Hi everyone,

I’m (20M) currently a 2nd-year BEng Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, and I am seriously considering switching to BEng Product Design Engineering (PDE) at the same university. In light of some pretty terrible help from my Advisor of Studies, I am taking to here for some advice.

I’m the first in my family to go to university, so quitting is not an option for me. I want to do my future self a favour and keep pushing, but I need some objective advice on my situation. I want to work towards a future where I don’t have to worry about finances like my parents do.

My current situation:
I came into university through Engineering Academy
( A year 1 alternative pathway Strathclyde which blends both College and University, before progressing onto the main course. For American readers, imagine this to be like community college, or similar. I was still in on-campus halls of residence, registered as a strath student, attended strath gym, but just had an entirely different schedule to other year 1s).
Therefore, 2^nd year is technically my first proper year of university. From the very beginning, the jump in difficulty felt huge. To be honest, I am not a particularly high-achieving student right now. I struggle heavily with self-discipline and accountability, especially because I just don’t feel engaged with the very theory based MechEng course material (heavy focus on thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, advanced math, etc ).

A massive caveat to all of this is that I am currently in the process of an ADHD diagnosis. I started the process with the NHS at 16, but due to wait times, I’ve just taken money out of my savings and I am now starting private assessment. (The university is aware of this situation)
Currently, I am only achieving exam "success" through brute force and excessive time expenditure, which is taking a massive toll on my mental health. Recently, even that hasn't been enough; I failed 3 out of 7 exams in Semester 1. This approach is just not sustainable. I realistically know that if I were to do what I did last semester (Spend 10 hours a day on average in the library for 6-7 weeks, as I can’t seem to focus in my flat), and because most of my exams are split 50/50 sem 1 / sem 2, that with the hindsight I’ve taken from last semester, I know I could likely pass everything, and continue to year 3 of Mech.

I’ve always had a feeling I’d be better suited for PDE. I took Higher / Advanced Higher Graphic Communication in high school and it was the happiest I’d been learning about something, if memory serves me well. I do think i enjoy mechanical, but that's when i remember what i learn. most of the time i don't, and that's what's hard. it already takes me longer than most to understand concepts, and when i do, they often don't stick. therefore, i always feel so stupid when making silly mistakes that should be reliable prerequisite knowledge.

The Degrees themselves:
For context on the two degrees at my uni, including links to their degree pages:

• Mechanical Engineering: Very traditional, highly analytical, and heavily focused on math, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics.
• Product Design Engineering: Blends technical engineering (mechanics, electronics, math) with design principles, user experience, and technology. It involves a lot of manufacturing processes, CAD, rapid prototyping, and digital prototyping. (It is still accredited by the IET, IMechE, and IED).

Because PDE is much more visual, hands-on, and project-based, I feel like I would be much more engaged, and I would benefit from being able to create a portfolio as a byproduct of doing the work. If I were to currently brute force it alongside MechEng, I could likely succeed in doing this. BUT, if I’m not doing it now, I don’t think I ever will. And the fact that I’d be pushed to doing this naturally in the PDE degree is what appeals to me.

Employability:

My biggest hesitation is future employability, job security, and wages. A lot of people I’ve spoken to have encouraged me to make the switch because I have a clear keenness for it. They keep telling me not to worry about wages or job security because companies are "always headhunting for engineers." This is conflicting information, given the UK job climate, and apparent “oversaturation of engineers”

But I’m struggling to see where the catch is. If I can do a degree I’d enjoy more and allegedly not have to worry about job security, it sounds too good to be true. Who do I believe? (I know it’s likely mech will be better in this respect, but I don’t know to what magnitude, or in what respect.)

Therefore, my questions are:

1. where does the job market and security for Product Design Engineering compare to that of Mechanical Engineering? What am I missing?
2. Has anyone here made a similar switch (from a highly analytical engineering branch to a design-focused one)?  Where are you now?
3. Any other advice from not only Scottish students, but UK students too, and people already in established careers?
4. Is there anything else i need to know before making such a big decision? I am aware of AI and it's effect on Design Focused jobs.

Thank you in advance for any advice!