BSc (Hons) Engineering Product Design 2022/23

New technologies are constantly changing the way engineering designers approach problem-solving. We’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest design and manufacturing technologies.

First, we’ll build your core skills and experience: the production of design drawings, digital design skills in CAD and graphics, technical engineering analysis, presentation and communication skills and the production of working prototypes. Then, we’ll give you a platform to experience the industry and build your network through live briefs, industry career talks, work placements and your final year degree show.

Methods of assessment for course overall: 96% coursework.

Year 1

• Design Methods
  This module is an introductory experience for students on the BSc Product Design cluster and covers the majority of practical work to be undertaken at first year level –design methods, process and projects. Using design projects as a vehicle, you'll cover design methodology, physical prototyping, workshop skills, and an introduction to materials and manufacturing technology. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• CAD 1
  This module provides an introduction to the principles and use of Computer Aided Design techniques and software for product and engineering design. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Introduction to Mechanical and Electronic Engineering
  This module develops concepts in engineering science relevant for engineering product design. The content of the module is split in two sections: mechanical engineering and low voltage electronic engineering content. Although the content is in two sections, it's expected that the teaching method provides an integrated approach to the subject. Assessment methods: 100% coursework
• Mathematics
  This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin the BEng engineering degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of 1st year students, as well as to prepare you for the Advanced Engineering Mathematics and Modelling module that you'll take in the second year. Assessment methods: 100% exam.
• Visual Communications
  This module will deal with free hand drawing and sketching, technical drawing, graphic communication and digital visual tools. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

Year 2

• Design Thinking and Applications 
  This module will build on the experience gained in the first year Design Thinking and Practice module and other first year modules and aims to develop design thinking methodology and product development practice for the placement (sandwich) year and the final year projects. The module will aim to allow you to experience a thorough range of design process cycles and develop various resolution prototypes in relation to the weighting of the assignments; you'll need to reflect on the increasing diversity in product, service, interaction design and “design thinking” as a component of business development. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Design Contexts and Communications 
  This module will enhance fundamental employability skills for a graduate in the contemporary design industry. It builds on the concepts that were introduced in Level 4 modules, with a view to creation of a professional portfolio that reflects your design capabilities, in order to leave you in a strong position for gaining a work placement and/or graduate employment. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• CAD 2
  This module develops advanced Computer Aided Design skills and introduces you to the principles of Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), and communication and demonstration of these ideas through photo-realistic rendering, and digital animations. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Design and manufacture project
  This module will allow you to apply ‘design thinking’ techniques and methods coupled with their user centred-focus and practical skills, to the design, development and production of a working prototype of a product. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Machine Drives and Mechatronics
  This module provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of mechatronics. It's traced from its origins through the synergistic integration of fine mechanical engineering with electronics and computer control, to modern-day products and processes. Particular attention is paid to sensors and actuators, and microcontrollers. You'll learn by the laboratory experiments about the hardware components and subsystems used in the mechanical and mechatronics control in real engineering applications. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Solid Mechanics and FEA
  This module will provide new concepts in the deformation of materials under different loading conditions and extend the application of fundamental principles of solid mechanics to more advanced systems, building on knowledge gained through Engineering and mechanical Principles. The module will provide basic concepts and the principles of the finite element analysis (FEA) techniques and the application of FEA in structural and stress analysis. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.

Year 3

• Optional Placement Year
  Students benefit enormously from spending a period of time in industry, whatever course they undertake. This module is designed to provide you with first-hand knowledge and experience in an appropriate industrial setting. Some design and creative industries work largely on the basis of long-term salaried positions, others work on the basis of subcontracted and specialist working, usually of a short-term nature. You're required to work in a situation where you're accountable to an outside company or person for the work you carry out. The employment in total needs to be the equivalent of at least a complete academic year in some form of appropriately employed or voluntary capacity within the industry, in its broadest terms. You're required to have access to the local management in order to understand the ways in which management decisions and actions take place, as well as concentrating on achieving the best performance possible in the technicalities of the placement work. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

