• Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Design Engineering

Create innovative products, systems, or solutions through an interdisciplinary approach in engineering, design, and entrepreneurship.

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • First-Class Honours in a Science, Technology and Engineering discipline.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Gain an enhanced background in Design Engineering and related subjects. You will acquire advanced skills in design methods, systems thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This knowledge is applied in a range of project-based learning modules, including industry-relevant projects.

This course equips you with the capability to understand user needs in context, identify opportunities, and solve problems creatively. You'll use cutting-edge technologies like Additive Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Data Science, Sensing, and the Internet of Things. These technologies are the future of engineering, and you will be at the forefront of their application.

Develop the technical skills needed for design engineering. This course will also enhance your ability to communicate and translate engineering concepts in today’s world.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You will study six core modules that develop advanced skills in design engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The programme combines specialist modules with shared Design Engineering modules, enabling you to apply design methods and emerging technologies to complex, real-world challenges.

Testimonials

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.

Key

  • Taught modules
  • Independent Study
  • Specialist Events

Balance of teaching and learning

  • 17% Title 1 goes here
  • 31% Title 2 goes here
  • 52% Title 3 goes here

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Project Based Learning
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Technology Enhanced Learning
  • A group of people interacting
    Team Working
  • Workshops and Lab Work
  • Person completing coursework
    Independent Study
  • Industry Collaboration

Balance of assessment

This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.

Key

  • Practical
  • Coursework
  • Exams

  • 22% Title 1 goes here
  • 65% Title 2 goes here
  • 13% Title 3 goes here

Assessment methods

  • Progress Tests
  • Design project blueprints
    Project-based Coursework
  • Research Dissertation
  • Design project blueprints
    Physical and Digital Prototyping
  • A person completing a written exam
    Exams

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026

Fees and funding

Home fee

2027 entry

Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £19,400

Overseas fee

2027 entry

Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £45,000

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Graduates of our Department go on to succeed in a wide range of sectors, launch their own start-ups, or go on to further study.

Who do our graduates work for?

Our graduates have found leading roles at companies like Apple, Sony, Samsung, and Bytedance (parent company to TikTok), as well as various FinTech and Automotive companies.

What jobs do our graduates do?

PhD in automated manufacturing, AI system designer, UX system designer, Experience designer, MedTech start-up.

What about further study?

Those wishing to pursue further study have successfully secured PhD studentships and gone on to academic careers at Imperial and other leading institutions.

What careers support does Imperial offer?

Our Careers Service collaborates with the Department of Design Engineering to deliver tailored career planning and application talks for students of this department throughout their studies. 

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications