The module consists of three parts – each supported by a printed book:
Part 1: Stress Analysis for Structural Design
In this first part, you’ll build on your understanding of different types of loading and stress in engineering structures; you’ll move on to explore complex stress analysis in two dimensions. The module uses real-world engineered products (e.g. an aircraft wing) as case studies to demonstrate how engineering structures experience combined loading conditions leading to complex stress states. Alongside hand calculations for stress analysis, it will introduce you to computer-based methods. You’ll explore using finite element analysis software for the stress analysis of simple engineering structures. It will also introduce you to failure criteria and how to use stress analysis to predict or design against failure.
Part 2: Dynamic Analysis for Engineering Design
The subject of the second part is motion – you’ll learn how to describe, model and analyse motion. First, you’ll study the movement of objects and the reason for that movement – in other words, the forces acting on those objects and causing them to move. You’ll go on to study dynamics using energy methods and applying laws of thermodynamics to dynamic systems. You’ll also learn design methods to encourage good vibration when required, or to limit unwanted vibration that could cause damage.
Part 3: Engineering Materials for Improved Performance
The final part of the module is about what limits the useful life of engineered components and what engineers can do to make them last longer. You’ll look at some of the failure and degradation mechanisms that act within engineering components over time and reduce their lifetime in service. This part will introduce you to some of the methods engineers have developed to extend a component's lifetime in service, by choosing the right material to start with and then manipulating or treating it somehow.
Remote experiments in our OpenEngineering lab will enhance the theoretical underpinning – you’ll interact with equipment in real-time or with an ongoing experiment, from your computer. You’ll also gain industrially relevant stress and structural analysis skills by exploring an industry-standard finite element analysis (FEA) software package. The module integrates mathematics teaching into the engineering materials, giving context and an opportunity to practice its application. You’ll practise maths and engineering questions – through interactive quizzes – in preparation for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). We’ll base assignment questions on activities in the module material.
This module will extend your understanding of key engineering principles while helping you improve your study skills and grow as an independent and reflective learner. You'll need to have studied mathematics and a broad base of engineering, providing a solid foundation for developing your engineering specialism. You’ll become proficient in using further engineering techniques and more confident in applying mathematical methods to solve engineering problems.
You’ll learn how the broad engineering discipline has evolved, expanding your experience of engineering practice and trends, and building towards professional engineering practice.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T272 is a compulsory module in our:
T272 is an option module in our:
Core engineering B (T272) starts once a year – in April.
It will next start in April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You must have passed one of the following modules:
The module assumes a level of mathematics skill and prior knowledge that you’ll get from successfully completing one of the modules above. It assumes and builds on existing knowledge and skill in the use of trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, vectors, polar coordinate systems, and complex numbers.
Also, you must have passed (or be waiting for your result for) Core engineering A (T271).
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T272 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 11 Apr 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 12 Mar 2026 | £1,946 |
| 03 Apr 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 | 11 Mar 2027 | Not yet available |
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 receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
