Product Design Engineering MEng
BEng: AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Mathematics and Physics (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only); graduates earn a median £30,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
BEng: AAB – BBB
A-level Mathematics and Physics (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only) · 86% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
BEng: AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Mathematics and Physics (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only)
Who actually got in: 86% with A levels, 6% with the IB, 6% via Access courses, 1% with other higher education. 44% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 170 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAA | Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).; Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. |
| IB | BEng : 34 (6,5,5) | HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics). |
Years 1–5
What do you study?
8compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: engineering & manufacturing 67% · natural sciences 13% · mathematics & statistics 10% · transversal skills 5%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 8 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Analogue Electronics 1
What you learn (13)
- describe charge, current, voltage and power concepts across disciplines
- convert between units of electrical quantities
- apply circuit laws to find unknown currents and voltages in networks
- derive nodal analysis from basic circuit laws
- calculate unknown currents and voltages using nodal analysis
- state Thevenin's and Norton's theorems
- calculate Thevenin and Norton equivalent values for two-port networks
- apply Thevenin's and Norton's theorems to simplify circuit analysis
- analyse ac networks using complex impedance representation
- define key properties of ideal operational amplifiers
- calculate voltage gain of op-amp amplifier circuits
- design circuits to solve practical engineering problems
- collaborate in a team to solve technical challenges
- Engineering Skills 1
What you learn (20)
- identify university support services available to students
- collaborate within a team to achieve a shared engineering goal
- describe the responsibilities and ethical duties of a professional engineer
- discuss how standards and regulations shape engineering practice
- apply research findings to inform an engineering design
- develop a solution for an open-ended creative design brief
- build a prototype of sufficient quality to demonstrate a concept
- evaluate a prototype through testing and refine its design
- produce basic drawings, models and assemblies using CAD software to engineering standards
- write a basic computer program
- use software tools to prepare reports, calculations and data presentations
- apply manufacturing processes to construct prototypes or models
- build a basic electrical circuit from a drawing and identify faults
- write a technical report that meets engineering conventions
- cite references using correct engineering conventions
- give and respond to verbal and written feedback, showing resulting improvement
- maintain written records of progress such as logbooks or portfolios
- communicate engineering ideas through functional sketches
- present data and graphs according to engineering conventions
- write up engineering calculations for a professional audience following conventions
- Materials 1
What you learn (10)
- compare structural features of metals, polymers and ceramics
- calculate material density from crystallographic data
- identify factors determining stiffness, strength and toughness of materials
- identify factors determining electrical conductivity of materials
- distinguish elastic from plastic deformation behaviour in materials
- apply yield criteria to analyse multiaxial stress states
- conduct a basic mechanical test on a material sample
- analyse results obtained from a mechanical test
- select materials for applications by weighing efficiency and lifecycle factors
- use ashby diagrams to support material selection decisions
- Dynamics 1
What you learn (3)
- solve basic engineering dynamics problems using standard methods
- explain the physical phenomena underlying motion and forces in dynamic systems
- integrate multiple engineering analysis techniques to solve complex dynamics problems
- Statics 1
What you learn (5)
- identify types of forces acting in mechanical systems
- combine multiple forces to find their resultant
- apply equilibrium conditions to analyse engineering structures
- formulate mathematical models linking applied and internal forces
- solve mathematical models to determine force relationships
- Thermodynamics 1
What you learn (10)
- perform engineering and scientific calculations with accuracy and rigour
- decompose a thermodynamic problem into its constituent systems
- identify how energy interactions occur between systems
- use appropriate thermodynamic terminology correctly
- explain sources of energy within a thermodynamic system
- explain the environmental impact of thermodynamic engineering solutions
- identify whether an open or closed system analysis applies
- derive the first law of thermodynamics from basic theory
- apply the first law of thermodynamics to closed system problems
- analyse basic steady flow processes
Year 2 · 9 core · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
- Design and Manufacture 2
What you learn (9)
- describe common engineering components and materials
- describe standard manufacturing processes
- explain how manufacturing process choice affects component design and cost
- produce engineering drawings conforming to recognised standards
- apply material and process selection theory to a design problem
- use edupack software to support material and process selection
- explain methods for costing manufacturing processes
- explain the fundamental principles of casting and sheet forming processes
- apply casting and sheet forming principles to practical manufacturing contexts
- Power Electronics 2
What you learn (10)
- identify opportunities to improve system efficiency using power electronics
- calculate average values of practical periodic waveforms
- derive power consumption of components from waveform data
- design simple load-control circuits using semiconductor switching devices
- explain the operation of linear power supply circuits
- explain the operation of basic switch-mode power converters
- describe the operating principle of a basic DC-to-AC inverter
- analyse steady-state power flow in practical electronic systems
- analyse temperature distribution in practical electronic systems
- measure performance of linear and switched power supplies using test instruments
- Thermodynamics 2
What you learn (12)
- solve a complex engineering system calculation accurately
- explain the significance of the second law of thermodynamics
- apply simple thermodynamic models to represent reservoirs, engines and pumps
- explain the concept of entropy and its continual increase in the universe
- calculate entropy change for open and closed systems undergoing thermodynamic processes
- apply reversible and irreversible process principles to thermodynamic cycles
- analyse the refrigeration cycle using thermodynamic principles
- create a computer program to solve the rankine cycle
- evaluate cycle efficiency from calculated results
- discuss ethical and security issues of nuclear power applications
- analyse turbojet, turboprop and turbofan cycles
- explain why engine types suit different flight regimes
- Engineering Skills 2
What you learn (14)
- apply python programming to solve familiar engineering problems
- investigate python libraries for solving complex engineering problems
- analyse an engineering problem using a structured stepwise approach
- implement a logical solution as a python program
- describe basic programming constructs such as loops and conditionals
- apply iteration and branching techniques in program code
- create a cad drawing of an engineering system
- use cad software libraries, tools and layers effectively
- produce detailed assembly drawings and projections using cad
- perform advanced practical tasks in engineering workshops
- describe manufacturing techniques and requirements used in engineering workshops
- complete basic workshop tasks involving sheet metal work and measurement
- complete basic machining and cnc operation tasks
- apply creative thinking systematically to engineering design
- Mechanics of Structures 2A
What you learn (10)
- construct shear force diagrams for structural members
- construct bending moment diagrams for structural members
- calculate geometric and structural properties of cross-sections
- determine bending stresses in structural members
- determine shear stresses in structural members
- determine axial stresses in structural members
- calculate elastic deflections of statically determinate beams
- determine elastic stresses in circular shafts under torsion
- determine elastic stresses in thin-walled sections under torsion
- calculate angle of twist for shafts subject to torsion
- Dynamics 2
What you learn (6)
- analyse particle motion relative to moving reference frames
- describe motion of particles and rigid bodies using work-energy principles
- describe motion of particles and rigid bodies using impulse-momentum principles
- analyse rotational motion of particles and rigid bodies
- solve problems involving Newton's laws of motion using analytical methods
- solve problems involving Newton's laws of motion using numerical simulation software
- Fluid Mechanics 2
What you learn (14)
- explain behavioural differences between fluids and solids
- define key physical variables used in fluid mechanics
- define dimensionless quantities such as reynolds number
- apply dimensional analysis to fluid mechanics problems
- apply mechanics principles to static fluid problems
- explain significance of conservation laws in fluid mechanics
- apply conservation laws to simple fluid flow problems
- state the bernoulli equation
- apply the bernoulli equation to simple fluid dynamics problems
- solve flow problems in closed pipe systems
- solve flow problems in open channel systems
- carry out fluid mechanics experiments
- analyse experimental data from fluid experiments
- report findings of fluid mechanics experiments
- Engineering Mathematics 2
What you learn (16)
- construct contour plots of multivariable functions
- determine stationary points of multivariable functions
- calculate rates of change and gradients using partial differentiation and chain rule
- apply the total differential to estimate experimental errors in engineering problems
- determine whether a differential equation is exact
- solve for the parent function of an exact differential
- apply exact differentials to calculate work done in conservative fields
- construct double integrals to determine the volume of solid objects
- construct path integrals to determine areas and work done in force fields
- classify differential equations by order, degree, type and linearity
- identify separable differential equations and solve them by integration
- solve first-order linear differential equations using the integrating factor method
- describe the general form of solutions to higher-order differential equations
- apply second-order differential equation methods to model engineering systems
- apply symmetry properties to simplify Fourier series calculations
