Course Summary
This exciting new programme combines the knowledge of design principles, ergonomics, engineering science and manufacturing processes to create multi-functional solutions and products.
A career in product design engineering or industrial design will mean you conduct necessary tests to determine whether a product meets all the customer requirements.
By the time you graduate, you will be able to merge your knowledge of engineering reinforced design education and analytical skillset with a sound manufacturing base, enabling you to conceive and develop innovative designs and turn them into manufacturing reality, innovative products and solutions, and profitable businesses.
The programme will also offer to all students an optional placement year that will enable you to experience the real world and effectively connect your knowledge gained at UEL with it.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The course will help you gain a solid understanding of the processes and practices of product design engineering or industrial design and help you realise the expectations that you’ll have as a design engineer within an international workplace that’s evolving at an ever-increasing pace.
Throughout the course, engagement with industry experts and real work experience will be embedded into the core elements of learning. In year one you will gain a solid grounding in manufacturing and engineering principles through the medium of lectures, workshops and laboratory experimentation. As your knowledge increases in subsequent years, you will have the necessary tools to explore, experiment and find interesting solutions to complex problems.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be generating highly complex design solutions.You’ll be familiar with a variety of methods to produce models and prototypes, such as 3D CAD using high-end industry specification software, and model making in our traditional workshops and digital and fabrication facilities.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You will be joining a creative hub of innovative engineers and designers based within the College of Arts, Technology and Innovation. You’ll be able to observe other design projects, share ideas, and participate in interdisciplinary projects and competitions, such as IMechE Formula Student challenge to design and build a single-seat racing car.
The first year prepares students with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principals and this knowledge will be embedded in your approach to realising innovative designs which can be profitably manufactured and marketed.
With a personal tutor to oversee your progress, and module leaders for each part of the course, you’ll work independently, and occasionally in small groups, on design briefs and projects in our dedicated design studios.
Our fabrication and design facilities include traditional workshops as well as computer-aided design (CAD) suites where you can use a range of two and three-dimensional programmes to produce test results and resolve your concept ideas through to final design.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Who will teach on this course
Bahar Khayamian-Esfahani
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Throughout the course, you will develop a comprehensive knowledge and professional portfolio, which is your gateway to a rewarding career including,
- Product design
- Industrial design
- Manufacturing engineer
- Digital fabrication
- Product engineering
- Engineering
- Freelance designer
UEL has a dedicated team to forge close and strong links within industry and with businesses, and all the while supporting students with placements during study and advice with graduate employment.
How you'll be assessed
Your progress is continually assessed by means of various methods, for example, through personal and group tutorials and via presentations when work is appraised by a panel of teaching staff and by a peer group of students. Through these methods, as well as while carrying out activities in the workshop and laboratory, you will receive formative feedback on a regular basis. This advice is offered to assist the learning process and improve the quality of work before final hand-in.
The modules are assessed differently, some through assignment and exam, others through assignment alone. Design modules require a series of presentations for each project throughout the course. You will be asked to present your work to your colleagues and teachers highlighting details relating to your primary research, to concept developments, and to the fabrication of design(s), as well as a concluding pitch of your chosen final design. You will also develop a creative portfolio of work.
WITH
FOUNDATION YEAR
- Mental Wealth; Professional Life (Core)
- Analytical Mathematics (Core)
- Engineering Sciences (Core)
- Mathematical Applications (Core)
- Physical Sciences (Core)
- Introduction to Computing (Core)

My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.