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Product Design Engineering with Year in Industry BEng (Hons)

UCAS code: HW26 | Full-time | 4 years

Entry requirements

View entry requirements

International fees:

£27,200 per year

Starts on:

This course is no longer in Clearing. View courses for 2025 entry.
This course is no longer in Clearing. View courses for 2025 entry.

Clearing 2024: find your place at Liverpool

We may have limited places for entry in 2024 for high achieving applicants.

About this course

This programme brings together the disciplines of design engineering and new product development allowing you the opportunity to apply academic knowledge and professional skills in real-life engineering practice.

Introduction

You’ll study core engineering subjects such as solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials and electronics and computer programming. Alongside, you’ll learn product design techniques such as design communication, human factors, product development and project management. These foundations will give you an understanding of the science that underpins product design engineering.

Then, you’ll move on to advanced engineering science, working on complex design engineering projects that reflect real-life in industry. Unique to this programme is a 300-hour individual product design engineering project on a topic of your choice, demonstrating design and engineering knowledge as well as practical design skills.

What you'll learn

  • Disciplines of design engineering and new product development
  • Work on complex design engineering projects that reflect real-life in industry
  • 300-hour individual product design engineering project on a topic of your choice

Entry requirements

A levels

BBC including Mathematics grade B and second science.

International applicants need BBC including BC in Maths and Physics (in any order).

Pass required in science practicals. Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Statistics, Further Mathematics, Physics. Operations and Maintenance Engineering

International Baccalaureate

28 points overall including 5 in HL Maths, 5 in HL second science plus 5 in SL English or 4 in HL English.

International applicants need 26 points overall including 5 in HL Maths, 5 in HL Physics plus 5 in SL English or 4 in HL English

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

DDM and Mathematics grade B at A Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Grade C, plus A level Mathematics grade B and another A level grade B Pass required in science practicals. Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Statistics, Further Mathematics, Physics. Operations and Maintenance Engineering

Access

27 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 18 level 3 credits at Merit in a relevant Access Diploma.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

443 from 2 electives (including Extended Maths and Physics) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 70% from four core subjects including 75% in Maths and Physics, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE)

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In year one you will study the core engineering subjects that provide fundamental knowledge of engineering science alongside product design techniques that underpins the practice of product design engineering.

Compulsory modules

SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES 1 (ENGG110)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theory of how engineering structures work to sustain loads. It will also show how stress analysis leads to the design of safer structures. It will also provide students with the means to analyse and design basic structural elements as used in modern engineering structures.

DESIGN COMMUNICATION (ENGG115)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module provides students with essential foundational skills in effective hand sketching, visualisation, and final presentation of design ideas. Students are instructed in principles, examples, and demonstrations regarding the use of a variety of design communication media and techniques, for the purposes of conceiving, developing and presenting product design ideas.

Energy Science (ENGG116)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

To develop an understanding of the basic principles of fluid mechanics, the laws of thermodynamics, and an appreciation of how to solve simple engineering problems. To develop skills in performing and reporting simple experiments.

Professional Engineering: a skills toolkit (ENGG111)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 3

This module aims to provide students with an interesting and engaging project that will help them to immediately relate the material being taught,both within and without this module, to a practical problem that is identifiable to their engineering discipline, thus reinforcing its relevance to the topixc.

The module:
1) Seeks to provide students with an early understanding of the preliminary design processes
2) Will introduce students to formal engineering drawing and visualisation
3) Will expose the students to group work and the dynamics of working in a team
4) Will expose students to the complexity of an engineering design task
5) Will enable students to develop data analysis and plotting skills
6) Will embody an approach to learning that will engage the students for the remainder of their lives
7) Seeks to provide students with an early understanding of the detail design and manufacturing process
8. Will introduce students to industry standard computer aided engineering drawing tools and practice
9. Will enable students to develop report writing and oral presentation skills
10. Will provide students with a basic understanding of engineering components and mechanisms
11. Will embody an approach to learning that will engage the students for the remainder of their lives

Digital Engineering (ENGG125)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Students completing the module should be able to understand simple computer programs and write their own simple MATLAB programs to solve problems and process data as required by other modules and in engineering practice.
Students completing the module will be able to understand simple electrical circuits with passive and active components, mechanical (mass-spring-damper) systems and electromechanical systems (DC machines). They will learn basic mathematical, practical and computational methods for analysing and modelling these.

Engineering Mathematics (ENGG198)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 2

ENGG198 is a Year 1 mathematics module for students of programmes taught in the School of Engineering, e.g. Aerospace, Civil, Architectural, Mechanical, Product Design and Industrial Design Engineering. It is designed to reinforce and build upon A-level (or equivalent) mathematics, providing you with the strong background required in your engineering studies and preparing you for Year 2 mathematics modules.

Introduction to Engineering Materials (MATS105)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

To provide students with a basic introduction to various classes of engineering materials, their mechanical properties, deformation and failure and how the properties structure and processing can be controlled to design materials with desired properties for various engineering applications.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two

In year two you will continue to study core engineering subjects solidifying the fundamental knowledge of engineering science in these subjects.

