BSc DESIGN ENGINEERING DEGREE (TOP-UP)

Overview & facilities

The BSc Design Engineering top-up course enables those with the equivalent of the first two years of a related degree or diploma study to achieve a full degree award.

At Middlesex University, we see design as essentially a practice, both in the sense of an approach to problem solving and also as a working method. These new courses will develop the following capabilities:

Core design capabilities:

• Develop the ability to systematise a problem, recognise its constraints and design an effective method to solve it;
• Implement the developed method, understand its efficacy and modify it accordingly;
• Adopt a working method that uses early and iterative prototyping as an evaluative development tool.

Extended design capabilities:

• Meaningfully engage in problem definition, framing and reframing.
• Recognise development opportunities and generate new design propositions.
• Analyse complex, unstructured and ill-defined engineering design opportunities and develop methods and approaches to engaging with them that lead to meaningful and productive outcomes.

More detailed course information is provided under the Content and Modules tab.

Facilities available - Product Design and Engineering is very well equipped and resourced. The department enjoys a capacity of over 100 high spec workstations with dedicated CAD/CAM equipment, electronics manufacturing and prototyping facilities.

The department also benefits from a dedicated Festo mechatronics facility, equipped with the latest industrial automation equipment and an integrated flexible manufacturing system. There are also a suite of additional computers providing resource for LabView and Multisim tools as well as associated hardware such as NI-ELVIS training equipment and Compact Rio control systems provided by National Instruments.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Design and Innovation Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To provide an overview of innovation and design management that recognises the importance of integrated strategic approaches to design in an organisational context. The module will seek to emphasise a structured approach that recognises the role of individuals and groups in achieving innovation. The module provides students with an opportunity to identify and develop models of innovation and design management processes that form a framework for a structured approach to new product development NPD . The module will further examine innovation within a social and political context on a cultural, national and global level.

  Design Engineering Major Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To provide students with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of engineering design that is self-initiated and self-managed. The module will provide the opportunity to engage in the project over an extended period of time and allow the student to make a significant personal contribution to all phases of the engineering design and development process appropriate to the goals of their programme.

  Engineering in Context (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to explore and highlight the role and responsibilities of Engineers in various contexts outside their subject specialism. These would cover issues such as recognising obligations to society, the profession, the environment and commitment to professional standards. The module will also cover other wider issues such as globalisation global manufacturing, operating in global markets, cultural issues, financial concerns, risk etc and its impact on business operations.

Throughout the course you will build your confidence to develop and implement modern technologies relevant to electronic products and systems. You will develop the ability to communicate ideas effectively, verbally, in reports and by means of active participation in industry sponsored live projects from the start of the course.  This will encourage leadership qualities, management skills and confidence in your work, through individual projects and group work.

Entry & applying

This programme is aimed at applicants seeking qualify to degree level having successfully completed an HND or a Foundation Degree in a suitable subject and GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Whilst on the course you are encouraged to develop a commercial approach to design engineering via supported live projects with industrial partners. You will undertake contextual studies into the nature and contexts of the profession and will be supported in developing an exit portfolio, a CV and a career entry plan.

This course does not offer a placement opportunity.

Graduate Roles

Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us: 

Design Engineer- A Design Engineer role includes researching and developing ideas for new products and systems, and improving those that already exist.  Design Engineers work in a wide range of industries on a range of products and services.

CAD Technician - A Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) Technician uses software to develop design plans such as floor plans, buildings plans and exhibition layouts. CAD Technicians may also work on product designs which are then sent to engineers to create prototpyes.

Electrical Engineer - Electrical Engineers work on designing and developing electrical products and components.  This can include electrical machinery, control systems and equipment in a number of industries from transport, to telecommunications, to the armed forces.

Mechanical Engineer - A Mechanical Engineer works on the design, development and maintenance of mechanical components, systems and machinery. A Mechanical Engineer can work in a range of industries where mechanical systems are used.