Mechanical Engineering
UCAS Code: H300
Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)
Entry requirements
A level
We also accept other combinations equivalent to 112-128 Tariff points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, with 32 points from Mathematics, plus a relevant subject.
112-128 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Mathematics, Science or Technology based).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 48-54 to include M3 in Mathematics, plus a relevant subject.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English and Combined Science/Physics at grade C, or equivalent/GCSE English and Combined Science/Physics at grade 4, or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
26 points from the IB Diploma, to include 3 Higher Level subjects, with 5 points from a Higher Level in Mathematics, plus a relevant subject at Higher Level.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4-H2,H2,H3,H3,H3
To include Higher Level Mathematics at H3, plus a relevant subject.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a relevant subject.
112-128 Tariff points to include 32 points from Mathematics, plus a Science or Technology subject.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Overview**
Recent years have seen huge advances in technology for transport, healthcare and robotics. If you enjoy getting stuck into technology projects and love finding practical solutions to problems, this BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree course is the perfect choice for you.
To meet the challenges of the engineering world, you'll study the design, development, manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of engineered products. You'll get to specialise in advanced subjects such as sustainable development and computer-aided engineering and have the option to get involved in the University's Formula Student racing team.
**Accredited by:**
This course is accredited by European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) meeting in full the academic requirement for registration as CEng.
This course is currently going through the process of re-accreditation with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
95% Graduates in work or further study (DLHE, 2017)
**What you'll experience**
On this course you'll:
- Learn about the underlying elements of successful engineering and manufacturing projects, including solid mechanics and dynamics, and engineering design
- Use our CAD and rapid prototyping suites, energy systems lab, stress analysis lab, and metrology and 3D scanning microscopy facilities
- Get the chance to be involved in Formula Student, where you'll design, construct and test a competitive race car with fellow students
- Put your skills to the test by building your own products in our manufacturing workshops
- Have to option to expand your learning and meet potential employers by working on an industrial project
**Careers and opportunities**
There's currently a shortage of talented engineers in the UK and abroad, so there will be many opportunities open to you when you graduate.
What can you do with a Mechanical Engineering degree?
Previous graduates have gone on to work in areas including:
- design
- research and development
- product manufacture
- project management
What jobs can you do with a Mechanical Engineering degree?
Graduates from this course have gone on to work as:
- mechanical engineer
- product design engineer
- aerospace engineer
- application engineer
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
"Formula Student has given me the confidence in my ability as an engineer, as components that I have designed were built and proven to withstand their environment." Simon Hotchkiss, Mechanical Engineering Student
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Electrical and Electronic Principles
- Introduction to Design
- Introduction to Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
- Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Materials and Manufacturing Technology
- Mathematical Principles
There are no optional modules in this year.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Computer Aided Engineering and Product Manufacture
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
- Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Control Engineering
- Engineering Programming
- Institution-wide Language Programme
Placement year (optional)
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Advanced Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- BEng Individual Project
- Finite Elemnet Analysis in Fluid Mechanics
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Managemen
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Advanced Engineering Materials
- Design for Quality
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- practical tests
- project work
- presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
Year one students: 84% by written exams and 16% by coursework
Year two students: 56% by written exams, 13% by practical exams and 31% by coursework
Year three students: 60% by written exams and 40% by coursework
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Technology
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Mechanical engineering
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Mechanical engineering
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
We're short of engineers in a lot of areas and mechanical engineering is no exception. Mechanical engineers are in demand across multiple industries, with vehicle manufacturing most popular, with roles especially common in design and manufacturing. Other important sectors include aerospace, the oil and gas industry, consultancy and defence. Jobs are all around the country, with London, the Midlands, Scotland and the South East the most likely places for a new mechanical engineer to find work at the moment, and starting salaries are good. Although large employers are much the most likely place to get work, some of the most challenging, cutting edge jobs are with small niche engineering firms, so keep your eyes peeled if you want something a little different. Bear in mind that a lot of courses are four years long, and lead to an MEng qualification — this is necessary if you want to become a Chartered Engineer.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Engineering
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£27k
£33k
£37k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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