Undergraduate student at a computer desk working in the Product Design Studio

Product Design and Manufacture including an Integrated Study Abroad Year BEng

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

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Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BEng Hons	ABB/BBBB including B in maths	September 2026	H71X	3 years full-time	£9,535*

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Faculty of Engineering

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BEng Hons	ABB/BBBB including B in maths	September 2026	H71X	3 years full-time	£9,535*

How to apply

Get in touch

Course information

Are you an international student?

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of demonstrating in part, the knowledge and understanding required for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Applicants for CEng registration must also demonstrate the further learning required. This may be through achievement of an accredited masters or doctorate, or other learning including in the workplace.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of demonstrating in part, the knowledge and understanding required for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Applicants for CEng registration must also demonstrate the further learning required. This may be through achievement of an accredited masters or doctorate, or other learning including in the workplace.
Start date:
September 2026

September 2026
IB score

30 Points overall or 655 in 3 Higher Level Certifcates

IB requirements

One of HL5 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation or SL7 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation is not accepted at Standard Level.

IELTS

6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country

A level

ABB/BBBB including B in maths

Required subjects
- Maths is required.
- Art or design and technology are also desirable as 2nd subjects for the course but are not required.
- GCSE English grade 4 (C).
- It is possible to transfer to the MEng during the course subject to satisfactory progression.
Excluded subjects

We do not accept the following A Levels: General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, CIE Global Perspectives and Research, CIE Thinking Skills.

Additional entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Non-UK entry requirements 1
Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently, we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC Nationals
The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please also see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

As part of the application process BTEC applicants without A level Maths who are predicted D*DD or higher and those with Access to HE Diploma will receive an invitation to attend a meeting with an academic member of staff.

The meeting will assess applicants' mathematical capability alongside their ability to build on their potential if they start straight into a course where their current maths preparation is not as rigorous as those holding other specific Mathematics qualifications.

For many applicants with alternative qualifications, the best route into an engineering degree is via a foundation course. The meeting, along with the UCAS application, will be used to help us decide whether we feel it is in the best interest of the applicant for us to make an offer for the applied-for course or be recommended to the foundation year. Our primary objective is to ensure that our students are fully prepared for year one to maximise the likelihood of achieving their study goals with us.

For those with lower predicted grades, applications will be considered for entry onto the foundation year.

BTEC Nationals

Following the meeting, for those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – DDD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles,
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and
- Further Engineering Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering or Science and A Levels – DDD + B in A Level Maths

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or Science and A Levels – DD + BB in A Level Maths

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Science and A Levels – D + BB in A Level Maths and B in A Level Physics or Further Maths

Access to HE Diploma

Following the meeting, for those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:

Pass Access to HE Diploma including 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit including 15 Mathematics credits at Distinction.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Other requirements

NA

Work experience

NA
A level

ABB/BBBB including B in maths

Required subjects
- Maths is required.
- Art or design and technology are also desirable as 2nd subjects for the course but are not required.
- GCSE English grade 4 (C).
- It is possible to transfer to the MEng during the course subject to satisfactory progression.
Excluded subjects

We do not accept the following A Levels: General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, CIE Global Perspectives and Research, CIE Thinking Skills.

IB score

30 Points overall or 655 in 3 Higher Level Certifcates

IB requirements

One of HL5 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation or SL7 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation is not accepted at Standard Level.

Additional entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently, we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC Nationals
The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please also see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

As part of the application process BTEC applicants without A level Maths who are predicted D*DD or higher and those with Access to HE Diploma will receive an invitation to attend a meeting with an academic member of staff.

The meeting will assess applicants' mathematical capability alongside their ability to build on their potential if they start straight into a course where their current maths preparation is not as rigorous as those holding other specific Mathematics qualifications.

For many applicants with alternative qualifications, the best route into an engineering degree is via a foundation course. The meeting, along with the UCAS application, will be used to help us decide whether we feel it is in the best interest of the applicant for us to make an offer for the applied-for course or be recommended to the foundation year. Our primary objective is to ensure that our students are fully prepared for year one to maximise the likelihood of achieving their study goals with us.

For those with lower predicted grades, applications will be considered for entry onto the foundation year.

BTEC Nationals

Following the meeting, for those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – DDD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles,
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and
- Further Engineering Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering or Science and A Levels – DDD + B in A Level Maths

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or Science and A Levels – DD + B in A Level Maths

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Science and A Levels – D + BB in A Level Maths and B in A Level Physics or Further Maths

Access to HE Diploma

Following the meeting, for those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:

Pass Access to HE Diploma including 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit including 15 Mathematics credits at Distinction.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

An Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation year is available for those who are not taking the required subjects.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Other requirements

NA

Work experience

NA
UCAS Code:
H71X

H71X
Students can transfer across the Product Design and Manufacturing programs once they have started the Programme (subject to conditions). This includes switching onto/off the Product Design and Manufacture with Industrial year or Product Design and Manufacture with a study abroad year.

Compulsory year abroad

On this course, subject to you meeting the relevant requirements, your second academic year will be spent studying at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia. The curriculum is exactly the same as that of the UK and all teaching is in English. Your year will be spent studying core modules, and depending on the subject specialisms you have selected, appropriate optional modules. Alternatively, you could apply to spend the year at one of our partner universities, however places are extremely limited and there is no guarantee that you would be able to study at a partner institution.

Please note

In order to undertake a compulsory year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet the selection criteria of both the University and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria. If you do not secure a year abroad opportunity, you will be transferred to the version of the course without the compulsory year abroad element, and you will complete all years of study at University of Nottingham, UK.

Important information

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Students can transfer across the Product Design and Manufacturing programs once they have started the Programme (subject to conditions). This includes switching onto/off the Product Design and Manufacture with Industrial year or Product Design and Manufacture with a study abroad year.

Compulsory year abroad

On this course, subject to you meeting the relevant requirements, your second academic year will be spent studying at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia. The curriculum is exactly the same as that of the UK and all teaching is in English. Your year will be spent studying core modules, and depending on the subject specialisms you have selected, appropriate optional modules. Alternatively, you could apply to spend the year at one of our partner universities, however places are extremely limited and there is no guarantee that you would be able to study at a partner institution.

Please note

In order to undertake a compulsory year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet the selection criteria of both the University and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria. If you do not secure a year abroad opportunity, you will be transferred to the version of the course without the compulsory year abroad element, and you will complete all years of study at University of Nottingham, UK.

Important information

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. The following are based on the total four years of the course. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £200.

We ask that all students have access to their own laptop or computing device (Windows is always the best options for our engineering software). You will be able to access all of the software that you will require, either through a remote desktop or we will provide you with copies for use during your time at the university. Information of the recommended minimum specifications can be found on the university webpages.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Faculty-specific funding

In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Tuition fees 2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. The following are based on the total four years of the course. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £200.

We ask that all students have access to their own laptop or computing device (Windows is always the best options for our engineering software). You will be able to access all of the software that you will require, either through a remote desktop or we will provide you with copies for use during your time at the university. Information of the recommended minimum specifications can be found on the university webpages.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Faculty-specific funding

In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Course overview

Our three-year BEng Product Design and Manufacture course combines creativity with engineering principles.

The course is unique due to our engineering, analytical and manufacturing content, giving you a technical and real-world view of product design.

In addition, your study abroad year will widen your horizons, and give you perspective of industrial design within different cultures and varying societies.

Our course utilises modern technology - from digital sketching through to high end 3D printing, rapid prototyping facilities and virtual reality equipment, to ensure our graduates leave prepared for the modern world of product design.

Our graduates are highly sought after, going on to work for top companies including Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever, Caterpillar and L'Oréal.

Course overview

You will take a broad range of modules to develop practical design skills and knowledge in key areas, including:

manufacturing
materials
ergonomics
marketing

Project work is a key part of the course, responding to challenges in a variety of sectors such as medical, automotive, packaging, appliances and electronic goods and many more. Projects enable you to take a realistic approach to design, utilising your taught knowledge of manufacturing and engineering principles. You’ll develop products and components that are appropriate for mass manufacture and consider commercial factors.

Our courses are delivered by academic staff who have industrial experience, in conjunction with Product Designers who currently work in industrial roles. This ensures that our course is relevant to the current needs of employers.

Explore our product design and manufacture end of year show.

Why choose this course?

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers, and Institution of Engineering Technology
Ranked 1st in the Russell Group for the National Student Survey 2024
Top 10 in the UK for Manufacturing and Production Engineering (The Complete University Guide 2025)
Top 100 World University for Engineering and Technology, and Architecture and Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
Athena SWAN Gold Award
Study a curriculum based on industry needs, as advised by our Industrial Advisory Board (IAB)
Benefit from sector leading facilities, including rapid prototyping workshops, high quality design studio spaces, and Virtual Reality
Focus on both manufacturing and design
Learn from experts, including external design tutors who work in industry

Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.

Indicative modules

Year one

Year two

Year three

Mandatory

Year 1

Engineering Practice and Project

Mandatory

Year 1

Industrial Design 1

Mandatory

Year 1

Materials and Manufacturing

Mandatory

Year 1

Mathematics and Programming

Mandatory

Year 1

Statics and Dynamics

Mandatory

Year 2

Design Communication

Mandatory

Year 2

Design for Manufacture

Mandatory

Year 2

Industrial Design 2

Mandatory

Year 2

Introduction to Design Projects

Mandatory

Year 2

Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability

Mandatory

Year 2

User Centered Research in Design

Mandatory

Year 3

BEng Major Design Project

Mandatory

Year 3

Computer Aided Engineering

Mandatory

Year 3

Major Project Preparation

Mandatory

Year 3

Polymer Design and Manufacturing

Mandatory

Year 3

Sustainable Design

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 25 March 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Engineering Practice and Project Industrial Design 1 Materials and Manufacturing Mathematics and Programming Statics and Dynamics

In this yearlong module you'll gain a deeper understanding of engineering design principles using practical project work. You'll learn CAD from the ground up, and by the end of the module you'll be well versed in the software.

Further you'll undertake practical workshops, where you'll learn how to use fundamental engineering machinery, which forms the basis of more advanced techniques you'll learn in higher level modules.

Topics covered include:

Process of design supported by practical design activities
Engineering drawing CAD solid modelling and drawing generation
Machine elements Group Design Project with Integrated Individual Element
Machine shop practical training

Practising Product Designers are often referred to as a jack of all trades and a master of none; This module begins a series of modules which focus on the broader discipline of Industrial Design and many topics which influence the practice that Designers need to be well versed in to create appropriate solutions to problems! To support the learning of these topics, and to begin understanding the process of design in a little more depth, students who participate in this module will undertake a short design project.

Other topics covered include:

History of Design.
Impact on Popular Culture.
Role of the Designer.
Design Methodology.
Ethical Responsibility.
Graphical Skills.
Photography.
Portfolio Skills.
Sustainability and Ecology.

A deep understanding of both materials and manufacturing techniques used to process these materials is essential for all product designers, to produce effective and commercially viable products. This year long module introduces students to the properties of materials, the main failure mechanisms which a designer will be concerned with (e.g overload, fracture, creep, fatigue) and core manufacturing methods used in engineering applications.

It includes the following topics:

Role of materials and material properties in the design process.
Selection and use of materials.
Basic science underlying material properties Approaches to avoid failure of materials.
Introduction to manufacturing in the UK.
Casting, machining, moulding, forming, powder processing, heat treatment, surface finishing and assembly.
Introduction into additive manufacturing an introduction to manufacturing metrology.

This module delivers comprehensive mathematics teaching alongside core programming principles. Students will develop a strong theoretical understanding of mathematics whilst gaining essential computing capabilities. The content covers areas including complex numbers and their role in engineering analysis; development of simple engineering calculation tools; technical data visualisation and plotting; linear algebra including matrices and vectors.

This module offers a thorough introduction to mechanical systems analysis, guiding you from fundamental static principles to dynamic engineering applications. Through a structured approach, you’ll develop essential analytical skills to understand mechanical behaviour. Key topics include force equilibrium, stress and strain analysis, failure criteria, kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, momentum conservation, energy methods, and mechanical drive systems. With a focus on real-world engineering scenarios, this module builds a strong foundation for tackling complex mechanical challenges.

Design Communication Design for Manufacture Industrial Design 2 Introduction to Design Projects Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability User Centered Research in Design

Designers need to be able to communicate their thoughts and design work to a broad range of individuals, not limited to, Clients, Customers, Specialist Engineers, Advertising specialists, other designers etc. To achieve effective communication a broad range of skill sets, and techniques need to be understood and employed. The module will develop CAD skills and include content on surface modelling so that students are able to model almost any object with the appropriate level of detailing. Following on from this the module will introduce Keyshot, a software that allows the production of high-end realistic computer-generated images and animations to communicate designs.

Solidworks Parametric Modelling
Solidworks Surface Modelling
Digital Sketching & Rendering
Keyshot Photo realistic Rendering

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills in design for manufacturing and manufacturing and product development. It covers design for manufacturability, design for assembly, rapid prototyping and manufacturing, jigs and fixtures, process planning and group technology and design for cost. You’ll spend two hours in lectures and three hours in practicals each week when studying this module.

Building on Industrial Design and Professional practice from the 1st year of the programme, the second module continues to explore the field of Industrial design in more depth. The first half of the module focuses on topics such as branding and marketing; an understanding of these practises can impact how/what we design into products. We then build on the knowledge of ecology and sustainability established in the first module, to understand the impact that our designs have, and how we can minimise our environmental impact. The module also takes a more advanced look into Engineering Drawings and teaches students how to review drawings and make necessary alterations based on feedback.

Branding and Marketing
Company Structures
Product Design Industry
Supply Chains
Sustainability: the facts
Sustainability Design Tools
Engineering Drawings

This module introduces you to design projects, challenging you with complex problems and guiding you through the application of a structured design process to develop solutions. You’ll address a wide range of requirements, including user and commercial needs, while considering manufacturing processes to create viable products. You’ll build an awareness of core design skills and your practical application in solving real-world design challenges, with a focus on material selection and manufacturing techniques.

This module addresses engineering materials and their application in sustainable design practice. Students will develop an integrated understanding of material properties, processing and through-life considerations. The content covers areas including; design requirements and constraints; material performance evaluation; sustainable manufacturing considerations; selection methods for sustainable design.

In this module, you will be introduced to ergonomics (human factors), encompassing different aspects of product design and other applications. You will be taught the practical application of user centred research methods, as well as covering research ethics and statistical methods to analyse results.

You will learn to:

apply a range of human factors/ergonomics tools and methods to evaluate design interventions and develop design solutions fit for a wide range of users of varying abilities

analyse and extract relevant ergonomic data and apply relevant statistical techniques to inform design for users

understand ethical requirements of user-focused research

create and communicate a product proposal that fulfils the requirements of an open-ended design brief

You will also develop your teamwork skills by undertaking a group design project, focusing on the construction of the product and the balancing of often conflicting constraints.

BEng Major Design Project Computer Aided Engineering Major Project Preparation Polymer Design and Manufacturing Sustainable Design

The Major Project is the final and largest piece of work which students undertake during their studies on our programme.

Students conduct the design and engineering phase of the project over 16 weeks. The project requires students to utilise and demonstrate a variety of skills which have been learnt throughout the duration of their course and apply them to develop a fully detailed and complete design. At the end of the module students will present their final design, alongside documents such as engineering drawings which communicate all the required manufacturing detail to produce the product. These are as follows:

Ideation phase
Production of high-quality concepts
Development Design Detailing
Engineering detail
Engineering Drawings
High quality Renders
Design Presentation Boards

In this advanced module, you will build on your experience of computer-aided design (CAD) modelling and analysis techniques.

You will complete weekly exercises while under the support of an experienced team of computer-aided engineering (CAE) users. This approach will allow you to work at your own pace and receive targeted individual support. You will cover solid and surface modelling, rendering, finite element analysis, design studies and optimisation.

This module will provide you with some advanced practical CAE skills, particularly for use in project work and industry.

The Major Project is the final and largest piece of work which students undertake during the final 16 weeks of their study. In this module a problem area/project title is selected, and students undertake a substantive body of research and investigation to understand the background and relevant requirements prior to entering the design phase of the project. A broad range of investigatory methods will be utilised in order to identify a profile of user requirements and desires for the product which will be designed.

User based Research
Questionnaires
Empathy Studies
Identify Project opportunities
Develop requirements for the Product
Production of Brief

This module builds on materials and manufacturing knowledge gained in the first two years, focusing on the injection moulding process alongside other high-volume plastic manufacturing techniques. You’ll learn to design components suitable for these methods and the associated tooling, using computational tools like mould flow analysis to optimise your designs. Through a design project, you will apply your learning in creating polymer injection-moulded components. Those who do not pass the module will be required to complete a re-assessment exam, with the exam mark determining progression.

This module focuses on sustainability in engineering, with an emphasis on industrial design. You’ll explore a wide range of topics that influence sustainability, alongside methodologies for promoting sustainability within the design process. Through analytical analysis of data, you will assess the impact of your design decisions. A key component of the module is a design project, where you’ll apply your knowledge to create sustainable product solutions.

Teaching methods

Group study
Independent study
Lab sessions
Lectures
Practical classes
Supervision
Tutorials
Workshops

Assessment methods

Coursework
Examinations
Group coursework
Presentation
Research project
Practical assessment

Engineers are among the busiest students on campus. On average, you will have around 20-22 contact hours a week in years one and two. Combined with coursework and self-study, you are likely to spend over 40 hours a week on your studies.

Our courses provide the opportunity to specialise through a choice of subject modules and practical work.

Average starting salary and career progression

90.4% of undergraduates from the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £29,032.

*HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2023, High Fliers Research).

Your Campus - University Park

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Undergraduate students enjoying Highfields Park and lake

I chose to study Product Design and Manufacture because it gave me the ability to have an influence on products and the way we interact with them – it’s something that happens all over the world. The ability to take ideas from your mind and see them develop in physical form is fascinating.

Nathan Hassanali

Product Design and Manufacture student

Course data

Duration
4 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2026

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Help and support

If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.