BEng (Hons) Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year

Program Overview

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Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year BEng (Hons)

Overview

Our new BEng Sustainable Design Engineering course will introduce students to a range of engineering systems and concepts. It has been carefully constructed to prepare graduates to work effectively in the modern world of engineering and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating discipline.

Those who study the course will be introduced to a selection of analytical and management techniques, and the tools to apply these techniques in accordance with the recognised ethical requirements expected of, and by, professional engineers.

Topics of study include; sustainable engineering, smart factories, manufacturing systems design and digital technologies.

Why us?

• Our Manufacturing and Production Engineering courses are 1st in the north-east for student satisfaction and graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
• New and exciting course taught by experienced and supportive academic staff
• Future proof programme content to prepare you for tomorrow's engineering world
• Award-winning the Faculty of Technology was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2022, in recognition of its commitment to supporting and transforming gender equality

Course structure

Teaching methods include seminars, tutorials, groupwork and interdisciplinary groupwork teaming up with mechanical and electrical students.

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, including online assessment, coursework, group work and laboratory demonstrations. There are no examinations as part of this course.

Course modules

Foundation Year

• Essential Study Skills (20 credits)
  • This module supports the development skills and attributes needed for degree level study and graduate employment. This includes searching for information, reviewing evidence, presenting information, and self-analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Foundation Project (20 credits)
  • This module supports understanding in a topic area related to your area of study. It also encourages independent and team working with support available from tutors throughout the lifespan of the project.
• Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)
  • Concentrate on consolidating your numerical and algebraic skills, while later in the module a greater emphasis will be put on statistics, leading on to completing an assignment based on statistical work you have done earlier. Take responsibility for your own learning and ensuring you are able to manage your time and work independently.
• Foundations of Engineering (40 credits)
  • Understand and apply scientific principles on which simple mechanical, electrical and electronic systems are based. Apply mathematical concepts learned in the related mathematics module to design, analyse and test a variety of engineering systems. Confirm your findings through a series of practical activities and computer-based simulations.
• Engineering Practice (20 credits)
  • Gain the knowledge and confidence to identify appropriate information sources and use them appropriately in the creation of engineering reports. Learn to use a variety of engineering software in the creation of engineering designs and to support the creation of technical documentation. Perform calculations with spreadsheets and use CAD software to create engineering designs and prototypes.

Year 1 (national level 4)

• Core modules:
  • Digital Technologies for Engineering (20 credits)
    • Learn to use digital technologies to support and enhance your work as an engineer. Use advanced engineering software to perform engineering calculations and analysis and learn to design, simulate, and prototype systems as part of a digital workflow. Develop smart electronic systems, comprising both hardware and software, and simple computer programs.
  • Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)
    • Develop the mathematical and analytical skills needed to solve engineering problems. Study the foundations of topics such as algebra, trigonometry, Calculus, matrices and differential equations. Gain transferable skills in problem-solving.
  • Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits)
    • Expand your knowledge of all engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics and composites), their properties and processing. Build on your understanding of manufacturing processes and systems alongside economic, ethical and environmental considerations. Apply computer-aided materials selection and manufacturing process selection techniques to engineering components.
  • Mechanical Principles (20 credits)
    • Understand the fundamental concepts, laws, and analytical methods for the solution of engineering mechanics problems. Use mechanical technology and evaluate the results of practical mechanics experiments. Utilise different mathematical techniques such as differentiation, integration, solution of simultaneous equations, ordinary differential equations (ODEs), trigonometry, and vectors.
  • Electronic and Electrical Principles (20 credits)
    • Gain a fundamental understanding of concepts related to electronic and electrical engineering. Grow your analytical skills to be able to solve electronic and electrical circuits. Enhance your knowledge of machines and transformers.
  • Digital Design Principles (20 credits)
    • Get an introduction to the world of design engineering. Learn to use key design and engineering software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Develop the ability to produce an engineering drawing, alongside workshop and manufacturing skills.

