This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
- In Stage 2, you’ll study three 30-credit core engineering modules and one 30-credit module from your chosen route.
- In Stage 3, you’ll study 90 credits from your chosen route and complete a 30-credit project module.
Prepare for OU study with an Access module
We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.
You’ll study four 30-credit modules in the order below – studying part-time.
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| You'll study all four of the following: | |
| Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) | 30 |
| Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193) | 30 |
| Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194) | 30 |
| Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1 (T176) | 30 |
You’ll study three 30-credit core engineering modules and one 30-credit module from your chosen route.
Core engineering modules
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| You'll study all three of the following: | |
| Core engineering A (T271) | 30 |
| Core engineering B (T272) | 30 |
| Engineering: professions, practice and skills 2 (T276) | 30 |
Routes
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Electronics | |
| You'll study the following: | |
| Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212) | 30 |
| Energy and sustainability | |
| You'll study the following: | |
| Energy and sustainability (T213) | 30 |
| Engineering design | |
| You'll study the following: | |
| Design for engineers (T218) | 30 |
| Environmental technologies | |
| You'll study the following: | |
| Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220) | 30 |
| Mathematical methods | |
| You'll study the following: | |
| Mathematical methods (MST224) | 30 |
| Mechanical engineering | |
| You'll study the following: | |
| Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229) | 30 |
| Broad route | |
| You'll choose one from: | |
| Design for engineers (T218) | 30 |
| Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212) | 30 |
| Energy and sustainability (T213) | 30 |
| Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220) | 30 |
| Mathematical methods (MST224) | 30 |
| Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229) | 30 |
You’ll study 90 credits from your chosen route and complete a 30-credit project module.
Routes
Project
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| You'll study the following: | |
| The engineering project (T452) | 30 |
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circ*mstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 19March 2024.
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Accessing online catalogues and databases
- Specialist software, such as ANSYS, GRANTA EduPack software and COMSOL
- Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- Online tutorials
- Group-work
- Practical work
Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.
Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
Credit transfer
If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
International recognition
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations belowand the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulationswebsite.
Compare this course
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Check you have the necessary skills at students.open.ac.uk/openmark/engineering.ayrf1
1This diagnostic will work best on your desktop. Some features are not compatible with mobile/tablet devices.
How much time do I need?
Study intensity varies across this qualification – you’ll study some modules consecutively, and others you may study in parallel or overlap (increasing your weekly study hours).
Stage 1 comprises four modules (T192, T193, T194 and T176) that you must study in that order over two years.
- T192 and T193 are 30-credit modules studied over 21 weeks, so expect to study each for 14-15 hours per week. You must finish T192 before starting T193.
- T194 and T176 are 30-credit modules studied over 30–31 weeks, so expect to study each for 9-10 hours per week. You must finish T193 before starting T194.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:
Science, technology and maths Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll helpdevelop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects includingscience, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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- In this section:
- How much will it cost?
- Ways to pay for your qualification and other support
How much will it cost in England?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spreadthe cost.
- A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
- Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis– you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
- Most of ourstudents study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
- Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,636*.
- At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £21,816*.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.
Additional costs
Study costs
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receivea qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.
Ways to pay for your qualification and other support
We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable. Options include Part-Time Tuition Fee Loans (also known as student loans), monthly payment plans and employer sponsorship.
We’re confident we can help you find an option that’s right for you.
Just answer these simple questions to find out more about the options available to you for courses starting before 31 July 2025.
How many credits are you planning to study per year?
Credits
- You will need [xxx] credits to complete this qualification.
Do you already hold a degree?
Are you employed?
Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?
British Forces
- If you have a BFPO address, you are only eligible for UK course fees if you are a currently serving member of the British armed forces and you're temporarily and unavoidably working abroad. Other students using BFPO addresses should contact us on +44 (0)300 303 5303 for UK fee eligibility to be assessed.
*The fee information provided above is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typicallyincrease annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
How will I study this course?
With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.
You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.
For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.
Each module you study will have a module website with
- a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
- course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
- module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
- details of each assignment and their due dates
- a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
- online versions of some printed module materials and resources.
If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.
See how our module websites work.
Tutor support
Student, Ffion, describes why she chose the OU and how she is using her degree to progress herself further in a career she loves.
You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.
Throughout the module, they will:
- mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
- guide you to learning resources
- support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.
Tutorials
Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.
Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.
Assessment
Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.
Computer-Marked Assignments
- Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.
Tutor-Marked Assignments
- You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
- They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
- Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.
End-of-Module Assessments
- The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
- Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.
Exams
- Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
- You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
- Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
- If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.
Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching
Other support and resources
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.
They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.
To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:
- our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
- other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
- the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
- free Microsoft Office 365 software
- IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.
Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.
Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.
Skills for career development
The areas of knowledge, competence and skills that this degree develops include: the ability to use specialist knowledge to solve problems creatively; collaborative working and communication skills; project management skills; the ability to turn concepts into reality.
Your study will give you the skills expected of an Incorporated Engineer, in providing solutions to engineering problems. These could involve using existing or developing new technologies and designs; refining production systems; or developing new services.
Career relevance
Our BEng (Hons) is a general engineering qualification that provides an entry into a wide range of more specialist engineering roles. Examples include:
- mechanical engineer
- electronic engineer
- structural engineer
- production engineer
- biomedical engineer
- environmental engineer
- materials engineer
- other roles within engineering management
- manufacturing engineer
Accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the professional institution(s) below under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. 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). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). 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.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Other careers
Qualified engineers are much in demand for their rigorous approach to problem solving and high level of numeracy. These skills open up a wide range of other career opportunities – for example in management or finance – as well as in engineering itself. Opportunities exist in research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work. With appropriate experience and qualifications it’s also possible to be a self-employed consultant.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
Request your Engineering, Design and Technology prospectus
Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.
