BEng (Hons) Engineering Design (Top Up)
Key details
Award
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
UCAS Course Code
N004
Fees
£8,500 per year full-time
£4,250 per year part-time
Awarding Body
University of East Anglia
Course Length
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Course Start Date
September 2026
Course overview
The BEng (Hons) Engineering Design (Top Up) degree is a top-up award, following successful completion of the HND in General Engineering. The programme develops your ability to question, analyse, and approach engineering challenges through a design-led lens. You will learn to collect, organise, and interpret information from a range of sources, enabling you to make informed decisions and propose innovative, well-justified design solutions.
You will gain the skills to identify, select, and justify appropriate design methods, tools, and development strategies, with ethical, sustainable, and environmental considerations embedded throughout your work. The course builds advanced technical knowledge and design engineering capability, preparing you to respond confidently to industry expectations. You will apply engineering principles and the scientific method in both operational and management contexts, planning and delivering creative solutions within cost and time constraints.
The programme is delivered from our University and Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds, typically over two days per week full-time, or one day per week part-time. This allows you to gain work experience alongside your studies, or to continue in your existing role gaining hands-on knowledge.
Why study with us?
Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning
Globally recognised top up degree from the University of East Anglia (UEA)
Strong links with local employers and those in the music industry
What you’ll study
The BEng (Hons) Engineering Design (Top Up) degree explores the technical, analytical, and creative skills required to design effective engineering solutions. You will build expertise in materials, mechanics, advanced manufacturing, simulation, and design optimisation, culminating in a substantial independent Major Project. Modules include:
- Engineering Materials and Mechanics
- Advanced Manufacturing Methodologies
- Computer Based Analysis and Simulation
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly
- Major Project
Future careers
Upon completing the BEng (Hons) Engineering Design (Top Up) degree, you’ll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, including:
CIVIL ENGINEER
Salary: £20,000-£70,000+
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Salary: £20,000-£70,000+
PRODUCTION ENGINEER
Salary: £25,000-£70,000+
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Facilities
With state-of-the-art recording studios and dedicated edit suites, our facilities are designed to mirror professional studio environments, with industry-standard equipment. These study areas are available beyond timetabled hours, allowing you to refine your skills and develop your projects independently.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Hear from our students
Ben
Matthew Childs
Fees and entry requirements
Level 5 Qualification in an Engineering Discipline
Higher National Diploma in Engineering
Tuition Fees
This course is £8,500 per year full-time, or £4,250 per year part-time. Find out how to secure student finance here.
Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.
Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.
Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.
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How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*This course is Subject to Validation.
**The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.