Undergraduate · Engineering
BEng (Hons) Digital Engineering
Future-proof your career with a degree in digital engineering.
Subject to validation
- AI-assisted Python and digital simulation
- Test designs before they reach production
- Google Cloud skills alongside engineering
- Skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications
Build the skills employers want
Learn AI and subject expertise together, so you have both the skills and the know-how to apply them.
01 · Practical AI skillsGraduate with in-demand, practical AI skills
Build digital fluency, automated scripts and practical problem-solving with modern AI tools, applied to engineering design.
02 · AI in your subjectAI applied in digital engineering
Work in a Python innovation lab to build automated solutions to engineering problems, test your designs through simulation and explore real cloud architecture challenges.
03 · Real experienceReal experience and Google Cloud skills
Work on real industry challenges in your final year and build Google Cloud skills alongside your engineering studies.
Course overview
Learn to design, simulate and improve products and processes with digital tools. You’ll use AI-assisted Python and digital simulations to test ideas before they reach production.
Digital engineering is changing how products and processes are designed, tested and manufactured. This degree combines engineering with programming, digital design, data, simulation and automation, giving you practical skills for modern engineering environments.
You’ll use digital tools to design and evaluate products, understand how materials behave, analyse data and improve engineering processes. Creating, simulating and testing designs digitally means you can refine ideas before they reach physical production.
AI is part of that toolkit. You’ll learn where AI tools can speed up design and analysis, and when your own engineering judgement needs to lead, through modules such as Future Design: AI Tools, Creativity & Critical Evaluation.
Engineering skills you’ll build
- Practical knowledge of CAD, programming and digital engineering tools.
- Solving engineering problems with digital tools.
- Creating, simulating and evaluating digital designs.
- How materials behave and how products are manufactured.
- Skills for workplaces using automation and digital technology.
- Problem-solving, communication and collaboration.
How you’ll use AI and digital tools in engineering
First, you’ll learn Python with AI to help you. Next, you’ll build automated agents that run tasks for you. In your final year, you’ll take on real industry challenges and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.
- Level 4 · first year
Simulations and a Python innovation lab
Learn computer-aided design, simulate how materials behave and start programming, using AI-assisted Python to solve simple engineering problems.
- Level 5 · second year
Automated workflows and simple agents
Use data and automated workflows to improve engineering processes, and learn to set up simple no-code and low-code agents: automated helpers that run routine tasks for you. You’ll also work through case studies from Google Cloud experts.
- Level 6 · final year
Digital prototyping, real industry challenges and certification skills
Bring designs to life through simulation and digital prototyping, and evaluate AI design tools critically. Take on real industry challenges, and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.
Learn the subject with Arden. Prove the skill with Google Cloud.
Your degree is co-developed with Google Cloud and taught and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud’s expertise sits alongside Arden’s academic experience, so you explore AI and digital technologies alongside your engineering studies and build Google Cloud skills employers recognise.
Google Cloud skills
Build Google Cloud skills alongside your engineering studies.
Simulation and digital prototyping
Create, simulate and test designs digitally, so you can refine them before production.
Skills for Google Cloud certification
Gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications in your final year.
Course details
Apply your learning to practical engineering challenges while building knowledge across design simulation, material performance, programming, data and digital manufacturing.
Not sure you’re ready to start at degree level? A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your study skills and confidence first. Switch it on to see how your course changes.
You’re viewing this course with a foundation year. It adds one year at the start, so your degree takes four years. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- Qualification
- BEng (Hons)
- Awarded by
- Arden University
- Partnership
- Co-developed with Google Cloud
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Entry route
- Start at Level 4. A foundation year is available if you need it.
- Start date
- February 2027
- Study modes
- Blended or online
- Attendance
- Weekdays
- Campus locations
- London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
- Online availability
- Available internationally
- Learning platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
- Course materials
- Included, with no textbook purchase required
- Validation
- Subject to validation
Your degree is taught, assessed and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud contributes learning content, tools and subject-matter expertise.
Course details
Apply your learning to practical engineering challenges while building knowledge across design simulation, material performance, programming, data and digital manufacturing.
Not sure you’re ready to start at degree level? A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your study skills and confidence first. Switch it on to see how your course changes.
You’re viewing this course with a foundation year. It adds one year at the start, so your degree takes four years. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- Qualification
- BEng (Hons)
- Awarded by
- Arden University
- Partnership
- Co-developed with Google Cloud
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Duration
- 4 years full-time, including the foundation year
- Entry route
- Start with a foundation year, then move on to Level 4
- Start date
- February 2027
- Study mode
- Blended (foundation year is on campus)
- Attendance
- Weekdays
- Campus locations
- London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
- Learning platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
- Course materials
- Included, with no textbook purchase required
- Validation
- Subject to validation
Your degree is taught, assessed and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud contributes learning content, tools and subject-matter expertise.
What you'll study
Modules are grouped by year. Level 4 is your first year, Level 5 your second and Level 6 your final year. Each column shows that year’s modules and, where confirmed, how many credits each is worth.
Returning to study, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements? Switch on the foundation year to see what you’d study before Level 4.
The foundation year is shown first. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- First year
Level 4
4 modules- Professional Digital Practice (Employability)
- Programming for Digital Professionals
- Simulating Material Behaviour
- Computer Aided Design and Design Practice
- Second year
Level 5
4 modules- Applied Professional Skills: Automated Workflows
- Applied Data Intelligence
- Materials and Manufacturing
- Advanced Design Simulation & Material Performance
- Final year
Level 6
4 modules- Arden Impact Module: Design Engineering
- Future Design: AI Tools, Creativity & Critical Evaluation
- Sustainable Design & Lifecycle Engineering
- Applied Simulation & Digital Prototyping
Modules are subject to validation and may change.
What you'll study
Modules are grouped by year. You’ll start with the foundation year, then move on to Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6, your final year. Each column shows that year’s modules and, where confirmed, how many credits each is worth.
Returning to study, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements? Switch on the foundation year to see what you’d study before Level 4.
The foundation year is shown first. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- First year
Foundation year
To be confirmedYou’ll build the study skills and confidence you need before your engineering degree begins. We’re still confirming the foundation year modules for this course. Register your interest and we’ll send them to you as soon as they’re published.
- Second year
Level 4
4 modules- Professional Digital Practice (Employability)
- Programming for Digital Professionals
- Simulating Material Behaviour
- Computer Aided Design and Design Practice
- Third year
Level 5
4 modules- Applied Professional Skills: Automated Workflows
- Applied Data Intelligence
- Materials and Manufacturing
- Advanced Design Simulation & Material Performance
- Final year
Level 6
4 modules- Arden Impact Module: Design Engineering
- Future Design: AI Tools, Creativity & Critical Evaluation
- Sustainable Design & Lifecycle Engineering
- Applied Simulation & Digital Prototyping
Modules are subject to validation and may change.
Careers after this course
Digital engineering skills are increasingly relevant wherever technology is used to design, manufacture and improve products and systems. You could start a career in digital engineering, design, manufacturing, simulation or automation, or continue to postgraduate study.
Examples of roles this course could lead to
- Digital Engineer
- Design Engineer
- CAD Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Simulation Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Digital Manufacturing Specialist
How you can study
Study through blended learning at one of seven Arden UK campuses, or online from anywhere, with the same high standards of teaching. Full-time, the degree takes three years, or four if you start with a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.
Blended learning
- Where
- London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
- Platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
Blended learning means eight hours of timetabled classes each week, over two days at your chosen Arden campus. You’ll also do around 25 hours of independent study a week through Arden’s digital learning platform. You’ll have the Library Portal, journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases to hand. Essential course materials are provided, so there are no textbooks to buy.
It suits students who value regular face-to-face teaching with tutors and classmates and who live within commuting distance of an Arden campus.
Funding. Eligible students may be able to access tuition-fee and maintenance support. Funding arrangements vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Online learning
- Where
- Online, from anywhere in the world
- Platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
Online learning is available for this degree without a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.
Studying online means you can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the UK or the world and study from home, without attending classes in a physical location. You’ll study through Arden’s digital learning platform, with your virtual classroom, lecture theatre and the Library Portal’s journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases. All your course materials are provided free of charge.
Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. You’ll get regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, and you can meet other students through the community and the discussion boards built into each module.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last three years, or an equivalent qualification.
- We may also consider you if you have at least two years of professional work experience, shown in a CV and a reference.
- We look at every application individually.
- A personal statement, references or evidence of relevant experience may be requested.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any element.
- TOEFL iBT 80.
- Or an accepted equivalent.
Don’t meet these requirements yet, or want to build your confidence first? Switch on the foundation year to see the route in.
Showing entry requirements for the foundation year route. Switch it off to see the requirements for starting at Level 4.
Entry requirements with a foundation year
Academic requirements
- The foundation year is for you if you don’t yet meet the requirements to start at Level 4, or you’re returning to study after a break.
- We look at every application individually, including your qualifications and your work and life experience.
- Our admissions team will confirm the requirements for the foundation year and talk you through your options.
- A personal statement, references or evidence of relevant experience may be requested.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any element.
- TOEFL iBT 80.
- Or an accepted equivalent.
Don’t meet these requirements yet, or want to build your confidence first? Switch on the foundation year to see the route in.
Showing entry requirements for the foundation year route. Switch it off to see the requirements for starting at Level 4.
Start with a foundation year
A foundation year is an optional extra year at the start of your degree. It helps you build the study skills and confidence to succeed before your first year (Level 4) begins.
Who it’s for
It suits you if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements, you’re coming back to study after a break, or you’re changing career and would like to build your confidence first.
How long it takes
With a foundation year, your degree takes four years instead of three. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.
Where it leads
When you complete the foundation year, you move on to Level 4, the first year of your degree, and study the same modules as everyone else.
See your course with a foundation year
You’ll build the study skills and confidence you need before your engineering degree begins.
Switch it on to add the foundation year to the course details, modules and entry requirements on this page. Your choice also changes the foundation year answer in the registration form.
Switch it on to add the foundation year to the course details, modules and entry requirements on this page. Your choice also changes the foundation year answer in the registration form.
Not sure where to start?
We’ll help you find the right starting point. Register your interest, and our admissions team can talk you through your options, including the foundation year.
The world is moving fast. Learn to move with it.
Whether you’re changing career, coming back to study or building on the career you have, register your interest in the BEng (Hons) Digital Engineering and we’ll tell you as soon as applications open.
Be first to know when applications open
- An email the moment applications open
- The confirmed module list and fees as soon as they're published
- Invitations to online sessions about your course, as they become available
- No obligation to apply, and you can unsubscribe at any time
Course details and modules are subject to validation and may change.