Program Overview

Introduction to Product Design Engineering, BEng

The Product Design Engineering course at Canterbury Christ Church University focuses on applied engineering science in relation to mechanical and electrical systems and complementary product design studies. The course is influenced by practical design methods and an established Create, Design, Implement, and Operate (CDIO) engineering design process. This allows students to build theoretical and practical knowledge in both design and engineering disciplines.

Key Dates

The academic calendar is split into semesters. The course team will provide key dates, including when teaching starts and finishes and when holidays are scheduled.

Welcome and Induction

The Welcome Week is an essential introduction to the course and the wider university, helping students feel confident and prepared for their studies. The course team will contact students before they arrive to inform them of their group assignments and required activities.

Course Structure

The BEng degree is three years, with the potential to add an additional year to gain an MEng qualification. The academic year is split into two semesters, each covering different areas of Product Design Engineering. Students will study three modules per semester, developing their knowledge, understanding, and skills in Product Design Engineering.

Year 1 Core Modules

• Computer Aided Engineering
• Professional Engineering Skills
• Applied Mathematics and Programming
• Material Science and Testing
• Integrated Electro-mechanical Systems and Practices

Pre-course Preparation

Students are encouraged to prepare before the course starts by looking at relevant online news sources and reading materials. Recommended reading includes:

• Norman D (2013), The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition, Basic books
• Cross N. (2015). Engineering Design Methods: Strategies for Product Design, 5th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
• Jane Penty (2019) Product Design and Sustainability: Strategies, Tools and Practice. First edition. Routledge.
• Clive L. Dym. (2013) Engineering Design: A Project-Based Introduction, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
• Ashby M & Johnson K (2014) Materials and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design. Third edition, Butterworth-Heinemann,
• Vijay Kumar (2013) 101 Design Methods: A structured approach for driving innovation in your organisation, John Wiley & Sons.
• Eissen K. (2013). Sketching: Drawing Techniques for Product Designers, First edition, BIS publishers, Amsterdam.
• Pahl G, Beitz W & Feldhusen J. (2007). Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach. Third edition Springer
• Bridger Rs. (2018) Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics. Fourth Edition, CRC Press, New York.

Online Resources

Recommended online resources include:

• Autodesk - Integrated CAD, CAM and CAE Software
• Inclusive Design Toolkit
• MATLAB working manual
• Microsoft Excel working manual

International Student Success Programme

International students can register for the international student success programme, which provides practical advice on preparing to live and study in the UK.

Community

The Student Union (CCSU) has a range of clubs and societies, offering opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. The CCSU Welcome Fayre will be held on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.