BEng Design Engineering

Course summary

This in-depth course aims to develop high-calibre, innovative design engineers who can lead complex projects, and develop new products, processes and services that are vital to the needs of modern society.

After a broad, common first year, you can start to explore design methodology and professional practice in more depth.

Unique design-focussed units in the first two years of this course provide essential skills in problem definition, conceptual design, detail design, analysis and manufacturing/construction processes.

In the final year of study you can undertake a range of advanced technical units from across the Faculty of Engineering. This gives you the chance to gain further technical expertise and specialist knowledge within engineering disciplines as well as a broader learning experience in other subjects, relevant in the field of modern-day, multi-disciplinary design engineering.

A research project forms a major component of your final year.

Course structure

Information about the structure of this new course will be available here by June 2024.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

A*AA including A*A in any order in Mathematics and a science-related subject

A-level contextual offer

AAB including AA in Mathematics and a science-related subject

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer

BTEC

D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements

International Baccalaureate Diploma

38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and a science-related subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and a science-related subject

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer

European Baccalaureate

88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and a science-related subject (in any order)

Scottish Qualifications Authority

Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and a science-related subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAA

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction from units in a science subject other than mathematics, plus A in A-level Mathematics, Or Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry), 12 credits at Distinction from units in another science subject, and achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

More about Access to HE entry requirements

Welsh Baccalaureate

Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Search international qualifications

More about UK qualifications.

Selection process

Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
Full information about our selection processes for Design Engineering can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement
The admissions statement above relates to 2024 entry. The statement for 2025 entry will be available in summer 2024.

Related courses

See a list of all Engineering Design degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.

2025 entry