School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Are you fascinated by technology and design? Primarily problem solvers, mechanical engineers design, create and use tools and methods in every industry from atomic physics to space exploration. They play a vital role in tackling problems that affect us all such as energy security; efficient manufacturing and smart cities. Our engineering students are taught by enthusiastic staff with strong industry links who use laboratory sessions and physical demonstrations to reinforce academic learning.

Our accredited BEng Mechanical Engineering is designed to start your journey to becoming a qualified professional mechanical engineer. Our engineering courses rely strongly on practical work and you will develop your design skills throughout the course. We offer the opportunity to undertake a paid placement year to help consolidate and develop your engineering knowledge and many students receive job offers as a result of their time in industry.

Specialise further:

Our BEng and MEng Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology course can all be taken with composites engineering as a specialist pathway. For more advice on which course is right for you, see our 'Which course?' advice.

Opportunities available...

  • A scholarship scheme is available: for more information, see the 'Fees, costs and funding' section, below.
  • Excellence schemes: we may make you a personalised offer if you are a strong candidate – visit our webpage for details.

Key features
  • 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. 
Course details

  • 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
    In this module, students develop and apply their engineering science knowledge in a practical design context. They learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis/decision making and commercial awareness. They apply this process to solve a design challenge. They also learn to use parametric calculations to optimise components/systems for specific design constraints.
    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 (Hons) Mechanical Engineering programme specifications_3383

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.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Entry requirements

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.
English language requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
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.
Fees, costs and funding
Student 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £14,600 £16,300
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Scholarships for outstanding School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics applicants

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Scholarship Scheme recognises and rewards the achievements of high achieving entrants to our undergraduate degree programmes. Scholarships of £1,000 will be automatically awarded to the highest qualified 12 new entrants from across our four disciplines - Engineering, Computing, Mathematics and Navigation. Selection will be based upon entry qualifications and strength of application. Awards will be made during first year of study.
This scheme is open to home students only. 
There are additional subject specific prizes and awards to reward outstanding achievement in later stages of study.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork, equipment and graduation costs.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Welcome to mechanical engineering at the University of Plymouth

Graduate profile - Blair Gordon
Graduate profile – Blair Gordon

New engineering and design facility

"The building will provide a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole." – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility will provide a home for the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture.
<p>New Engineering and Design Facility</p>

Optional work placement year

<p>Mechanical engineering</p>

Get your career off to a great start by spending a year working professionally as a student engineer between years two and three. You could earn £15,000 a year or more, and possibly gain sponsorship through your final year(s) at university.

Gain experience that will help you find a job when you graduate and a Certificate of Professional or Work Experience in addition to your degree award.

"I spent a year on work placement with Plymouth-based Fine Tubes, a manufacturer of precision tubes for a wide range of industries including aerospace, oil and gas, medical. As a result of my performance, the company sponsored the final year of my degree and offered me a job"

Russell Lloyd – BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduate

The Tamar Engineering Project

Are you inspired and fascinated by the potential of technological and engineering advancements? Do you want to make a positive difference to the world around you?
The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Learn if you are eligible for this scholarship at the University of Plymouth through the Tamar Engineering Project 
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
<p>Gemma Maynard</p>
<p>athena swan bronze</p>

Athena Swan Bronze

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in October 2020 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.

Vision for a new engineering building

This landmark building will be situated next to Babbage and will provide a new home for engineering in Plymouth, providing the environment and foundations for our teaching and research into the next decade.

“This new building will offer a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers of tomorrow, giving us the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” Professor Deborah Greaves OBE, Head of school.

Learn more about the new facility

<p>The University of Plymouth's new engineering and design facility - aerial view<br></p>

People

Final year project

Our final year project open day showcases the excellence of engineering skills development and the high levels of achievement of our undergraduates.

*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uniis updated annually in September.