How to become Design and development engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course.
Subjects include:
- engineering product design
- industrial design
- computer-aided design engineering
- engineering design and manufacture
- materials science
- maths and physics
Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering qualifications might also be accepted by employers.
Courses accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) may help your career development later on.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
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Apprenticeship
You might be able to apply for a Product Design and Development Engineer, or Robotics Engineer, Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This can take around 4 and a half years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You could apply directly for design and development engineer roles.
You'll need experience and qualifications in a particular branch of engineering, for example:
- mechanical
- aerospace
- energy
- automotive
- manufacturing
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Further information
You can find out more about engineering careers and training from the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and Neon.