A*AA with A* in Mathematics
The minimum A-level standard is A*AA, including A* in Mathematics and an A in two further subjects. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Undergraduate · Imperial Design Engineering
Imperial Design Engineering MEng: mathematics, design and technical preparation
Imperial's Design Engineering MEng is an engineering degree with design as a method, taught in the Dyson School. It asks for A* in Mathematics, the ESAT with only the two mathematics modules, and an online interview in which you may show examples of your own work or projects. It includes a six-month paid industrial placement in the third year. The decision is whether you want engineering plus design thinking, rather than a conventional engineering discipline or a design or architecture degree. Everything cycle-specific here is Imperial's wording for 2027 entry; nothing below is a confirmed 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Design Engineering
Taken from Imperial's Design Engineering MEng course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The IB: 39 points with 7 in Mathematics
The IB entry standard is 39 points, including 7 in Mathematics and 6 in another subject at Higher Level. Either Mathematics syllabus is accepted.
The ESAT: Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2
You must sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test. To be eligible for selection you need two modules, Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2, each with 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
An online interview where you may show your own work
If your application shows sufficient potential, you are invited to an online interview, typically between November and March. You are encouraged to present examples of your own work or projects for two minutes at most.
A four-year MEng with a paid placement
The degree is UCAS 28G3, a four-year MEng with a six-month paid industrial placement in the third year, accredited by three professional bodies on behalf of the Engineering Council.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Imperial's Design Engineering MEng course page, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's separate ESAT page, fees, the page's accreditation periods and placement-company examples (not used), the application-to-places ratio (not used) and the 2028-entry values were not read or are not stated.
The course
Engineering skills and design methods taught together
Imperial says design engineering combines traditional engineering with modern design tools and mindsets, preparing students to turn creativity into real-world solutions. Skills named on the page include computer-aided engineering, rapid prototyping, human-centred design, systems thinking and sustainability. In the first two years students study core subjects such as design principles, mathematics, electronics, mechatronics and data science, working in teams and using hackspaces and workshops. In the final two years optional modules allow specialisation, a six-month paid industrial placement takes place in the third year, and the final year includes projects and entrepreneurship opportunities. The degree meets the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status.
Choosing between courses
Design engineering, conventional engineering, or design?
The three differ in what you will be asked to produce and how mathematical the route is.
Choose Design Engineering if
you want to design, prototype and test products and systems, enjoy working in teams in workshops, and are comfortable with the mathematics that engineering needs.
Look at Mechanical Engineering if
your priority is the physics of machines and energy. Imperial's Mechanical Engineering has its own guide and subject rules, including Physics.
Look at Cambridge Design or architecture if
you want a design-led degree with a different admissions route. Cambridge Design and architecture degrees have their own guides and portfolios.
Reading the offer
Mathematics at A*, and a second subject that need not be a science
The A-level standard is A*AA, with A* in Mathematics and A in two further subjects; Physics is not named as required on the page read. The IB standard is 39 points with 7 in Mathematics and 6 in another subject at Higher Level, and either IB Mathematics syllabus is accepted. If you are offered a place you must pass the practical endorsement in any science subject that forms part of it. That openness about the other subjects is useful, but it does not reduce the weight of the mathematics: the ESAT has two mathematics modules and no science module.
The test and the interview
Two mathematics modules, then an interview that welcomes your own work
The ESAT is a computer-based multiple-choice test run by UAT-UK. For this course you need Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2, each with 27 questions in 40 minutes. Imperial's page gave two test windows for 2027 entry, and those dates belong to that cycle. If your application shows sufficient potential you are invited to an online interview, typically between November and March. Imperial says it will assess your interest and aptitude through a range of questions and problems, and encourages you to present examples of your own work or projects towards the end for two minutes at most, so choose them carefully. The work must be your own.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
What have you made, and what did you change after it failed?
Interviews welcome your own projects. Choose one where you can explain a decision, a failure and a revision.
Is the mathematics a strength?
A* in Mathematics is required and the ESAT is entirely mathematical for this course. Check where you stand.
Do you want teamwork and workshops, as well as theory?
The first two years are project-based and use workshops. Think about whether you enjoy that way of learning.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
Grades, the Mathematics rule, the two ESAT modules and the online interview with your own work: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
UCAS deadline, ESAT windows and booking dates, interview dates and any change to selection arrangements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's Design Engineering course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Secure Mathematics at A*, prepare for the two ESAT modules, and keep a record of your own projects in a form you can explain briefly.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Mathematics mentoring, ESAT preparation and help planning how to explain your own projects support a student; Avandy does not design, build or improve any applicant's project. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Imperial Design Engineering entry requirements?
A*AA at A level with A* in Mathematics and an A in two further subjects, or 39 IB points with 7 in Mathematics and 6 in another subject at Higher Level. This is Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need Physics?
The page read does not name Physics as required. A* in Mathematics is required, with A in two further subjects.
Which ESAT modules do I need?
Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2. Each has 27 multiple-choice questions and lasts 40 minutes.
Can I show my own projects at interview?
Yes. Imperial encourages applicants to present examples of their own work or projects towards the end of the interview, for two minutes at most.
Is there an industrial placement?
Imperial describes a six-month paid industrial placement in the third year.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Design Engineering
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, their design and making experience and their ESAT readiness, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.