Design Engineering MEng

Design Engineering
  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

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

  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    28G3

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 per year Home

    • £43,300 per year Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    7 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*AA (A-level)

  • 39 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

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

You’ll study all core modules and one I-Explore module.

Compulsory modules

Core modules

You'll study all core modules. 

You’ll also take two optional modules.

 

 



 

Core modules

Optional modules

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

Optional modules - Group A

Optional modules - Group B

Optional modules - Group C

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the following organisations on behalf of the Engineering Council:

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

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Design project blueprints
    Project-based learning
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    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

  • Person giving feedback
    Critiques
  • A group of people interacting
    Group projects
  • Design project blueprints
    Individual projects
  • Laboratory practicals
  • Presentations
  • Report writing
  • A person completing a written exam
    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.

Submit your application via UCAS | 28G3

UCAS institution code: I50

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£9,250 per year

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£43,300 per year

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

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in design engineering or similar fields.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Computer with Pencil Compass and Ruler

Leading design and technology companies are just some of your options.

Man with a rocket in his mind

Others have developed startups based on their entrepreneurial expertise.

Course data

Compare this course

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