University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

This programme develops core design engineering skills alongside specialist knowledge in sustainability assessment and circular design. Teaching typically covers user‑centred design and innovation, materials and manufacturing processes, product development and design for manufacture, and systems thinking for sustainability. Modules commonly include life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis, sustainable materials selection, circular economy strategies, and methods for design for disassembly and recyclability.

Students learn practical CAD and digital prototyping workflows, rapid manufacturing techniques and testing methods, supported by hands‑on laboratory sessions and studio projects. Research and professional skills are taught through engineering research methods, project management and sustainability metrics, and the course culminates in an independent MSc project or design dissertation that applies engineering design methods to a real or industry‑aligned sustainability challenge.

• Design for sustainability and circular design strategies
• Life cycle assessment and environmental impact tools
• Materials, processes and design for manufacture
• Digital modelling, CAD and rapid prototyping
• Systems engineering and multidisciplinary design
• Research methods, project management and professional practice
• Independent design or research project addressing a sustainability problem

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (or recognised international equivalent) in engineering, product/industrial design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering or a closely related technical discipline. Candidates with substantial relevant industrial experience and a lower academic qualification may be considered on an individual basis.

Prospective students whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirements. Applicants should supply a CV and academic transcripts; submission of a portfolio demonstrating design work or project experience can strengthen an application for candidates from design backgrounds.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge engineering, design and sustainability. Typical career paths include product design engineer, sustainable design consultant, circular economy specialist, materials engineer focusing on low‑impact materials, R&D roles in manufacturing companies, and roles in design consultancies or sustainability consultancies. The blend of practical prototyping, lifecycle assessment and systems thinking also supports progression into project management, innovation management and further research or doctoral study.

Industry links and project work provide networking opportunities with manufacturers, design agencies and public sector organisations, helping graduates move into positions where they can influence product policy, supply‑chain sustainability and low‑carbon design practice.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde has a strong engineering and design tradition with an emphasis on applied, industry‑relevant education and research. The programme sits within departments that offer workshops, rapid prototyping facilities and materials laboratories, enabling hands‑on learning from concept to physical prototype. The University’s collaborative relationships with local and national industry provide opportunities for live projects, placements and consultancy briefs.

Students benefit from a multidisciplinary environment where design and engineering research groups work on sustainable manufacturing, materials innovation and product systems, giving access to supervisors with relevant industrial and academic experience. Studying at Strathclyde also places you in Glasgow, a city with a growing design and advanced manufacturing sector and strong connectivity to UK and international employers.