Degrees Offered

• BEng Honours Product Design and Development (3 years) (UCAS Code: H150)
• MEng Honours Product Design and Development (4 years) (UCAS Code: H152)
• BEng Honours Product Design and Development with a Year in Industry (4 years) (UCAS Code: H151)
• MEng Honours Product Design and Development with a Year in Industry (5 years) (H155)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
The Director of Education
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
T: +44 (0)28 9097 4117
E: mech.aero@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/mechaero

Entrance Requirements

BEng

• A-level
  BBB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology, Further Mathematics or Double Award Applied Science.
  OR
  A (Mathematics or Design/Technology) BC + if not offered at A-level GCSE Mathematics
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade C in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
  
  
• BTEC Extended Diploma
  A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 10 Distinctions and 8 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
   
• Higher National Diploma
  Those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma will be considered on their individual merits for entry to Stage 2.
  
  
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements).

MEng

• A-level
  AAB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology or Further Mathematics.
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
  
  
• BTEC Extended Diploma
  A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
   
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements).

Option to Transfer
Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 1. 

 For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including:
International Foundation in Engineering and Science

The Subject

The importance of product design to the future growth of the developed economies is widely recognised. It is no longer sufficient to market the same product for an extended period. Consequently the most successful companies are those that regularly introduce innovative new designs to their product portfolio. Time is also critical, as innovative ideas must be translated quickly into marketable products, if a competitive advantage is to be achieved.

Product development is just as important as product design. Hence, there is a clear need for graduates who will not only create innovative designs, but also have the scientific background and technical expertise to develop products that are functionally sound. Knowledge of business processes is also required to ensure that these products can be marketed successfully. This clearly applies to graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions who decide to exploit their innovative ideas by setting up and running their own companies. Existing companies also need graduates with the same range of creative, technical and business skills if they are to survive in an increasingly competitive world.

The School has an international reputation for its contributions to the development of engineering education. For example, it is currently playing a leading role in the Conception and Design to Implementation and Operation (CDIO) initiative to enhance engineering education, involving universities from around the world. It aims to reform engineering education by teaching in the context of conceiving, designing, implementing and operating products or systems. This approach better facilitates the development of personal and professional skills in parallel to disciplinary knowledge through a carefully constructed integrated curriculum. These degrees have used the CDIO syllabus and standards as the framework for defining the structure and learning outcomes of the programme.

Course Content

The BEng and MEng degrees cover the full range of activities involved in Product Design and Development and employ an active learning approach, with team-based project work being the core activity each year.

Stage 1
At the start of Stage 1, projects concentrate on dissection and analysis of existing products, so that students can explore the various issues and decisions involved in product design. Supporting modules on materials and engineering science, computing and CAD provide the knowledge and skills needed for further project work. Additional supporting modules are included that cover topics such as design methodology, problem-solving techniques and creative design skills such as drawing and model making.

Stage 2
At Stage 2, coverage of the subject is extended to the production and testing of prototypes, along with an understanding of the influence of manufacturing processes on decision-making in design. Project work involves the use of technologies such as rapid prototyping and the projects are again supported by modules covering relevant knowledge and skills. Modules on electronics and polymer processing are also included, in order to extend the range of design projects that students can undertake.

Stage 3
The emphasis at Stage 3 is on organisational, marketing, business and entrepreneurial topics. This is reflected in the project work and also the supporting modules included which enhance employability skills and prepare students for professional practice.

Stage 4
At Stage 4 (MEng only), students carry out a major project, which is generally based in, or associated with, a local company. Additional modules on advanced design and analysis techniques are also included.

Click here for more information on modules

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the MEng in Product Design and Development we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.   Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Team based design-build-test projects: forming the core of an integrated curriculum these projects facilitate the application of technical knowledge and practical skills developed in related modules in a context which prepares students for professional practice. The scope and challenge of the projects increases in a staged manner through each year of the degree.
• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.
• Practical laboratories:  where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. 
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example:  interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project-based work etc.
• Tutorials:  Most engineering science lectures are supported by tutorial classes, in which students work in groups on the application of theory to applied problems.  These provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study:  This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Work placements:  Students taking the MEng sandwich programme undertake a work-placement, usually after Stage 2.  This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. An employability programme provides support on application and CV completion, interviews and what to expect on placement, while our dedicated Careers Officer provides both information on current placement opportunities, and ‘on placement’ support.
• Work-Related learning/Field Trips/Study Tours:  In stages 1,2 & 3 (modules: Product Design Methods and Practice 1,   Design and Manufacturing Studies 2 and Product Design and Development Studies 3) students will visit a number of local companies who design and manufacture their own products and will work on assignments and projects based on these visits.  They will normally be expected to present their findings to classmates and a panel of lecturers and industry guests.  In stage 4 an industrially linked project option includes a period of placement within the company.
• Individual supervised projects:  In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of design work.  You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you during the write up stage.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. 

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Careers

MEng graduates from the Product Design and Development course at Queen’s have been very successful in gaining high quality jobs in the discipline or product design engineering. The majority of graduates are working in manufacturing companies or design consultancies in the UK or Ireland. Their broad skill set and experience has enabled them to fit in equally well in small and dynamic companies as within the multidisciplinary design departments of larger organisations.

While many companies have transferred their manufacturing operations overseas they are retaining and expanding their Product Design and Development capacity. They realise that product innovation is essential to remain competitive, but they need suitably educated graduates. Graduates from the Product Design and Development course will have an optimised combination of creative, technical and business skills to meet this demand.

Studying for a Product Design and Development degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.  Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international). 

The majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Product Design or Design Engineering, significant numbers develop careers in a range of other sectors including management and teaching. 

The Prospects websiteprovides further information regarding the types of jobs that attract Engineering Graduates.

Further study is also an option open to Product Design and Development graduates and several have chosen to study for Doctorates in the area of design methodology.
 

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Accreditation: both degrees are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The MEng degree fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The BEng degree fulfils the educational requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Progression: BEng students who perform well during Stage 1 may be invited to transfer to the MEng degree in Stage 2.

Study Abroad: students have the option of spending one semester in Stage 4 at another European university under the EU Erasmus exchange programme. Students may also spend a summer vacation working abroad through the School's participation in the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Programme.