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Technology with Design - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Enhancing creativity and innovation within engineering.

Revalidation

The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. In addition, it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant. This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

Summary

This four-year honours degree course provides you with the opportunity to study technology in the context of design for the marketplace. It provides the skills, technical know-how and market awareness you need to apply creativity to the pursuit of innovation.

This course will appeal to students interested in engineering, technology and product design and development. Combining design and engineering skills, you will learn how to conceive and develop innovative designs and turn them into manufacturing reality.

Teamwork is at the core of engineering and design and this course promotes an integrated approach to product development. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to have a direct and positive influence on the way industry operates.

The course is delivered jointly by the School of Engineering and the Belfast School of Art. The third year of the course consists of a compulsory placement.

It is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

About this course

Overview

The BSc Hons Technology with Design is a four-year honours degree course consisting of three years in the University and one year on Industrial Placement. The course provides you with the opportunity to study technology in the context of design for the marketplace. It provides the skills, technical know-how and market awareness you need to apply creativity to the pursuit of innovation. The course is delivered by the School of Engineering and the Belfast School of Art

In Year 1 of the course, you are introduced to the main themes of the course. The technology and engineering design content includes learning about things such as materials and manufacturing methods, analytical methods, and computer-aided design. You begin to develop your practical skills in model building and workshop practice. You also study design culture and develop your design skills. A teamwork project allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the role of engineering and design in a global context taking account of ethical, cultural and sustainability issues.

Second year deepens your understanding and knowledge of design, engineering and technology. You also develop your analytical, problem-solving and design skills. Visits to local industry provide an insight into real-world design and manufacturing. Individual and group project work allow you to gain experience of project management, team-working and help improve your communication skills. Preparation for the year of industrial placement also starts in year 2.

In Year 3 you undertake a year-long placement in an industrial or academic setting. This is normally a paid placement. Placement is compulsory and is an integral part of the course, providing you the opportunity to develop your professional skills and a deeper understanding of design and industry. Upon graduation, you are awarded a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) for successful completion of your placement.

Group and individual projects form an important part of final year where innovation and design are important themes. You can also pursue particular interests by choosing from a range of optional subjects.

Details of the course modules may be found in the section on modular structure.

This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described.

Associate awards

• Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
• Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
• Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Duration

This is a four-year course that includes a compulsory placement in year 3. The course is only offered as a full-time option.

Attendance

Classes are normally scheduled from Monday – Friday. There are no timetabled activities on Wednesday afternoons.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The teaching, learning and assessment methods used largely reflect what you are expected to learn from each subject you study. So design is largely studio-based with regular dialogue with your tutors. The technical underpinning required in science and mathematics are taught in ways that combine traditional features such as lectures and tutorials with a range of practical activities that embed this underpinning knowledge in the context of real-world systems and examples. Laboratory sessions include both demonstrations and experimentation. Other methods used include group and individual project activities, industrial visits and case studies. Learning is supported by access to design studios, extensive general and subject-specific IT facilities, including computer-aided design and simulation packages.

Design modules tend to use continuous assessment only. In other subjects, a combination of continuous assessment and formal examination is generally employed. Continuous assessment includes individual and group project work, class tests, design activities, oral presentations, and library and laboratory-based assignments.

Staff delivering the course are focused on the provision of good quality, timely formative feedback to encourage students and to promote deeper learning.

Modules

Year one

• Visual Investigation
• Design Research and Cultural Contexts 1
• Engineering Mathematics
• The Global Engineer
• Materials and Manufacturing 1
• Introduction to Technology with Design

Year two

• Design Communication
• Design Knowledge
• Manufacturing Systems
• Automation
• Design and CAE 2
• Materials and Manufacturing 2

Year three

• Industrial Placement
• International Academic Studies

Year four

• Major project - Product Design
• Design and Industry
• Advanced CAE
• The Nature of Innovation
• Functional Biomaterials
• Nanotechnology
• Object Oriented Programming
• Environmental Engineering
• Smart Manufacturing Technologies

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

BBC to include one Grade B from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Engineering or Double Award Science.

or

BCC to include one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.

Applied General Qualifications

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Award profile of DMM

Essential Subjects:

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7588/6)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) (603/0861/8)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (RQF) (601/7590/4)

We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.

Essential Subjects:

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7580/1)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) (603/0864/3)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (RQF) (601/7583/7)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (RQF) (601/7584/9)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) (603/0862/X)

The BTEC qualification must be in an Engineering or Construction subject area and/or the A Level must be in one of the specified subjects (see A Level section).

Irish Leaving Certificate

112 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 and Mathematics at H5 if studied at Higher Level or English at O4 and Mathematics at O3 if studied at Ordinary level.

Course Specific Subject Requirements

Higher Level subjects must include at minimum Grade H6 2 from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Technology, Computing, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Engineering.

Scottish Highers

Grades BBCCC (to include BB in Mathematics and a Science subject).

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CCD (to include Mathematics and a Science subject).

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 25 points (12 at higher level) to include minimum grade 5 in HL Maths and another HL science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 63% and 63% in NICATS Mathematics module (Level 2) in Science/Technology (120 credit Access course) (NI Access Course).

Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit in Science/Technology (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course). GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics is also required.

Alternative Mathematics qualifications acceptable to the University will be considered for the Mathematics requirement.

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and in addition GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics (or equivalent).

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

HNC

Pass HNC with overall Distinction, and Distinction in 75 level 4 credits, in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical, Construction, Electrical, Architectural Technology or Building Engineering subject, for year 1 entry only. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.

HND - Year One Entry

Pass HND with Distinction in 45 L5 credits, in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical, Construction, Electrical, Architectural Technology, Building Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering subject. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.

HND - Year Two Entry

Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical, Construction, Architectural Technology or Building Engineering subject. (not Electrical/Electronic Engineering). Successful completion with overall Merit to include a Merit in either Level 4 or Level 5 Analytical Methods (or RQF Engineering Maths or Further Maths) and distinctions in 45 L5 credits. GCSE Maths grade C/4 or acceptable alternative Maths qualification i.e. Maths module in BTEC L3 qual.

Ulster Foundation Degree

Pass Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules and 50% in the Level 4 Mathematics module within the Foundation Degree. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required. Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Accenture
• Collins Aerospace
• Denroy
• Keystone Group
• Sensata Technologies
• Stryker
• Terex Finlay

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Product designer
• Design Engineer
• Lecturer in FE
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Mechanical design engineer
• Product Support Engineer
• Technology teacher

Career options

This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career in the fields of industrial design or engineering. Alternatively, for those graduates wishing to follow a career in teaching, the course will provide an essential undergraduate experience for the schools' curriculum area of technology and design. Opportunities are also available for a range of postgraduate taught courses as well as research degrees.

Work placement / study abroad

You undertake your placement during year 3 of the course, in industry or in an academic setting. This is normally a paid placement and successful completion leads to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) upon graduation. The placement year provides you with a valuable insight into the working environment allowing you to develop design, technical and professional skills that give you a unique edge when seeking full-time employment. Indeed, many students secure offers of employment from their placement providers.

Alternatively, you may undertake study abroad for the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for Registered Product Designer (RProdDes).

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

A range of prizes are available for students during their studies on the course.

Faculty Prizes can be viewed at: Ulster University Student Prizes and follow the links to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.