Design Engineering MSc

two female students sitting in front of a laptop and chatting with each other
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Design Engineering

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

Integrate cutting-edge technologies and a holistic approach to problem-solving using design tools and mindsets

Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship where curiosity and creativity thrive

Embrace agile Design Engineering methodologies to enable flexibility and responsiveness to create impactful changes

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £18,500 Home

    • £42,900 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

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 take all the three modules from group A. You will choose three modules from group B, these modules are shared across postgraduate programmes in the Design Engineering department.

Group A

Group B

You can select one module from group A and two from group B. Group A modules will take place in the Autumn Term, and Group B modules in the Spring Term.

Group A

Group B

Testimonials

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Taught modules
  • Independent Study
  • Specialist Events

Balance of assessment

  • 17% Lectures and practicals
  • 31% Independent Study
  • 52% Individual project

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

Key

  • Practical
  • Coursework
  • Exams

  • 22% Practical
  • 65% Course Work
  • 13% Exams

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

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£18,500

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£42,900

Scholarships

The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Industrial Design Studentships

Value per award

  • Full tuition fees plus stipend.

Who it's for

  • UK resident, recently graduated first degree, and intending to make a career in British Industry.
Find out more

Scholarships and bursaries for home students

Value per award

  • Varies

Who it's for

  • Top UK home students who are eligible for home fee status
Find out more

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Lightbulb above a book

Drive and manage innovation initiatives within organizations as Innovation Leads.

Consultant with a speech bubble

Offer expertise in design thinking, user experience, and creative problem-solving to clients as Design Consultants.

Man with a rocket in his mind

Develop new physical or digital products, features, or services, overseeing the entire product lifecycle as Product Developer/Manager.

Computer with Pencil Compass and Ruler

Start and lead your own venture, applying design and innovation principles to Entrepreneurship and Start-ups.

Computer screen with cog

Contribute to the creation of innovative digital solutions in the Technology and IT sector.

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Apply design thinking and innovation to optimize processes and improve customer experiences in E-Commerce, Healthcare, and Services Industry.

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