City College Plymouth

FdSc Mechanical Engineering

Institution code C83
Duration

3 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location City College Plymouth
We are a double Gold award-winning TEF college recognised for excellence in teaching and student achievement. Our supportive higher education community includes small classes, personal tuition, and dedicated, enthusiastic tutors and lecturers, delivering courses designed with employers. We offer higher national certificates (HNCs), foundation degrees and bachelor’s degree top-up courses approved by the University of Plymouth. Our courses combine academic study with the practical skills and attributes needed in the modern workplace.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CITY1077
    Engineering Mathematics

    To develop the student's mathematical ability and to apply principles to the solution of engineering problems and to make use of mathematical computer based packages

    CITY1078
    Engineering Science 1

    An introduction to mechanical principles, energy transfer and AC electrical theory. Mechanical principles including solid mechanics, statics, dynamics and mechanical vibrations. Modes of heat transfer and energy losses. Electrical principles and single phase AC theory.

    CITY1091
    Engineering Materials

    Study of Material structure. Appreciation of material properties. Understanding of manufacturing and design considerations for the use of different materials.

    CITY1092
    CAD Techniques and Design

    An Introduction into CAD in the Design Process, progressing swiftly through 2D draughting to explore 3D conceptual design and visualisation. During this module students will take part in a relevant work based design project.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CITY1095
    Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics

    Learners will investigate pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams, examine the characteristics of components and equipment and evaluate the applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.

    CITY1098
    Management Techniques in Mechanical Engineering

    On completion of this unit to appraise the main techniques that improve organisations’ operations.

    CITY2092
    Engineering Science 2

    This module will enhance the knowledge acquired in engineering science, looking at more in depth methods of analysis of solids, statics and dynamics in the field of engineering

    CITY2093
    Advanced CAD & FEA

    The development of 3D modelling techniques, Surface and Solid modelling within a dedicated 3D modelling package. Creating 3D visualisation and animations to communicate design concepts. Produce full sets of drawings, BOM’s and manufacturing information. Analyse the stresses and strains on structures using FEA techniques to achieve an optimised design solution.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CITY2094
    Engineering Design

    The aim of this module is to give students an opportunity to experience the process of carrying out a design project from conception to implementation. It will enable them to appreciate that design involves all aspects of customer desire, marketing, project planning, costing, product design and manufacture.

    CITY2097
    Project

    An integration of the skills and knowledge developed in other modules of the course within a major piece of work that allows the student to develop the ability to work individually; and with others, within a defined timescale and given constraints, to produce an acceptable and viable solution to an agreed brief.

    CITY2099
    Thermo and Fluids

    This module investigates the knowledge and understanding of thermodynamic system and fluid mechanics, in order to solve problems by analytical method and also familiarize with industrial machineries.

    CITY2100
    Engine Technology and Auxiliary Systems

    This module investigates a number of engineering principles which underpin the design and operation of power plant and drive systems used in the Marine Industry. It includes some elements of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, but emphasis is on the mechanics of engines and propulsion systems.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with City College Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact City College Plymouth to apply for this course:

City College Plymouth
Devonport
Plymouth
PL1 5QG

Tel: +441752305300
Email: info@cityplym.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with City College Plymouth

Just one-and-a-half miles from the University of Plymouth, we’re one of the largest colleges in the South West, with two main sites linked by shuttle buses, with a dynamic Students’ Union and Student Liaison Team.
Plymouth students working on a group project