Advanced Product Design Engineering & Manufacturing MSc

Why choose this course?

This course examines the latest developments in digital product development and manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience of the latest Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing applications, including 3D modelling techniques, 3D laser scanning, model reconstruction, 3D printing and Computer Numerical Control Machining.

You will also gain knowledge and experience in analytical Computer Aided Engineering design tools to assist the product validation process by applying advanced design simulation and finite elements analysis techniques. Through an individual project, you will be able to extend your knowledge in a field of your choice, establishing yourself as a specialist.

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year Delivered in one-week blocks September 2023, January 2024, September 2024
Full time 2 years including professional placement Delivered in one-week blocks plus professional placement September 2023, January 2024, September 2024
Part time 2 years Delivered in one-week blocks September 2023, January 2024, September 2024
Location Roehampton Vale

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You will use the latest CAD/CAM/CAE computing technology at all stages, from design and testing to manufacture.
  • The experience you gain will be hands-on laboratory-based experience and directly relevant to your future working environment.
  • The course meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) if you already have an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons).

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

The MSc will meet, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.


Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Engineering council

What you will study

This programme is structured to provide you with the latest developments in this still-evolving discipline of digital product development. It focuses on providing you with hands-on experience of the latest computing applications throughout the entire product development cycle, from simple 3D modelling techniques to an extended capability of 3D laser scanning to generate complex Class A surfaces.

CAE 3D printing

Students also gain practical and theoretical knowledge of analytical design tools to assist the product validation process by applying advanced mechanism design simulation and finite elements analysis techniques. Additionally, examines the importance of advanced manufacturing techniques and the methods used to integrate Computer Aided Manufacturing CAM with computer numerical control, 3D printing technologies into product data management PDM.

Additionally, the programme enables you to gain the entrepreneurship, management and business skills necessary to take on leadership roles in major product design engineering projects.

The hands-on approach, using our state-of-the art multidisciplinary laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment from 3D Printing, CNC machining, Laser Scanning, Metrology, Materials Testing and many more, is a valuable part of the course. The course dovetails with research activities of the teaching staff, implementing the latest advances in our research. Utilising applied research, you have the opportunity to do your own research within an individual industry-relevant 'capstone' project. This includes preparation of a scientific paper, providing an opportunity for that first breakthrough into publishing your work.

Students will be required to pass every module to then go on placement. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Core modules

Option modules (choose one)

Core modules

Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management

30 credits

This is a core module for engineering students on various taught MSc programmes. The module is designed to provide the student with the research skills and techniques necessary to select and justify a research topic, plan project execution, use various resources to carry out a literature search and successfully complete the project and other module assignments on the course. It also addresses issues related to presentation of technical reports at MSc level and for the purpose of wider publication in learned media.

The module further develops the students' knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It supports students in producing proposals for enterprise ideas such as new products or services, or innovations in existing processes or organisations. Concepts of total quality management to enhance quality of products and processes in an industrial setting are presented and application of supporting quality tools and techniques are discussed.

The module content will enhance the students' employability potential in a variety of national and international industrial organisations, or career opportunities in research and development arena. It also equips students with a set of skills to set up their own business in an engineering innovation area should they wish to do so.

Computer Integrated Product Development

credits

This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of some of the fundamental computing technologies that support the engineering product development process. Technologies covered include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Modelling and Analysis (FEM/FEA) and Mechanism Design and Simulation tools available within Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technologies. The module also develops both an understanding of the role of these technologies within Product Data Management (PDM) systems and the role of PDM itself as one of the key enablers for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).

Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

30 credits

The module covers advanced CAD/CAM techniques in the conceptual design and manufacture and is heavily focussed on the surface modelling and reverse engineering methods prior to manufacture. Also this module will cover rapid manufacturing methods involving mould design and machining tool path optimisation and full machining simulation verification, and machining collision avoidance.

Engineering Individual Project

60 credits

This is a core module for MSc courses in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, forming a capstone experience for students on these courses. The module allows you to research and study an engineering topic which is of personal interest. This will enable you to demonstrate the mastery of your subject and develop your ability to analyse and evaluate specific areas that may not have been previously covered in depth on the course.

The vigorous structure of the module provides you with an opportunity to identify an industry-based (or research-focused) project area, establish a feasible hypothesis, find creditable solutions, analyse results and offer recommendations. The module enables you to acquire and appraise new knowledge and apply individual judgement to solve new and often complex engineering problems using cutting-edge technology. It also allows you to demonstrate high levels of responsibility, organisational capability and effective communication with others including the supervisor, wider research community and other stakeholders. The module also encourages you to recognise, question and deal with the ethical dilemmas that are likely to occur in engineering professional practice and research.

The project applications can be individually tailored to support your career plan and prepare you to tackle real industrial problems with maturity and rationality hence enhancing your employability potential.

Core modules

Industrial Operation Management and Resources Simulation

30 credits

This module explores various management techniques commonly used in industrial companies to improve operation efficiency, overall productivity and competitiveness. You will gain an in-depth understanding in operational issues related to industrial organisations worldwide. In particular the module focuses on how these techniques are to be applied appropriately in the engineering sector. The module addresses global operational issues faced by engineering companies including design and management of products, processes, services and supply chains. Issues such as acquisition, process development, and resource utilisation will also be considered and analysed.

The content covers both strategic and operational issues including plant location, supply chain management, distribution logistic, customer service process, include production scheduling and control, inventory management, quality control, productivity and performance measurement, materials handling, equipment maintenance policies, etc. The module further aims to identify the resource constraints in its operation through the use of discrete simulation modelling and other software techniques so that a company's overall performance and competitiveness can be improved. The main focus of the module is to provide you with a set of technical skills enabling you to apply your knowledge within an industrial setting, hence enhancing your employability potential.

Green Engineering and Energy Efficiency

30 credits

This option module deals with the criteria and practice of sustainable development within engineering industries. To be able to critically assess energy sources as to usage performance of engineering systems, components and processes in order to minimise industrial waste, scrap and pollution through the use of analytical methods; leading to recommendations for the design, specification  and manufacture of environmentally benign products.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Recognise the importance of National and European regulations in relation to renewable technologies in the construction and automotive industries.
  • Discuss environmentally related technologies and materials that are fundamental in a range of industries including construction, structural mechanics, automotive and environmental operations.
  • Discuss environmental issues related to resource provision and consumption necessary for the manufacture of engineered products, and analyse potential for the application of alternative energy sources.
  • Analyse manufactured product design in relation to materials and other resource requirements and apply key concepts to redesign or design products to be recyclable, sustainable with a minimisation of waste.
  • Specify and develop energy efficient and environmentally conscious products.
  • Critically evaluate the life cycle assessment in incorporation of sustainability at the conceptual design stage.
Mechatronics Design and Automation

credits

This module aims to develop your understanding of the main principles of robotic, industrial automation and mechatronics systems. It covers:

  • mechatronics control and its application in automation;
  • the functions of a robot and its embedded systems such as sensors and actuators;
  • how to build dynamic models of robotics systems and design feedback control algorithms;
  • advanced techniques such as fuzzy logic and digital logic design to optimise control in automation processes; and
  • artificial neural networks and adaptive control.
Professional Placement

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.

It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Work placement scheme

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline, and/or suitable industrial experience. Electronics and electrical engineering degrees must contain an element of design and/or CAD/CAM.

Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests. Please note that we do not accept Standard XII as proof of Academic English.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

The assessment strategy is designed to support your learning experience. Assessment criteria are clear, transparent and explicit and the scope of each assessment is discussed with students within modules. The course employs a combination of assessment methods will be used throughout the course. These elements include module assignments, module examinations, in-class tests, experiment reports, industrial visit reports, seminars, verbal presentations and the project dissertation.

Each module leader is responsible for ensuring that the method of assessment reflects the aims and learning objectives of the module, is demanding and stimulating and at the appropriate master level. Formative assessments are embedded into the delivery pattern of all the modules and are designed to help students learn more effectively by giving them feedback to improve their performance and feedforward towards summative assessments. Reflective practice by students and feedback from designated Personal tutors will also form part of the formative assessments. Group activities are an important part of the course teaching and assessment strategy where students learn and improve through peer feedback.

The individual project provides a challenge to the candidate to undertake a real world problem because most projects are industrially orientated. Students will be given close guidance to select a project which is relevant to the chosen field. During the project, the student will be expected to apply the knowledge learnt during the course to achieve agreed deliverables, whilst satisfying any given constraints. Key skills in communication, presentation, literature search, problem analysis, project planning, report writing and solution justification are all part of the learning objectives defined in the field.

Coursework are mainly submitted electronically on the CANVAS of each module. You are reminded of the faculty policy for the late submission of coursework. Any work submitted up to a week late will be capped at minimum 50%, anything submitted later than this will receive a zero mark.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

Year: 15% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Type of learning and teaching

Type of learning and teaching
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 230 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1270 hours

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Type of assessment

Type of assessment
  • Coursework: 100%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry-informed, ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.

The Department has strong links with industry leaders, including Delphi, Lotus Engineering, MAN and Thales. Many of our innovative, hands-on projects involve students as well as academics and receive national and global coverage.

Our applied approach to teaching is supported by dedicated laboratories for mechanical, automotive and motorsport engineering, including wind tunnels, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and manufacturing machinery, a fully-equipped materials lab, engine test cells, an automotive diagnostics lab featuring the latest industrial software packages, and a modern electronics/robotics lab with the recent addition of a robot and electronic equipment from National Instruments.

Our courses encompass applications from all areas of engineering, providing our students with the knowledge and flexibility they need to work across many industries, both in the UK and overseas.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Our modern teaching environment

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology, including:

  • large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour
  • a Learjet 25, providing a real-world environment for gaining practical engineering skills
  • engine-testing facilities, plus several display engines, such as a V6 Ford Cosworth and a 3-cylinder orbital direct injection engine
  • industry-standard test and experimental equipment for metrology, robotics, rapid prototyping, fatigue and quality control.

