing a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical skills. This structure encourages teamwork, hands-on experience, and adaptability, whilst introducing you to the fundamentals needed for a design engineering degree.

Second year

During your second year you will explore more creative thinking, examining the context of society and engineering and the impact you can have on sustainability, ethics, and more. You will elevate your project work to a professional level whilst focusing on specialised industrial design and digital design skills, this is where your degree differs from the mechanical engineering course.

Placement year

Your placement year offers many valuable benefits, giving you real-world experience and connections ready to embark your career journey upon graduation with a head start against other graduates in the field. There are many exceptional placement stories from previous years including a current student is gaining practical experience through a placement with Cadburys.

Final year

For your final year you will undertake an individual project, dedicating the entire year to its completion. For the remainder of your year, you will focus on technical and theory-based modules, harnessing the skills acquired throughout your degree. You can choose from three different module options: industrial design, advanced manufacturing, or smart engineering. These allow you to specialise in your preferred area of interest and further develop your expertise.

Design Engineering at Aston

We spoke to design engineering student Wan about his experience so far including his placement.

Find out more

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.

design_engineering_facilities_clayworkshop

design_engineering_facilities_3dworkshop

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

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Engineering and Design	30
Prototyping and Development	30
Electronic Engineering Fundamentals	15
Engineering Science 1	15
Materials and Manufacturing 1	15
Mathematical Modelling for Engineers	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Have a basic theoretical knowledge of the mathematics, science and technology that underpins mechanical engineering.
Have a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, methodologies and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering.
Be able to demonstrate and apply analytical skills using a range of IT, mathematical modelling, and CAD based software.
Be able to analyse and solve simple engineering problems.
Be able to plan, conduct and report on a programme of work to technical and non-technical audiences using a variety of IT packages.
Create a solution to a design problem subject to identified constraints, evaluate the design and make improvements, using appropriate design tools and techniques.
Demonstrate the ability to work in a team and use basic team and resource management and documentation techniques to achieve engineering objectives.
Be able to integrate information from a variety of sources in the solution of an engineering problem.
Be able to plan, execute safely, record and use appropriate tools to report a series of measurements.
Be able to demonstrate basic practical workshop skills and hazard awareness in the production of simple prototype systems or components.
Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of common engineering materials, equipment, processes or products.
Reflect on their learning and personal development and plan steps to improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Design and Engineering for the User	30
Design Studio	30
Engineering Science 2	15
Digital Design Skills	15
Materials and Manufacturing 2	15
Advanced Mathematical Modelling	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Have a robust theoretical knowledge of mathematics, science and technologies as appropriate to areas of mechanical engineering.
Have a detailed knowledge of well-established concepts, principles, methodologies and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering and product design.
Apply analytical skills using a range of IT, and mathematical modelling in the solution of advanced or ill-formed problems.
Have the ability to apply an integrated approach to solving complex engineering problems.
Have an awareness of the role of the engineer in society including professional skills, legal responsibilities, ethical risks, health, safety, security, and environmental responsibilities.
Explore a complex design problem, identify drivers and constraints, evaluate and iterate and document the design, using professional design tools and techniques.
Interact effectively within a team, recognising and addressing situations likely to lead to conflict.
Work with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty.
Have knowledge of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, and of risk assessment and risk management techniques.
Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding,to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including circular economy considerations.
Evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics.
Be aware of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities.
Demonstrate high standard of CAD modelling proficiency.

Placement year modules

If you opt for an integrated placement year, you will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role within it.
Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context.
Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme.
Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Individual Major Project	30
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Advanced Industrial Product Design	15
Advanced Solid Mechanics and FEA	15
Design Failure Analysis and Endurance	15
Engineering Design and the Environment	15
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials	15
Total	120

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Apply a systemic knowledge of mathematics, science and technology to advanced topics in mechanical design engineering, advanced design for manufacturing and related areas.
Apply an in-depth knowledge of concepts, principles and analytical and computational skills to solve problems in specific areas of engineering.
Integrate abstract concepts and ideas to solve complex multidisciplinary realworld problems and critically evaluate the solutions with a focus on sustainability and climate change.
Demonstrate professional skills and responsibility towards legal and ethical issues particularly those arising from a design activity.
Work with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty and be able to evaluate potential impact on an engineering activity.
Audit a planned design engineering activity, identify risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk.
Reflect on their knowledge, skills and competencies to formulate a personal development plan in-line with their chosen engineering career.
Plan, conduct, evaluate and report on a major individual programme of design-based work, with emphasis on design process and design tools employed, initiated from a technical brief.
Employ professional design techniques and produce complex product forms using CAD and additive manufacture techniques to a professional presentation standard.

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.

Contextual offer criteria

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

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

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

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

You will be assessed through a diverse range of methods that mirror real-world industry practices. For your first year, 30% is exam-based, while your remaining assessments focus on skills development through logbook keeping, practical builds and team performance. You will be evaluated through reports, presentations and portfolios. Design modules prioritise coursework over exams, where you will build a comprehensive design portfolio ready to showcase your work to potential employers.

Career prospects

Your career prospects for studying on the design engineering course are excellent for employability, this is reflected in the complete university guide 2024 where design engineering graduate prospects are ranked 1st in the UK. You will have an abundance of career opportunities, including design engineering, consultancy, and project management. In the past graduates have been placed in esteemed roles, such as a design engineer at Wickins Engineering, Logistics Officer in the British Army, Sports Coach, and Administrator at Little Lions Luxemburg SARL, and many other esteemed positions. Where will your degree take you?

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Design Engineering at Aston?

If you’re interested in a career in industry or commerce, using your engineering skills, this course will give you the necessary academic knowledge and understanding.

How will a placement year benefit me?

We think that the knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills.

We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham