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.

MEng graduates from this 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 this 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.