Engineering Design

Year 1

Stage 1 is common across all engineering degrees and provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles. You will develop essential skills in mathematics, physics, programming, and electrical and mechanical systems. Through hands-on labs and team-based projects, you will begin to apply theory to practice while building confidence in problem-solving, communication, and design, laying the groundwork for more specialised study in engineering design in later stages.

Year 2

In Stage 2 you will build on core knowledge through a mix of general engineering modules and engineering design specific topics such as materials, manufacturing, and metrology. You will also choose from a range of electives, allowing you to tailor your learning. Successful completion of Stage 2 opens up opportunities for optional industry placements or study abroad, helping you gain valuable real-world experience and broaden your academic and professional horizons.

Year 3

In Stage 3 you will deepen your expertise through advanced engineering design modules covering quality engineering, the circular economy, and advanced manufacturing systems. Alongside these specialist subjects, you will continue to study general engineering topics and have the flexibility to choose electives. This stage sharpens your technical skills and prepares you for the demands of working as an engineer, while continuing to build your professional and academic skills.

During the summer at the end of stage 3 students on the fast-track route undertake a compulsory placement and two taught modules aimed at developing your management and professional skills.

Year 4

Stage 4 further develops your professional engineering skills and specialised subject knowledge. In Semester 1 you will further develop your expertise in using industry standard engineering analysis software as well as learning about product design and development and safety and risk. In Semester 2, you will undertake a substantial individual capstone project, applying your knowledge to solve a real-world engineering challenge-demonstrating your innovation, technical ability, and readiness for professional or academic advancement.

During the summer at the end of stage 4 students on the fast-track route complete their degree by completing a compulsory placement and a module on advanced topics in industrial engineering.

Year 5

During the first semester of stage 5 students on the five-year MEng route will complete modules aimed at developing their management and professional skills as well as studying advanced topics in industrial engineering. In semester 2 you will undertake a substantial group project further developing your research and technical skills as well as the team working, time management and communication skills required by employers.

Learning Methods

Teaching and assessment methods on the Engineering Design course are built around active, project-based learning, designed to reflect real-world engineering practice. You will engage in hands-on labs, team-based design challenges, and industry-informed projects that develop both technical and professional skills.

Emphasis is placed on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, helping you build a strong portfolio of experience. Collaborative learning, peer feedback, and interdisciplinary projects ensure you're prepared not just to understand engineering design - but to innovate within it. Learning is supported by expert staff and specialist facilities.

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

An MEng Engineering Design degree can be successfully completed in 4 or 5 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

Independent study forms a major part of each module, allowing you to deepen understanding through guided reading, problem-solving, and project work. You will consolidate material from lectures and labs, prepare for assessments, and explore specialist topics, developing the self-directed learning and critical thinking skills essential for professional engineering practice.

Staff delivering on this course

The academics teaching the course have a wealth of renewable energy, mechanical and electrical engineering experience, gained through teaching, industry projects, research, and previous work in the industry. There are also opportunities for industry experts to deliver guest lectures. 

Many of our academic staff are Associate Fellow, Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, which is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Assessment

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 3 portfolios
• 2 project portfolio-based assessments

Year 2

• 2-3 written reports
• 4-5 portfolios
• 1 project portfolio-based assessment

Year 3

• 4-6 written reports
• 1-3 portfolios
• 1 project portfolio-based assessment

Year 4

• 3-4 written reports
• 1 portfolio
• 1 Capstone Project consisting of a written report and degree show

Year 5

• 3 written reports
• 1 MEng group project portfolio

Feedback

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

Placements

For students on the 5-year route, optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. For students on the fast-track route there are two compulsory placements. When on placement you will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate. 

Please note, placements are not guaranteed

Study Abroad

Students may elect to undertake a Study Abroad placement between stages with one of the School’s partner institutions. This is typically a year-long option with the modules completed by students on a study abroad placement complementing their course of study at RGU.

Study Abroad

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 Design and other BEng and MEng graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

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

What is needed for a MEng Engineering Design course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• QS/SQA Higher: BBBC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, 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: H2H3H3H3 to include Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Maths and Physics or Chemistry at grade 5. English is required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• QS/SQA Higher: BCCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 C 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.

Academic Year 2026-2027

• All fees are to be confirmed

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: