Design Engineering BEng

In year one, you will lay the groundwork and will learn essential mathematical techniques, be introduced to the fundamental instruments of design with focus on the intersection of hardware and software and receive broad understanding of engineering methodologies.  

This module equips you with a robust foundation in mathematical principles and tools essential for modelling and comprehending complex engineering problems. Through theoretical understanding and practical applications, you will gain the skills to analyse, interpret, and effectively communicate results, empowering you to make informed decisions and design solutions as competent engineers.

This module offers an introduction to core computing and communication skills for design practice. You will develop skills in computer-aided design (CAD) modelling, design visualisation, design communication and modelling/prototyping. It introduces strategies for engaging with distributed communities of practice and developing an online presence.

This module introduces you to fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to physical computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Through exploration of various programming languages and environments, you will develop problem-solving skills using code to interact with hardware components. This module equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop computer programs tailored to specific requirements, integrating software solutions with physical devices and processes effectively. Through practical exercises and projects, you will learn to use programming languages and tools to create innovative solutions that bridge the gap between software and hardware domains.

This module introduces you to core skills in prototyping, material selection and processes, and mechanical and electrical principles. The focus of the module is developing confidence, awareness and practical applications of this core skill set for different stages of design and engineering practice.

Year two deepens your technical expertise and practical skills with courses enhancing your proficiency in modern manufacturing techniques, covering the essential components of automated systems where you will bring your designs to life, and examining the broader societal and environmental implications of engineering projects.  

This module develops your advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities using industry-standard software. It focuses on advanced surface and feature-based modelling, and computer-based analysis tools. You will develop competence to improve designs and help solve technical problems. The module develops your understanding of reverse engineering, mass manufacture design requirements, product lifecycle analysis and provides an introduction to related design optimisation and analysis techniques such as finite element analysis (FEA).

This module will provide knowledge and understanding of the components of a typical control system involving sensors and actuators and how these can be controlled in applications such as level, position and speed control. This will involve developing knowledge of key aspects of classical control theory and their applications to engineering problems. You will use common industry standard software applications in modelling, analysing and prototyping control systems.

This module develops your understanding of the commercial, legal, financial, ethical and environmental context of design and engineering processes and their impact on society. We will cover issues such as sustainability goals, recognition of obligations to the society, the professional practice and a commitment to professional standards and code(s) of conduct relevant to your discipline (such as the Engineering Council). The module also covers other wider issues such as materials and their impact on environmental factors, waste management, ethics, EDI in a workplace, enterprise and entrepreneurship, security concerns, globalisation (global manufacturing, operating in global markets, cultural issues, financial concerns, risk etc) and its impact on business operations.

This module equips you with prototyping methods and approaches to enable you to successfully engage in a range of prototyping activities to develop, test and optimise design and engineering proposals. The module will develop the capability to analyse design problems, develop effective prototyping strategies and explore creative approaches to prototyping. You will engage with the learning content by building functioning prototypes, at a range of fidelities, using methods appropriate to the design and engineering task.

This module will strengthen, extend and apply the knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained from your course in a working environment, and to complement, stimulate, reinforce and encourage the development of discipline-specific technical knowledge, and your transferable skills. You will gain knowledge of professional requirements in an industry context and record and critically reflect on your personal practice

In the final year, you will focus on advanced topics and professional readiness. Modules will encourage you to explore new frontiers in engineering, teach you to leverage sophisticated software for design and analysis, and finally culminate your studies with a major project that integrates all you have learned, preparing you for the professional world.  

This module equips you with the skills to understand the process of innovation in design and engineering contexts and be able to appreciate the way it impacts sectoral professional practice. You will further develop research and written communication skills through the identification of evidence-based innovation opportunities

This module develops your skills and knowledge in design and analysis of engineering systems, their validation and optimisation within the context of design engineering. This will involve understanding of systems approach to design and using appropriate computer-aided tools and techniques to analyse, validate and optimise for a given specification. The module also covers tools for modelling and analysing associated manufacturing processes using tools such as discrete event analysis and exploring what-if scenarios.

This module gives you the opportunity to synthesise prior learning and develop your planned graduation trajectory through a self-selected, self-initiated and self-directed major project and complementary professional practice components including EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) principles. The direction of the project is a personal choice supported by appropriate staff to help you best synthesise your course experiences into a project that develops your working practice and professional profile to a quality and in a direction suited to your exit trajectory. You will develop a body of coherent and detailed knowledge of project development, management and communication frameworks and methods in an appropriate professional sector.

You will gain knowledge and understanding through a dynamic mix of teaching, learning and assessment strategies, designed to actively engage you and enhance your comprehension. The educational context is enriched with staff-led interactive sessions, complemented by hands-on laboratory activities, crucial for reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practice-led experiments and simulations.  

You will participate in a variety of interactive activities including seminars, group tutorials and collaborative exercises. These are crafted to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and the application of theory to practical, real-life societal challenges, with a particular focus on sustainable development. Additionally, you will undertake individual and group projects, deepening your subject mastery.   
 
Guided and independent study is highly promoted, complementing formal instruction supported by comprehensive resources such as key concept videos provided in advance, which explore topics more extensively and adopt a global perspective.   
 
Academic advising plays a crucial role in this holistic educational approach, guiding you through your academic journey, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and highlighting opportunities for work-based learning and engagement with industry.   
You will develop your skills within a stimulating and diverse teaching and learning framework, designed to nurture practical abilities, critical thinking and teamwork.   

Utilising state-of-the-art simulation tools and engaging in testing activities, you will gain insights into the practical aspects of their field, from conceptual design to tangible outcomes, preparing them for industry-specific tasks and decision-making.   
  
Through work-based learning opportunities and industry engagement, you will be prepared for the realities of their future careers, all while maintaining a focus on health and wellbeing.  

You will be mostly studying in the Ritterman and Hatchcroft Buildings at our leafy north London campus in Hendon. They are equipped with industry-standard equipment in mechatronics, robotics, electronics and networking solutions.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of 4 blocks of 3 hours of workshops (a total of 12 hours of contact time per week).

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking self-directed research, self-directed, resource-based learning, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

This course is 100% coursework.

Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by means of a wide variety of assessment techniques, including interactive assignments such as presentations, formal report writing and structured dialogues in the form of portfolios.  
 
Incorporating authentic assessment strategies, you will engage in practical activities, problem-solving tasks and project work that reflect real-world scenarios and industry standards.  
 
Practical laboratory tasks will provide a platform for you to engage in scientific inquiry, applying theoretical knowledge to experimental setups and interpreting data to draw meaningful conclusions.   
  
A key component of our assessment approach is the provision of continual formative feedback, ensuring you will be continuously guided and supported in your learning, enhancing the authenticity and effectiveness of the assessment process.  
  
Your skills will be assessed by employing a diverse array of practical and analytical methods tailored to measure your proficiency and application of learned competencies.  

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.