Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) (Hons) | Open University

An image to illustrate the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Start your engineering career and help tackle the challenges of tomorrow with our accredited Bachelor of Engineering. You’ll gain the skills to solve real-world problems and be on track to qualify as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), with a clear path to Chartered Engineer (CEng). Learn to invent and innovate through hands-on projects, collaborate with fellow students, and conduct experiments from home using award-winning online laboratories. This BEng gives you the flexibility to specialise in areas such as electronics, mechanical engineering, or sustainability – or take the broader general engineering route to become a versatile all-rounder.

This course is accredited by a number of professional bodies:

Stage 1 of this degree is the same as our

Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering (T48)

and Stage 1 of our

Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering (W93)

and

Master of Engineering (M04)

This engineering degree (BEng) has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

You’ll study four 30-credit core engineering modules at a part-time study pace over two years, gaining the foundational knowledge and skills for further engineering study and taking your first steps in personal development planning.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all four of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)	30	Oct \| Apr
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)	30	Oct \| Apr
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194)	30	Oct
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1 (T176)	30	Feb

You’ll study three further 30-credit core engineering modules, developing essential engineering skills and progressing personal development planning, plus one 30-credit specialist module from a choice of routes.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Core engineering A (T271)	30	Oct
Core engineering B (T272)	30	Apr
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 2 (T276)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose one from:
Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212)	30	Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct

You’ll study 90 credits from the route you chose at Stage 2, and complete your BEng with a 30-credit project module.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose 90 credits from:
Communications technology (TM355)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)	30	Oct
Environmental management: pathways to sustainability (T330)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering (T329)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Communications technology (TM355)	30	Oct
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60	Oct
Environmental management: pathways to sustainability (T330)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering (T329)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30	Oct
You'll choose two from:
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
The engineering project (T452)	30	Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:

You’ll be supported throughout by personalised tutor feedback, structured study materials, tutorials, practical activities, and project guidance.

You’ll be awarded a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) upon successful completion.

Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

You can study every stage of this qualification part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

From Stage 2 onwards, you also have the option to study at a full-time pace. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You have up to 12 years to finish your degree.

Your last module (T452) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in December rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) as an entry qualification.

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

Even though there are no entry requirements, 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 with our self-assessed engineering quizzes.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

The compulsory modules T271 and T272, and option modules T229 and T329 use software that requires a 64-bit operating system. Therefore, you’ll need a computer with Windows 11.

You’ll find detailed computing requirements for each module in the ‘Computing requirements’ section of the module descriptions.

If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.

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 to transfer credit before registering, at least four 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 and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

£24,528*

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's

Fee Rules

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

You may be eligible for:

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.

Our BEng (Hons) is a general engineering qualification that provides an entry into a wide range of more specialist engineering roles. Examples include:

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026

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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026

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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Core engineering modules

Broad route

Electronics route

Energy and sustainability route

Environmental technologies route

Mechanical engineering route

Modelling and applications route

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Broad route

Electronics route

Energy and sustainability route

Environmental technologies route

Mechanical engineering route

Modelling and applications route

Project

Stage 3 (120 credits)

What you'll learn and the skills you'll gain

Awarded qualification

International recognition

Regulations

See how this course compares

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Final project module

Supporting you every step of the way

Manage your studies on the module website

Dedicated tutor support

Live online tutorials

How your learning is assessed

If you have a disability or additional need

If you have a disability or additional need

Other support and resources

Entry requirements for this course

Optional preparation with an Access module

Computing requirements for this course

Have you studied before?

Tuition fee in England

Total fee for qualification at current prices

What's included?

What are my funding options?

Tuition Fee Loan

Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA)

Card payments

Employer sponsorship

Mixed payments

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs)

Scholarships and other support

If you have a disability

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Accreditation

Other careers

Exploring your options

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