Accessibility statement

Ask a question Ask a question Register nowRegister Request ProspectusProspectus

Course type: Diploma
Credits: 120

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes: 2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering

: Course code: E22

Combine core engineering modules with an option module in applied mathematics, environmental management, innovation management or systems thinking to shape a qualification that suits your career aspirations. You’ll broaden and deepen your understanding of professional engineering and work collaboratively on a project. The diploma is a step to Chartered Engineer status and is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of the MSc.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808) Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026

Compulsory modules

Credits

Next start

Manufacture materials design (T805)

Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.

See full description

01 May 2026

Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808)

Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Option modules	Credits	Next start
Project management (M815) This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹ This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹ Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Making environmental decisions (T891) This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
¹While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 120 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.
Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Option modules

Credits

Next start

Project management (M815)

This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects.

See full description

01 May 2026

Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)

This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹

This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹

Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)

This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation.

See full description

01 May 2026

Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)

This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Making environmental decisions (T891)

This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892)

This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future.

See full description

01 May 2026

Technology innovation management (TB801)

This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.

See full description

01 May 2026

Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)

TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.

See full description

01 May 2026

Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)

This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

¹While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 120 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.

Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
Team engineering (T885) This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team. See full description Register	30	11 Sep 2026
You must complete all other modules before starting T885.

Compulsory modules

Credits

Next start

Team engineering (T885)

This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team.

See full description

11 Sep 2026

You must complete all other modules before starting T885.

Core option modules	Credits	Next start
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808) Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T804, T881 and T884.

Core option modules

Credits

Next start

Manufacture materials design (T805)

Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.

See full description

01 May 2026

Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808)

Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T804, T881 and T884.

Option modules	Credits	Next start
Project management (M815) This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹ This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹ Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808) Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Making environmental decisions (T891) This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T804, T846, T848, T867, TU811 and TU812.
¹You may choose only one of these two modules. While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 120 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.
Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Option modules

Credits

Next start

Project management (M815)

This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects.

See full description

01 May 2026

Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)

This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹

This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹

Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Manufacture materials design (T805)

Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.

See full description

01 May 2026

Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808)

Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)

See full description

01 May 2026

Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)

This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Making environmental decisions (T891)

This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892)

This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future.

See full description

01 May 2026

Technology innovation management (TB801)

This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.

See full description

01 May 2026

Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)

TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.

See full description

01 May 2026

Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)

This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T804, T846, T848, T867, TU811 and TU812.

¹You may choose only one of these two modules. While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 120 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.

Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
Team engineering (T885) This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team. See full description Register	30	11 Sep 2026
You must complete all other modules before starting T885.

Compulsory modules

Credits

Next start

Team engineering (T885)

This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team.

See full description

11 Sep 2026

You must complete all other modules before starting T885.

Credit transfer

If you have already completed some successful study at postgraduate level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible as it may affect your choice of OU modules. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip (Eng) (Open) after your name.

If your diploma is awardable with a distinction or a merit, the qualification regulations explain how you can achieve these.

You can progress from this Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering to our MSc in Engineering (F46).

Regulations

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.

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering

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 circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Where do you live?

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.

If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.

Please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering

Modules

Route 1

Route 2

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Computing requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Request your prospectus

The Open University

Explore

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Policy

How to register

Modules

Route 1

Route 2

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Computing requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Request your prospectus

Where do you live?