- apply Laplace transforms to solve ordinary differential equations with initial conditions
Year 3 · 8 core, 2 optional · 70 credits ≈ 700 hours
- Control 3
What you learn (15)
- draw block diagrams representing control systems
- manipulate block diagrams to simplify system representations
- explain the concept of system stability
- calculate the stability of a system using standard methods
- identify the poles and zeros of a system transfer function
- plot poles and zeros on the complex plane
- compare open-loop and closed-loop control systems
- construct root-locus diagrams for closed-loop systems
- infer closed-loop system properties from pole positions
- sketch Bode and Nyquist plots for a system
- analyse system behaviour using gain margin, phase margin and bandwidth
- represent frequency response data as polar plots
- describe the characteristics of PID feedback controllers
- design a basic feedback control system
- analyse the performance of a feedback control system
- Heat Transfer 3
What you learn (7)
- analyse different types of heat transfer problems
- calculate the quantity and rate of heat transferred in basic systems
- design a basic heat exchanger to meet given specifications
- solve fundamental problems involving heat exchanger performance
- calculate the heating or cooling load needed to sustain a target temperature
- apply thermal models to interpret material data sheets
- select suitable materials and processes to satisfy design criteria
- Design and Manufacture 3
What you learn (12)
- select suitable materials for engineering components
- select appropriate manufacturing processes for engineering components
- explain how material properties influence manufacturing process choice
- relate material properties to final product requirements
- evaluate the lifetime environmental impact of material choices
- select suitable permanent joining methods for ferrous materials
- select suitable permanent joining methods for non-ferrous and polymer materials
- choose joining techniques that achieve required product properties
- describe design principles of welded and bonded joints
- calculate the strength of welded and bonded joints
- explain a range of manufacturing techniques used in engineering
- describe rotational moulding, extrusion and surface coating processes in detail
- Simulation of Engineering Systems 3
What you learn (7)
- explain how mathematical method limitations restrict simulation model accuracy
- evaluate how numerical methods affect the accuracy of simulation results
- describe common issues encountered in real-time simulation
- apply basic verification procedures to check a simulation model's internal consistency
- develop numerical methods suited to continuous-time simulation problems
- apply numerical methods to solve continuous-time simulation problems
- design a continuous-time system simulation using an appropriate simulation language
- Mechanics of Solids 3
What you learn (12)
- define stress components in two and three dimensions
- define strain components in two and three dimensions
- calculate principal stresses and strains in 2D and 3D
- define octahedral, hydrostatic and deviatoric stress components
- calculate octahedral, hydrostatic and deviatoric stresses and strains
- apply geometric, matrix and index notation to transform stress and strain states
- use Mohr's circle to find stresses and strains at given orientations
- explain experimental methods for measuring stress fields
- solve two-dimensional strain gauge rosette problems
- explain yield criteria used for brittle and ductile failure
- explain the mechanisms underlying material plasticity
- calculate the likelihood of yield in practical 2D and 3D stress states
- Dynamics 3
What you learn (9)
- construct simplified models of real-world dynamics problems
- evaluate the validity of simplified dynamic models
- derive equations of motion for single degree-of-freedom systems
- derive equations of motion for multiple degree-of-freedom systems
- analyse free and forced motion of engineering systems
- evaluate dynamic system performance by relating input to response
- analyse the motion of one and two degree-of-freedom systems
- analyse system response to harmonic vibration inputs
- assess the structural integrity and safety of vibrating systems
- Mechanical Engineering Skills 3
What you learn (11)
- write functional code in a contemporary programming language
- design a non-trivial program using an integrated development environment
- compile and run a program within a development environment
- test a program to verify correct functioning
- evaluate the environmental and societal consequences of engineering solutions
- identify ethical issues using professional codes of conduct
- assess risks and uncertainty associated with a project
- propose proportionate measures to mitigate security risks
- explain the responsibilities and benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion
- evaluate engineering decisions within management and commercial contexts
- present project outcomes collaboratively as part of a team
2 optional modules
- Fluid Mechanics 3
What you learn (11)
- explain mechanisms underlying fluid kinematics
- derive conservation laws for mass and momentum in fluids
- apply conservation laws to analyse fluid flow systems
- describe the significance of flow transition in fluid systems
- distinguish laminar flow from turbulent flow
- measure the power output of hydraulic systems
- determine power requirements of hydraulic systems
- explain the difference between single-phase and multi-phase flow
- solve problems involving multi-phase flow
- conduct practical fluid mechanics laboratory experiments
- compose a laboratory report presenting experimental findings
