The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering is a highly regarded degree designed to develop skills in designing, analysing, manufacturing, and maintaining mechanical systems. It combines theory, practical skills, and real-world applications, making graduates highly employable across various industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and robotics.
Many universities offer IET or IMechE accreditation, making this degree a strong pathway toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
📚 Typical Core Modules
While modules vary by university, here’s a general structure:
Year 1 (Level 4 – Foundation)
Engineering Mathematics and Modelling
Mechanical Principles and Dynamics
Thermofluids and Heat Transfer
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Solid Modelling
Professional Skills and Engineering Ethics
Year 2 (Level 5 – Intermediate)
Strength of Materials and Structural Analysis
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Control Systems and Instrumentation
Advanced Manufacturing and CAD/CAM
Engineering Design and Sustainability
Project Management and Team Project
Year 3 (Level 6 – Final Year)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Methods
Vibrations and Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies (optional)
Robotics and Mechatronics (optional)
Final Year Major Individual Project / Dissertation
Advanced Materials and Stress Analysis
Optional Industrial Placement Year
Paid placement between Year 2 and Year 3 (strongly recommended)
💸 Typical Tuition Fees (2024-2025)
For UK Home Students, Estimated Annual Tuition Fees
Full-time (on-campus): £9,250 per year
Industrial Placement Year: £1,250 – £1,850
Tuition fees vary slightly depending on the university and placement options.
🎯 Entry Requirements
Typical entry requirements include:
UCAS Tariff: 112 – 128 UCAS points
A-Levels: Including Maths and Physics (sometimes Chemistry or Further Maths advantageous)
BTEC: Extended Diploma in Engineering (DMM – DDD)
T-Level: In Engineering, Manufacturing or Design
GCSEs: Grade 4/C or above in English, Maths, and Science
Mature Applicants: Considered with relevant work experience or prior learning
Foundation Year: Available for those without A-Level Maths/Physics
⏳ Duration
Full-time: 3 years
With Foundation Year: 4 years
With Industrial Placement: 4 years
Part-time: 5-6 years (flexible)
🚀 Career Objectives & Opportunities
Typical Career Paths:
Mechanical Engineer
Design Engineer (CAD/CAE)
Automotive / Aerospace Engineer
Energy/Power Plant Engineer
Robotics and Mechatronics Engineer
Manufacturing/Production Engineer
Structural / Stress Analyst
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Engineer
Maintenance/Reliability Engineer
Project Manager in the Engineering Sector
Further Study & Professional Development:
Progress to MEng or MSc Mechanical Engineering
Work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status via IMechE.
Specialist roles in renewable energy, AI-driven design, and robotics
🏫 Example Universities Offering BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering in the UK
University Course Title Accreditation / Study Options
University of Leeds BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering IMechE Accredited, Sandwich year available
University of Manchester BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering IMechE Accredited, Placement Year
University of Nottingham BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering IMechE Accredited, Foundation year available
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering IMechE Accredited, Full-time/Foundation year
University of Portsmouth BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Accredited, Full-time / Sandwich
Teesside University BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Full-time / Industrial Placement Year
University of Plymouth BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Accredited, Optional Year in Industry
University of Hertfordshire BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich year
London South Bank University (LSBU) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Full-time / Part-time / Foundation year
✅ Why Choose This Degree?
✔ High demand across multiple industries (automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing)
✔ Excellent salary potential (starting from £28,000 to £35,000)
✔ Pathway to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
✔ Strong focus on real-world projects and hands-on engineering labs
✔ Industrial placement opportunities for real-world experience
✔ Versatile career prospects in design, production, R&D, and consultancy
