51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

Key facts

Entry requirements

112 (BEng) and 120 (MEng) or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

H301

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

BEng: Three years full-time, four years full-time with placement MEng: Four years full-time, five years with placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Entry requirements

112 (BEng) and 120 (MEng) or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

H301

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

BEng: Three years full-time, four years full-time with placement MEng: Four years full-time, five years with placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Open your career prospects across a range of fields, including aerospace, automotive, defence and energy, product manufacturing and the food and beverage industries.

Mechanical Engineering touches virtually every aspect of modern life. It’s at the forefront of developing new technologies for many industries including transport, healthcare, construction, and robotics.

Our teaching and course content are informed by our research in diverse areas, including aerodynamics, fluid systems, transportation, manufacturing and sustainable development. This research is aided by our Mechanical Engineering Laboratory designed for the study of thermofluids, solid mechanics and dynamics.

You will learn fundamental problem-solving skills by studying modules such as General Engineering Tools and Principles and Mechanical Design and Manufacturing. With modules such as Design and Project Management, Advanced Mechanical Materials and Professional Practice and Engineering Business Environment, you'll be equipped with the professional and transferable skills you need to work in industry.

You can study Mechanical Engineering either as a three-year BEng (Hons) programme or as a four-year integrated master’s. At the end of year three, you have the option of graduating with a BEng or continuing your studies for a further year for a MEng, subject to meeting the progression requirements.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)* and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)*

*The BEng programme is currently under review for accreditation from the 2024 intake onwards. It will be submitted for Partial CEng accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in 2024. Formal accreditation will be granted following an accreditation visit and approval from the relevant academic committees.

*The MEng programme is currently under review for accreditation from the 2024 intake onwards. It will be submitted for full CEng accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in 2024. Formal accreditation will be granted following an accreditation visit and approval from the relevant academic committees.

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Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer. Students who successfully graduate with this degree may, with the appropriate further learning, meet the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

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Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This course is also CEng accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)* and fulfils the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer when presented with an accredited MSc. In addition the programme meets the educational requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

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What you will study

Block 1: Engineering Tools and Principles 1

The module provides background in the fundamental principles of Mathematics and Mechanical Principles (Solid Mechanics) covering topics such as stress and strain, shear forces, torsion and how power is transferred via shafts as in jet engines; it also covers topics in Electronic Principles relevant to all engineering disciplines.

Block 2: Engineering Tools and Principles 2

This module builds on knowledge gained in Engineering Tools and Principles 1. It provides further understanding in Mathematics and Mechanical Principles (Dynamics) covering topics such as Newton’s laws, linear and angular motion, friction, inertia etc. it also covers Electronic Principles including analysis of RLC circuits and operational amplifiers.

Block 3: Mechanical Design and Manufacturing 1

Includes two interlinked parts: 1) a practical part in which you will learn the key elements of engineering drawings and the design process and 2) a tools part where you will learn the numerical tools required for modern Mechanical Engineering Design in addition to the fundamentals of mechanical machines and the fundamentals of work and energy.

In the practical part, you will work as part of a team to develop a solution for a design challenge while tackling a range of issues to produce a cost-effective solution while considering the product life cycle. You will work to a timetable and budget while interacting with a range of personnel. You will also receive essential training on operating manufacturing machines and health and safety aspects.

The practical part is informed by the knowledge and skills the students gain in the tools part which include four overall topics: Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Programming, Machines & Mechanisms and Thermodynamics.

Block 4: Mechanical Design and Manufacturing 2

Includes two parts: 1) a practical part in which you will manufacture and test a working prototype based on a design generated to a problem specification and 2) a tools part where you will further learn the numerical tools required for modern Mechanical Engineering Design in addition to the fundamentals of mechanical machines and the fundamentals of work and energy.

In the practical part, you will work as part of a team to manufacture a design solution while tackling a range of issues to produce a cost-effective solution while considering the product life cycle, sustainability, and ethics. You will work to a timetable and budget while interacting with a range of personnel. In the tools part, you will learn four topics: Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Programming, Machines & Mechanisms and Thermodynamics.

Block 1: Mechanical, Energy and Aeronautical Tools and Principles

The module complements the material covered in Engineering Tools and Principles 1 and 2 modules by extending the Mathematical and Engineering concepts required for advanced study of Mechanical Engineering. There are three parts to the module a Mathematics part, a part on Fluid Mechanics and a part on Heat Transfer.

The mathematics part covers subjects such as vector calculus, Fourier series, partial differential equations and numerical methods. These mathematical concepts will be used in the other two parts of this module and in other modules taught later in the programme.

