Undergraduate HND

Product Design Engineering

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

Two year

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2023

Introduction

In a nutshell

Product design engineering is the exciting field where product design skills meets manufacturing processes and technologies to create new products. Build the knowledge and skills to join this fast-growing sector with a HND Product Design Engineering diploma at the University of Salford.

Supported by industry and research-experienced engineering and robotics academic teams, this exciting new course is designed to give you the knowledge, skills and techniques that all product designers require, irrespective of future specialism, to achieve success in a wide range of product design engineering-focused careers at the incorporated engineer level.

This programme is subject to approval. 

You will:

  • Build knowledge of production processes for a range of design and digital fabrication technologies, and use digital technologies and information handling skills to enhance your design and technological capabilities. 
  • Learn to recognise and overcome challenges and constraints when working towards the design and development of high-quality, environment-friendly and low-cost products.
  • Develop your critical awareness and your ability to research and synthesise complex information and knowledge
  • Learn to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks associated with a particular project or activity, and adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to mitigate security risks
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

you want to design new products to meet tomorrow’s energy requirements and sustainability requirements

2.

you want to design the next generation of products to enhance and develop the internet of things.

3.

you want to lead a team to develop new products that ensure a green future for the planet.

4.

you want to develop manufacturing capabilities to make use of globalised production

5.

you want to play a key role in setting the future trends in energy consumption and recycling and contribute to the green agenda.

Course details

All about the course

Electronics

Having the ability to apply technical detail is at the heart of engineering, and core to Salford’s values, so we strive to embed this as a core learning objective throughout your studies.

The HND Process Design Engineering diploma comprises eight 20-credit taught modules delivered across two years of study full-time, or extended across four years part-time. 

  • In year one, you will build core subject knowledge, exploring topics such as prototyping, user centred design, design research, engineering mathematics, electrical principles and design, manufacture and assembly management.  
  • As you progress to year two, you broaden your knowledge of year one topics as you also focus on elements such as design practice, sustainable design and design communications
Strong industry links

A focus on practical learning and industry collaboration sets the University of Salford apart from other institutions. This HND Product Design Engineering course is designed and taught by industry practitioners who have strong links with industry leaders such as Siemens, Bentley and Cisco. During your studies, you will benefit from these connections through guest presenters, live projects and placement opportunities.

Year one

Mechanics for Design

This module introduces you to planar kinematic and dynamics analysis of mechanical systems. Module content also covers vibration analysis of mechanical system and to basic stress type, stress analysis, fatigue, buckling and failure modes of mechanical components.

Engineering Mathematics for Design

Module content will help you to develop mathematical knowledge to ensure you can calculate design parameters within the product design arena.

Electrical Principles for Design

This module is designed to help understand the basic properties and applications of electronic and electrical engineering. Module content will provide an understanding of the response of electrical elements in circuits to d.c. or a.c. supplies.

Prototyping and User Centred Design

Module content provides you with an understanding of how to prototype and to formulate designs that match industrial standards and design processes from market need, product specification, concept generation and testing.  During the module, you will focus on 3D computer-aided design and modelling using commercial products. Areas of focus include material selection, manufacturing processes, and cost analysis.

Management of Design, Manufacture and Assembly

This module will introduce you to the main factors influencing the design and manufacturing of a product. This will include analysis of the economics of both manufacturing parts and assembling complex products. The module will look at how dimensions and tolerances affect the selection of manufacturing process and how they influence product manufacturing cost.

Design Research and Professional Practice

In this module, you will work to a design specification to design, build and test a real-world problem. You will learn to create a project plan for the engineering project as part of this process. As part of the module content, you will also address finance influences on design and understand the need for a specification and design on component requirements.

Year two

Design Practice

In this module, you will develop an understanding of project planning and acquire skills in information searching. You will also gain experience in reporting and presenting project outcomes.

Sustainable Design and Development

This module introduces you to the main sustainability challenges, specific principles, concepts and methodology used in sustainable design and manufacture, and the requirement for a holistic view of the sustainability of products and services.

Module content also provides an understanding of the tools and techniques that may be used to implement designs for more sustainable production processes.

Further Mechanics and Electrical Drives

This module focus on mechanics that enable you to analyse kinetic and dynamic parameters of power transmission system elements. You will be introduced to spatial kinetic and dynamic parameters of mechanical systems and understand multi-degree-of-freedom behavioural characteristics of translational and rotational mass spring systems. Module activities develop additional skills using computational methods.

Design for Manufacture and Assembly

This module introduces you to the equipment and machine tools commonly used in industry and how they are applied. Module content will also introduces you to the theory of cutting tools, including tool selection, tool wear and the use of cutting tools to maximise performance and life. Module activities will provide you with experience of designing a part using CAD and transferring this to a CAM system in order to produce a machined part.

Design Communication

Learn how to communicate in a responsible and ethical manner. During this module you will recognise the importance of diversity, and help ensure that the benefits of innovation and progress are shared equitably and do not compromise the natural environment or deplete natural resources to the detriment of future generations.

Further Mathematics for Design

Building on the module studied in year one, you will continue develop mathematical knowledge to ensure you can calculate design parameters within the product design arena.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

You will be taught by highly-qualified and experienced academic staff at the forefront of their field, current trends and industry dynamics. Teaching is complemented by industry professionals, who are specialists in their respective fields of expertise.

You will develop your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods. These include:

  • Induction week, during which you will be introduced to all the tools, facilities and support available on the course
  • Lectures delivered by the staff teaching on the course and guest speakers from academia / industry
  • Workshops, during which you will explore and identify solutions to product design and manufacturing related problems
  • Tutorials, during which you will be taught by examples and asked to complete certain tasks
  • Industry events, about which you will be informed and encouraged to attend

ASSESSMENT

You will be assessed through a combination of formats. These include:

  • Exams
  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Tests
  • Discussions
  • Presentations

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders. 

Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.

Facilities

During your studies, you will benefit from our modern campus, accessible modern lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries.

Dynamic virtual learning environments Blackboard and Canvas provide  online learning materials, assessment and communication tools. You will have access to relevant electrical and electronic journals, news sources, online databases and simulation software.

Morson Maker Space

The Morson Maker Space and Engine Room is our additive manufacturing and digital fabrication facility that brings real-world engineering skills to the application of digital fabrication, iterative design and innovation processes.

Thanks to the generous support of Salford-based Morson Group, the UK’s number one technical recruiter, the facility enables our students to learn how to use industry-standard manufacturing and inspection machinery, and develop the skills and experience sought by industry and employers.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

EMPLOYMENT

The Fourth Industrial Revolution will herald the next generation of integrated robotics and automation in everyday life. As an engineering graduate with a specialism in product design engineering, you will have exciting career opportunities available to you.

FURTHER STUDY

You might find you want to continue your studies. Building on our engineering expertise, we offer a range of top-up degree courses where you can take your skills and career opportunities further. 

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

A taste of what you could become

an automotive engineer

a graphic designer

a materials engineer

a procurement manager

a product manager

And more...

Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE

There is no such thing as a typical engineering student. We're looking for applicants who enjoyed design technology and computing at school/college and is excited about designing new products with a keen interest in rapid prototyping and producing sustainable products. Good interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic and enthusiasm to gain a recognised qualification building relevant design and product development skills are desirable.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below

UCAS tariff points

64 UCAS points, including mathematics or a numerate science-based courses

A-Level

64 UCAS points - must include grade D or above in mathematics

BTEC National Diploma

MPP - must include engineering or science and have merit in mathematics modules

Access to HE

Please contact our admissions team: AdmissionsSEE-UG@salford.ac.uk 

Scottish Highers

64 UCAS points - must include grade D or above in mathematics

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 UCAS points - must include grade D or above in mathematics

European Baccalaureate

Please contact our admissions team: AdmissionsSEE-UG@salford.ac.uk 

International Baccalaureate

Please contact our admissions team: AdmissionsSEE-UG@salford.ac.uk 

Accreditation of Prior Learning

An applicant who does not possess one of the qualifications which satisfies the General Academic Entry Requirement may be considered through the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) (both Certified Prior Learning and/or one Prior Experiential Learning) as per the University’s Admissions and Retention Policy.

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.  

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.  To be considered for the scheme, you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

Learn more about the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2023/24 £9,250per year
Full-time international 2023/24 £15,120per year
Part-time 2023/24 Part time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. 

International Student Scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. We offer a range of scholarships worth between £3,000-£5,000.

Learn more about our latest International Scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

September 2023

September 2024

UCAS information

Course ID x

Institution S03

New course starting in September 2022