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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.

  • Develop advanced engineering, project management, communication and teamwork skills
  • Complete group project work with other students (at a residential school)
  • Top up to the MSc in Engineering in just one more year

This postgraduate diploma is the same as the first two-thirds of our MSc in Engineering (F46).

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

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

There are two routes through this qualification:

  • Route 1 is for students starting from November 2025.
  • Route 2 is for students who started before November 2025. If you’re following this route, you must complete your studies by 31 December 2032.

Route 1

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60 credits from:

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


30 credits from:

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.

30 credits from:

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.

Route 2

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

At least 30 credits from:

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.


Up to 60 credits from:

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.

30 credits from:

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.

The University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that we’ve previously awarded to you.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

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. 

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.

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Although this qualification has no entry requirements, we recommend you have:

However, some option modules do have entry requirements. We’ll ask you to prove you meet them when you register for any of these modules:

Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.

Computing requirements

Compulsory module T808 uses 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 ‘Entry requirements’ section of the module descriptions.

How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering part-time, completing 60 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 13–15 study hours each week.

You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering within eight years.

Career relevance

This qualification will help you to develop your engineering skills, as well as a range of transferable skills, such as: the ability to use specialist knowledge to solve problems creatively; effective communication skills; project management skills; the ability to turn concepts into reality; a professional approach to your work.

The knowledge and practical experience you gain during your postgraduate studies mean you'll be well placed to take advantage of the many senior engineering and technology employment opportunities available at home and abroad. At the same time, you'll be developing capabilities that are highly prized by employers in a variety of other sectors, where your logical thinking, numeracy skills, and team working abilities will be in demand.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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