BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year option)

This degree develops high-calibre engineers who are able to function both as an engineer and a technology leader in sectors such as aerospace, marine, automotive, alternative energy, oil and gas, and other high-tech industries.

UCAS Code:
H305
Institution:
B50
Delivery:
Full-time

Apply now
Visit us:
Visit us
Call us:
Contact us
Request a prospectus:
Request a prospectus

Why study BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at BU?

Choose to take the course as either a BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) or MEng (Master of Engineering) qualification
As well as giving you a solid grounding in engineering, the course provides an inspirational insight into emerging technologies within the sector and how to apply them to real-world situations
Learn from industry-seasoned academics, practitioners and guest speakers
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art Innovation Centre, a designated space for Design and Engineering students
Take part in a career-affirming minimum 30-week period in a work placement, helping you to make contacts and boost your potential within the profession
Exhibit your work at the Festival of Design & Engineering, one of BU’s longest running events, giving the public and potential employers an insight into your work.

Find out more about the content of this course.

For September 2022 entry: We are currently developing a foundation year option for UK students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree. This page will be updated with more information in July 2022. Please register your interest and we will email you when the foundation year option is open for applications.

Course accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers to meet in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)

See what it's like to study on this course

Image description — Festival of Design & Engineering

Next start date:

September 2022, September 2023

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

4 years with a minimum 30-week placement or 3 years full-time. You will be enrolled onto the 4-year degree, but can opt out of the placement year

Accreditations:

Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Required subjects:

Mathematics and a Science or Technology subject

Entry requirements:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels in required subjects, or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma DMM in a required subject. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.

Course details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Contact hours and assessment

Details of the assessment methods and contact hours for each unit of the course can be found in the programme specification.

Download the programme specification (pdf 512kb)

Year 1

Core units

Engineering Design with Practice: This unit will enable you to apply key engineering tools, methodologies and strategies that are required to identify design constraints, mechanical systems and utilise analytical methods to establish an engineering design solution.
Engineering Principles A: You will develop the ability to apply a range of principles to the design of components, structures and machines and operation of mechanical systems.
Engineering Principles B: This unit will develop your application of mechanical engineering principles to generate and develop reliable solutions surrounding design and engineering problems.
Materials with Practice: This unit will provide you with the ability to identify, plan and apply skills that are necessary for the selection and specification of suitable materials and production techniques for design.
Electrical and Electronic Principles: You will be introduced to and develop an understanding of the principles required to design electrical and electronic systems within an engineering project.
Engineering Mathematics: This unit will enable you to extract and evaluate pertinent data and apply this to engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems. You will gain a firm grounding in mathematical and statistical methods necessary within the engineering field.

Year 2

Core units

Manufacturing and Engineering Materials: In this unit you will develop not only understanding surrounding properties and uses of engineering materials but also the requirements of modern manufacturing for design and engineering applications.
Stress and Dynamics: You will develop a further working knowledge, understanding and application of an increased range of mechanical engineering principles relevant to the design of components, structures and machines.
Engineering Simulation: In this unit you will take part in engineering design practices and learn about new technologies for mechanical and electronic concepts. You'll become familiar with industry standard simulation technologies.
Fluids and Thermodynamics: This unit will provide you with knowledge on the principal laws and processes of engineering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and dynamics, and also of fluids and thermodynamics equipment and processes, in order to solve real-world problems.
Management and Commercialisation: This unit will introduce students to key aspects of business and management that relate to the development and delivery of commercial value, and the issues facing business functions such as marketing, operations and finance.
Engineering Mathematics for Mechanical Systems Design: You will use mathematical and statistical methods to generate engineering solutions that meet all aspects of the problem including production, operation and maintenance. Additional experience will surround gaining proficiency in the modelling, analysis and design of mechanical systems.

Optional placement year

Final year

Engineering Project: You will develop an individual project which assesses your creative problem-solving skills in engineering design, combined with your mathematical modelling and analytical engineering skills.
Thermofluids and Energy Conversion: In this unit you will examine the relationship of heat transfer, types and the characteristics of thermofluids and refrigeration cycles, and develop solutions to a range of complex engineering processes and problems, involving heat, fluids and energy conversion.
Business Development: Approaches to strategic management and thinking will be examined to capitalise on your entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Advanced Stress and Vibration: This unit will provide you with comprehensive knowledge entailing analytical design methods of structural components and structures. You will then apply this in the analysis and design of complex components and structures and predict their performance.
Computational Engineering: You will develop the ability to apply analytical methods efficiently and effectively in the analysis and design of complex components and structures, and predict their performance in service using both analytical and computer tools.

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

Placements

At BU, we recognise that placements are extremely valuable and can give you a head start when it comes to your future career so we offer every student the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their course.

Why not read about some of our students’ experiences? What’s more, you can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

How placements benefit you

A placement year is a vital part in developing well-rounded and industry-ready graduates. During the placement year you will have the chance to develop your interpersonal skills and build on the theory and knowledge you have gained so far. Many of our students find that they are offered permanent jobs after graduation by their placement companies.

A recent report from High Fliers Research has highlighted the vital importance of work placements. The report found that more than a third of jobs for new graduates are being taken by people who have already had work experience with that employer through work experience during holidays or placements as part of a course. More than half of employers expect would-be recruits to have some kind of work experience, without which they are unlikely to be considered, regardless of their qualifications.

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

Our placement students have previously worked with

Entry requirements

This course requires 104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of two A-levels in required subjects or equivalent. Required subjects: mathematics and a science or technology subject. We are happy to consider a combination of qualifications and grades to meet the overall tariff, for example A-levels A*CC, ABC, BBB or BCC, BTECs DDM or DMM. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to UCAS tariff points.

Calculate your UCAS tariff points

2022 and 2023 entry
Numeracy and literacy requirements (e.g. GCSEs)	GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework. See all of the equivalencies.
Required subjects	Mathematics and a science or technology subject.
A-level and AS levels	104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels in required subjects.
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate – Skills Challenge Certificate	We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Access to HE Diploma	102–118 UCAS tariff points in a required subject with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.
BTEC National	Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points) Diploma: Distinction, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points) Foundation Diploma/90-credit Diploma:* We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two principal subjects.
Cambridge Technical	Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit in an Engineering Extended Certificate (if also accompanied by A-level maths) or higher (112 UCAS tariff points) Diploma: Distinction, Distinction in a required subject (104 UCAS tariff points) Subsidiary Diploma:* We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff Introductory Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Extended Project Qualification	We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
International Baccalaureate certificates	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Higher Level certificates.
International Baccalaureate Diploma	An overall score of 28–31 points.
Scottish Highers	104–120 tariff points from Scottish Highers in required subjects.
Scottish Advanced Highers	104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers.
T Levels	Merit (120 UCAS tariff points) in Building Services Engineering for Construction if accompanied by Mathematics A Level (or equivalent)

International entry requirements

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.	Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2022 and September 2023 entry: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70% Italian Esame di Stato with 60-70%. Grade depends on the course Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 or 7. Grade depends on the course English language requirements If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally: For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. View further information about our English language requirements. If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2022 and September 2023 entry:

Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course
Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course
All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70%
Italian Esame di Stato with 60-70%. Grade depends on the course
Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 or 7. Grade depends on the course

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

Other useful information

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

Your application

The overall philosophy of this course is to produce graduates who, starting from an initial need, can design and develop well considered and potentially commercial products. Therefore, the ability of the applicant to think both laterally and logically, in both artistic and scientific domains is crucial in order to satisfy aesthetic, ergonomic, technological, manufacturing, standards and economic criteria.

In addition to the need for a broad basic knowledge and the ability to communicate in a wide range of disciplines, is the recognition that applicants must be able to think both creatively and analytically. The applicant must also have a desire to be able to learn about design by producing working prototypes of their solutions.

Experience of CAD would be beneficial although not essential.

How to apply

Selection methods

How we assess your application

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

AccessBU gives you the chance to tell us more about you and your life experiences if you haven’t had the same educational opportunities as other applicants. If you are eligible for AccessBU, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS Tariff Points below the published tariff.

Our offer-making process

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

Supporting your study

These courses have compulsory manufacturing elements, using machinery in workshops. Students must complete a health and safety risk assessment before using the workshops, for their safety and that of others. As part of that assessment students provide information about any conditions or disabilities that might affect their ability to undertake manufacturing fully or safely.

If you have such a condition or disability, please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact our Additional Learning Support (ALS) service about this before or after making an application. We will then work with you to identify any support or adjustments you would need. Our ALS team works with the Faculty to seek to put in place reasonable adjustments and health and safety plans.

Exceptionally, it may not be possible to arrange for a student to access these courses without either over-riding their core standards or competencies or creating unacceptable risks to health and safety. If that is the case we will help you explore alternative course choices.

Careers

Engineers are constantly in demand and this course will give you all the skills and knowledge you'll need to do well in this varied and fascinating sector. When you graduate, you'll be equipped to take on a range of engineering roles across the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Typical starting job roles

Industries worked in

Further study

Accreditations

The Festival of Design & Engineering

In your final year, you’ll get the chance to exhibit your work at the Festival of Design & Engineering. This is one of BU’s longest-running events, giving the public and potential employers an insight into how your work might make a difference in the future.

