BSc (Hons) Engineering Product Design
Southwark CampusMode: Full-time
Overview
Concept, prototype, product
Do you blend creative thinking with scientific insight? You could be an engineering product designer, creating products that solve everything from minor problems, like a leaky teapot, to major questions, like how to launch lifeboats faster.
This is one of the few design courses in the UK to be accredited for Incorporated Engineer, bridging the gap between product design and mechanical engineering. If you’re someone who can understand the engineering, and then wants to use it to start making things and designing real-world solutions, then this is the course for you.
We offer the opportunity for all undergraduate Home/EU students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience while studying a full-time course starting in September 2020.
Why study Engineering Product Design at LSBU?
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- Professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED).
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- Our staff are experts with a great network of contacts.
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- It’s project-focused: you’ll spend most of your time in the studio/workshop making creative products that answer a brief. You’ll get to develop products from concept to final model and/or prototype using our exceptional facilities.
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- Get to know the industry with guest lectures from established companies like LEGO and Dyson, alongside smaller startups who are creating new designs for our future.
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- Boost your employability with an optional paid professional work experience placement in your third year.
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- Ranked 3rd for overall student satisfaction, Mechanical Engineering (National Student Survey 2019).
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- Ranked 1st for student experience and teaching quality in the UK (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).
Accreditations
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Sandwich |
Duration 4 years |
Start Date September |
Location
Southwark Campus
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| Mode Full-time |
Duration 3 years |
Start Date September |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
Modules
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. - Digital design and modelling
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: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Engineering 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: 50% coursework, 50% 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. - Virtual engineering and CAD
This module will help you develop advanced Computer Aided Design skills and will introduce you to the principles of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM). Assessment method: 100% coursework. - 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: 50% coursework, 50% 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. - 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. - Design and manufacture project
This module will allow you to apply ‘design thinking’ techniques and methods coupled with your technical specialist focus and practical skills, to the design, development and production of a working prototype of a product. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
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
- Engineering design project
The Engineering 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 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. - Research methods for design projects
In this module you'll identify a suitable subject for your Design Project; you'll then develop a project brief and work plan, which will be presented visually and verbally in addition to your preliminary contextual research and justification for the proposed project. You'll 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 your professional skills and portfolio in preparation for a career as a Design Engineer. You'll apply knowledge and understanding of a range of engineering design principles and techniques, using appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering design problems, exploring design alternatives and understanding the implications of trade-offs in the design process. You'll learn how to prototype and implement your 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
In the rapidly changing world around us, it's imperative that you're able to think dynamically to create advantage in your life. This module encourages you to question what you see and experience around you and in your prospective engineering field with an aim to enhance your creativity to discover new and better ways of doing things. It aims to equip you with methods and processes to recognise opportunities and to plan on harnessing commercially viable benefits that may exist from exploiting those opportunities in a sustainable fashion. This might be a product or service (such as consultancy or contract management). The application of project management principles will help to define the critical path of a proposed business and how the many processes involved (planning, market research, market placement, finance, operations, human resources etc.) are interlinked throughout the initial planning exercise and how they can change over time. You'll be expected to reflect on what you can contribute towards a group. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Final year degree show
The final year of the course revolves around the delivery of a major design project. You'll be required to design, develop, prototype and manufacture a product to your own specifications. You'll need to choose the appropriate manufacturing techniques and materials to make and test a working prototype of your product using our innovative IT and workshop facilities. The result will be showcased at the University's annual design show.
Employability
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, on Prospects.
Alumni from this course have gone onto jobs with a range of world class companies including: Hasbro, Dyson, PDD, Kenwood, Gillette, Atlas Copco, McLaren and LEGO. Please see our case studies for more details.
Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.
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.
Professional links
Our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and is one of the longest-running degrees to hold that accreditation.
The course is accredited by the IED on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as Chartered Technical Product Designer (CTPD).
The IED is the UK's only professional body representing those working in the field of engineering design. Members work in a diverse range of industries that span product design, architecture, mechanical, automotive and aircraft design, design education, IT and computing.
