Mechanical Engineering

UCAS code: H300

Here's what University of Plymouth says about its Mechanical Engineering course.

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 programmes rely strongly on practical work and you will develop your design skills throughout the programme. 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.

• 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.

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

• 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 an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially 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.

• 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.

• Aim higher. You may progress onto the MEng course at the end of your second year if you are doing well.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

In your final year, you 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.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.