On This Page
Quick info & apply now
LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
This exciting new programme combines the knowledge of design principles, ergonomics, engineering science and manufacturing processes to create multi-functional solutions and products.
A career in product design engineering or industrial design will mean you conduct necessary tests to determine whether a product meets all the customer requirements.
By the time you graduate, you will be able to merge your knowledge of engineering reinforced design education and analytical skillset with a sound manufacturing base, enabling you to conceive and develop innovative designs and turn them into manufacturing reality, innovative products and solutions, and profitable businesses.
The programme will also offer to all students an optional placement year that will enable you to experience the real world and effectively connect your knowledge gained at UEL with it.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The course will help you gain a solid understanding of the processes and practices of product design engineering or industrial design and help you realise the expectations that you'll have as a design engineer within an international workplace that's evolving at an ever-increasing pace.
Throughout the course, engagement with industry experts and real work experience will be embedded into the core elements of learning. In year one you will gain a solid grounding in manufacturing and engineering principles through the medium of lectures, workshops and laboratory experimentation. As your knowledge increases in subsequent years, you will have the necessary tools to explore, experiment and find interesting solutions to complex problems.
By the time you graduate, you'll be generating highly complex design solutions. You'll be familiar with a variety of methods to produce models and prototypes, such as 3D CAD using high-end industry specification software, and model making in our traditional workshops and digital and fabrication facilities.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental wealth; Professional Life CloseMental wealth; Professional Life
The module will introduce key knowledge and skills required for your success in higher education, communication and interpersonal life skills for academic and professional purposes. The module is designed to provide guidance in order to become independent learner, effectively reflect and take necessary actions for professional success. The module will also aid you to build your confidence as a learner, enabling you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and how you can build their skills for the future.
Analytical Mathematics CloseAnalytical Mathematics
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Engineering Sciences CloseEngineering Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to materials, electricity and simple structures used in engineering.
Mathematical Applications CloseMathematical Applications
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Physical Sciences ClosePhysical Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to second moment of area, sound, light, thermodynamics and work and energy systems used in engineering.
Introduction to Computing CloseIntroduction to Computing
The module equips you with an understanding of computing principles and an understanding of the fundamentals of hardware and software, which can provide an opportunity for you to gain appreciation of the practical skills involved in computer systems. It helps you develop a better understanding of computations to solve problems, analysing problems and procedures, and a better understanding of algorithms, languages and programming. It provides an opportunity to you to understand the connections between the different areas of computing.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module aims to develop students' core competencies to form the basis of future competencies development throughout the programme of study. In this module, the students would consolidate their Construction / Engineering knowledge and skills for practical applications, and develop their awareness of impacts on the environment, commerce, society and individual brought about by various construction and engineering activities.
Engineering Materials CloseEngineering Materials
The main aim of this module is to provide you with a basic understanding of the properties and behaviour of wide range of engineering materials and to enable you to appreciate essential facts and principles required to make good choices in selection of materials.
Engineering Principles CloseEngineering Principles
- To provide you with the fundamental principles and concepts involved with dynamics, machine elements and electrical and electronic engineering.
- To enable you to select appropriate electromechanical systems to solve real-life engineering problems.
Applied Mathematics & Computing CloseApplied Mathematics & Computing
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for level 5 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Thermofluids CloseThermofluids
The main aim of this module is to introduce the basic theories of thermo fluid mechanics. You will learn about the fundamentals of fluid behaviour, the interaction of fluids with solid bodies and fluid flow in pipes.
Engineering Mechanics CloseEngineering Mechanics
This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental structural characteristics governing the properties of engineering materials; and to introduce you to the fundamental concepts and principles of engineering mechanics.
The module would provide you with an appreciation of the relationship between conceptual models and real engineering systems; and enable you to develop an analytical and practical approach to the solution of basic engineering problems based on the use of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module builds on the L4 Mental Wealth: Professional Life module to further develop students' competencies to form the basis of their future careers. In this module, the students will undertake feasibility studies with reference to human, financial, logistical resources to realise a product/service. The module will further develop the students' self-awareness, interpersonal and negotiation skills through team work and mentoring.
Engineering Design and Analysis CloseEngineering Design and Analysis
This module provides the students with the knowledge of the main modes of failure that occur under various loading conditions, to enable the students to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles of the mechanics of materials and their application. The students’ skill in solving analytical and practical design problems relating to complex stress system will be extended through project work using various commercial and/or non-proprietary engineering analysis software tools.
Design Integration 2 CloseDesign Integration 2
This module focuses on the application of knowledge of environmental principles into your design projects, using relevant methods of environmental strategies as part of the design process.
The module aims to encourage integration of environmental design from the outset of a project, giving you the ability to reflect on appropriate environmental design strategies and explore these in a creative and rigorous manner.
Applied Electronics CloseApplied Electronics
The module aims to provide an understanding of fundamental principles of electrical circuits in terms of theory, analysis, design and application.
Interdisciplinary studies and group project CloseInterdisciplinary studies and group project
The implementation of design skills and strategies as a tool for design development, in response to set design briefs. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in group and live projects.
Quality Engineering CloseQuality Engineering
The module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of quality control and engineering techniques; the essential management systems and concepts for their successful implementation within contemporary industrial environments; to develop a critical appreciation of common quality issues and a range of quality control tools and techniques; to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and methodologies used in reliability engineering.
- Core Modules
Capstone Project CloseCapstone Project
The main aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out and report research in order to consolidate the knowledge gained in other modules in a chosen field of study, combine it with the published knowledge of others, investigate it practically and report your findings.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
The aim of this module is to develop students' awareness of the importance of linking Project management with professional life practice. It will prepare students to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 4th industrial revolution by further developing the skills and knowledge. The key areas are as digital environment, ethics, and sustainability; preparing them to become world-class professional managers who are able to support their practice with theoretical understanding, so that they can be innovative and push the barriers of technical excellence safely and sustainably.
The module is designed around the construction and surveying knowledge and skills and professional practice modules at L4 and L5 by integrating theory with practice through industry-relevant live projects.
This will be accomplished by placing students in a multi-disciplinary project group (to reflect the range of disciplines.
It will explore the feasibility and design development of practical scheme(s) in terms of technical, ethical, legal, financial and quality matters. The module will build upon the core mental wealth/professional practice-based modules offered at L4 and L5 that introduce students to among others, digital proficiency, industry connections and intelligent development (emotional, social & physical) and in doing so helps equip them with the fundamental techniques necessary to work in inter-disciplinary teams.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology CloseAdvanced Manufacturing Technology
This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of flexible manufacturing technology used in a variety of industrial sectors; aims to help the student in gaining knowledge of advanced machining processes and technologies and the principles and practices of green manufacturing and manufacturing sustainability.
Design of Mechatronics Systems CloseDesign of Mechatronics Systems
The module aims to provide understanding of working and design principles of mechatronics systems. You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how mechatronics systems can be designed by integrating mechanical systems with electronics for control and optimising performance.
Design Investigation 3 CloseDesign Investigation 3
The module consolidates skills and knowledge gained at Levels 4 and 5. Together with Design Resolution 3 and Design Integration 3 which requires highly detailed reflection on the integration of cultural, professional, technical and environmental issues within the design project, this set of 3 modules is intended to prepare you for independent practice, entry into the professional workplace, or for higher studies.
Whilst improving your practical skills and refining your ability to use them productively, the focus of this module is on developing a depth of knowledge and understanding about research and project development, appropriate to graduate level. It also aims to help you to offer evidence of self-management in respect of planning, monitoring, recording and evaluation within the portfolio work that is produced.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You will be joining a creative hub of innovative engineers and designers based here. You'll be able to observe other design projects, share ideas, and participate in interdisciplinary projects and competitions, such as IMechE Formula Student challenge to design and build a single-seat racing car.
The first year prepares students with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and this knowledge will be embedded in your approach to realising innovative designs which can be profitably manufactured and marketed.
With a personal tutor to oversee your progress, and module leaders for each part of the course, you'll work independently, and occasionally in small groups, on design briefs and projects in our dedicated design studios.
Our fabrication and design facilities include traditional workshops as well as computer-aided design (CAD) suites where you can use a range of two and three-dimensional programmes to produce test results and resolve your concept ideas through to final design.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the University from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
Your progress is continually assessed by means of various methods, for example, through personal and group tutorials and via presentations when work is appraised by a panel of teaching staff and by a peer group of students. Through these methods, as well as while carrying out activities in the workshop and laboratory, you will receive formative feedback on a regular basis. This advice is offered to assist the learning process and improve the quality of work before final hand-in.
The modules are assessed differently, some through assignment and exam, others through assignment alone. Design modules require a series of presentations for each project throughout the course. You will be asked to present your work to your colleagues and teachers highlighting details relating to your primary research, to concept developments, and to the fabrication of design(s), as well as a concluding pitch of your chosen final design. You will also develop a creative portfolio of work.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Related Courses
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

This exciting new product design engineering programme has been developed as a response to the current trends in automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, such as, augmented reality, rapid tooling and industry 4.0. It is vitally important students attain a realistic and comprehensive knowledge of the potential influences that will contribute to their future approach to design methodology. It is also vitally important for students to master the skills needed to rapidly prototype an idea and gain an aptitude for testing and reiterating solutions thereby allowing ideas to develop and flourish into sustainable and feasible products."
Dr Bahar Khayamian Esfahani,
Dr Bahar Khayamian Esfahani FHEA, PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), Programme Leader, (BEng Hons) Product Design Engineering
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Throughout the course, you will develop a comprehensive knowledge and professional portfolio, which is your gateway to a rewarding career including,
- Product design
- Industrial design
- Manufacturing engineer
- Digital fabrication
- Product engineering
- Engineering
- Freelance designer
UEL has a dedicated team to forge close and strong links within industry and with businesses, and all the while supporting students with placements during study and advice with graduate employment.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.