Fluid Mechanics part includes compressible and incompressible flows, non-dimensional parameter such as Reynolds number, Mach number which are extensively used to understand if the flow is subsonic, transonic, or supersonic. The other topics covered are Bernoulli, continuity, momentum equations and analysis of boundary layers which are useful in aircraft fuselage and wing design.

The Heat Transfer part covers the basics of heat transfer and how various modes of heat transfer can be analysed via application of theoretical and emphatical equations.

Block 2: Dynamic, Instrumentation and Control

The first part of the module introduces students to modelling and analysis of dynamic systems through the investigation of system response, with an emphasis on the free and forced oscillations. The student will learn about modelling physical systems, characteristic equations, natural frequencies, and vibration modes. These concepts are useful in understanding stability, control, and design of mechanical systems.

The second part of the module introduces students to instrumentation aspects of computer control systems. The students will learn about principles of interfacing and instrumentation required for this purpose.

The third part of the module introduces students to the theory of control systems and computer control. The aim is to teach analysis and design of single-input single-output continuous and digital feedback systems. The background theory is supported by computer aided design studies (e.g., using the MATLAB/Simulink package) and practical laboratory experiments.

Block 3: Mechanical Materials and Structures

The module provides students with an opportunity to study materials science and the effect on solid mechanics. The module focuses on materials structure and properties, materials processing, materials testing, engineering materials, and computer-aided material information and selection. This enables students to analyse engineering problems involving materials issues and select solutions which meet functional requirements. In addition, the students develop practical, experimental and measurement skills via a structured programme of laboratory exercises.

Block 4: Design and Project Management

Projects need to deliver a design solution (e.g., a product), which require planning and initiation, and need to be budgeted, costed, and scheduled and completed within these projections. Projects require management of stakeholder expectations, and they need to be undertaken at an agreed level of quality within an accepted level of risk. This module presents some of the background, theory, and practice to enable learners to embed professional project management expertise in their professional and academic development.

Design part of the module will teach advanced computer aided design skills and advanced Finite Element Analysis skills which can be used to analysis mechanical components and how and why they could fail under varying load and multidimensional stress conditions.

Block 1: Advanced Mechanical Materials and Professional Practice

This module combines professional practice and employability with the science and technology of materials (including emerging materials) deposition/processing such as: spin coating, dip-coating, electrochemical deposition, evaporation, sputtering and chemical vapour deposition. Topics closely related to thin film and emerging nanomaterials will also be discussed. This will provide students with a depth of core knowledge and skills allowing them to make informed choices concerning applications, selection, and design of advanced materials. Besides special types of metallic alloys, metallic glasses and new polymer materials, composite materials and graphene will be covered.

Block 2: Mechanical Energy Analysis

Power generation and jet propulsion make up a significant portion of Mechanical Engineering and, in many ways, represent the pinnacle of advanced Mechanical Engineering. The module addresses concepts of power generation and jet propulsion based on efficient conversion and utilisation of energy.

In power generation part, the module focuses on thermo-fluid analysis of a range of power plants including steam turbine power plants, gas-turbines, co-generation plants, combine cycle plants, and internal combustion engines covering aspects such as plant efficiency analysis, operational limits, emissions and sustainability and noise issues.

The module also covers thermo-fluid analysis of propulsion systems. To facilitate the understanding of jet propulsion, initially, a range of topics related to fluid mechanics will be covered i.e., isentropic flow through nozzles, shockwaves and expansion fans, and supersonic aerofoil theory.

The above fluid mechanics topics will be then followed by thermodynamic full cycle analysis of turbojet and turbofan engines, velocity triangles applied to stator and rotor blades of aircraft engine, combustion chambers and combustion analysis, future fuels for aircrafts, aero engine noise generation, and noise mitigation techniques.

Blocks 3 & 4: Project based modules

The ability to successfully complete a technical project is a critical competence required by all engineers. The programme offers a range of individual projects in the context of the skills required to complete them. The individual modules are described below, however, all of them cover the generic parts of completing a project including management, report writing, presentational skills, etc. together with a detailed study of some specialist fields in which the project falls. For this reason, the project modules are in two parts. In the first part, most of the technical information will be taught and assessed whilst students make a start on their projects (Block 3). In the second part, the students will mainly concentrate on their individual project with the technical skills assessed in this context rather than generically (Block 4).

In Mechanical Engineering the school offers projects in the following broad areas (choose one of):

  • Modelling and Simulation

The module Modelling and Simulation for Mechanical Projects (Block 3) will address the main concepts and methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) in the context of a project. The taught component will equip the student with the skills in mesh generation, application of boundary conditions, use of commercial CFD/FEA packages and applications of CFD/FEA to selected engineering problems. The complementary second module Mechanical Project with Modelling and Simulation (Block 4) is your individual project. Possible project areas could be in stress and strain analysis of mechanical structures, CFD modelling of external airflow, CFD modelling of flow inside combustion chambers, analysis of cooling systems etc.

This project path would normally suit students who wish to follow a career focused on Simulation of complex engineering components and systems both in mechanical and aeronautical industries.

  • Analysis, Programming and Simulation

The Analysis, Programming and Simulation for Mechanical Projects module (Block 3) will provide students with a core understanding of analytical skills using programming, mathematical analysis, and user-defined simulation within the context of an individual project. The complementary second module is Mechanical Project with Analysis, Programming and Simulation (Block 4) which is your individual project. Possible project areas could be related to Flight Simulator software and hardware programming and design technologies, or any other programming intensive projects related to mechanical systems or aviation.

This project path would normally suit students who wish to follow a career focused on software programming related to the mechanical and aviation industries, covering a broad range of areas such as design, implementation, maintenance, and operation of software tools for both mechanical and aeronautical industries. It would also be suitable for students who wish to use these skills as transferable skills in other industries.

  • Materials and Design

The Materials and Design for Mechanical Projects module (Block 3) will provide students with a core understanding of advanced materials and design within the context of an individual project. The taught component will be in two parts: technical tools for materials and design projects and transferable tools which could be used in your final year project or in industry. The complementary second module Mechanical Project with Materials and Design (Block 4) is your individual project. The design project areas could be in structures, vibrational aspects in mechanical design, use of novel materials etc.

This project path would normally suit students who wish to follow a career focused on the materials or structural parts of engineering including both mechanical and aeronautical industries.

  • 3D Printing and FEM

The module 3D Printing and FEM for Mechanical Projects (Block 3) will address the main concepts and methods of 3D Printing and Finite Element Method in the context of a project using these techniques. The module will provide students with a detailed background in modern rapid prototyping and finite element analysis of the design. The companion module, Mechanical Projects with 3D Printing and FEM (Block 4) is the individual project in which students will design, prototype, and analyse a mechanical device. Examples include brake pedals, prosthetics, implants, etc.

This project path would normally suit students who wish to follow a career focused on mechanical design and rapid prototyping including mechanical, aeronautical, and bio-medical industries.

Block 1: Engineering Business Environment and Research Methods

The first part of this module enables students to understand and reflect upon sustainability and the role of business in a rapidly changing, globalised world. It identifies opportunities and threats for industry arising from environmental policy, legislation, and societal change, and explores how businesses respond to future environmental challenges: for example, through supply chain management, logistics, life-cycle analysis, green accounting, and carbon trading.

The Research methods and associate study skills provide students with the skills to successfully complete a research project.

Block 2: Advanced Materials, Structures and Design

This module provides students with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic of composite materials, including their properties, manufacturing, analysis, and design. The module focuses on manufacturing methods, structure-composition-properties relationship, micro-mechanical modelling, and application of composite materials. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing and processing characteristics of composite materials; ability in analysing engineering problems involving composite materials for sustainable mechanical design; practical skills in micro-mechanical modelling of composite materials to predict fracture and failure; and an understanding of composite materials processing, selection and their applications in engineering.

Block 3: Advanced Mechanical Engineering

Modern Mechanical Engineering exploits a range of fields to achieve high performing systems. It is, therefore, important to look at both how advanced topics fit together as well as the extremes which some systems may be subject to.

This module brings together the extremes in the form of non-linear dynamics as well as how this might interact with thermodynamical systems. Examples include the combustion oscillations in low Nox engines which can be so severe as to cause structural damage to the engine if not kept in check.

This module consists of two parts. The first part further enhances the mains concepts and methods of nonlinear dynamical systems theory and its applications in engineering analysis and design. Topics covered include 2D autonomous nonlinear systems, nonlinear systems with periodical variation of parameters and external excitation, stabilisation of unstable linear systems with bounded control and nonlinear flight dynamics and control problems.

In the second part, advanced topics in applied thermodynamics, combustion and heat transfer are covered. Students will acquire skills to solve engineering problems in these fields using both analytical and computational methods. This part covers topics such as steady state heat transfer including conduction in plane walls with heat generation and related industrial applications, transient conduction in various geometries, lumped system analysis, Heisler charts etc., advanced convective heat transfer, heat exchangers analyses, radiation heat transfer, thermodynamic relations, and combustion. The project work for this part involves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model heat transfer and combustion.

Block 4: Group Project

The module provides an opportunity for students to work on an engineering project as a multidisciplinary team, which will be similar to that found in industry. A project contains many facets of engineering, science, management and business, and often the students are not exposed to these multidisciplinary aspects until they move into industry. This module has been specifically designed to expose the students to the multidisciplinary and team nature of many engineering projects, helping to highlight individual strengths and weaknesses.

It will also help to prepare the students for being responsible for quality of their output, in particular conforming to required protocols, and managing technical uncertainty. The selected engineering project will give an opportunity for engineering students to learn and practise engineering design as well as key skills. The engineering design and practise will include design using appropriate technical information and engineering knowledge, problem solving, application and development of mathematical and computer models, the understanding and selection of components & materials, the necessary workshop and laboratories techniques. The key skill aspect will include understanding and practising project management, leadership, and risk management applied to a technical project that could involve communication of ideas within a team and wider (potentially international) audience, as well as the social and environmental aspects.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Study a range of topics including computer-aided design, thermodynamics and heat transfer, solid mechanics, dynamics and control, materials engineering and processing and fracture mechanics.

Mechanical Engineering is taught by knowledgeable and experienced staff giving you the opportunity to gain a sound understanding of engineering principles along with the professional skills that will enable you to study successfully and embark on a rewarding career.

A variety of techniques are used throughout the Mechanical Engineering course with an emphasis on lectures, supporting tutorials and laboratory classes.

Student-centred learning takes place through the research and presentation of findings, report writing, individual and group assignments and practical work-based exercises to develop your skills and understanding.

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Our facilities

You will have access to computer and experimental laboratory facilities throughout the course, including industry-standard 3D design and FEA Analysis software.

Mechanical Engineering Lab

Our mechanical engineering laboratory is designed for the study of thermofluids, solid mechanics and dynamics. It also has an area with machine tools for the manufacture of student designs.

There is a purpose-built engine testing facility to measure engine performance and emissions, and our energy laboratory is available to conduct thermofluid experiments relevant to mechanical engineering.

The materials laboratory has facilities for material microstructure examination and properties testing. Equipment incudes microscopes and various properties testers for tensile, fatigue, wear, corrosion, hardness, and impact testing.

The dynamics and control laboratory allows you to study gyroscope theory, vibration theory, non-linear control and inertia bending.

Mechanical Engineering in the spotlight

Engineering graduate headhunted by global company

Engineering graduate headhunted by global company

Just a few years after leaving 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Leicester (51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø), engineering graduate George Gentle, now works for a global company in a role that sees him travelling the world and making big career plans.

October 2023
Silverstone success gears Nuri up for Jaguar job

Silverstone success gears Nuri up for Jaguar job

After driving 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Leicester (51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø)'s racing team to success at Silverstone, Mechanical Engineering student Nuri Uysal has secured a coveted job with Jaguar Land Rover.

July 2023
Open Days at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø
Join us on-campus, find your new home at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø at our Open Day 8 February
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What makes us special

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Block Learning

With block teaching, you’ll learn in a focused format, where you study one subject at a time instead of several at once. As a result, you will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, have a more simplified timetable, and have a better study-life balance. That means more time to engage with your 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Racing

As a 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø student you have the opportunity to get involved with Formula Student, through 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Racing, as an extra curricular activity alongside your studies. Being part of 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Racing will enhance your employability beyond the classroom, and is a great way to improve your skills and apply them to a real-life engineering project. It also looks great on your CV. Each year, 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Racing attends the Formula Student event at Silverstone Circuit, competing against over 130 other universities from around the world. All members get a chance to attend the event, which is an incredible experience! 

Where we could take you

Mechanical Engineering Graduates

Graduate Careers

Mechanical Engineering students can go on to work in industries including aerospace, automotive, defence, and energy, as well as in product manufacturing and the food and beverage industries.

The course also provides opportunities to pursue careers in broader areas of design, research and development, marketing, sales, production management and quality control.

Our graduates are working for companies such as Toyota, Cummins Generator Technologies, Ricardo (McLaren Performance Engines), Vodafone and JCB.

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Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course through 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Careers Team, and can boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

We have links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team will help you find a placement to suit your interests and aspirations.

Mechanical Engineering students have undertaken placements at large organisations including Cummins, Caterpillar and the National Grid.

Course specifications

Course title

Mechanical Engineering

Award

BEng/MEng (Hons)

UCAS code

H301

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Part-time

Start date

September

Duration

BEng: Three years full-time, four years full-time with placement MEng: Four years full-time, five years with placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Entry requirements

  • A typical offer is 112 UCAS points for BEng and 120 for MEng from at least two A-levels including Mathematics or Physics at grade C or above, or,
  • Engineering or Physics BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM (DDM for MEng), or
  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points with Maths or Physics at higher level, or
  • T Levels Merit, or
  • Engineering Year Zero: Pass

Plus, five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Portfolio Required : No

Interview Required: No

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

Additional costs