Product Design and Manufacture including an Integrated Study Abroad Year BEng (Hons)

International student

Course overview

Our three-year BEng Product Design and Manufacture course combines creativity with engineering principles.

The course is unique due to our engineering, analytical and manufacturing content, giving you a technical and real-world view of product design.

In addition, your study abroad year will widen your horizons, and give you perspective of industrial design within different cultures and varying societies.

Our course utilises modern technology - from digital sketching through to high end 3D printing, rapid prototyping facilities and virtual reality equipment, to ensure our graduates leave prepared for the modern world of product design.

Our graduates are highly sought after, going on to work for top companies including Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever, Caterpillar and L'Oréal.

How you will learn

Teaching methods

Group study
Independent study
Lab sessions
Lectures
Practical classes
Supervision
Tutorials
Workshops

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

Coursework
Examinations
Group Coursework
Presentations
Research project
Practical assessment

Contact time and study hours

Engineers are among the busiest students on campus. On average, you will have around 20 to 22 contact hours a week in years one and two. Combined with coursework and self-study, you are likely to spend over 40 hours a week on your studies.

Our courses provide the opportunity to specialise through a choice of subject modules and practical work.

Modules

5 modules

Engineering Practice and Project

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to engineering design and project delivery through both theoretical understanding and practical application. You will learn fundamental design principles, machine elements selection and basic manufacturing skills. You will also learn methods to develop and communicate designs through CAE to a wide range of audiences. Through group and individual practical project work, you will be introduced to project planning techniques including scheduling, risk assessment, resource allocation and engineering documentation.

Industrial Design 1

Practising Product Designers are often referred to as a jack of all trades and a master of none; This module begins a series of modules which focus on the broader discipline of Industrial Design and many topics which influence the practice that Designers need to be well versed in to create appropriate solutions to problems! To support the learning of these topics, and to begin understanding the process of design in a little more depth, students who participate in this module will undertake a short design project.

Materials and Manufacturing

This module introduces you to the properties of materials, selected failure mechanisms and core manufacturing methods used in engineering applications. This understanding of both materials and the manufacturing techniques used to process these materials is essential to produce effective and commercially viable products and to enable engineering components to operate as required.

Mathematics and Programming

This module delivers mathematics teaching alongside core programming principles. You will develop a strong understanding of mathematics required for a range of engineering problems, including solving first- and second-order differential equations, the algebra of complex numbers, and solving systems of equations with matrix techniques and vectors. You will also be introduced to writing and understanding computer programs, including the use of variables and data types, loops, functions and arrays, and data plotting and simple computer graphics.

Statics and Dynamics

This module introduces you to the analysis of mechanical systems in statics and dynamics contexts. Through a structured approach, you will develop core analytical skills by exploring topics including force equilibrium, stress and strain analysis, kinematics, conservation laws and mechanical drive systems. The emphasis is placed on developing skills to apply these concepts to simplified engineering scenarios, providing a solid foundation for further study.

Year two

At the end of year two, you can opt to switch to the four-year MEng degree provided that you have obtained at least 55 percent in the end of year assessment. Alternatively, you can choose to remain on the three-year BEng degree.

During year two, you will also have a unique opportunity to see your academic subject from a different perspective by studying abroad in China or Malaysia. As well as starting an international network of contacts, you will discover new strengths and abilities – helping to enhance your future employment prospects.

6 modules

Design Communication

Designers need to be able to communicate their thoughts and design work to a broad range of individuals, not limited to, Clients, Customers, Specialist Engineers, Advertising specialists, other designers etc. To achieve effective communication a broad range of skill sets, and techniques need to be understood and employed. The module will develop CAD skills and include content on surface modelling so that students are able to model almost any object with the appropriate level of detailing. Following on from this the module will introduce Keyshot, a software that allows the production of high-end realistic computer-generated images and animations to communicate designs.

Solidworks Parametric Modelling
Solidworks Surface Modelling
Digital Sketching & Rendering
Keyshot Photo realistic Rendering

Design for Manufacture

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills in design for manufacturing and manufacturing and product development. It covers design for manufacturability, design for assembly, rapid prototyping and manufacturing, jigs and fixtures, process planning and group technology and design for cost. You’ll spend two hours in lectures and three hours in practicals each week when studying this module.