Compulsory modules

Product Development 2 (ENGG220)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 3

Following on from Y1, this module aims to further develop the student understanding of product development. In an open-ended studio setting, students will build on Y1 learning and further gain an understanding and appreciation of getting from an idea to a finished product. Successful students will be able to develop and articulate ideas in the form of sketch work and traditional model prototypes to an intermediate level. This will be assessed through project work.

HUMAN FACTORS IN PRODUCT DESIGN: THEORY (ENGG222)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

The module will introduce students to anthropometric and ergonomic concepts, and to the capabilities and constraints of the physical, cognitive and cultural makeup of human beings. Successful candidates will have acquired knowledge and understanding of how human factors affects the design and development of new products.

HUMAN FACTORS IN PRODUCT DESIGN: PRACTICE (ENGG224)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module follows on from the prerequisite module, Human Factors: Theory, this module will continue to develop anthropometric and ergonomic concepts, and the capabilities and constraints of the physical, cognitive and cultural makeup of human beings. Successful candidates will have acquired knowledge and understanding of how human factors affect the design and development of new products.

Managing Product Development (MNGT205)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

The module teaches the management of new product development. It is taught in a traditional lecture style culminating in an exam.

Successful students will have acquired knowledge and understanding at a broad level of the process and how it is executed in a modern industrial environment.

Engineering Design (MECH212)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 3

Professional Engineering can be defined as the application of science in the solution of problems and the development of new products, processes and systems. It is vital that all Engineering graduates have a solid design education; and this module is a core part of that.

In Year 1 students are introduced to the basic tools and techniques involved in engineering design.

In this module students are taught the basics of design theory in a lecture setting; but crucially they are required to apply this learning in a 24-week group project to design an innovative engineering product.

Students are given a design brief and are "coached" through product design specification; creative conceptual design; detailed design; 3D CAD modelling; design for manufacture, assembly and environment; and materials selection.

The module also enables students to develop and practice teamwork, communication, project management and problem solving skills.

THERMODYNAMICS (MECH217)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 3

Steam, standard air and refrigeration cycles

SOLIDS & STRUCTURES 2 (ENGG209)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module aims to introduce students to techniques for load and displacement analysis of simple structures.

Product Form and Materials (ENGG226)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module aims to introduce students to materials and manufacturing issues at the core of industrial design practice. Students will develop an appreciation of how materials positively and negatively influence people’s perception, appreciation and experiences of designed products. Students will also gain an understanding of the key considerations involved in turning ideas for product form into manufacturable components. An active learning approach will be taken, where students engage in practical exercises and projects to develop their knowledge and skills.

MATERIALS PROCESSING AND SELECTION I (MATS214)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

​This module introduces the main materials processing and manufacturing techniques used to shape metals. It also introduces technologies used to modify the surface properties of metal components, and heat-treatment procedures used to change materials’ mechanical properties.

MATERIALS PROCESSING AND SELECTION II (MATS210)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module covers non-metallic materials and materials selection. The students will understand the processing, microstructure and properties of ceramic, polymer and composite materials. The students will also learn how to derive materials performance indices and select materials for mechanical design.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (MNGT202)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

Project Management is a core skill for professional engineers of all types and a sound education in this subject area is required by the professional accrediting bodies. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will equip students for their future UG project work and for their careers ahead.
This module teaches students the theory of fundamental techniques in project management, risk management, and cost management.

In this modules student undertake a group "virtual project" in which they undertake all stages of project management involved n a major construction projects. The five virtual project tasks require students to apply their theoretical learning; and they provide an opportunity to develop key professional skills.

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING YEAR IN INDUSTRY (ENGG299)

Credits: 120 / Semester: semester 2

This module is associated with the placement year of the ‘year in industry’ programme.  On accepting an approved offer, students spend a minimum of 40 weeks employed in a company/organisation.  Placements will be approved and arranged at places accessible to the individual student.  An academic mentor will be assigned to monitor and assess the student’s progress during placement.  This will involve at least one site visit and follow-up telephone call as well as checking that the student’s placement log is being kept up to date. The placement year should be a mutually beneficial experience for both student and employer. Students will be given opportunities and gain confidence to apply theories and technical skills learned in Years 1 and 2 of their studies in a real-time work environment.  Ideally (depending on the placement), these activities will be engineering/industry relevant and project (team) based extending over several months and will therefore provide opportunities to develop the student’s transferable skills and professional competence leading to enhanced employability.

Engineering Mathematics II (CIVE299)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

To introduce some advanced Mathematics required by Engineers, Aerospace Engineers, Civil Engineers and Mechanical Engineers. To assist students in acquiring the skills necessary to use the mathematics developed in the module.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year in industry

You will spend a year of your degree on a work placement, approved by the School of Engineering, normally in an engineering or design-relevant industry or role. The Product Design Engineering with a Year in Industry BEng (Hons) programme is available to all students*. While the School of Engineering and the University will provide the necessary support and guidance, it is the responsibility of the student to secure an industrial placement. Applicants should note that industrial placements are highly sought after and competition to be accepted into one can be significant. They therefore cannot be guaranteed. Students who fail to secure a suitable placement offer will transfer back to the standard version of the programme without a year in industry.

Compulsory modules

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING YEAR IN INDUSTRY (ENGG299)

Credits: 120 / Semester: semester 2

This module is associated with the placement year of the ‘year in industry’ programme.  On accepting an approved offer, students spend a minimum of 40 weeks employed in a company/organisation.  Placements will be approved and arranged at places accessible to the individual student.  An academic mentor will be assigned to monitor and assess the student’s progress during placement.  This will involve at least one site visit and follow-up telephone call as well as checking that the student’s placement log is being kept up to date. The placement year should be a mutually beneficial experience for both student and employer. Students will be given opportunities and gain confidence to apply theories and technical skills learned in Years 1 and 2 of their studies in a real-time work environment.  Ideally (depending on the placement), these activities will be engineering/industry relevant and project (team) based extending over several months and will therefore provide opportunities to develop the student’s transferable skills and professional competence leading to enhanced employability.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year four

In your final year, you move on to study advanced engineering science and work on complex design engineering projects that reflect real-life in industry.

Compulsory modules

Product Design Group Project (ENGG340)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 3

This module aims to draw together all the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired on the undergraduate industrial design programme into a single ‘capstone’ project. Working in groups, students will conceptualise, design and develop a product to the point of initial prototype. This will be assessed through group project work.

ADVANCED MODERN MANAGEMENT (MNGT352)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

The Aims of this module are as follows:

To introduce the student to various aspects of advanced modern management.

To develop a knowledge and understanding of modern management tools.

To stimulate an appreciation of management and its importance in organisational success.

MATERIALS DESIGN (MATS303)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 2

To develop an understanding of the important factors in materials selection and process selection for engineering components’ design and manufacture. To develop skills in communication, investigative research, experimental techniques, and team-working , including presentation skills associated with technical posters and wikis.

HEAT TRANSFER (MECH301)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The aim of this module is to give the students a good understanding of the basic mechanisms of heat transfer and to equip them to solve significant engineering problems.

They will also learn about different designs of heat exchanger and how to carry out performance/design calculations.

MECHATRONICS (MECH316)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

​This module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the challenges related to the design of Mechatronics systems.

Both hardware and software integration issues will be studied within this module. 

General design principles will be introduced first and learning will focus on the popular Arduino platform.

Manufacturing Systems (MNFG321)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module investigates how Manufacturing Systems function, considering the interaction of the Manufacturing Systems with external and internal constraints. The modules gives special emphasis to the use of Computer Integrated Manufacturing in Manufacturing Systems. A comprehensive overview is given starting with interactions with the Global economy before considering the effects at company and factory level. It then considers the function of Manufacturing Systems within the factory and company level and how this is driven by the function of the machines on the shop floor. It therefore gives a holistic view of how manufacturing systems function at all levels and how the levels interact.

MANAGEMENT OF DESIGN (MNGT313)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 2

​To enable students to develop a general understanding of a wide range of aspects of the design function in a manufacturing company and its management, and in particular a comprehensive understanding of the design process.

Product Development 3 (ENGG320)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 3

Following on from Y1 and Y2, this module aims to further develop the student understanding of product development. In an open-ended studio setting, students will build on Y1 and Y2 learning and further gain an understanding and appreciation of getting from an idea to a finished product. Successful students will be able to develop and articulate ideas in the form of sketch work and traditional model prototypes to an advanced level. This will be assessed through project work.

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (ENGG341)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 2

The Year 3 individual research project; 300 hours student work over 2 semesters; 3 assessment stages (proposal 5%, interim 20%, final 75%).

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

We are leading the UK’s involvement in the international Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) initiative – an innovative educational framework for producing the next generation of engineers.

Our degree programmes encompass the development of a holistic, systems approach to engineering. Technical knowledge and skills are complemented by a sound appreciation of the life-cycle processes involved in engineering and an awareness of the ethical, safety, environmental, economic, and social considerations involved in practicing as a professional engineer.

You will be taught through a combination of face-to-face teaching in group lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and seminars. Our programmes include a substantial practical component, with an increasing emphasis on project work as you progress through to the final year. You will be supported throughout by an individual academic adviser.

How you're assessed

Assessment takes many forms, each appropriate to the learning outcomes of the particular module studied. The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken, you may encounter project work, presentations (individual and/or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This may include a laptop, books, or stationery. All safety equipment, other than boots, is provided free of charge by the department.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This may include a laptop, books, or stationery. All safety equipment, other than boots, is provided free of charge by the department.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Last updated 14 August 2024 / Programme terms and conditions