- Advanced Programming and Software Engineering 3
What you learn (7)
- design object-oriented software solutions for complex engineering problems
- implement code to solve non-trivial engineering problems
- evaluate the effectiveness of software development techniques and methods
- critique own and peers' software engineering practice
- explain the role of software engineering in designing complex systems
- apply software engineering processes to realistic development contexts
- use general purpose modelling languages to represent system designs
Year 4 · 6 core · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- Business Planning and Management for Engineers
What you learn (8)
- evaluate feasibility and potential impact of proposed solutions using established methods
- analyse how an engineering business operates
- apply project planning techniques to develop realistic timelines
- formulate a business plan proposal for an engineering venture
- justify the technical and financial feasibility of a business proposal
- synthesise feedback from mentors and peers to refine a business strategy
- align a refined strategy with market needs
- propose measures to minimise adverse environmental and societal impacts
- Mechanics of Solids 4
What you learn (15)
- derive stress fields using elasticity stress function methods in 2D problems
- contrast strength of materials and theory of elasticity approaches
- apply Hertzian contact theory to solve engineering contact problems
- apply JKR and DMT models to account for adhesion in contact problems
- identify real-world scenarios where adhesion effects are significant
- derive stress fields using equilibrium methods for symmetric problems
- build finite element models to analyse stresses in engineering components
- explain the theoretical basis of finite element stress analysis
- apply practical considerations in finite element modelling setup
- use simplified theoretical formulas for rapid stress assessment
- compare theoretical and computational solid mechanics approaches critically
- assess failure likelihood from calculated stress fields
- design solutions to stress analysis problems combining theory and computation
- evaluate findings from practical finite element laboratory sessions
- produce professional reports communicating stress analysis outcomes
Year 5 · 4 core · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- Robotics 4
What you learn (8)
- apply measurement and actuation principles to robotic systems
- select appropriate sensors and actuators for a given robotic application
- use sensors and actuators to achieve feedback control in robotic manipulation
- evaluate how sensor and actuator limitations affect control calculations
- calculate the kinematics and inverse kinematics of a robot manipulator
- design a suitable control structure for a robot manipulator
- calculate an appropriate trajectory for a robot manipulator to follow
- design a robotic system to perform a simple task
- Advanced Manufacture 5
What you learn (17)
- describe key characteristics of selected advanced manufacturing processes
- evaluate the environmental and societal impact of manufacturing processes
- describe typical business processes used in manufacturing industry
- apply engineering management principles to manufacturing contexts
- justify the choice of an approach for optimising an engineering process
- carry out an engineering optimisation using a chosen approach
- conduct a process capability study on a manufacturing process
- apply control charts to monitor manufacturing process performance
- manage uncertainty when controlling manufacturing processes
- apply taguchi methods to reduce variation in manufacturing processes
- explain principles of composite material product design
- describe common composite material manufacturing methods
- apply laminate theory to composite material analysis
- use edupack software to select materials and processes
- calculate production costs for a given manufacturing process
- apply taught manufacturing concepts to practical exercises
- collaborate with peers to complete team-based practical tasks
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£30,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£25k
Median£31k
Upper quarter£36k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 110 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 24, 23
Half of graduates earned between £25,000 and £35,500. Five years on, the median is £39,000. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 85% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 15 |
| In work or study, 15 months on5% studying | 85% | 40 |
| Professional or managerial job | 85% | 35 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 25 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £30,500 | 110 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £39,000 | 105 |
National Student Survey 2024-26
What do students say?
59%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 77% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 15 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 19; lowest: 0% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 47% |
| Question 2 | 18% |
| Question 3 | 71% |
| Question 4 | 71% |
| Question 5 | 53% |
| Question 6 | 59% |
| Question 7 | 65% |
| Question 8 | 59% |
| Question 9 | 53% |
| Question 10 | 59% |
| Question 11 | 76% |
| Question 12 | 59% |
| Question 13 | 47% |
| Question 14 | 29% |
| Question 15 | 76% |
| Question 16 | 71% |
| Question 17 | 35% |
| Question 18 | 59% |
| Question 19 | 100% |
| Question 20 | 82% |
| Question 21 | 76% |
| Question 22 | 71% |
| Question 23 | 29% |
| Question 24 | 0% |
| Question 25 | 45% |
| Question 26 | 59% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.