Year 2 (national level 5)

• Core modules:
  • Micros and PLCs (20 credits)
    • Examine the operation and application of a range of both microprocessors and PLCs. Investigate the internal architecture, operation and programming techniques of microprocessors and microcontrollers and their role in data capture applications. Apply your skills with design activities and use a problem-based learning approach.
  • Engineering and Operations Management (20 credits)
    • Discover a wide spectrum of the tools and techniques related to operations management within a manufacturing context. Examine the lifecycle of a product and look at the various steps in bringing new products to the marketplace. Develop a broader understanding of logistics in the planning and control of operations, including the management of inventory and key Material Requirement Planning (MRP).
  • Sustainable Engineering (20 credits)
    • Advance your knowledge of the fundamentals of sustainable engineering. Understand more about the application of sustainable engineering within modern engineering practices. Consider the impacts that sustainable engineering can have on organisations and the wider environment.
  • Business and Engineering: Transformation and Innovation (20 credits)
    • Gather a critical understanding of the business and finance strategies applied to engineering organisations. Gain valuable analytical and evaluative skills via a thorough investigation of engineering business transformation requirements for Industry 4.0 and beyond. Conclude with a robust understanding of various approaches to business and engineering transformation and innovation.
  • Smart Factories (20 credits)
    • Discover more about the different smart factory enabling technologies. Examine their operation and look at how they can be integrated into practice. Consider the impact that smart factories may have on the manufacturing environment and processes.
  • Engineering Group Interdisciplinary Project (20 credits)
    • Work in groups across engineering disciplines to solve a real-world engineering problem. Apply your specialist skills and knowledge to perform tasks to support your project group. Progress your project through the various stages including; identifying the problem, project planning, design and evaluation.

Year 3 (national level 6)

• Core modules:
  • Professional Engineering Management Techniques (20 credits)
    • Explore some of the soft skills outlined in the UK-SPEC which are pre-requisites to chartered status. Develop your communication and interpersonal skills alongside the design and development of processes and systems. Discover more about project management, and some of the techniques associated with it.
  • Project (40 credits)
    • Undertake a unique engineering project that builds on one or more of the topics you've studied throughout your course. Conduct research and resolve an engineering problem in an area of practice that is interesting to you. Enhance your time-management and research skills.
  • Manufacturing Systems Design (20 credits)
    • Discover a range of tools that can be applied within a manufacturing context to analyse existing performance and aid the development of models and systems which achieve an enhanced level of productivity. Develop your knowledge of modern measurement and control tools.
  • Digital Manufacturing and Production Systems (20 credits)
    • Gain an appreciation and understanding of the practical and professional considerations involved in introducing digital technologies to a manufacturing process or facility.
  • Advanced Maintenance Practice (20 credits)
    • Increase your knowledge and understanding of modern maintenance practices. Study the applied theory of maintenance strategies, data management, the use of emerging technologies as well as increase your awareness of the importance of human factors. Identify and apply the key characteristics of maintenance techniques that contribute to the success of modern manufacturing organisations.

Facilities

You will be based at the David Goldman Technology Centre. Our specialist labs include:

• Product Development Lab
• Electronics Lab
• Automation Lab
• Project Lab
• Material Characterisation Lab
• Formulation Lab
• Thermofluids Lab
• Mechanical Engineering Lab

You will have access to a range of industry leading technologies at the Industry Centre, the home of the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice as well as access to industrial standard software to help prepare you for a future career in a digital context.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only and we may offer you an entrance interview which will help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree. This enables us to consider making you an offer if you are perhaps a mature student who has been out of education for a period of time, or you have gained significant knowledge and skills through employment rather than traditional education.

Eligible entry qualifications:

1. Normally a minimum of three Level 2 qualifications (NVQ, GCSE or equivalent), including Maths and English at grade C or above and a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A or AS Levels, BTEC certificates/diplomas, access courses or equivalent) OR Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

OR

2. Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

If you are unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us!