Year 4

• Research Methods for Design Projects
  In this module students identify a suitable subject for the Engineering Product Design Project; you then develop a project brief and work plan, which are presented visually and verbally in addition to their preliminary contextual research and justification for the proposed project. Students also develop brand identity for the Design Degree Show, which may be pitched to experts and/or design professionals. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Portfolio Engineering Projects
  This module will develop students’ professional skills and portfolio in preparation for a career as a Design Engineer. Students will apply knowledge and understanding of a range of Engineering Design principles and techniques to analyse and solve design problems, exploring design alternatives and understanding the implications of trade-offs in the design process. They will learn how to prototype and implement their proposed solutions using appropriate digital manufacturing technologies. In addition to this there will be significant content relating to management of the design process, presentation of ideas, and working in teams. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Innovation and Enterprise
  This module forms part of the common Engineering curriculum for the University. It is intended to be practical, with students developing some appropriate ideas of their own in such a way that they become real propositions. Students will practice ways of finding and testing ideas and then developing them, and will write business strategies, risk assessments and scenario tests, so that they can demonstrate the commercial viability of their ideas. The module also covers aspects of intellectual property. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Engineering Product Design Project
  The Engineering Product Design Project requires you to develop an engineered solution from concept through to artefact based on the subject that is identified via the Research Methods for Design Projects module. The artefact may be physical and/or digital. The project deliverables will include a detailed record of the design development process, a fully developed artefact, and an analytical report that demonstrates the application of technical engineering expertise to the proposed solution. The project will give you an opportunity to explore a chosen specialist field in order to develop expertise and demonstrate a in depth of understanding. In order to execute your individual project, you'll draw on selected tools and resources learned in previous modules and produce a coherent and professional methodology for the intended solution. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

Combining flair and vision with practical skill, Product Design is an exciting course that will set you on course for a creative, fulfilling career.

Our recent graduates are pursuing successful careers with companies like LEGO, Dyson, Gilette and McLaren. Others have set up businesses or work as freelance product designers. From design consultancies to manufacturing companies, there’s a wealth of choice for you.

The course is practical and applied. When you come to graduate you’ll have a portfolio to showcase your talent and ability to create aesthetic, desirable and functional solutions within financial constraints. And that’s precisely what employers are looking for.

Take a look at some potential careers, including product designer, in our Prospects section.

Graduate success stories

As well as recent graduates going into jobs with design consultancies and manufacturing companies, they have also excelled in design competitions:

• Jack Ogborn (winner, IED Student Design Award)
• Matilde Rodriguez and Izzatullah Ahmadi (winners, Design Factory @ Design Museum)
• Andrew Hodgson (winner, DFI furniture design)

After graduation I went to work for LEGO in Denmark where I spent four years working as a design/model maker before coming back to London to work for WOW Toys as a Design Manager.

Peter Grinsell, Alumnus, BSc Product Design

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Our teaching staff are experts, with a great deal to share. Whether they're teaching, carrying out research or involved in consultancy for industry they have the skills to make a difference to you. You'll learn both intellectual and practical skills in a modern, well-equipped environment that blends traditional manufacturing equipment and sophisticated technology.

Applied approach to learning

You'll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work. Taking on both group and individual projects, we assess your work through a mixture of coursework and exams, with project and laboratory work counting towards your final award. We also teach you the life skills of effective communication, problem solving, project planning and team working that will set you apart and give you the best chance of getting the job you want after you graduate.

• A Level BBB or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, must include a minimum of 3 Merits in Design Technology, Maths and Physics or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 122 UCAS points
• Level 3 qualifications must include Maths or Physics
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

Applicants are normally interviewed before being offered a place and are asked to bring along a portfolio of work. For more guidance on what to include in your portfolio, please see the ‘Interviews and Portfolios’ guide in the 'prepare to start' section.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 201 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 201 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.