Many of our students’ projects are a direct result of industry collaboration – offering a solution to a real-life problem, and resulting from practical issues experienced during their placement year.

Find out more about the Festival of Design & Engineering

Example project: Timing Mechanism

Dan Russell’s project includes the design and simulation of mechanical solutions to actuate the valves in a three -cylinder water ram rig. SolidWorks was used to assess the motion provided by each solution and three criteria used to compare them:

Consistency of operation
Stability at varying speeds
Energy lost through friction

Two methods of adapting the timing to cope with changing water velocities have also been explored.

View the project on the Festival of Design & Engineering portal

Example project: The Effect of Multiple Recycling Cycles

Ben Kerfoot’s project focused on how there has been a large amount of research done on recycled plastic over the past decade as most first world countries have become obsessed with recycling culture. With this trend expected to continue, research into how this effects material properties is crucial.

One of these properties that has yet to be fully explored is fatigue and the purpose of this experiment was to better understand how fatigue works by seeing how recycling affects it. Polystyrene was chosen due to accessibility and its large quantities in the recycling stream. The results showed that the fatigue is greatly affected by recycling, which means that fatigue is affected by the length of polymer chains in plastics.

View the project on the Festival of Design & Engineering portal

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course.You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be. You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

Materials for laboratory and mandatory field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team
A2-A0 Plots for CAD coursework
Loan of lab coats and safety glasses.

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds
Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website
Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable)
Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately
Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses
Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. Placement year funding information can be found on our website
Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study
Sport BU membership.

Repeat units

The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme

The RTS wants the television industry to reflect the exciting, diverse, and talented voices of the Britain of today, and that starts by changing the industry from the inside out. The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme is officially open for submissions. Applications will be accepted until the 15th of July 2022.

Bursaries are awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree in the subject of Journalism, VFX, Television Production, Humanities and Social Sciences, and STEM-related courses. The RTS runs three pioneering schemes – the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary, and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship. What is important is an evident interest in pursuing a career in television, film, or related media industries.

The Bursary provides free RTS membership; industry mentoring; access to the latest events and lectures; and numerous networking opportunities. We also support our Scholars financially, awarding £1000 per academic year of study.

For more information about the bursary, how to apply and eligibility criteria, please see the RTS website.

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that staff can change.

Dr Ben Thomas – Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Design

During his time here at BU as a PhD student, Ben worked with the RNLI to investigate friction and wear problems on the slipway when launching lifeboats.

Ben has continued to be active in sustainable design research and recent research work includes collaboration with SKF, Longitude Consulting Engineers Ltd., the Balmain trust and ongoing research collaboration with the RNLI and other colleagues within the Department of Design & Engineering.

View Dr Thomas’ staff profile

Dr Philip Sewell – Head of Department

Philip's interests are in the areas of design simulation & modelling, mechanics of materials, artificial intelligence and medical engineering.

He has been involved in developing research collaborations with Dorset Orthopaedics, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole Hospital, Blatchford & Sons and BVT Surface Fleet, Poole and Bournemouth Hospitals and Hydreco Hydraulics.

View Dr Sewell’s staff profile

Dr Adil Saeed- Programme Leader BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering

Course changes

Changes for 2022 entry

Date	Changes to this course
04/10/2021	Where the change was made: Fees box Change: Placement fee for September 2022 entry amended to £1,850. Previous text: £850

Changes in 2018

Date	Changes to this course
29/08/2018	Where the change was made: Course details Change: Following a course review the unit content has been revised and updated for September 2019 onwards.The previous content can be found in the programme specification.

Changes in 2017

Date	Changes to this course
15/11/2017	Where the change was made: Fees Change: After an annual review of the placement year tuition fee, a price increase in line with current inflation, equating to 3% has been introduced. Previous text: £790
18/10/2017	Where the change was made: Key facts and 2018 entry requirements Change: 2018 entry requirements have changed to 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels in required subjects. Previous text: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent including 32 points in 2 required subjects.
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: Key facts and 2018 entry requirements Change: 2018 entry requirements have changed to 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent including 32 points in 2 required subjects. BTEC 112 tariff points (Grade DMM) in a required subject. Previous text: 104-120 tariff points including 3 A levels or equivalent to include A level Mathematics and a Science or Technology subject. BTEC Extended Diploma DMM in a required subject.
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: 2018 entry requirements Change: 2018 GCSE entry requirements have changed to This course requires GCSE English and Mathematics grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications. Previous text: This course requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs grades A* - C (or grade 4 or above in the newly reformed GCSE grading) including Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

Statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats and BU institutional data unless otherwise stated.