Design Engineering

Course overview

This dynamic course, accredited* by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), 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?

Professionally accredited

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Gold standard teaching

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

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Ranked 12th in the UK overall

Design Engineering, Guardian University Guide, 2025

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

Teaching Quality and Student Experience

Design Engineering ranked 4th in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience The Sunday Times 2025

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.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

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
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.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

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.

Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

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.

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.

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design_engineering_facilities_3dworkshop

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Course objectives

Provide you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences;
Encourage you, through a practical approach to have a passion for design and engineering and an enthusiasm for creating and learning;
Provide a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of mechanical engineering and product design including relevant aspects of societal, environmental, and commercial matters;
Provide an opportunity for advanced levels of study and a focus on skills and appreciation of the changing nature of engineering and contemporary design trends;
Provide you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching and learning in theoretical mechanical engineering and product design issues with practical and digital skills training;
Provide an up-to-date and professionally focussed curriculum
Offer you 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 Design-Build-Test	15
Materials and Manufacturing 1	15
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital, and Physical Sciences	15
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences	15
Electronics 1	15
Engineering Science 1	15
Power Skills	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

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

Use a basic theoretical knowledge of the mathematics, science and technology that underpins mechanical engineering
Use a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, methodologies and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering
Demonstrate and apply analytical skills using a range of IT, mathematical modelling, and CAD based software.
Analyse and solve simple engineering problems
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
Integrate information from a variety of sources in the solution of an engineering problem
Plan, execute safely, record and use appropriate tools to report a series of measurements.
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
Engineering Science 2	15
Materials and Manufacturing 2	15
Advanced Mathematical Modelling	15
Design Communications	15
Advanced Design Innovation	15
Integrated Design Project	30
CDIO Team Project	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, 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 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 and visual communication using professional software packages

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
Integrated 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
Advanced Solid Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis	15
Design Futures	15
Design Sprint	15
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing	15
Engineering Design and the Environment	15
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Engineering Major Project	30
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 engineering 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 real-world 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.
Evaluate potential impact on engineering activity when working with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty.
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 basedwork, 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

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject
BCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject (with an EPQ or Core Maths* at grade B)
CCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject (contextual offer)

List of STEM (a) subjects: Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Design Technology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Biology and Electronics.

*List of core maths qualifications we accept: AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies, City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning, Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context, WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life and Level 3 Core Math

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

If BTEC is in Engineering:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Engineering): 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.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (Engineering): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B. This must include 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.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (Engineering): DM, plus 1 A-levels at grade B. This must include 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.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (Engineering): 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, plus 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Engineering): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction if one 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.
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.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction, plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C. This must include the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, or Further Engineering Mathematics.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

If BTEC is in any other subject:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM, and A Level Maths at grade B.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B in Mathematics and another STEM (a) subject listed above.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (any subject): DM, plus A-level Mathematics at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (any subject): DM, plus A-level Mathematics at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B including Mathematics.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

29 points overall with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level, including Mathematics and another STEM (a) listed subject.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of at least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits at level 3; including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics units and at least 15 credits at Level 3 in STEM (a) subject units.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Building Services Engineering for Construction
Onsite Construction
Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements:

GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

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 Level 3) 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 from your current institution.

Year 2 entry: Please note that 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 in 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 successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content.

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 from your current institution.

Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

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
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,535*
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,500
During placement year:	£2,500

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.

All students:

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when 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, Engineering Project Leader at Bosch Thermotefchcnology, 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