Product Design Engineering, BEng

​​Welcome to Canterbury Christ Church University and your course; Product Design Engineering (BEng).

The course will focus on an understanding of applied engineering science in relation to mechanical and electrical systems and complimentary product design studies influenced by practical design methods such as Human factors, User studies and Rapid prototyping. We use an established CDIO design engineering process (Create, Design, Implement and Operate) allowing you to build a theoretical and practical knowledge in both design and engineering disciplines.

Your next three years should be both challenging and enjoyable and the course director and the team at CCCU will be on hand to answer all questions along the way.​

Your Course

We would encourage you to do some preparation before you start your course, so take a look at some of the well-known designers / engineers and books and references indicated below. 

You will find plenty of study materials online, although we don’t recommend you purchase books until you talk to tutors and get their personal recommendations.

​The academic year at Canterbury Christ Church University is split into two semesters:

• Semester 1 - running from September to January
• Semester 2 - running from late January to May

Each Semester you will study three different modules covering different areas of Product Design Engineering.

Your Semester 1 modules:

• Computer Aided Engineering
• Professional Engineering Skills
• Applied Mathematics and Programming

Your Semester 2 modules:

• Material Science and Testing
• Integrated Electro-mechanical Systems and Practices

​The course aims to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in Product Design Engineering so that upon completion, you will be ready for employment in a variety of industries and careers that require these skills. 

You will get the opportunity to research, develop, prototype, test and manufacture products in both group and personal projects, learning as you progress and building confidence in the fascinating field of design and engineering.

Virtual Learning Environment

You will use Blackboard as your main learning platform, where you can access lecture materials, assignment briefs, submission links, and important announcements. You may also use Microsoft Teams for communication, meetings, and additional support sessions.

To help you prepare

​Before your course commences, we would encourage you to look at the relevant pages of various online news sources (e.g. BBC News, The Guardian, The Engineer) to see what is being talked about in the field of design and engineering.​

​​Below are some recommended reading materials to help you prepare for starting your course. Please note these are not mandatory, but simply guidelines should you wish to prepare and undertake any reading before your course starts.

• ​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.