Industrial Design 2

Building on Industrial Design and Professional practice from the 1st year of the programme, the second module continues to explore the field of Industrial design in more depth. The first half of the module focuses on topics such as branding and marketing; an understanding of these practises can impact how/what we design into products. We then build on the knowledge of ecology and sustainability established in the first module, to understand the impact that our designs have, and how we can minimise our environmental impact. The module also takes a more advanced look into Engineering Drawings and teaches students how to review drawings and make necessary alterations based on feedback.

Branding and Marketing
Company Structures
Product Design Industry
Supply Chains
Sustainability: the facts
Sustainability Design Tools
Engineering Drawings

Introduction to Design Projects

This module introduces you to design projects, challenging you with complex problems and guiding you through the application of a structured design process to develop solutions. You’ll address a wide range of requirements, including user and commercial needs, while considering manufacturing processes to create viable products. You’ll build an awareness of core design skills and your practical application in solving real-world design challenges, with a focus on material selection and manufacturing techniques.

Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability

This module addresses engineering materials and their application in sustainable design practice. You will develop an integrated understanding of material properties, processing and through-life considerations. The content covers areas including design requirements and constraints, material performance evaluation, sustainable manufacturing considerations and selection methods for sustainable design.

User Centred Research and Design

This module will introduce ergonomics (human factors) encompassing different aspects of product design and other applications. The module will demonstrate why ergonomics input to design is important and will teach the practical application of user centred research methods, also covering research ethics and statistical methods to analyse results. Content covered includes:

Task Analysis
Anthropometric data and Understanding Humans
Human Factors in Design
Designing for Users
User Based research methods
Evaluation Methods
Ethics in Design
Emotional Design

5 modules

BEng Major Design Project

The Major Project is the final and largest piece of work which students undertake during their studies on our programme.

Students conduct the design and engineering phase of the project over 16 weeks. The project requires students to utilise and demonstrate a variety of skills which have been learnt throughout the duration of their course and apply them to develop a fully detailed and complete design. At the end of the module students will present their final design, alongside documents such as engineering drawings which communicate all the required manufacturing detail to produce the product. These are as follows:

Ideation phase
Production of high-quality concepts
Development Design Detailing
Engineering detail
Engineering Drawings
High quality Renders
Design Presentation Boards

Computer Aided Engineering

In this advanced module, you will build on your experience of computer-aided design (CAD) modelling and analysis techniques.

You will complete weekly exercises while under the support of an experienced team of computer-aided engineering (CAE) users. This approach will allow you to work at your own pace and receive targeted individual support. You will cover solid and surface modelling, rendering, finite element analysis, design studies and optimisation.

This module will provide you with some advanced practical CAE skills, particularly for use in project work and industry.

Major Project Preparation

The Major Project is the final and largest piece of work which students undertake during the final 16 weeks of their study. In this module a problem area/project title is selected, and students undertake a substantive body of research and investigation to understand the background and relevant requirements prior to entering the design phase of the project. A broad range of investigatory methods will be utilised in order to identify a profile of user requirements and desires for the product which will be designed.

User based Research
Questionnaires
Empathy Studies
Identify Project opportunities
Develop requirements for the Product
Production of Brief

Polymer Design and Manufacturing

This module builds on materials and manufacturing knowledge gained in the first two years, focusing on the injection moulding process alongside other high-volume plastic manufacturing techniques. You’ll learn to design components suitable for these methods and the associated tooling, using computational tools like mould flow analysis to optimise your designs. Through a design project, you will apply your learning in creating polymer injection-moulded components. Those who do not pass the module will be required to complete a re-assessment exam, with the exam mark determining progression.

Sustainable Design

This module focuses on sustainability in engineering, with an emphasis on industrial design. You’ll explore a wide range of topics that influence sustainability, alongside methodologies for promoting sustainability within the design process. Through analytical analysis of data, you will assess the impact of your design decisions. A key component of the module is a design project, where you’ll apply your knowledge to create sustainable product solutions.

Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

ABB

30 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

ABB / BBBB

Required subjects

B in maths is required.

Art or design and technology are also desirable as second subjects for the course but are not required.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, CIE global perspectives and research, CIE thinking skills.

GCSEs

English grade 4 (C).

IB requirements

IB score

30 points overall or 655 in 3 Higher Level Certificates.

IB requirements

One of HL5 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation or SL7 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation is not accepted at Standard Level.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject.