We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software. Computer-aided design facilities include:

  • a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad
  • finite element analysis
  • computational fluid dynamics
  • virtual instrumentation.

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc full time £10,900
  • MSc part time £5,995

International 2024/25

  • MSc full time £16,900
  • MSc part time £9,295

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24

  • MSc full time £9,860
  • MSc part time £5,423

International 2023/24

  • MSc full time £15,800
  • MSc part time £8,690

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

3D printing

It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements. 

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

After you graduate

The course offers you computing, entrepreneurship, management and business skills for taking on leadership roles to tackle major product design engineering projects.

What our graduates say

During this course, I decided to establish my own limited company. I have found the chance to use the knowledge and skills I achieved from this course, as it is practical and industry oriented. The ability to use several different CAD tools, appreciate the principles of fatigue stress analysis, tooling design and manufacturing simulations have enhanced my knowledge as a design engineer. Focusing on composites on my dissertation strengthened my career as a composite designer.

After having this degree, finding new clients and companies to work with got easier and my company is involved in big projects such as Airbus A350XWB, A320Neo with international companies. Apart from mechanical engineering, I also had requests from the industrial product design sector, which I find very interesting. Kingston University has very impressive laboratories and learning resources. It is a very organised university and has a good reputation in mechanical engineering. It is also fully accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

This course is not only interesting, but also very important to prove that you are specialised on your subject and dedicated to follow your career path. It opens up a wide range of opportunities, so I highly recommend Advanced Product Design Engineering MSc at Kingston University for engineers who want to dig deeper into design.

Ceren Altay Ocal - Advanced Product Design MSc

My decision to undertake an MSc in engineering goes back to 2011 when I understood that I wanted to be something more than a simple engineer who uses the existing knowledge in the field. I wanted to be innovative and creative at the same time. 

Having already gained a BSc (Hons) in mechanical engineering and years of experience in applied engineering, I decided to focus on product design engineering, the very next step from an idea to the actual creation of a product.

The outcome of having an MSc from Kingston University is that world-leading companies are aware of the success of the University creating quality engineers and they are more than willing to direct the requests of qualified engineers. I have worked as a design engineer for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Frontier Pitts and now I am an experienced design engineer at Siemens Energy. These companies are not only looking for good engineers but the best that they can find in order for them to continue their vision to improve our quality of life. 

Kingston University gave me the key to open the door to success. So I can confidently say that it was the best investment that I could have ever made.

Panagiotis Patrinos - Advanced Product Design Engineering MSc

How the engineering staff work with industry partners

Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries. Some examples include work with:

  • Matra-Marconi Space Ltd;
  • Ericsson;
  • Balfour Beatty;
  • The National Health Service; and
  • British Gas.

Our Industrial Advisory Committee reviews and advises industrial activities. The Committee acts as a forum for discussing teaching, research and consultancy to industry.

Benefits from this course

Throughout this course, you will benefit from:

  • outside speakers who will keep you informed of the latest developments in industry;
  • hands-on experience and workshops to back up the theory; and
  • the chance to work on industrially-orientated projects. 

What this course offers you

  • This course addresses how to use the latest computing technology at all stages of the design process. You cover the entire cycle from design to manufacture, plus the potential constraints.
  • It will develop your professional, analytical and management skills, as well as improving your technical skills and knowledge. For example, you will gain communication, teamwork, IT and problem-solving skills.
  • Each module combines a stimulating mix of lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies and presentations. You can directly transfer the hands-on experience in many technical modules to your working environment.
  • Your MSc project allows you to build on your academic knowledge and extend your in-depth knowledge in your area of specialisation. It can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion.
  • Input from industry experts complements the academic teaching throughout the course.
  • You can choose to study the course full-time or part-time to fit in with work commitments. September and January start dates give you extra flexibility.
  • We regularly review all our postgraduate courses to make sure that they are up-to-date, reflect industry needs and are comparable to other university courses.

Research areas

Engineering research

Many academic staff are engaged in a range of research and consultancy activities funded by the Research Councils, the European Union, the government, trade unions and industry. These activities ensure our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Research centres

Research in the faculty is organised into three research centres, which provide focus and encourage the cross-fertilisation of ideas.

  • the Applied Engineering Research Centre looks at applied engineering, manufacturing and material processing topics;
  • civil engineering research in the Sustainable Technology Research Centre includes land use, re-cycling waste materials and efficient energy use; and
  • the Aerospace Research Group specialises in space activities ranging from electric propulsion and planetary robotic exploration to in-orbit servicing technology development.

Find out more about our research seminars in the Events and lectures section.

Extra activities for this course

There are always interesting activities taking place at Kingston and exciting opportunities to take advantage of.

Our lively research culture is reflected in our regular seminars. Recent examples include:

  • International Conference on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
  • Recent Advances in the Micromechanics of Ductile Fracture
  • Environmental Degradation in Adhesively Bonded Structures
  • Modelling of Deformation and Failure of Polymers: Why is Bridging of Length and Time Scales Necessary?
  • Why Bolt It When You Can Bond It? The Gluing Evolution.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.