Design Engineering (MSc)

Creative innovative products, systems, or solutions through an interdisciplinary approach in engineering, design, and entrepreneurship. 

This programme will provide you with an enhanced background in engineering or related fields with advanced skills and knowledge in design methods, systems thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship through a range of project-based learning modules including those linked to the industry and administered by the programme staff or generated by students.

This course will produce engineers who are able to understand the needs of users in their context, identify opportunities, solve problems creatively using cutting-edge technologies such as Additive Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Sensing and Internet of Things and many more, assess the impact of the proposed solutions through user testing, and take their solution from the early stages of design right through to the market. To this end, the programme has a particularly strong focus on the communication and translation of engineering in the world today.

Career Opportunities

Explore the dynamic career landscape for MSc Design Engineering graduates:

• Innovation Leads: Drive and manage innovation initiatives within organisations.
• Design Consultants: Offer expertise in design thinking, user experience, and creative problem-solving to clients
• Product Developer/Manager (Digital or Physical): Develop new products, features, or services, overseeing the entire product lifecycle
• E-Commerce, Healthcare, and Services Industry: Apply design thinking and innovation to optimize processes and improve customer experiences.
• Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: Start and lead your own venture, applying design and innovation principles.
• Technology and IT: Contribute to the creation of innovative digital solutions

Programme Structure

Eligibility Criteria

The minimum requirement is normally equivalent to a First-class UK Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in a Science, Technology, and Engineering discipline (or a comparable qualification recognized by the College). In some circumstances, we may also accept those with a 2:1 equivalent if you have substantial (more than 2 years) professional experience or further studies in a related area.

To submit your application, please visit our Prospectus page.

In addition to demonstrating that you have met our entry requirements, we ask you to supply the following:

• Two academic references.
• A portfolio showcasing your past projects and highlighting your skills and technologies used (PDF file, which could include clickable links to an online portfolio and/or videos of project outcomes) - see below for more information.

Candidates who are shortlisted after this initial application will be invited to attend an interview with an Academic member of staff. This will normally be conducted remotely online. 

Guidelines for preparing your project portfolio:

The portfolio showcases your past projects and highlights your skills, achievements, and technologies used. While there are no strict requirements on the type of projects, consider the following guidelines:

Format: The portfolio must be a stand-alone PDF document, i.e., a well-crafted document that clearly represents your skills. Choose up to 5 relevant projects that showcase your abilities and achievements best, which can include personal, academic, or professional work.

Content Details: For each project, provide concise yet detailed descriptions, including the purpose, your role, technologies used, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. Use metrics where possible to quantify achievements. Use visuals, as they can help convey information more effectively.

You may include clickable links in your portfolio in support of the selected projects. Ensure that these links are active and lead to relevant content.

Submission: If  your application is successful against the admission criteria, you will be invited to an interview and receive a email request providing you with a link to submit your portfolio.

Studying Design Engineering at Imperial College London gave me the tools I needed to become a Product Manager. In my current role, I directly apply the end-to-end product design skills I learnt at Imperial. The computing courses gave me a technical foundation to build from, while the design projects taught me user-centred design. The projects I did during the programme served as realistic preparation for collaborative work at Google. The programme's unique blend of engineering, design, and business were the perfect start for a career in product management. Anna Bernbaum Product Manager, Google (UK)