If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above. Equivalent alternative qualifications are also accepted, such as Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £9,535 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

If you are a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan.

Please note, this course is not available to international students.

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Throughout the duration of this course, you will have access to our full range of engineering laboratories and workshops, and this will help to prepare you for the world of professional engineering. You'll develop and enhance your skills using specialist equipment, accessible both on and off-campus. After graduating you'll be able to work in a variety of sectors including, aerospace, nuclear, defence, automotive, oil and gas, subsea, marine, and energy.

Graduate success

Our recent Engineering graduates have gone on to work for companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors, Jaguar, Perkins Engines, GSK, Northumbrian Water, Hitachi and Parametrics Technology. Other graduates conduct research within major automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall and Nissan.

Placements

To further enhance your employability we encourage you to apply for a 48-week placement where available between your second and final year. Placements are subject to availability and interviews are required. They are usually paid, with past students having earned an average salary of £14,000-£18,000 a year depending on location

Placements are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers. Examples of companies that have offered placements to Sunderland students include Jaguar, Vauxhall, Nissan, Caterham Cars, Cummins Engines and Tata Steel.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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New and exciting course taught by experienced and supportive academic staff

This four-year BEng (Hons) Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year program introduces students to a range of engineering systems and concepts. It has been carefully constructed to prepare graduates to work effectively in the modern world of engineering and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating discipline.

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Future proof programme content to prepare you for tomorrow's engineering world

The program's content is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of engineering. This includes a focus on sustainability, smart factories, manufacturing systems design, and digital technologies.

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Award-winning the Faculty of Technology was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2022, in recognition of its commitment to supporting and transforming gender equality

The program is delivered by the award-winning Faculty of Technology, which was recognized in 2022 for its commitment to supporting and transforming gender equality.

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New and exciting course taught by experienced and supportive academic staff

The program is taught by experienced and supportive academic staff who are passionate about engineering and dedicated to helping students succeed.

Outline:

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Years 1-3 (national levels 4-6):

• Focus on core engineering principles, design, and analysis, including:
• Digital Technologies for Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics
• Manufacturing and Materials
• Mechanical Principles
• Electronic and Electrical Principles
• Digital Design Principles
• Micros and PLCs
• Engineering and Operations Management
• Sustainable Engineering
• Business and Engineering: Transformation and Innovation
• Smart Factories
• Engineering Group Interdisciplinary Project
• Professional Engineering Management Techniques
• Project
• Manufacturing Systems Design
• Digital Manufacturing and Production Systems
• Advanced Maintenance Practice

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Year 4 (national level 7):

• Students will complete an individual research project, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world engineering problem.
## Assessment:

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Assessments are varied and may include:

• Online assessments
• Coursework
• Group work
• Laboratory demonstrations
• Individual project reports
There are no formal examinations in this program. ## Teaching:

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Teaching methods include:

• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Group work
• Interdisciplinary group work with mechanical and electrical students
The program is delivered by experienced and supportive academic staff who are passionate about engineering and dedicated to helping students succeed. ## Careers:

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Potential career paths for graduates include:

• Aerospace engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Defence engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Oil and gas engineer
• Subsea engineer
• Marine engineer
• Energy engineer
The program also prepares graduates for further study at the postgraduate level. ## Other:
• This program is only open to students with a High School Diploma.
• The program is taught on campus at the David Goldman Technology Centre.
• Students have access to a range of industry-leading technologies at the Industry Centre.
• There are opportunities for students to undertake a 48-week placement in industry.
## Conclusion: This BEng (Hons) Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year program offers a comprehensive and exciting education for students who are interested in a career in engineering. The program's focus on sustainability, digital technologies, and real-world applications prepares graduates for success in the modern engineering world.

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The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you are a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course is not available to international students.