BEng Design Engineering with Placement Year

Aston University's BEng Design Engineering with Placement Year is a dynamic program that integrates engineering principles with creative design thinking, preparing students for innovative roles in various industries. This four-year course emphasizes the application of engineering theory to real-world design challenges, equipping students with essential technical skills alongside creativity and problem-solving abilities. The program's highlight is the placement year, providing students with invaluable industry experience, enhancing their employability upon graduation. Through this degree, students gain proficiency in CAD software, project management, materials science, and design methodologies, preparing them to tackle complex engineering problems and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.

1. Integrated Approach: The BEng Design Engineering program at Aston University takes an integrated approach, combining fundamental engineering principles with design theory. Students learn how to apply engineering concepts to create functional and aesthetically appealing designs, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

2. Creative Problem Solving: The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving techniques, encouraging students to think outside the box when addressing engineering challenges. This skill is essential for developing innovative solutions and designing products that meet user needs effectively.

3. CAD Proficiency: Students develop proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, gaining hands-on experience in creating and refining digital models. CAD skills are crucial in modern engineering and design professions, enabling students to visualize, analyze, and optimize their designs.

4. Project Management Skills: Throughout the program, students learn project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource management. These skills are essential for overseeing engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring they meet technical specifications and deadlines.

5. Materials Science and Engineering: The curriculum includes a focus on materials science, providing students with an understanding of different materials' properties and applications. This knowledge is vital for selecting the right materials for specific design projects, considering factors like durability, cost, and environmental impact.

6. Industry Placement Year: One of the key features of this program is the placement year, where students gain hands-on experience working in industry. This year-long placement allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, develop professional networks, and gain insight into potential career paths.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Aston University are required to have achieved a minimum overall percentage of 75% or above in their high school or equivalent qualification.  

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.0 or higher with no individual band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: The overall score 78 with minimum score of 11 in each component is required.
• PTE: The overall score 64 with minimum 59 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Aston University offers a range of scholarships and financial support to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, support talented students, and promote diversity and inclusion. 

Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £3,000 per year for the duration of the course.

Aston Business School Scholarships: Aston Business School offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing business-related programs. These scholarships are based on academic merit, leadership potential, and other criteria.

Aston Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who have achieved exceptional results in their A-levels or equivalent qualifications. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 per year for the duration of the course.

Aston Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who have achieved outstanding results in their A-levels or equivalent qualifications. It offers a tuition fee reduction of up to £1,000 per year for the duration of the course.

International Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for international students and is awarded based on academic merit and contribution to the Aston community. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £3,000 for the first year of study.

Aston University's BEng Design Engineering with Placement Year equips graduates with a diverse range of career prospects, blending technical engineering knowledge with creative design skills and practical experience gained through industry placements. This unique program prepares students for roles where they can contribute to product innovation, engineering design, project management, and more across various industries.

1. Product Design Engineer: Graduates can pursue careers as product design engineers, where they use their technical and creative skills to develop new products and improve existing ones. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring innovative ideas to life.

2. Mechanical Design Engineer: With a strong foundation in engineering principles and CAD skills, graduates can work as mechanical design engineers, focusing on designing mechanical components, systems, and machinery for industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

3. Project Manager: The program's emphasis on project management equips graduates with the skills needed to oversee engineering projects from conception to completion. They can pursue roles as project managers, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.

4. Design Consultant: Graduates can work as design consultants, providing expertise in product development, user-centered design, and design thinking. They collaborate with clients to solve complex design challenges and drive innovation within organizations.

5. Automotive Engineer: With a placement year in the automotive industry, graduates are well-prepared for roles as automotive engineers. They can contribute to vehicle design, testing, and manufacturing, focusing on improving performance, safety, and sustainability.

6. Manufacturing Engineer: Graduates can pursue careers in manufacturing, where they apply their engineering knowledge to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and ensure product quality.

7. Industrial Designer: Those with a passion for aesthetics and user experience can work as industrial designers, focusing on creating visually appealing and functional products that meet user needs and market demands.

8. Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Graduates can work in research and development, driving innovation by exploring new technologies, materials, and design concepts to develop cutting-edge products and solutions.

9. Entrepreneurship: The program fosters entrepreneurial skills, empowering graduates to start their own design/engineering firms or businesses centered around product development and innovation.

10. Further Studies: Graduates may pursue postgraduate studies in specialized areas of design engineering, product development, or related fields to deepen their expertise and enhance their career prospects.