MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

• Optional 'with composites' pathway available
  In year 4, you have the option to choose a specialist 'with composites' pathway, which allows you to study the design and manufacture of specialist materials. Should you wish to choose this route, ‘with composites’ will appear as a named specialism on your degree certificate to acknowledge your specialism in this area.

• Take your studies a step further
  This four year integrated masters programme takes your learning and expertise development all the way to masters level.
  

• Make use of cutting-edge facilities
  When our new engineering and design facility is launched, students in engineering, science and the arts will have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories.
  

• Open the door to a successful future
  With starting salaries from £23,000, our graduates have gone on to work for Hoare Lea, Babcock Marine, Becton Dickinson, e2v, Edwards, the Shaw Group and the Ministry of Defence.

• Define yourself with an IMechE-accredited degree
  The course has been designed to fully satisfy the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

• Be flexible
  Our combined first year allows you to switch to marine technology or civil engineering in line with your career ambitions. A choice of modules in the final year allows you to specialise further.

• Be unique
  Our courses are the only ones in the country to have a named 'with composites' pathway; choosing this will allow you to stand out in the job market.

• Learn hands-on
  We offer the latest industry-standard software, laboratory sessions and practical classes.

• Put learning into practice
  Take a paid year in industry – many of our students receive job offers or sponsorship as a result of their placements.

• Go on to thrive
  Your degree opens doors to sectors as diverse as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and energy.
  

• Year 1

• In the first year of your mechanical engineering course, you will study alongside other engineering students to learn about the fundamental principles underpinning the subjects studied throughout the course. You will develop your mathematical skills and study engineering materials, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. You will learn about generic design processes and computer-aided design, and work in a team to undertake a real-world design challenge. Laboratory sessions will form an important part of your learning.

  Core modules

  BPIE115 Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation

  This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  ENGR101 Engineering Design

  This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.

  ENGR102 Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques

  The mainly experimental basis of this module allows students to extend their engineering knowledge and practical competence using a guided, student-centred, and laboratory-based approach to develop fundamental understanding of a range of engineering topics. The module will help students acquire good study skills and competency in technical communication.

  ENGR103 Engineering Science

  This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.

  ENGR104 Engineering Mathematics

  This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

  ENGR105 Mechanics and Structures

  This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.

  ENGR106 Engineering Materials

  This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.
  

• Year 2

• The second year introduces subjects like control systems engineering and quality management while further developing your thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mathematics and design skills. These subjects are explored in lectures, in laboratory sessions and workshops. At this point, you can opt in to the 'with composites' pathway.

  The placements module will develop your professional and transferable skills for the workplace and support you in finding an appropriate placement.

  Core modules

  MATS235 Materials & Structural Integrity

  This module introduces students to the structural assessment of a range of engineering materials. It includes both a study of the materials themselves as well as their likely failure mechanisms under load. The module will also develop the underpinning mathematical analysis required to quantify these effects in an appropriate manner.

  MECH233 Manufacturing Processes

  This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to manufacturing. It will cover both the fundamentals of forming, shaping, joining and traditional machining processes in relation to a range of engineering materials and the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties. It will also include hands-on workshop activities to reinforce understanding and to develop additional engineering competences

  CONT222 Engineering Maths & Control

  This module provides engineering mathematical techniques and methods (Laplace transform and linear algebra) for the analysis of practical engineering problems and introduces classical control systems theory.

  MECH235 Mechanical Engineering Design & Commercialisation
  

  This module’s study of design is based upon principles of engineering mechanics and application of finite element analysis (FEA). We will utilise appropriate software tools e.g. Solid-works, ANSYS etc. in a practical mechanical design context. Students will learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis and commercial awareness then apply this process to solve a design challenge.

  MECH234 Thermo-Fluids

  This module will introduce student’s key concepts in thermodynamics and fluids mechanics theory (1st and 2nd laws) pertaining to mechanical engineering. It will also include an introduction to heat transfer and its application in design and performance of heat engines and other applications.

  MFRG209 Engineering Quality Management

  This module provides the student with an understanding of the importance of Total Quality to a manufacturer, its measurement and some of the tools available to the designer/manager to ensure it is profitably achieved. It introduces the concept of the World-Class organisation, its culture and management as well as the international (ISO) management systems (quality, environment and H&S) involved. 

  BPIE215 Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation

• Optional placement year

• By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.

  
  

  Optional modules
  
  BPIE335 Engineering Related Placement
  

• Year 4

• The fourth year will deepen your understanding of computer aided engineering tools and control systems. You will also focus your specialism choosing to further your understanding of thermofluids and design methodology or choosing to study the theoretical and practical aspects of composites engineering on the 'with composites' pathway. Your dissertation project enables you to research the topics that interest you and will allow you to bring together all you have learnt so far.

  Pure mechanical engineering pathway
  Core modules

  PRME307 ME Honours Project

  In this module you will carry out Independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

  MECH341 Computer Aided Engineering (FEA/CFD)
  

  In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.

  CONT317 Control and Intelligent Systems Design

  This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.

  THER307 Thermo-Fluid Engineering

  This module provides further studies in thermal and fluid engineering relating to specific topics relevant to mechanical engineering.

  MECH342 Mechanical Engineering Design in Practice

  This module further develops a methodical approach to engineering design. Students will create solutions to a complex engineering problem, embodiment designs using CAD tools, validate functionality, optimise technical performance and consider design for excellence targets across the product lifecycle. The module also considers the professional responsibilities of engineers, codes of conduct and typical ethical issues.
  
  

  Mechanical engineering with composites pathway
  Core modules

  PRME307 MEC Honours Project

  In this module you will carry out Independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor. 

  MECH341 Computer Aided Engineering (FEA/CFD)

  In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.

  CONT317 Control and Intelligent Systems Design

  This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.

  MATS347 Composites Design and Manufacture
  

  The module provides an integrated approach to design, materials and processing selection for engineering composite materials.

  MATS348 Composites Engineering

  This module introduces stress analysis and appropriate numerical methods in the context of composite materials and integrates the learning in a practical assignment to produce a prototype composite component.
  

• Final year

• The core subject of design, materials and computer-aided engineering tools are taken to an advanced level in the MEng year. You will have the opportunity to choose modules to complement your specialism, allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your interests and career plans.

  Pure mechanical engineering pathway
  Core modules

  MECH550 Design for Excellence

  In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.

  MECH545 Advanced FEA & CFD

  This module will develop knowledge and understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the context of an advanced analysis / design project. Develops an understanding of the limitations inherent in industrial Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools and the need for validation / verification strategies to quantify and reduce uncertainty.

  MECH551 Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
  

  This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glass and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.

  MAR536 Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Structures

  This module will cover engineering aspects of offshore renewable energy conversion. The module comprises lectures and tutorials, invited industry lectures, a field trip visit to a marine engineering company and a wave energy converter performance experiment in the COAST Lab.
  

  Electives (one option)
  

  MECH544 Data Processing, Simulation and Optimisation

  The data processing part of the module explores the benefits and limitations of data processing in engineering practice. State of the art tools and techniques will be introduced in this module. The Simulation and Optimisation of Engineering Systems part will provide the tools to enable the students to develop dynamic simulation of engineering systems, predict their behaviour and optimise their performance using MATLAB/Simulink.

  ROCO508Z Intelligent Sensors and Control for Autonomous Systems

  The module covers a range of classical and smart sensors and actuators, which can be applied in interactive and automated system, with emphasis on several key sensors. This module introduces the basic and advanced concepts of linear and nonlinear modelling analysis and design of intelligent control systems. This module has a strong hands-on component.

  
  Mechanical engineering with composites pathway
  Core modules

  MECH550 Design for Excellence

  In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.

  MECH545 Advanced FEA & CFD

  This module will develop knowledge and understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the context of an advanced analysis / design project. Develops an understanding of the limitations inherent in industrial Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools and the need for validation / verification strategies to quantify and reduce uncertainty.

  MECH551 Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology

  This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glass and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.

  MATS500 Advanced Composites Technology

  In the context of advanced composites engineering this module is concerned with developing a good understanding of composites manufacture, process modelling and materials characterisation.

  MAR536 Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Structures

  This module will cover engineering aspects of marine renewable energy conversion. The module comprises lectures and tutorials, invited industry lectures, a field trip visit to a marine engineering company and a wave energy converter performance experiment in the COAST lab.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

MEng Mechanical Engineering ProgrammeSpecifications 3383

UCAS tariff

120 - 136

Applicants exceeding our entry requirements may be eligible for an offer under our Engineering and Navigation Excellence Scheme.

A level: Typical offer will be 128 points including Grade C at Maths and Grade C at second relevant subject: Applied ICT, Applied Science, Applied Business, Biology, Business/Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, Computer Science, DT (Product Design Resistant Materials), DT (systems and Control Tech), DT Product Design (Textiles Tech), Economics, Economics and Business, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Design and Technology, ICT, Physics, Science, Statistics, Further Maths, Use of Maths, Pure Maths. Excluding General Studies.

International Baccalaureate: 30-32 overall to include 5 at Higher Level mathematics and 5 at Higher Level science or a technology subject at Higher Level. English and Mathematics must be included. 

GCSE: mathematics and English language grade C or above is required.

All BTEC courses: Not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses: Not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience.

Other qualifications also considered, please enquire.

Please note: We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match to our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.

Course requires ATAS

ATAS is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme which was introduced by the British government to certify students from outside the EU who wish to study or conduct research in Britain in certain sensitive technology related fields. For selected courses, obtaining a valid ATAS certificate is a requirement for gaining visa approval so should be taken seriously as part of any application. Areas related to ATAS include chemistry, engineering, physics, biophysics, metallurgy and microbiology. ATAS is used at all British universities and is enforced by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. More information.