Design Engineering
Fuse design thinking with engineering knowledge and practice in this highly creative integrated Master’s degree
Fuse design thinking with engineering knowledge and practice in this highly creative integrated Master’s degree
Gain hands-on experience in the field on a six-month placement with a leading industrial partner.
Combine your engineering and design skills with business knowledge across a range of projects and workshops
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MEng
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Duration
4 years
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Start date
October 2025
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UCAS course code
28G3
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£9,535 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
7 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
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A*AA (A-level)
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39 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Discover how design engineers bridge the gap between traditional engineering and design on this professionally accredited four-year course.
You'll explore how engineers draw on manufacturing techniques, product development, technical design and rapid prototyping to bring new innovations to market. You'll also analyse how existing products can be improved, and the processes used to achieve this.
This course will develop your design and engineering skills, with an emphasis on creativity, computer-aided engineering, optimisation, human factors and the design process.
Through a series of compulsory modules during your first two years, you'll develop team working skills as you explore topics including electronics, mechatronics and data science.
Access to extensive hackspaces and workshops will enable you to collaborate with creative thinkers as you develop your own ideas. You'll also build your enterprise skills and industrial experience as you translate design engineering into impact.
Optional modules provide opportunities to specialise in your final two years, with a six-month paid placement the key focus of your third year.
This is designed to help you gain practical experience in the field with leaders in industry. Previous partner organisations have included Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce.
Your final year culminates with a series of projects, including the chance to expose one of your products to market reaction.
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’ll study these core modules.
Core modules
Explore design engineering in a global and professional context and how design engineering issues are creatively tackled.
Better understand computer programming through a hands-on approach and build your appreciation of the Python programming language and supporting tools.
Analyse the mathematical tools and techniques used to tackle a variety of design engineering problems.
Identify common engineering materials and the means to manufacture them into geometries.
Develop competence in creative human-centred design engineering and improve your skills in design drawing, engineering drawing and 3D computer aided design.
Explore a wide range of datasets, to perform data analysis and use key insights from statistics and machine learning.
Learn how to link force and displacement using laws of physics and how this can be used to model several real-world problems.
Develop your understanding of analogue and digital electronics as found in all electronics systems.
You’ll study all core modules and one I-Explore module.
Compulsory modules
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department.
You will be taught alongside students from other courses with options including business, management and many more.
Core modules
Examine key challenges for sustainability and specific principles and methods for sustainable design.
Combine the approaches of physical computing and mechatronics and distinguish between a wide range of standard machine elements and electronic components.
Progress your knowledge from Solid Mechanics 1 by advancing your understanding of kinematics and stress analysis.
Gain a system perspective on electronic systems and improve your understanding of signal interpretation, processing and manipulation.
Use finite element programs in a practical way to solve problems in linear elastic stress analysis.
Consider the topic of energy within a design context and the associated engineering sciences of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Carry out a project brief that integrates a human-centred design approach with the creative design engineering of a complex electromechanical product.
Discover the range of organisations Design Engineers operate in and consider the current and future professional landscape, together with effectively preparing to best position yourselves on a career route that is most relevant and exciting.
Build upon your knowledge from Computing 1 by examining application programming with a particular focus on web applications and the technologies associated with this. You will assess user interface and experience, accessing and manipulating data sources, and client-server architectures.
You'll study all core modules.
You’ll also take two optional modules.
Core modules
Work on an engineering design interdisciplinary group project and improve your project management and concept development skills.
Build your foundational knowledge of the field of robotics and explore robot control and motion planning algorithms.
Appreciate the practical aspects of robotics through tutorial and lab sessions that enable you to build hands-on experience in the field.
Assess common system design and engineering optimisation problems and use appropriate tools to solve them.
Explore entrepreneurial thinking styles that are important in developing radical forms of innovation.
Gain practical industry experience on a substantial design engineering related project, or collection of related projects.
Optional modules
Obtain a high level understanding of contemporary industrial design principles, and better understand industrial design process tools.
Deepen your knowledge of the basic principles of acoustics and digital signal processing and the physiology of the hearing system.
Develop your competence in scoping, analysing and developing creative interventions for behaviour change.
Advance your understanding of machine learning in a design engineering context and the mathematical tools that underpin it.
Assess the economic performance of engineering systems and products through a range of core principles.
Develop your knowledge and understanding in analysing interactions within systems as games looking into areas including non-cooperative, cooperative and population games. You'll further enhance your mathematical understanding and learn how agents are steered to a certain outcome through the use of mechanism design.
Choose from a range of optional modules as you develop your distinct professional identity.
You’ll take all core modules.
You’ll also take two modules from Group A and Group C, and two additional modules from Group B.
Core modules
Gain practical industry experience on a substantial design engineering related project and reflect on how your work has impacted on your professional development.
Complete your four-year design engineering journey by carrying out a major project in an area of your choice.
Develop your knowledge of management and business practices from outside engineering and how they can be applied effectively in an entrepreneurial venture.
Optional modules - Group A
Obtain a high level understanding of contemporary industrial design principles, and better understand industrial design process tools.
Deepen your knowledge of the basic principles of acoustics and digital signal processing and the physiology of the hearing system.
Develop your competence in scoping, analysing and developing creative interventions for behaviour change.
Improve your knowledge of current additive manufacturing (AM) technology, materials, trends and processes.
Build your knowledge of psychology and how design solutions to global challenges need to take into account human behaviour.
Advance your understanding of machine learning in a design engineering context and the mathematical tools that underpin it.
Assess the economic performance of engineering systems and products through a range of core principles.
Choose from a range of optional modules as you develop your distinct professional identity.
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Optional modules - Group B
Assess the latest research in the field of applied robotics through hands-on project work.
Use techniques to develop software and hardware platforms for the Internet of Things and understand the basics of mobile sensing.
Explore how nanomaterials can be engineered to serve specific applications.
Better understand the sharing economy and how this new paradigm is causing a wave of disruption to empower citizens and communities.
Critically analyse how technology products impact on individuals, their health and society as a whole.
Explore the very aspects of data science in order design products from data. Assess the methods of generating value from data, by going through relevant concepts within modern data science such as descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Enhance your understanding of creating games and playful experiences for a range of entertainment and social issues such as health, education, sustainability, or social change. Learn the key concepts, aspects and methods of game design and play experiences through rapid making and critiquing of analogue games.
Discover the fundamentals of DLTs, better known as blockchains, and learn how to open up questions in the DLT space and explore how to approach them.
Optional modules - Group C
Discover and develop your understanding of the human visual system, and the technology available for design engineers to acquire, analyse, interpret and exploit visual information gathered with modern electronic components.
Professional accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited by the following organisations on behalf of the Engineering Council:
- Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
With this integrated Master’s degree, you’ll fully meet the academic requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.
Becoming a Chartered Engineer can further enhance your career prospects and earning potential. It demonstrates your competencies and commitment to lifelong learning – providing you with recognition in your field and greater influence and opportunities.
The accreditation from the IED runs from 2017 to 2025. The accreditation from IMechE runs from 2022 to 2026, and the accreditation from IET runs from 2020 to 2025. The department expects to be accredited by all three professional bodies in the future.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Timetabled sessions
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 30% Timetabled sessions
- 70% Independent study
Years 3 and 4
- 15% Timetabled sessions
- 85% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Project-based learning
- Virtual learning environment
Balance of assessment
Key
- Examination
- Coursework
- Practical
Year 1
- 50% Examination
- 40% Coursework
- 10% Practical
Year 2
- 25% Examination
- 50% Coursework
- 25% Practical
Year 3
- 10% Examination
- 60% Coursework
- 30% Practical
Year 4
- 0% Examination
- 75% Coursework
- 25% Practical
Assessment methods
- Critiques
- Group projects
- Individual projects
- Laboratory practicals
- Presentations
- Report writing
- Written examinations
Testimonials
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
Admissions test (ESAT)
To be eligible for selection for this course for 2025 entry, you must sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) as part of the application process.
Registration is now open for the January ESAT test sitting.
This is your last opportunity to sit the test for 2025 entry. Registration closes online on 23 December 2024 (21 November 2024 for candidates requiring access arrangements).
About ESAT
- Computer-based, multiple-choice test which you must sit in a Pearson VUE test centre.
- Create a UAT-UK account with Pearson VUE to book a test.
For this course, you need to book and sit the following two ESAT modules:
- Module 1 – Mathematics 1
- Module 2 – Mathematics 2
Key test deadlines
October sitting (15 and 16 October 2024): Registration is now closed
January sitting (7 and 8 January 2025): Register online from 24 October to 23 December 2024 (candidates requiring access arrangements must register by 21 November 2024)
Take the test just once as only your first score will count.
Test fee bursary
Applications are open for the UAT-UK bursary, which covers the full-test fee for candidates in financial need who are permanently living in the UK and planning to take the test at a UK test centre.
Full details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are available on the UAT-UK website.
Access arrangements
Note: The deadline has now passed to apply for access arrangements for January 2025.
Access arrangements, for example, extra time or rest breaks, are available for students with learning difficulties, disabilities, and other medical conditions.
If this applies to you, you need to notify UAT-UK of your requirements before booking your test in one of Pearson VUE’s global network of test centres.
Once your access arrangements have been confirmed, you will be able to book your test online.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
If your application has demonstrated sufficient potential you will be invited for an online interview. These typically run from November to March.
During the interview, your interest and aptitude will be assessed through a range of questions and problems. You are encouraged to present some examples of your own work/projects towards the end of the interview, although this will be for two minutes maximum, so please choose your examples carefully.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
All students will undertake a six-month industrial placement from April until September between their third and fourth year of study.
The placement will be on-site with an industrial partner and supervised jointly by the partner and Imperial.
In the past, students have worked at a diverse range of companies including Dyson, Brompton Bicycles, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce, ABB Robotics, Microsoft Lift, Fitch, Monokoto, Random International, Better Future Factory and Cambridge Consultants.
Watch our video 'What does a Design Engineer do?' on YouTube
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£9,535 per year
Important update for 2025 entry
The UK government has announced that, starting in April 2025, maximum tuition fees for Home undergraduate students in England will increase from £9,250 per year to £9,535. Find out more.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
In November 2024, the UK government announced a 3.1% increase in English Maintenance Loans for 2025-26.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,300 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
100% Of Imperial Design Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 100% Of Imperial Design Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 0%
77% Of Imperial Design Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 77% Of Imperial Design Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 23%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in design engineering or similar fields.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Leading design and technology companies are just some of your options.
Others have developed startups based on their entrepreneurial expertise.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7594 8888
- Email: design.engineering@imperial.ac.uk
Request info
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Course data
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.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications