BEng Hons Product Design Engineering at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• develop the skills to create fully-functioning new products which are visually appealing and efficiently manufactured
• learn to combine virtual and physical design and prototyping in our digital design suite
• undertake work placements in industry
• opportunity to undertake an industrial group project with a design engineering organisation
• professional accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Designers, Institution of Engineering and Technology and Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Why this course?

Product design engineering is an exciting industry that continually evolves alongside technology, product advancements, the demand for quicker turnaround times, unique and personalised products, and environmentally friendly supply chains and production.

It's about understanding product requirements and functionality, questioning existing ways of doing things and seeing opportunities to change things for the better.

Product design engineering blends a more technical engineering focus (such as mechanics, electronics, maths, engineering calculations of a products' design) with design principles, user experience, and technology to create new functional products or develop existing ones that can then be sold in competitive markets.

This is integrated with manufacturing processes, CAD, rapid prototyping and digital prototyping technologies, software and practical skills to turn the design into reality which is fundamental to global market success and requires not only customer appeal, aesthetics and brand awareness but also consistent and correct functionality, superior quality and fitness for purposes all at a competitive price.

What you'll study

You'll focus on engineering classes that allow you to develop your knowledge on how a product works technically such as:

• Engineering Mechanics
• Heat and Flow
• Electrical Machines and Control
• Product Programming
• Mechatronics Design and Applications

As well as design classes which allow you to develop your appreciation of feasible design and production options such as:

• Total Design
• Design and Manufacturing Management
• Production Techniques
• Product Development
• Advanced Design Methods

If you want to become a Chartered Engineer with an engineering degree, whilst encompassing your creative, idea-generating thought processes, then this is the course for you.

Careers

As a design engineer you can be involved in almost every aspect of the product journey, from the initial concept, design, development, testing and management of projects to the manufacturing. Product design engineers use technical knowledge, mathematical problem solving skills and a passion for designing and refining the usability of luxury to everyday items, across a diverse range of industries.

Roles may have responsibilities such as:

• Concept, specification, tender and development of new projects or components
• CAD, CAM systems to design and visualise projects to clients or internally within teams
• Model making, prototyping and product testing
• Analysis on how to improve existing products, including complex calculations
• Leadership including effective communication with clients, colleagues, contractors and managing other team members
• Project management including ensuring projects are delivered to a timescale, to standard and within a budget

Work experience is highly desirable for graduates applying within the product design industry, to best demonstrate their team working abilities, skills and portfolio breadth. Our students truly benefit from the industrial group project which is integrated into their degree, to provide them with this necessary experience to stand out when competing for graduate jobs. Furthermore, many of our students gain placements and internships throughout their studies to advance their professional development ahead of graduation.