Recent guest lecturers:
- Andrew Ritchie (Designer and MD of Brompton Bicycles),
- Rob Jones (Design Manager, DAS Business Furniture),
- Jamie Croggan (EPD alumnus and Head of Industrial Design, Gillette)
- Pete Lomas (Co-founder and Trustee, Raspberry Pi Foundation)
- Domenika Potuzakova (usability tester, AVG antivirus)
- Chris Moon (head of product design, the Continuity Company).
Put your skills to work
Work experience transforms a CV. It’s important that you get some – and we’ll help you do that. Placement jobs often lead to 'live' projects in their final year that are sponsored by the companies, and many of our students have been employed by their placement companies on graduation.
In recent years students have done placements at companies such as Vitamin (design consultancy), Complete Fabrication, Firefly Lighting and Smiths Medical, amongst others.
Facilities
Through hands-on engineering experience you'll learn how to test, measure, design and produce your own prototypes, bringing your ideas off the drawing board or computer screen and into full-size and functional 3D models. You're entitled to free educational copies of the Autodesk suite of CAD software, including Inventor, Alias, AutoCAD and VRed.
Our workshop capabilities include:
- 'Soft' modelling operations, for prototypes in card, foam, clay, or wood
- Machining capabilities using milling machines, lathes, and others, both manually and CNC controlled
- Welding and metal fabrication
- Digital prototyping including laser cutting, silicone soft tooling and resign casting, and a range of 3D printing technologies
- Paint finishing facility
- Reverse engineering through CMM and 3D scanning
- Composite manufacture in fibre glass and carbon fibre
- Electronics and robotics laboratories
- Material testing laboratories
- Photography and video editing studios
- A virtual engineering suite for 3D visualisation and testing.
Read more about our workshops and industry-standard software.
Teaching and learning
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.
| Lectures, seminars and lab-based study | Self-directed study | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 38% | 62% |
| Year 2 | 38% | 62% |
| Year 3 | 18% | 82% |
Personal Tutoring
As an Engineering student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.
They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least twice a semester. Some meetings will be one-to-one and others will be in small groups. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.
Staff
Entry requirements
2018 Entry
- A Level BBB (must include Maths) 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.
How to apply
International students
International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Sandwich |
Duration 4 years |
Start date September |
Application code H770 |
Application method |
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 3 years |
Start date September |
Application code H770 |
Application method |
All full-time undergraduate students apply to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply webpage for undergraduate students.
All part-time students should apply directly to London South Bank University and full details of how to do this are given on our undergraduate How to apply webpage.
Accommodation
Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Interviews and Portfolios
We like to meet all of our applicants in person so that you can show us what you are capable of and what makes you tick, and the portfolio is a useful tool to help you do this.
What should I include?
Many candidates ask us this, but there is no such thing as a ‘standard’ portfolio. In short, we would like to see exciting example sheets of design or other creative work that you have done, which collectively illustrate the breadth of your skills. This might include (in no particular order):
- Problem-solving
- 2D sketch work
- Creative thinking (mind maps, spider diagrams)
- Colour treatments
- Photography
- 3D collages
- 3D sculpture
- 2D and 3D prototyping/model making
- CAD or other digital work
- Presentation drawings/boards
This work doesn’t have to be just from your formal education to date, it’s always good to add some 3D design work (photos/drawings) from projects you have done outside school/college.
Have you built some furniture, made a poster for a local event or doctored your family’s photographs? This all counts to a rounded and interesting body of work.
Along with your portfolio try to bring some small sketch models that you used to work through a problem.
Be honest and be yourself: if something isn't quite right with your design it’s much better to be open about it that to try and gloss over it. And be concise. We cannot realistically look through 300 portfolio sheets in one interview, so try to select down to the key examples that show off your range of skills. Imagery is far more useful to us than large blocks of text. If you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Admissions Team.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Fees and funding
Fees are shown for new entrants to courses, for each individual year of a course, together with the total fee for all the years of a course. Continuing LSBU students should refer to the Finance section of our student portal, MyLSBU. Queries regarding fees should be directed to the Fees and Bursaries Team on: +44 (0)20 7815 6181.
Full-time
Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
| UK/EU fee: £9250 | International fee: £13780 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 593 | Session code: 1FS00 |
| Total course fee: |
| UK/EU (excluding any optional years) £27750 |
| UK/EU (including any optional years) £27750 |
| International (excluding any optional years) £41340 |
| International (including any optional years) £41340 |
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 136 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 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.
