Ever thought “I can design that better”? Design is a creative process, and Engineering Design allows you to be creative and use your imagination whilst following a methodology. This course aims to develop the skills, knowledge and thought processes to enable you to design and refine mechanical and electromechanical products.

Once you’ve grasped the principles and the method, coupled with your innovative ideas, there will be no stopping you. Examples of recent innovation from different sectors include:

• Retail – drone delivery
• Transport – the Maglev
• Sea transport – the Jet Reptile
• Construction – self repairing concrete

Innovation is also about improving what already exists and examples can be seen everywhere in the world around us from renewable brake systems to power transmission devices, such as couplings. From multi-link mechanisms used on JCBs, to bearings for carrying high loads, or multi-ratio gearboxes.

As well as learning the theory, we use CAD and 3D CAD as the main design tool, we have a range of software tools for analysis and simulation, for instance, we use Solidworks which is used in industry, so when you enter the world of work, you’ll have experience using the software already.

We get you to work in teams, this replicates how industry operates, you’re not always solving problems or creating new products on your own, you’ll often have to work in team, so we prepare you for that. Successfully completing the MEng course allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the subject than the BEng course. It also means that you graduate with a Postgraduate level qualification, which can give you an advantage in the job market.

While you’re studying we’ll aim to give you as much real-world experience as possible. You’ll be able to choose a year-long placement, which could give you some great experience in the industry, and help build up your contacts too, plus your Final Year has been designed to help you gain the confidence you need to become a leader in this vital area. We’ll also give you the opportunity to take part in national competitions like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student,UAS and the Railway Challenge (or comparable design and build team projects).

In addition, our Institute of Railway Research (IRR) within our Department of Engineering have been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for ‘innovative research in railway engineering to improve safety and efficiency through technological developments'. This is one of the most coveted distinctions in UK Higher Education.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. A placement year helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly. The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies.

You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. You can find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

As a graduate of this course, you may consider employment in a wide range of sectors including the automotive, construction, manufacturing, design, medical and electronics industries. You could consider roles such as software engineer, design and test engineer and lead engineer to name a few.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.