From an external perspective, the world of product manufacture has changed beyond recognition in the last fifty years. But underneath it all, there are only so many basic ways to convert materials into objects – casting, forming, cutting and joining. Even the rapidly developing world of additive manufacturing (or 3D printing), which looks set to disrupt our whole approach to making things, still relies on the scientific principles of casting, cutting and joining to build components.
You will study all these techniques in depth, along with the technologically vital field of surface engineering, where a wide variety of methods are used to modify the surface properties of a shaped component. Many factors that result in one process being preferred over another relate to the product's design and the commercial environment in which it is being manufactured. Therefore, you will look at several aspects of the business context that influence the choice and operation of manufacturing processes.
The module is presented exclusively online. Each separate topic is presented using online study texts complemented by several investigative or exploratory learning activities. One of the key elements in your study will be our online database of manufacturing processes – the Manupedia. You will use this as a rich source of information about different processes and create your own Manupedia entries based on your investigations. You will use these to build up your portfolio of information, which you will then draw on to complete your assignments.
The end-of-module assessment is an extended case study based on a product that you will research. It draws on the full range of information in the module and allows you to demonstrate the skills you have developed.
This module is for engineers wishing to further develop their understanding of manufacturing processes, whether from a production, materials or design perspective.
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:
The module is delivered entirely online through a module website, which includes:
Many study activities require you to use literature review skills to locate and retrieve materials in online journals and other publications. You’ll use the information you find to complete your assessments.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T805 is a compulsory module in our:
T805 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Manufacture materials design (T805) starts once a year – in May.
It will next start in May 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in May 2028.
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.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 01 May 2026 | 31 Oct 2026 | 09 Apr 2026 | £1,775 |
| 01 May 2027 | 31 Oct 2027 | 08 Apr 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 you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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Joint loan applications
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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.
