Logo close icon
Section navigation
Main Baner Image

Design Engineering BEng

Learn the hands-on skills and knowledge you need to design, develop, and manufacture products using industry-standard design and build tech to give you a competitive edge
Code
H150
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years full-time with placement
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Quoc-Tuan Vien

Why choose Design Engineering BEng at Middlesex?

Learn core design capabilities, engineering design methods and project management skills to build your own prototypes. Then evaluate and optimise your design for manufacturing.

Get to grips with the latest digital systems and software being in use for design engineering. Guided by guest lecturers and experienced engineers and designers you will receive support to build your own professional portfolio and network with the industry.

Develop your skills and professional competencies by working on live projects for real clients through our unique link with redLoop, Middlesex’s design and innovation centre or secure a year-long industry placement.

What you will gain

This design engineering degree will prepare you to become a professional design engineer. You will have gained the hands-on skills and experience to carry out engineering projects including formulating, modelling and prototyping.

You'll be able to meet the challenges and opportunities in both the industrial and commercial fields of design engineering. The project-led nature of this course will also help you develop the confident interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving and teamwork skills required by the industry.

You will gain a range of practical skills and knowledge required for design engineering including:

  • The confidence to develop and implement modern technologies relevant to products and systems
  • Learning to communicate ideas effectively
  • You will fully engage with the design process
  • Creating Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models and physical models and prototypes
  • How to apply engineering design techniques to develop innovative systems, components, or processes taking into account a selection of commercial and industrial constraints and requirements
  • You will gain leadership qualities, management skills, and confidence in your work through individual and group projects.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

Accreditations

Our degree is seeking re-accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED). Meeting the requirements of the IED will mean this degree will fully meet the academic standards of Chartered Engineer (CEng), which enables you to apply for CEng status after gaining suitable experience in an engineering role.

What you will learn

This course will develop your problem-solving and design skills through practical projects and hands-on laboratory sessions.

You will learn the knowledge and skills needed to solve real-world technical engineering problems. Through various projects, tasks and challenges you will gain a solid background in the design, implementation, and maintenance of industry-used software and hardware components. You will also learn evaluation and optimisation techniques and apply them in practice.

Our weekly guest lectures give you the chance to enhance your industry knowledge and build contacts with some of the industry’s leading experts and companies. They will also give you the help, advice and feedback you need to start building your professional portfolio while you study.

Our north London location gives you access to industry contacts, work experience opportunities and the chance to showcase your work at design engineering competitions. You will also have the option to get a feel for the industry with a paid, year-long work placement.

You will extend your learning, skills and experience by:

  • Entering prestigious design engineering competitions to enhance your experience and career prospects
  • A series of weekly guest lectures delivered by some of the UK's leading design experts and companies
  • Using the latest digital systems and software including STEP-7, NX, LabVIEW, MATLAB and SolidWorks.


Keep informed

Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

You will study scientific principles and related engineering disciplines to enable the modelling and analysis of complex engineering systems.

The course brings in a more design engineering focus with concepts and principles of the design process. You will learn to model, simulate and develop new products and applications using the latest industrial design technologies and software along with analytical techniques and relevant engineering science.

Year 1

All of our engineering courses share a common first year of study. This allows you to get a grounding in all aspects of engineering. Then depending on your interests, you can then continue with this course or transfer to the BEng Mechatronics & Robotics degree.

Year 2

You will specialise in hands-on skills and project experience to put you at the forefront of the next generation of design engineers. You will get to grips with the latest digital systems and software being in use for design engineering.

Year 3

You will specialise in hands-on skills and project experience to put you at the forefront of the next generation of design engineers. You will get to grips with the latest digital systems and software being in use for design engineering.

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Design Engineering Projects 1 (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will develop your knowledge and understanding on a range of modelling and prototyping processes and techniques in order for you to successfully complete a number of projects. You will learn to use a range of tools to accomplish this and the projects will require you to develop and use a variety of problem solving skills and to utilise knowledge gained from other taught modules.

    • Fundamentals of Electronics (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of electronics. Students will develop a range of practical skills, attitudes and techniques required to construct electronic circuits successfully.

    • Programming Paradigms for Physical Computing (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to expose students to the fundamentals of computing and programming paradigms, and enable students to write computer programmes in response to a given brief which respond to software and physical devices and processes.

    • Engineering Mathematics and its Applications (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide students with the mathematical knowledge and tools to model and understand particular problems in engineering, and to interpret these results to provide information relevant to designs and decisions they will make as engineers.

  • Year 2

    • Engineering in Context (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to explore and demonstrate 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.

    • Control Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of control systems and explains the principles of feedback control. The module also develops your ability to analyse techniques for designing and modelling controllers to solve real world problems based on block diagrams and transfer functions, and to use such techniques in the context of engineering design.

    • Computer Aided Engineering (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to develop student’s skills and knowledge in Computer Aided Engineering by using industry standard computer software to simulate product performance to improve design or help solve related engineering problems in a wide range of applications. This will involve using computer-based analysis tools and techniques for design and manufacture of components and associated manufacturing processes and understanding of business values in Product Lifecyle Management.

    • Design Engineering Projects (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide the student with the knowledge and skills required to carry out engineering projects and will give them the opportunity to apply them, together with knowledge and skills from other modules, in practical projects.

  • Year 3

    • System Design, Validation and Optimisation (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to develop student’s skills and knowledge in Design of Systems, their validation and optimisation within the context of Design Engineering. This will involve understanding of systems approach to design and using appropriate tools and techniques to validate and optimise design solutions.

    • Engineering Innovation (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to equip the student with the skills required to understand the process of innovation in an engineering context and be able to appreciate the way it impacts the management of an engineering enterprise.

    • Major Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

      This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of self-directed engineering design using the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme. Students are expected to provide a significant personal contribution to all phases of the engineering design and development process, appropriate to the goals of their programme.

To find out more please download the Design Engineering BEng specification (PDF).

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

Our dedicated facilities in the Ritterman Building is equipped with industry-standard equipment in mechatronics, robotics, electronics and networking solutions.

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Design Engineering BEng support your career?

This course opens the door to a variety of career options from generic engineering or associated automation industries such as robotics and mechatronics within the UK, as well as to Europe and the overseas market.

We encourage you to develop a commercial approach to engineering via supported live projects with industrial partners. You could be working in a variety of sectors from manufacturing to agriculture, transport healthcare and defence to space exploration.

Graduate job roles

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

Design and development engineer

A design engineer’s 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 variety of products and services.

CAD technician/officer for BIM or PD

A computer-aided design (CAD) technician/officer uses software to develop design plans such as floor plans, building plans and exhibition layouts as part of the Building Information Management (BIM) system. CAD specialists may also work on product designs (PD) which are then sent to engineers to create prototypes.

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.

Graduate employers

As a BEng Design Engineering graduate, you will have excellent career prospects. The range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Some of our graduates have gone on to work at Titan Motorsport, Ashridge Engineering, Tevva eTrucks and more. Many have started their own business in engineering design and/or production and be a part of the automation boom. Some graduates also choose to continue further their studies, and this degree has provided a strong foundation for this work.

Transferable skills

  • Problem-solving – think critically and creatively in order to find solutions that are both effective and efficient
  • Communication – explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise way
  • Teamwork – collaborating effectively with others in order to achieve common goals.
  • Leadership – to motivate and inspire others, and to make sound decisions under pressure.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
A top 10 university for producing CEOs  – Novuana, 2023

We provide workshops, events and one-to-one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews and networking. We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year.

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Quoc-Tuan Vien
Programme leader

Quoc-Tuan joined the department in 2013 and is currently the programme leader of BEng Design Engineering/Mechatronics & Robotics programmes. He is actively involved in research areas related to signal processing, wireless communications and networking.

Dr Vaibhav Gandhi
Director of Programme

Dr Gandhi led the programme from 2016 until 2021. His research includes brain-computer interfaces, biomedical signal processing, use-centric graphical user interfaces, assistive robotics and Traffic prediction models to build an Intelligent Transport system.

Dr Aleksandar Zivanovic
Technical tutor

Dr Zivanovic joined the department in 2009 and led the programme until 2016. His main area of research is into how robots and humans can work together better by fostering an emotional bond between them. In particular, he believes that if robots exhibit more “natural” movement, it will enable human operators to predict their behaviour.

  • Eduardo-AbendThumbnail

    Eduardo Abend

    BEng in Design Engineering

    A great aspect of this course was the practical approach to learning, where the theory was put straight away into practice. I really enjoyed the process of transforming a concept into an actual object and the project-based nature of the course means that it is always diverse and fun.

    The facilities that we had access to were great. I often used the laser cutter, putting into practice the Solidworks (CAD software) skills that we learned. I find it very helpful in my projects, especially developing prototypes.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Electronic Engineering BEng

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time 4 years with placement

Code: H611

Mechatronics and Robotics BEng

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years

Code: H712

Back to top