- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: Aylesbury
- Duration: Four Years
- Start Date: September 2022
The programme is ideal if you have already completed an HNC/HND in Engineering or foundation degree, enabling you to join the course directly at Level 5 or 6. The degree has been accredited by the Institute of Engineering Designers (IED) to IEng. Level and provides professional recognition for the study undertaken.
Traditionally, students have come from industry and have strong technical capabilities with a reasonable level of ability in maths and science. However, as part of the University’s commitment to widening participation, the programme has been developed to make it more accessible and efficient in its delivery as well as meeting industry requirements.




Application guide
Advance in your career with one of our professional courses. Read our Application Guide for everything you need to know about applying to BNU – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.

Professional Open Days
We understand that when it comes to deciding to study for a professional qualification, there’s a lot to consider. Come along to our Professional Open Day to meet the course team and get all your questions answered.
Why study this subject?
The BEng (Hons) Engineering Design will help you to gain all the practical skills and a higher education qualification in order to secure a role as an Engineering Designer in the manufacturing and engineering sector.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Buckinghamshire New University has been delivering engineering degrees in Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas for over 25 years, and all our academics on the programme are able to apply strong industrial experience to their teaching.
The University has recently invested in augmented reality (AR) technology which will be used as part of the design training in Computer Aided Design (CAD) as the course progresses.
What facilities can I use?
You’ll have access to the Engineering IT studio, where current industry standard software such as Solidworks is available. Facilities also support a range of other activities including advanced 3D printing, design and CAD/CAM labs.
What will I study?
Entry at Level 4 enables you to achieve a HNC/D in Engineering, providing a foundation stage of the knowledge elements in the competence qualification. They support the fundamental scientific and mathematical principles that aim to equip you with the understanding required to operate effectively and efficiently at a high level within the engineering sector. Successful students will then go on to complete a BEng (Hons) in:
- Engineering Design (Mechanical Engineering)
- Engineering Design (Electrical Engineering)
- Engineering Design (Production Engineering)
Mechanical Engineering:
Mechanical Engineering degree is a combination of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Business and Management. Courses are designed to ensure graduates are able to solve problems using the most Scientific way. In Mechanical Engineering Pathway, students are presented a variety of subjects including Mathematics (in particular, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra), Engineering Science, Statics and Dynamics, Strength of Materials and Solid Mechanics, Materials Engineering, Composites, Thermodynamics, Lean Manufacturing Principles and CAD/CAM. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing such as Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Manufacturing, Medicine and Sport Sectors.
Electrical Engineering:
In the electrical pathway, learners’ study industrial systems, analogue, digital and power electronics with basic engineering modules. In industrial systems, students study the principles, characteristics, control design requirements and applications of instrumentation and control systems used in industry focusing instrumentation amplifiers, servomechanism, position and speed control of motors. Students also simulate, build and test prototype circuits and systems using printed circuit boards, MATLAB Simulink, LTSpice and electronic laboratory equipment. In the work-based projects, students are encouraged to work on industry 4.0, Smart grids, Clean growth, programmable logic controller, mechatronic and robotics topics related to their responsibilities at the workplace.
Production Engineering:
In the production pathway, the focus is on design and production management of engineering products and the learners specialise in production engineering for manufacture, CAD/CAM, quality and process improvement and manufacturing systems engineering as well as programmable logic controllers used in automated production machineries. The learners study core mechanical engineering modules too.
How will I be taught and assessed?
You will learn through a range of teaching methods that will include:
- lectures
- Seminars
- tutorials
- workshops and practical sessions
- online resources
- independent learning
- laboratories for testing and proving of theory
- research and industrial visits.
At Level 4 and 5 assessments are based on written assignments, practical and laboratory work, so that you can show application of the subjects learned in the classroom. At Level 6 there is considerable emphasis placed on the final project and dissertation, which makes up 50% of the final year of the course. There are a range of different assessment techniques employed in this year including presentation, exams and discussion groups.
What are the course entry requirements?
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering-related subject. A-levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical based subject and a Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Mathematics related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at level 3.
Students from a HNC/HND and Foundation Degree Engineering may have the opportunity to join this programme as part of the progression route at Level 5 or Level 6.
These students will be interviewed to identify their point of entry. Applications are also welcomed from mature students who have gained relevant skills through a wide range of vocational qualifications or responsible experience and experiential learning will also usually be considered.
Applicants need to be working in the engineering or related field in order to join the course.
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. Please refer to the Programme Specification at the bottom of the Course Details tab for the full breakdown of core and optional modules, as well as the credits needed to complete your degree. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
Year 1 Modules
Engineering Design
Engineering Maths
Engineering Science
Managing a Professional Engineering Project (Mechanical Engineering pathway only)
Mechanical Principles (Mechanical Engineering pathway only)
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines (Mechanical Engineering pathway only)
Year 2 Modules
Professional Engineering Management
Further Mathematics
Engineering Management
Lean Manufacturing (Mechanical Engineering pathway only)
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) (Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering pathway only)
Electrical and Electric Principles (Electrical Engineering pathway only)
Digital Principles (Electrical Engineering pathway only)
Electronic Circuits and Devices (Electrical Engineering pathway only)
Production Engineering for Manufacture (Production Engineering pathway only)
Quality and Process Improvement (Production Engineering pathway only)
Year 3 Modules
Action Inquiry in the workplace context
Advanced Mechanical Principles (Mechanical Engineering & Production Engineering pathway only)
Virtual Engineering (Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering pathway only)
Thermofluids (Mechanical Engineering pathway only)
Analogue Electronic Systems (Electronic Engineering pathway only)
Industrial Power, Electronics and Storage (Electronic Engineering pathway only)
Further Electrical, Electronic and Digital Principles (Electronic Engineering pathway only)
Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Production Engineering pathway only)
Industrial Systems (Electronic Engineering pathway only)
Further PLCs (Production Engineering pathway only)
Year 4 Modules
Design for Manufacture
Leadership and Management
Work-based Research Project
What are the tuition fees
Home
Home, Academic Year 2022 - 2023
£7,400 per year
WHAT ARE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?
On completion, you should have the full complement of knowledge, skills and competence to enable you to be gainfully employed as an Engineering Designer in one or more of the following roles: Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Electrical Engineer Production Engineer, and work in industries such as; scientific and research industries, automotive industries design and development and the oil and gas industry. Average graduates salaries from this course are £28K-39K per year.
You will have the opportunity to apply for a range of jobs in the industry of your choice and be in a position to apply for incorporated engineering status as a professional engineer through the various professional bodies.
Course leader
