Clearing with Plymouth University

Call our friendly Clearing team on 0333 241 6929.

We will help you find the right course for you.

• Clearing officially opens on results day, Thursday 17 August.
• Clearing closes on Wednesday 20 September.

For opening times and further information, visit our Clearing page.

• 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.
• Distinguish yourself professionally with a degree accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council. The course fully satisfies the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Study specialist modules in control systems engineering or thermo-fluid mechanics, and learn from engineering failures.
• Benefit from an optional 48 week paid work placement. Placements may lead to sponsorship and future employment opportunities.
• Engage in experimental work in excellent laboratories and workshops.
• Take the opportunity to make appropriate use of computer-aided engineering.
• Take advantage of a flexible course. The first two years are common with BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Composites and the first year is common with BEng (Hons) Marine Technology, allowing you to swap courses.
• Immerse yourself in additional modules in marketing and entrepreneurship, industrial computational fluid dynamics, robotics and control and structural design.

• Year 1
• In Year 1, you'll acquire a sound foundation in design, mechanics, materials, electrical principles, thermo-fluids, mathematics and business, learning by active involvement in real engineering problems. You’ll also undertake a hands-on module in manufacturing methods. Modules are shared with the BEng (Hons) Marine Technology and BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Composites.

  Core modules

  • A5MFT1 Mech BEng 1 MFT Session

    The course provides a basic practical workshop experience that enables students to appreciate the cutting of metals. This is achieved by the manufacture of a specific test piece using lathes and milling machines and includes the use of Computer Aided Manufacture / Machining.

  • 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.

  • MATH187 Engineering Mathematics

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

  • MATS122 Manufacturing and Materials

    This module introduces students to a range of engineering materials and the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties. Standard methods of testing are covered, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. An introduction to manufacturing covers both the fundamentals of forming and shaping and traditional machining processes.

  • MECH117 Mechanics

    The module introduces the basic concepts relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings.

  • MECH118 Basic Electrical Principles

    This module introduces the basic concepts of electrical principles and their applications.

  • MECH120 Skills for Design and Engineering (Mechanical)

    An introduction to the forms and role of engineering drawings and CAD in engineering design. Basic engineering drawing procedures, basic 2-D CAD and 3-D parametric associative CAD.

  • MECH121PP Team Engineering (Engineering Design in Action)

    This module helps students foster a technology-based, innovative and creative design identity. This is achieved through development of critical skills coupled with professional, multi-disciplinary teamwork. A practical focus is provided by a range of multi-facetted group design and engineering science projects based upon open-ended, real-world problems.

  • THER104 Introduction to Thermal Principles

    This module introduces the basic concepts of thermal concepts relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings.

• Year 2
• Year 2 consists of modules covering materials and structures, which are integrated through the central design theme, providing a holistic approach to mechanical engineering. Core subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and quality management, are supported by further studies in business, mathematics and control. 

  Core modules

  • BPIE215 Stage 2 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 build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  • CONT221 Engineering Mathematics and Control

    This module provides mathematical techniques and methods for the analysis of practical engineering problems and an introduction to classical control systems theory.

  • HYFM230 Fluid Mechanics 1

    Fluid mechanics for engineering applications (everything from water pipes to airliners)

  • MATS234 Materials

    This module extends the knowledge of the heat treatment of steels and alloy steels and other important engineering alloys. Polymer materials are developed by considering additives and co-polymers. There are major sections on corrosion and corrosion controls; diffusion with practical applications such as sintering and surface treatment; and fibre reinforced composite materials.

  • MECH232 Engineering Design

    This module focuses on development and application of engineering science knowledge in a practical design context. It also aims to develop a structured approach to engineering design work. Initial focus is on parametric design of engineering components, optimising for a specific set of design constraints. The module then moves on to develop creativity and design logic/process in a practical design project.

  • MFRG208 Quality Management l

    This module introduces the importance of quality to all aspects of the successful organisation by emphasising the costs associated with waste. Several of the tools and methodologies the designer/manager of manufacturing and business systems might use to build in and monitor quality are discussed.

  • STO208 Business for Engineers

    The module will enable participants to explore management techniques in an engineering context. The module will engage participants in managerial decision making and project management. Legal, HR and risk and ethical frameworks will be introduced as foundations for the practice of management. These perspectives will be considered theoretically and within practice contexts.

  • STRC203 Engineering Structures

    This module covers basic theories of structures and their applications in mechanical and marine engineering. Contents include the bending and shear of beams, torsion of shafts, buckling of struts, stress and strain analysis, and structural dynamics. Design of structural components using strength theories will also be introduced.

  • THER207 Applied Thermodynamics

    This module provides the application of thermodynamics theory (1st and 2nd laws) to a range of applications pertaining to mechanical engineering. Extension and application of the thermodynamic theory to IC engines including design and performance; Gas Turbines; Reciprocating Compressors; Refrigeration and Heat Pump systems. Introduction to heat transfer and its application in the design and performance of heat exchangers.

• Optional placement year
• You're encouraged to take a paid work placement to gain valuable professional experience. Many of our students go on to obtain sponsorship following a successful placement. We will support you in finding a suitable position. Our students have worked for a variety of companies from NASA to BMW Mini, Bentley, BAe, Rolls Royce, Babcock Marine. A successful placement could lead to sponsorship in your final year, an industrially relevant final year project, and opportunities for future employment.

  Optional modules

  • BPIE335 Mechanical Engineering Related Placement

    A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

• Year 4
• In your fourth year, you’ll further your studies in thermal and fluid engineering, control and intelligent systems and computer aided engineering. You'll study manufacturing, failure mechanisms and mechanics, quality management and statistics. You'll also research a topic of interest for your individual project. 

  Core modules

  • HYFM322 Computational Fluid Dynamics

    Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) focuses on practical use of CFD to complement experimental methods and/or empirical/analytical calculations in predicting the behaviour of flowing fluids. The module also provides an overview of the theory that underpins a typical Finite Volume CFD code.

  • MECH339 Manufacturing and Structural Integrity

    This module introduces a range of additive and other advanced manufacturing technologies including lean manufacturing principles and the relevance of health and safety to the modern manufacturer. It also investigates fundamental failure mechanisms that affect engineered components and structures such as wear, fatigue, fracture, and creep and introduces techniques used to establish relevant `Failure Control Plans¿.

  • MECH340 Engineering Design

    This module continues the theme of a structured, logical process for conducting engineering design work. It focuses on the latter stages of the design process. Emphasis is placed on the importance of aspects such as material, manufacturing process, tolerances, structural performance, cost, assembly, maintenance and sustainability. The module also considers ethical issues.

  • MFRG311 Quality Management II

    This module introduces the concept of the World-Class organisation, its culture and management as well as the international (ISO) management systems (quality and environment) it must address. Achieving World-Class status by developing appropriate relationships with all its stakeholders is also considered.

  • PRME307 Honours Project

    Independent project work.

  Optional modules

  • CONT317 Control and Intelligent Systems Design

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

  • THER307 Thermal-Fluids Engineering

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

• Final year
• In your final year, you’ll extend your existing skills in engineering design, analysis and control theory. You'll broaden your knowledge by studying subjects such as advanced information technology, robotics and marine renewable energy.  You'll also work in a design team with students from other engineering disciplines on projects such as design, materials and environmental issues related to bioenergy production, gas or nuclear power stations, energy from the sea, and eco villages.
  
  

  Core modules

  • MAR528 Mechanics of MRE 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.

  • MECH532 Applied Computer Aided Engineering

    Finite Element Analysis (FEA) develops an understanding of the underlying concepts of the FEA method and its application in the analysis of structures. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) develops skills required to apply appropriate CFD techniques in a typical industrial project. Existing CFD skills are expanded to cover cases such as conjugate heat transfer or transient behaviour.

  • MECH533 Robotics and Control

    This module introduces basic and advanced techniques in Control Systems Design and Industrial Robotics.

  • MECH534 Product Development and Evaluation

    In this module, students bring engineering design work to life. The emphasis is on practical realisation of a product/device. Students will evaluate an existing CAD model and revise it if necessary, build a prototype and then test its performance. The prototype is then iteratively improved. This gives students first-hand experience of identifying and overcoming the inevitable unforeseen problems in CAD design.

  • MECH544 Data Processing, Simulation and Optimisation of Engineering Systems

    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. 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.

  • PRCE513 Interdisciplinary Design

    This module enables students to undertake a major project to solve an Interdisciplinary Design Problem. Students, working in groups will select and implement a design project from initial concept to a fully documented, planned, and costed proposal for potential stakeholders. Students are expected to address a broad spectrum of design outcomes (infrastructure, structures, integrated systems etc).

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:

MEngMechancialEngineering ProgrammeSpecification September2017 3383

UCAS tariff

128 - 136

A level: Typical offer will be 136 UCAS points including minimum grade C in mathematics and minimum grade C in 2nd science/technology/relevant subject (excluding general studies). Applicants with UCAS points lower than the typical offer will be considered on individual case. 

International Baccalaureate: 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

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

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.