BEng Design Engineering

Key facts

3 years full-time / 4 years full-time with integrated placement year

UCAS Code: H150

Typical offer level
A Level: BBB-ABB
BTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma
IB: 32 points (including Maths and Physics or appropriate subject at Higher Level)

Specific subject requirements
A Level: Maths and Physics required (consideration may be given to Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics if Physics is not studied at A Level).
GCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade C
A suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Tuition fees: £9,000 (£1,000 during placement year) for UK/EU students. (2012). More on fees

Applicants receiving offers are invited to an open day.

BEng with Foundation year also available

Information on visas for international students

Key benefits

Emphasis on management, project and communication skills

Excellent paid sandwich placement opportunities

Ranked in the UK's top 15 for Production and Manufacturing engineering in the Times Good University Guide 2010

Transfer between MEng and BEng programmes is possible depending on academic achievements

General engineering at Aston rated at grade 5 for Research

Availability of excellent product design and computer-aided design facilities

One of the few DTUS Universities with close links to officer training in the armed forces.

Course outline

The application of computers to machines, advances in materials technology and process development and the use of advanced control systems have revolutionised the engineer’s role. The challenges and rewards for skilled engineers who can design, manufacture and manage products and processes are greater than ever.

Our programmes will help you reach the professional and intellectual standards required for an exciting and rewarding career in a wide variety of industries. Information Technology is used to underpin programmes and state-of-the-art, industry standard software is used for design and system simulation.

Subject guide & modules

This programme stream aims to bridge the gap between Mechanical Engineering and Product Design, for students who wish to incorporate additional design-led modules within a technical Mechanical Engineering context.

Year 1

Modules

Transition Mathematics
Mathematics for Engineers
Electrical Science
Principles of Mechanics
Energy Conversion
Engineering Practice
Materials & Processes
Introduction to CAD
IT & Communications Skills
Industrial Design
Introduction to Business Management

Year 2

Modules

Value Based Management
Numerical Methods/Statistics
Engineering Mathematics 2
Electrical Systems Engineering
Dynamics & Vibrations
Solid Mechanics
Thermodynamics & Fluids
CAD 2
Product Modelling
Engineering Materials
Industrial Design 2

Year 3 - Optional placement year

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Final Year

Modules

Individual Main Project
Advanced Dynamics & Control
Sensors & Actuators
Energy Efficiency
Design Failure Analysis
Project Management 2
New Product Proposa

Choice of one module from:

Design Project (Sustainability)
Design & Engineering Competition

Learning, teaching & assessment

You will benefit from a wide range of teaching methods and learning styles, including:

lectures, tutorials and seminars
video and computer-aided learning
lab classes and project work
a strong personal tutor system

Assessment is by a combination of exams, continuous assessment and projects. Students are also able to take part in the Formula Student Racing Car Project at which Aston teams have enjoyed a strong track record.

Placement year

Find out more about placement years at Aston.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by both the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Career prospects

Our close links with industry and the broad basis of our degree programmes ensure our students’ attractiveness to a wide range of employers and enhance our graduate employment record. Graduate opportunities exist in the fields of:

research, development and design
manufacturing systems engineering
advanced technology and computeraided design
accountancy, management, marketing
Navy, Army and RAF Officer training

Our graduates work for automotive, aerospace and electronics companies, pharmaceutical and chemical organisations and computer software houses. For example our recent graduates found graduate engineer, and consultancy positions with companies including Corus, IMI Plc, Army/Royal Air Force, Yamazaki Mazak, Carillion, BOC, NTL, BAE Systems, Nissan, Lloyds TSB, Phillips, Jaguar, TRW and EDF Energy. Over 90% of our 2005-6 graduates entered graduate level destinations (Times Good University Guide 2008).

Facilities & equipment

You will have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, including CAD labs, numerically controlled machine tools, design studios and PCs for word-processing and self tuition.
You will develop your programming skills and use computers to solve engineering problems and to simulate and analyse engineering systems. The School of Engineering and Applied Science has invested heavily in the creation of stateof-the-art computer laboratories. Our Mechanical Engineering and Product Design students have their own access to specific computer facilities for design.