If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – DDD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
- Further Engineering Maths

Applicants who are predicted DDD or higher with Distinction in required units will be considered for Year 1 entry as above. Applicants with lower overall predictions or lower grades in required units should apply for our Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation course (H100).

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering or Science and A levels – DDD plus B in A level maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or Science and A levels – DD plus B in A level maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Science and A levels – D plus BB including A level maths

Access to HE Diploma

Unfortunately the Access to HE Diploma is not accepted for entry on to this course. Applicants with Access to HE Diploma courses should apply for our Engineering and Physical Science Foundation course (H100).

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

An Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation year is available for those who are not taking the required subjects.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Course transfer

Students can transfer across the Product Design and Manufacturing programs once they have started the Programme (subject to conditions). This includes switching onto/off the Industrial Year or Study Abroad Year options.

Year abroad

On this course, subject to you meeting the relevant requirements, your second academic year will be spent studying at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia. The curriculum is exactly the same as that of the UK and all teaching is in Englis

h. Your year will be spent studying core modules, and depending on the subject specialisms you have selected, appropriate optional modules.

Alternatively, you could apply to spend the year at one of our partner universities, however places are extremely limited and there is no guarantee that you would be able to study at a partner institution.

Please note:

In order to undertake the year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

If you do not secure a year abroad opportunity, or choose not to go abroad, you will be transferred to the version of the course without the year abroad element, and you will complete all years of study at University of Nottingham, UK.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. The following are based on the total four years of the course. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £200.

We ask that all students have access to their own laptop or computing device (Windows is always the best options for our engineering software). You will be able to access all of the software that you will require, either through a remote desktop or we will provide you with copies for use during your time at the university. Information of the recommended minimum specifications can be found on the university webpages.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships

Students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

30 points overall

A levels

ABB

IB requirements

IB score

30 points overall or 655 in 3 Higher Level Certificates.

IB requirements

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

ABB / BBBB

Required subjects

B in maths is required.

Art or design and technology are also desirable as second subjects for the course but are not required.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, CIE global perspectives and research, CIE thinking skills.

GCSEs

English grade 4 (C).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – DDD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
- Further Engineering Maths

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering or Science and A levels – DDD plus B in A level maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or Science and A levels – DD plus B in A level maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Science and A levels – D plus BB including A level maths

Access to HE Diploma

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Mature students

Course transfer

Year abroad

h. Your year will be spent studying core modules, and depending on the subject specialisms you have selected, appropriate optional modules.

Please note:

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships

Students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

The Product Design and Manufacture course at the University of Nottingham is the perfect fusion of Design and Engineering. It offers you full scope to enhance your creative and technical knowledge, giving you the maximum potential to advance a design from the initial research and design stage to the high-level prototyping and CAD stage, ensuring its readiness for manufacture. The inclusion of both creative and technical aspects in this course provides a freedom for creativity in design, using knowledge gained of the necessary mechanical and ergonomic applications. "

Jessica Page

Product Design and Manufacture student

Careers overview

You will gain the practical and theoretical skills needed to design commercially viable products and services within the industrial design sector. Your skill set will be well suited to both small design-based consultancy roles as well as large multinational organisations. In addition, your abilities in communication, problem solving, and creative thinking will make you highly employable in several alternative roles.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates work for a diverse range of employment sectors with companies including:

Dyson
Jaguar Land Rover
Morphy Richards
Bosch
Unilever
Caterpillar
Tesco
Triumph Motorcycles
Smith and Nephew
L’oreal

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

92.6% of mechanical, materials and manufacturing engineering undergraduates secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £32,726 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22-2022/23).

Careers advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

IET and IED

Accreditation is pending from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED).

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Product Design and Manufacture including an Integrated Study Abroad Year - U6UPDMANY2

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

5 modules

Engineering Practice and Project

Industrial Design 1

Materials and Manufacturing

Mathematics and Programming

Statics and Dynamics

Core modules

Year two

6 modules

Design Communication

Design for Manufacture

Industrial Design 2

Introduction to Design Projects

Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability

User Centred Research and Design

Core modules

5 modules

BEng Major Design Project

Computer Aided Engineering

Major Project Preparation

Polymer Design and Manufacturing

Sustainable Design

Language study as part of this degree

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years part-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

3 years part-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

Accreditation

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