MEng Honours Product Design and Development with a Year in Industry (5 years) (H155)
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
BEng
MEng
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 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.
Back to topThe 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
Back to topAccreditation: 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.
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