Mechanical engineers are vital in today’s modern world. They design, manufacture and operate a huge range of products, processes and services. From high-performance race cars through to lifesaving medical equipment, from railways to environmentally sustainable technology, none of this would be possible without mechanical engineers. So if you’re hoping for a career that puts you right at the heart of technological developments effecting all of society, this course could be the perfect start to change the world we live in.

This STEM course is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the principles and fundamentals of mechanical engineering. You’ll get involved in practical work, projects and problem-solving too. We’ll cover a range of topics within the subject, including mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and materials. While you’re here we’ll give you the opportunity to gain the skills to design, make and analyse products and processes from a range of different engineering applications. You’ll be supported in developing your understanding of the value of mechanical engineering in many different sectors including:

• Power generation
• Manufacturing and process industries
• Transport systems, for example, road, rail air, and marine
• Bio-medical
• Aerospace
• Product design and development
• Engineering services

We’ll also look at the business and financial side of engineering, so you can see it in context and get the full picture of how the industry operates.

During your studies you have the chance to take a placement after your second year. You could work in the industry and put what you’ve learnt into practice. We’ll also give you the opportunity to take part in national competitions like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student,Railway Challenge and UAS (or comparable design and build team projects).

The course is fully accredited by the IMechE, which means meets the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and it can go towards part of the academic requirements you need to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

In addition, our Institute of Railway Research (IRR) within our Department of Engineering have been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for ‘innovative research in railway engineering to improve safety and efficiency through technological developments'. This is one of the most coveted distinctions in UK Higher Education.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. A placement year helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Cummins, DriveWorks, JaguarLandrover, Syngenta, Caterpillar, and Airbus. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as senior supplier quality engineer, vehicle engineering manager, design engineer, lead engineer and test engineer in organisations including McLaren Automotive Ltd, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Rolls-Royce, Cummins Inc and Bentley Motors Ltd.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could also go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study which may interest you.

* Percentage of graduates from this course who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).