Mechanical Engineering with Placement Year

UCAS code: ME03

Here's what Buckinghamshire New University says about its Mechanical Engineering with Placement Year course.

Why study BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at BNU? Industry demand You’ll have the unique opportunity to specialise in one of three dynamic areas - aerospace technology, renewable technology, or mechatronics and robotics. This specialisation not only allows you to delve deeper into their areas of interest but also equips you with niche skills, that are highly sought after by employers in these burgeoning sectors.

Opportunities for you During your time on the course, you’ll gain practical skills and real-world experience that enhance your chances of employability. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from internships and industry placements with leading and relevant companies and organisations, guest lectures from experts in the field.

As well as this, you’ll be well-positioned to network with industry professionals and secure exciting job opportunities with leading companies.

Facilities During your time with us you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including:

Mechanical/Structural Lab to include different Structural Test kits that will measure Deflection of Beams & Cantilevers, Bending Stress and Bending Moments etc. Materials and Manufacturing Lab to include 3D Metal Printer, Hardness Tester, Universal Tensile Testing, Impact Tester, Milling and Drill machines Fluids and Hydraulics Lab to include Digital Hydraulic Bench, Axial Flow Pump, Recirculating Flume, Hydro-electric Turbine and Surface Tension Balance. Process and Energy Lab to include HVAC unit, Air Conditioning Trainer, Process Trainer and Photovoltaic Cells Concrete & Geotechnical Testing Lab to include Slump Test, Concrete Density, Porosity, Flexural and Compression Testing, Soil Shear, Grading and Moisture Tests. Electrical and Electronics Lab to include Power and Energy Electronics, Modern Electrical Machine Systems, Three Phase Power Systems Automation Lab to include Dobot Smart Industry 4.0 Workstation, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, PLC systems Immersive Virtual Reality CAD Lab

What will I study?

Aimed at aspiring engineers seeking a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, the program caters to individuals with a passion for technology, innovation, and making a positive impact on society.

On the programme you’ll have the option to develop expertise in one of three areas such as aerospace engineering, renewable technologies, and mechatronics & robotics.

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering programme is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of mechanical engineering. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you’ll explore various facets of mechanical engineering, including mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, fluid dynamics, and control systems.

With a strong emphasis on fundamental principles, hands-on laboratory work, industry placements, and opportunities for innovation and creativity in design and problem-solving, you’ll develop skills crucial to the Mechanical Engineering Industry.

With a focus on practical application and real-world relevance, graduates emerge with the ability to analyse complex engineering problems, design innovative solutions, and communicate effectively in multidisciplinary environments.

This course is also offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

The programme offers an optional placement year, providing an opportunity for students to complete a year-long industry placement.

Please see course page

This course strikes a key balance between theory and hands-on learning, ensuring that you not only grasp the theoretical underpinnings of mechanical engineering but also develop the skills necessary to translate theory into practice.

You’ll study in a close-knit tutor group where everyone’s input is recognised and valued. Not only will you make friends for life, you’ll also make important connections that will last through your career, and you’ll form a network, just like you’d find in the working-world.

Furthermore, the programme fosters a collaborative learning environment where you’ll work with your classmates on projects, engage in group discussions, and learn from each other's experiences. This collaborative approach promotes teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, which are essential qualities for success in the field of mechanical engineering.

A range of active teaching methods and authentic assessment strategies will be used during the course, with an emphasis on both practical and traditional teaching approaches. Laboratory sessions and a range of practical activities are crucial to building upon previous learning from lectures and tutorials.

Traditional forms of assessment include;

Written assignments Report Portfolio and digital models In-class assignments Computer-based test Set Presentations (for example, poster and oral) Proposal Dissertation

With Formula 1 motorsport businesses at the Silverstone Technology Cluster and space related industries at the Westcott Space Cluster are at doorstep, BNU engineering students have the opportunity to link with some of the high-tech industries in the world.

The programme also offers an optional placement year, providing an opportunity for students to complete a year-long industry placement. Working collaboratively with the Wescott Venture Park in Aylesbury, our students and academics will have access to extensive training facilities in the Wescott Space Cluster, further enhancing their practical and research capabilities.

At the heart of what we do is employability skills. You’ll learn the how to communicate solutions, problem-solving, teamwork, and project management. These skills are essential for success in the workplace and are cultivated through group projects, presentations, and other collaborative activities.

You’ll also have the opportunity to benefit from workshops, guest lectures from industry professionals, and opportunities for networking and internships.