Board 67: Implementation and Impact of Design in Higher Engineering Education: A Comprehensive Investigation of the UK Region

This study conducted a thorough investigation of undergraduate engineering education across 61 institutions in the United Kingdom, focusing on the integration of design elements within teaching methods and curriculum structures. The research involved thematic coding of data to highlight the focus on design components within pedagogy.It identifies three key strategies: offering generic design courses to all engineering students, running design-oriented engineering programmes that emphasise design competence, and institutions adopting specific design frameworks within their teaching philosophy.

In addition, the study introduces the Matrix of Design Course Integration Across Engineering Programmes, for evaluating the breadth and depth of design education in engineering. This tool classifies courses based on their disciplinary reach and focus on design, uncovering a range of integration from specialised subjects to universally applicable design principles.

The research presents a detailed view of the current state of design components within UK engineering faculties, revealing how extensively incorporated design thinking and design education methods are adopted. This research contributes to the ongoing development of engineering education, advocating for the inclusion of robust design elements to equip students with essential skills for the evolving engineering sector.