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Engineering: origins, methods, context

This module examines the range of human activity that is ‘engineering’, setting current practice in a historical context and looking forward to developments that will shape the future. It introduces and explains key scientific principles, mathematical techniques and design methodologies to equip you with a toolkit for further engineering study. It presents mathematics in an engineering context to emphasise relevance and build your confidence in framing problems, addressing design challenges and formulating solutions. Reflective practice is encouraged throughout, and you’ll have the opportunity to share and discuss aspects of your work with other students.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

Browse qualifications in related subjects

Module

Module code

T192

Credits

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.
30

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
1 7 4

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

Student Reviews

This was a very enjoyable module. On the maths side it provided a gentle introduction into algebra, indices, notation and...

A very enjoyable module. Broad concepts and ideas in engineering, electronics and design were covered as well as enough maths...

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The wealth and safety of nations depend upon engineering skills. This module, which is the starting point for a recognised qualification in engineering, shows you why. It uses a combination of books, online resources and media to help you become a:

  • successful learner
  • well-informed student of engineering
  • confident user of mathematics.

This module introduces you to key principles of engineering and design engineering, while helping you to improve your study skills and to develop as an independent and reflective learner. You will learn how the broad discipline that is engineering has developed over time, explore current examples of engineering practice, and get a taster of future trends.

Scientific knowledge and mathematical skills are both essential components of engineering. They form a major part of this module and are included and practised throughout, with the engineering topics providing a clear context for their application.

The module is presented in two parts, each supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided from the module website, which includes interactive online activities, practice quizzes and media clips. You will have opportunities to communicate and work online with other students, and have tutor support throughout the module.

Part one
The first part introduces the scientific and social context within which engineering has developed and is currently practised. It explores the nature and purpose of engineering by looking at examples of engineering products and projects, and of engineers at work, and provides an opportunity to think about your own experience and plans for the future. The resources needed for engineering are explored. These include people skills, sources of information and guidance, scientific models and mathematical techniques, as well as physical resources like materials and energy.

The mathematical focus of this part is on algebra and mathematical modelling. Topics will include:

  • using numbers, symbols and units appropriately
  • setting out and rearranging equations
  • working with fractions, percentages and powers
  • creating a mathematical model
  • drawing and interpreting graphs.

There are opportunities to check that you have the basic background knowledge needed to study the module and to fill in any gaps, and plenty of chances to practise applying techniques to engineering problems.

Other activities will explore learning styles, time management, study techniques and good academic practice. You will be guided in using the OU library and encouraged to interact with other students on the module forums. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.

Part two
Design engineering is the focus of this part. You will begin by looking at ways of approaching complex design problems and then look at all stages of the design process, from finding problems to testing final design solutions. Case studies will be used to provide examples of the evolution of design projects, and how the relationship between creative to analytical thinking can be harnessed.

Key engineering topics covered will be:

  • design contexts – drivers, conditions and constraints
  • identifying, framing, representing and researching design challenges
  • creative techniques and approaches to problem solving
  • talking about design engineering – words, images, drawings, communication
  • the design process – iteration, optimisation, physical and digital prototyping
  • current and future trends in design engineering.

You will have more opportunities to practise and extend your skills in algebra and using graphs, and new mathematics topics in geometry and trigonometry will be introduced. You will be encouraged to experiment with using techniques from your growing ‘mathematical toolbox’ to tackle engineering challenges.

Part two of the module will also introduce you to Open Engineering Studio, a virtual space where you can share work with other students, share ideas, and give and receive feedback on design tasks.

Throughout the module, interactive quizzes will give you a chance to practise maths questions to prepare for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assignment questions will be based on activities in the module material.

By the end of this module you will be very well prepared to continue your studies in engineering.

If you are considering progressing to Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193), normally you should have completed or be studying this module.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.

They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

There are four interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). These do not count towards your final mark, but you must reach a threshold on at least three of them to pass the module.

Future availability

Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) starts twice a year – in April and October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and April 2026.

We expect it to start for the last time in April 2029.

Regulations

As a student of 快猫视频, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our website.

Course work includes:

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
No examination


Entry requirements

This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.

You’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.

is a diagnostic quiz to help you decide if you have the knowledge/experience to start the module. We provide guidance on what to do next at the end of the quiz.

Register

Start End England fee Register
05 Apr 2025 Sep 2025 -

Registration now closed
04 Oct 2025 Mar 2026 拢1946.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)
11 Apr 2026 Sep 2026 拢1946.00

Registration closes 12/03/26 (places subject to availability)
This module is expected to start for the last time in April 2029.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

快猫视频 Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient &/courses/modules/t192/39;pay as you go&/courses/modules/t192/39; option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that 快猫视频 works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

  • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
  • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

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Employer sponsorship

Studying with 快猫视频 can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

  • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
  • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

Credit/debit card

You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an .


Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University&/courses/modules/t192/39;s fee policy, visit our .

This information was provided on 04/04/2025.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you&/courses/modules/t192/39;ve started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we&/courses/modules/t192/39;ll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you&/courses/modules/t192/39;re unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don&/courses/modules/t192/39;t worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you&/courses/modules/t192/39;ll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • assessment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • OpenEngineering studio - an online collaborative studio.

You’ll also be provided with two module books and a module handbook.

You will need

A scientific calculator, basic drawing equipment and a device capable of producing digital images (e.g. a smartphone, digital camera or scanner).

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T192 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our .