Engineering Design

Year 1

In Year 1, you will be introduced and learn the fundamental principles of the engineering design methods and manufacturing processes, properties of engineering materials, metal alloys and heat treatment, what the role of an Engineer is in product development, the primary physics related to statics and dynamics science in order to solve problems, the fundamentals of hydrostatic and thermodynamics systems, the basic concepts and principles of electrical and electronic engineering.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will gain the ability to solve problems including thermal-fluid and vibration systems, be introduced and develop an understanding of the formal design process for components and machine elements, learn the main manufacturing processes for metals, ceramics, polymer and composite materials, and how to select appropriate materials and the manufacturing processes for a given product, and you will be introduced to CAD and CAM software.

Year 3

Year 3, you will gain the skills to analyse and interpret the dynamic structural behaviour of engineering system components, stress analysis of components subject to combined loading, fatigue and failure analysis and fracture mechanics, national and international codes of practice design approaches including BS and Eurocodes, you will be introduced to joining processes and equipment, surface technology and engineering metallurgy, gain an understanding of manufacturing support systems, process planning and production control, quality control, inspection and sustainable manufacturing, learn design methodology including design for manufacturing and design optimisation, project management and finally, you will take part in a group project.

Year 4

In your final year, you will learn to use finite element methods to analyse a range of engineering systems including static stress, dynamic modal analysis and heat transfer analysis. You will be introduced to design for vibration and manufacturing, quality control and assurance, risk and reliability, cost evaluation and supply change management, learn the skills needed to use a variety of commercial software in design and manufacture of products and the rapid prototyping techniques including NC programming, mould modelling, rapid prototyping and sensitivity analysis, undertake a substantial professional design project incorporating planning, decision making, data collection and critical analysis.

Activity Summary

A mixture of teaching and learning activities will be used to deliver this course. During the early years, more focus will be placed on lectures, tutorials and workshop activities to allow you to build the underpinning knowledge and principles of engineering design and manufacturing. For the last two years, teaching will be focused on developing your self-confidence through independent study and project supervision (e.g. a group project and individual project).

Your course resources will be available on CampusMoodle, our virtual learning environment, where you will find course notes, tutorials, coursework assignments and much more.

How long is a BEng (Hons) Engineering Design course?

An Engineering Design degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

A total of 150 hours per 15-credit module and 300 hours per 30-credit module is recommended to get the most out of your course. This includes time studying outside the timetabled classes. For example, reading lecture notes, undertaking tutorial problems, writing up lab reports or other coursework, and practicing specialist software skills.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Many of the academics teaching the course have a wealth of design and manufacturing experience, gained through industry projects, research and previous working in the industry. There are also opportunities for industry experts to deliver guest lectures. 

Assessment

Year 1

• 3 Written exams, average time of exam: three hours
• Written report: 8
• Portfolio: 2
• Oral Assessment: 2
• Practical Assessment: 1

Year 2

• 2 Written exams, average time of exam: three hours
• Written report: 4
• Portfolio: 1
• Practical Assessment: 4

Year 3

• 2 Written exams, average time of exam: three hours
• Written report: 3
• Oral Assessment: 2
• Practical Assessment: 2
• Group Critique: 1

Year 4

• 3 Written exams, average time of exam: three hours
• Written report: 3
• Portfolio: 1
• Practical Assessment: 2
• Dissertation: 1

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Although placements form part of our MEng programmes, they are not yet currently embedded in our BEng (Hons) courses. 

Job Prospects

Become a successful and professional Engineer across a wide range of careers including engineering design, manufacturing engineering, engineering operations management and engineering project management.

Is Engineering Design a good career choice?

This is a new course for Robert Gordon University. Previous BEng Engineering graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Mechanical Engineer 
• Electrical Engineer
• Design Engineer 
• Project Engineer 
• Risk and Safety Engineer

What is needed for a BEng (Hons) Engineering Design course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC to include one from Engineering Science, Maths, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Design Technology, Electronics, or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5/C or above is required if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Maths and either Physics or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level Maths and Physics. English is required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: CCCC to include one from Engineering Science, Maths, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges may be considered for entry into Year 3. Students entering Year 3 of the course will follow the class based taught route as an alternative to a placement in Year 3.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Locally-based companies recognise the value of an engineering education at RGU and they have made a number of different scholarships available for the financial support of selected undergraduate students: