BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Our Mechanical Engineering graduates can look forward to excellent future prospects. Offering high-quality teaching and plenty of practical experience –plus an ideal location in the high-tech city of Derby – the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering will give you the edge in your career.

• Mechanical Engineering has been ranked in the Top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2019.
• Gain a head start on the route to becoming a Chartered Engineer: this degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council so it partially meets the academic requirement for CEng registration.
• Enjoy invaluable professional insights by taking an optional industrial year between stages two and three of your studies.
• Develop hands-on skills in solving real-world engineering problems.
• Challenge yourself with exciting extra-curricular projects such as the Shell Eco-marathon and the British Model Flying Association Payload Challenge.
• Broaden your perspectives through industrial visits and guest lectures by leading professionals.
• Learn from our expert team of academic staff who have extensive industrial experience of engineering.
• Enhance your employability – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016.).

If you have the potential and ambition to study with us but feel you’re not quite ready to join the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering right now, why not consider taking this course with a foundation year?

This dynamic degree will equip you with all the skills and knowledge which are essential to the modern mechanical engineer.

In-depth understanding

From computer-aided design to structural analysis, vibration and dynamics to thermofluids, the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering covers a broad spectrum of themes to put your career plans on a firm footing.

The course features a wide range of specialist modules such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, Advanced Material Design and Analysis, and Advanced Thermodynamics.

It also enables you to undertake an individual project which entails real experience of solving an engineering problem in the industry. Prospective employers often regard this project as an excellent way to assess the skills of potential future employees.

Industry experience to set you apart

By choosing to spend a year on optional industry placement, you can give yourself a real career advantage. The industrial year takes place between the second and final stages of your degree and you will find there is a significant number of SMEs, large, national and international companies looking for placement students each year.

We offer a full range of support to students who are keen to enhance their employability through internships and placements while studying. For more information, please get in touch with our Careers and Employment Service.

Study in a leading high-tech city

Derby is a city of technology, with world-famous companies including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota right on the University’s doorstep. It has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the UK, with 12% of employees in hi-tech roles – that is four times the national average. It also has the highest average salary outside of London and the South East.

This all means that, as a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduate, you will be ideally placed to make the most of the many career opportunities in the city.

Challenge yourself

We offer inspiring opportunities for you to take part in high-profile events. The Shell Eco-marathon project, for example, is fast becoming a flagship competition for our Mechanical Engineering team. We encourage you to join in and experience building and racing a real vehicle based on student design and analysis. Such is our profile in this arena that our Shell Eco Team was awarded a £9,000 sponsorship to build a prototype ethanol vehicle for the competition.

Another highlight is the British Model Flying Association Payload Challenge, which is supported by BAE Systems and the Royal Aeronautical Society. The aim is to design, build, test and compete for a radio-controlled aircraft against other national and international teams.

What you will study

You will study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.

Stage one

You will study modules such as:

• Applied Scientific Methods
• Management of the Business Environment
• Computer-Aided Design
• Engineering Design and Workshop Technology
• Materials and Manufacturing Processes
• Regulatory Systems

Stage two

You will study modules such as:

• Advanced Applied Analytical Methods
• Corporate Responsibility and Professional Development
• Engineering Design Modelling
• Vibration and Dynamics
• Thermofluids
• Structural Analysis and Materials

Optional industrial year

You will study modules such as:

• Applied Professional Practice
• Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice

Stage three

You will study modules such as:

• Advanced Mechanical Design and Materials
• Advanced Powertrain Engineering
• Independent Study and Professional Development (Mechanical) (double module)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Advanced Engineering Design Modelling
• Applied Thermodynamics

Entry requirements

September 2020 typical entry requirements

Careers

This course prepares you for careers at the cutting edge of mechanical engineering design, motorsport or automotive design and the applications of advanced materials.

You could also take your studies to postgraduate level with our MSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Located in the heart of England, we are the only university in Derby and Derbyshire. We offer industry-relevant, expert teaching, from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research.

We have a long and proud heritage of using our knowledge and innovation to support the prosperity of the city and region. We welcome, support and challenge all of our students to develop the blend of academic knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed in their chosen field. Our strong industry links, expert academics and real-world classroom facilities will equip and prepare you to fulfil your potential, whatever your background.