Product Design Engineering BEng/MEng
Product Design Engineering is jointly delivered by the University and The Glasgow School of Art and integrates engineering with design.
You will work closely with industry throughout the programme, which may lead to internship and employment opportunities. You will have the opportunity to go on fieldtrips to industrial centres of excellence and events that are related to your studies.
- September start
- Session dates
- Product Design Engineering BEng: H3W2 4 year degree
- Product Design Engineering MEng: H3WG 5 year degree
- Glasgow School of Art and Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Engineering at Glasgow
James Watt School of Engineering
We have been delivering world-class engineering education and research for more than 150 years and are the oldest School of Engineering in the UK.
We offer an exciting range of undergraduate degree programmes that include not only the core engineering disciplines (Aeronautics, Civil, Electronics & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) but also unique specialist degree programmes, such as Biomedical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Electronics with Music and Civil Engineering with Architecture.
Our engineering societies
The James Watt School of Engineering is home to a number of lively societies.
Glasgow University Engineering Society
Throughout the year this society hosts a variety of events from social meetups to industry and career building events. All students are encouraged to attend these as they provide unique opportunities: whether it be a fun night out with fellow engineers of all disciplines, or a chance to talk to practicing engineers in a familiar and comfortable environment. The society provides a chance for our students to relax during the busy semesters alongside fellow students.
The Female Engineering Society (FemEng)
FemEng is a network formed within the Glasgow University Engineering Society, with the sole aim of bringing the women in the James Watt School of Engineering together. In connection with pre-existing organisations such as Interconnect (Equate), WES and Athena Swan, FemEng has established strong links with industry and academics alike. The society holds events which are tailored to suit the women that attend them, FemEng helps to encourage the minority. Cocktail nights, bake-offs, talks from inspirational women and the opportunity to engage in overseas projects are just some examples of what to expect from being a part of this rapidly growing society.
Engineers without Borders (EWB)
EWB UK is an international development organisation that removes barriers to development through engineering. EWB programmes provide opportunities for young people to learn about engineering’s role in poverty alleviation. By taking part in our activities, our members are making a difference to people’s lives around the world. GUEWB is one of the charity’s branches in universities throughout the UK.
UGRacing
Each year the James Watt School of Engineering participates in the highly renowned, ten-month long “Formula Student” programme. Run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), this is an exciting and unique chance for students from across our engineering disciplines to join forces to construct a single-seat racing car.
The design and build culminates in a race at the world-famous Silverstone track, against more than 300 teams from across the globe. The competition nurtures students’ management, marketing and technical skills as well as offering specialised engineering and motorsport industry experience. The school recognises the substantial value of this activity and provides considerable technical and financial support for it.
The School of Engineering’s Industrial Scholarship Scheme
Taking advantage of our strong links with industry, the James Watt School of Engineering has launched an exclusive new scholarship scheme.
The University of Glasgow Engineering Scholarship Scheme offers top performing students the opportunity to gain significant paid work experience and an annual bursary of £1,600 whilst undertaking their degree. This gives our students a fantastic start to a future career before graduating. Amey, Leonardo and Mott Macdonald are some of the big industry names currently signed up to this rapidly expanding scheme.
The scholarship is open to University of Glasgow James Watt School of Engineering undergraduates who attain a GPA of 15 or more at the end of their second year. For more information:
- email: eng-guess@glasgow.ac.uk
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.
Year 1
You will take a wide-ranging curriculum which includes courses in product design engineering (delivered by The Glasgow School of Art), mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it easy to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
Years 2 and 3
In your second year you will continue to study mathematics and fundamental engineering courses together with product design engineering at the Glasgow School of Art.
The third year develops and integrates the application of theory through structured projects, with an increased amount of studio time at The Glasgow School of Art. You will study more advanced engineering subjects at the University: materials and manufacture, dynamics, control and fluid power, heat transfer, mathematical modelling and simulation, and mechanics of materials and structures.
Years 4 and 5
In the final year of the BEng, you will propose your own programme of individual product development and prototyping, leading to detailed design proposals. You will also study advanced subjects in engineering, management, manufacture and design. These include advanced materials, mechanics of solids, microelectronics and design studies.
In year 4 of the MEng degree you will follow a similar programme to the BEng, and undertake a group design project with students from across engineering. Studio activities will continue and you will study advanced subjects in design and technology engineering, management and design.
In year 5 you will work on your own programme of product development and prototyping, leading to concept and detailed design proposals. You will also study advanced manufacture, human factors, robotics and mechanics of solids.
Course details
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.
Year 1
Core courses:
- ANALOGUE ELECTRONICS 1
- ENGINEERING SKILLS 1
- MATERIALS 1
- DYNAMICS 1
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 1
- STATICS 1
- THERMODYNAMICS 1
- PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERING 1*
In your first year, you will take a wide-ranging curriculum which includes courses in product design engineering (delivered by the Glasgow School of Art), mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it possible to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
*delivered by the Glasgow School of Art.
Year 2
Core courses:
- DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 2
- POWER ELECTRONICS 2
- THERMODYNAMICS 2
- ENGINEERING SKILLS 2
- MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES 2A
- DYNAMICS 2
- FLUID MECHANICS 2
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 2
- PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERING 2*
*delivered by the Glasgow School of Art.
Year 3
Core courses:
- CONTROL 3
- HEAT TRANSFER 3
- DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 3
- SIMULATION OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS 3
- MECHANICS OF SOLIDS 3
- DYNAMICS 3
- FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS 4
- PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERING 3*
The third year develops and integrates the application of theory through structured projects, with an increased amount of studio time at the Glasgow School of Art. You will study more advanced engineering subjects at the University: materials and manufacture, dynamics, control and fluid power, heat transfer, mathematical modelling and simulation, and mechanics of materials and structures.
*delivered by the Glasgow School of Art.
Years 4 and 5
Core courses:
- MATERIALS ENGINEERING 4
- MECHANICS OF SOLIDS 4
- MICROELECTRONICS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS 4
- PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERING 4B*
- DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE 4B*
In the final year of the BEng, you will propose your own programme of individual product development and prototyping, leading to concept and detailed design proposals. You will also study advanced subjects in engineering, management, manufacture and design. These include advanced materials, mechanics of solids, microelectronics and design studies.
In year 4 of the MEng degree you will follow a similar programme to the BEng, and undertake a group design project, with mechanical engineering and mechanical design engineering students. Studio activities will continue and you will study advanced subjects in design and technology engineering, management and design.
In year 5 you will work on a programme of product development and prototyping proposed by you, leading to concept and detailed design proposals. You will also study advanced manufacture, human factors, robotics and mechanics of solids.
*delivered by the Glasgow School of Art.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Partnership and industry links
PDE benefits from excellent collaborations with industry and students have worked on projects with Airbus, Autodesk, BHL, Callum, Chubb, Dyson, Formlabs, HP, Shark Ninja. PDE also looks to support live projects with industry in the final year of study. The PDE students also develop their own range of products for the www.pdecollection.com PDE is also a recipient of funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering, this industry-into-UK academia initiative aims to utilise the experience of Visiting Professors to enhance teaching & learning, employability and skills of UK engineering degree students whilst strengthening partnerships with industry.
Our international links
As part of the MEng programme there is the possibility that you may spend the fourth year in Trondheim, Norway. We are establishing links with universities to provide similar possibilities at other levels of study for MEng and BEng students.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Product Design Engineering
SQA Higher entry requirements
- BEng: AABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).
- MEng: AAAB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA.
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- BEng: MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- BEng: MD40: AABB*
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- BEng: AAB – BBB
- MEng: AAA
- Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only).
IB standard entry requirements
- BEng: 34 (6,5,5)
- MEng: 38 (6,6,6)
- Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics).
Advanced entry requirements for Product Design Engineering
SQA Higher advanced entry requirements
- Advanced Highers – AAA including Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
A-level advanced entry requirements
- Three A-levels at grades A*A*A which include Mathematics and Physics or Design and Technology (3D or Product Design only) attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
IB advanced entry requirements
- 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
Choose point of entry 2nd year on your UCAS application to indicate you wish to be considered for advanced entry.
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Cambridge English Qualifications
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
School Qualifications
- iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
Recent graduates are employed by:
- Apple
- BBC
- Bosch
- Dell
- Dyson
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Lego
- Logitech
- Ooni
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Specialized Bicycles.
Our graduates have established leading design engineering consultancies, including:
- Speck Design
- Shark Ninja
- STAC4c Design
- FilamentPD
- Fearsome.
Accreditation
MEng: Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Engineering Designers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
BEng: Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Engineering Designers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BEng
MEng
BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng programme on completion of years 1, 2 and 3.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for Product Design Engineering are payable to Glasgow School of Art. Find out more:
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 16 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 31 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
ATAS: Academic Technology Approval Scheme
Please note that this programmes in this subject at Masters level require ATAS. If yours is not one of the exempt nationalities, then you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before commencing your programme of study and applying for your visa or extension of stay.
Please apply as early as possible as the process can take a number of months to complete.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced on 1 November 2007. It is used to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This is in common with other governments around the world.
The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.
- more information about the scheme and ATAS certificate (UK Government website).
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Find out more about the programme on the Glasgow School of Art website:
Subject league tables
SoundTracks is our fortnightly podcast, jam-packed with sound advice from our graduate world-changers to inspire you.
Related programmes
Electronics & Electrical Engineering
- Electronic & Software Engineering [BSc/BEng/MEng]
- Electronics & Electrical Engineering [BEng/MEng]
- Electronics & Electrical Engineering (in partnership with Tianjin University) [BEng/MEng]
- Electronics & Electrical Engineering with Communications (in partnership with UESTC)
- Electronics & Electrical Engineering with Information Engineering (in partnership with UESTC)
more related Electronics & Electrical Engineering programmes
Undergraduate events
