Aston University, Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Overview By studying our accredited design engineering programme, you will embark on a journey of creativity and innovation. Recognised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, this dynamic course empowers students to Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate using a practical learning approach. With a strong emphasis on technical skills, you will gain expertise in product design and mechanical engineering, bridging the gap between these disciplines. At Aston University, you will learn through hands-on experience, collaborating with engineers and designers to develop professional skills whilst mirroring the challenges of the real world. Assessment You will be assessed through a diverse range of methods that mirror real-world industry practices. For your first year, 30% is exam-based, while your remaining assessments focus on skills development through logbook keeping, practical builds and team performance. You will be evaluated through reports, presentations and portfolios. Design modules prioritise coursework over exams, where you will build a comprehensive design portfolio ready to showcase your work to potential employers. Key course benefits
- Accredited by both the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- Aston engineering graduates at 14th in the median earnings on average of £40,200 in five years after graduating (LEO 2023)
- Gain specialist knowledge and skills to kickstart your career in design engineering
Assessment method
You will be assessed through a diverse range of methods that mirror real-world industry practices. For your first year, 30% is exam-based, while your remaining assessments focus on skills development through logbook keeping, practical builds and team performance. You will be evaluated through reports, presentations and portfolios. Design modules prioritise coursework over exams, where you will build a comprehensive design portfolio ready to showcase your work to potential employers. Assessment is by a combination of exams, project, lab and coursework. Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in all years after the first year.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits P: 0 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - D
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| International | £21500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
UK students (Home Undergraduate):
The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.
International students (Overseas Undergraduate):
The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.
All students:
The duration of your programme is set out above and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions (aston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-12/Terms_and_Conditions_of_Enrolment_2025-6.pdf) and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.
Provider information
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET