This degree focuses on industry-relevant topics to reflect the needs of today’s employers, giving you the opportunity to build a career in the design, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

You will gain knowledge of scientific and engineering principles and take a flexible approach towards new ideas and developments. You will hone your practical skills by using our new state-of-the-art equipment, making you attractive to prospective employers and enabling you to work effectively as a team member. Paid placement is possible at the end of years 1, 2 & 37.

Careers in the automotive, aerospace, offshore, energy, railways and shipbuilding sectors are possible for Mechanical Engineers in roles within stress, vibration, performance, service, design and development engineering and project management.

Course content
Mechanical engineers combine a thorough knowledge of scientific and engineering principles with a flexible approach towards new ideas and developments.

Guest speakers from industry also form part of the programme to further deepen your understanding of the subject. Representatives from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Babcock International have recently delivered lectures to students.

Year 1
Applied mechanics, materials and mathematics provide a foundation to engineering design. Professional and industrial studies are introduced alongside skills development in communications and IT technology.

Year 2
Topics include strength of materials, thermofluid mechanics, materials and manufacturing technology. The formal engineering design process and how it relates to engineering practice is introduced; as well as computer-aided technology, IT-related techniques and engineering management.

Year 3
Skills in design and applied mechanics are enhanced. Thermodynamics, rapid prototyping and experimental testing techniques; intelligent systems and control technologies; and advanced computer-based analysis and simulation techniques are introduced, along with project management skills.

Year 4 (Honours)
Applied mechanics in areas including plasticity, fracture and vibrations, build on previous studies. Composite structures and renewable energy systems and sustainability are introduced. Computer-aided engineering design is explored further and computational fluid dynamics introduced. You will undertake a major individual project.

Career prospects
Careers in the automotive, aerospace, offshore, energy, railways and shipbuilding sectors are possible for Mechanical Engineers in roles within stress, vibration, performance, service, design and development engineering and project management. Graduates work for industry heavyweights including Rolls-Royce, ABB Alstom Power, Intel, Hoover, Candy and Biosil.

Placement/Work-based learning
You will hone your practical skills by using our new state-of-the-art equipment, making you attractive to prospective employers and enabling you to work effectively as a team member. Paid placement is possible at the end of years 1, 2 & 3*. In recent years students have undertaken placements with organisations such as Spirit AeroSystems, Doosan Babcock and Rolls Royce.

* During years 2 and 3, academic study may be supplemented by periods of paid work experience gained within industry. In order to achieve the BEng Honours Sandwich degree students must gain a minimum of thirty six weeks’ work experience. Such experience may provide exemption from some of the membership requirements of the relevant professional bodies.

Professional recognition
The BEng (Hons) is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers under license from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the high standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC). Many employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees.