MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Watch our video

Late

UCAS Code:
H105
Institution:
B50
Delivery:
Sandwich (Thick) out of college.

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

This professionally accredited 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.

Industry-seasoned academics, practitioners and guest speakers deliver your practical training in our state-of-the-art Design & Engineering Innovation Centre, giving you the knowledge and skills required to understand the behaviour, performance and limitations of new technologies, in addition to modelling and simulating the performance of technologies.

As well as giving you a solid grounding in engineering, the course will provide an inspirational insight into emerging technologies within the sector and how to apply them to real-world situations. It also includes a career-affirming minimum 30-week period in a work placement, which will help you to make contacts and boost your potential within the profession.

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), this degree fully meets the academic standards of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng), which means you can apply for CEng status after gaining suitable experience in an engineering role. The course is also accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

This is an integrated Master’s degree; we also offer a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering which can be completed in four years.

Why not book on to an Open Day to come and meet us, or join us on live chat now to find out more?

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.

Image description — Festival of Design and Engineering 2018

Key information

Next start date:

September 2019, September 2020

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

MEng (Hons) 5 years full-time with a minimum 30-week placement or 4 years full-time. You will be enrolled onto the 5-year degree, but can opt out of the placement year

Accreditations:

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

Required subjects:

A-Level Mathematics (or equivalent), and any Science or Technology subject

Entry requirements:

For 2019 entry: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels in required subjects. BTEC Extended Diploma DMM in a required subject. For more information check out our 2019 entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.

Accredited by:

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 567kb)

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 BEng

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.

Final year MEng

Group Project A: This unit will develop essential management skills required to lead a professional team towards a successful solution of a technical problem. You will also develop strategies for team building and conflict resolution on a holistic approach to management.
Project Management: This unit will provide you with knowledge and understanding of project management techniques required to achieve engineering and design objectives. There will be a focus on soft skills of people management within a project environment.
Group Project B: This will further develop the skills of the previous unit in terms of team management. You will work on advanced problem-solving skills by applying an integrated or systems approach to a complex engineering problem within a team, while maintaining a view of commercial and industrial constraints.
Structural Integrity: Within this unit you will be provided with an extensive understanding and application of structural integrity theories. This will facilitate you in developing professional competence and critical awareness in the selection of methods for designing and analysing structural components.
Materials Failure and Prevention: This unit will provide a firm understanding of the more common failures that materials encounter in service or during processing. You will develop a critical understanding of how design and manufacturing influence the susceptibility of materials to fail, and learn how to tackle a forensic engineering investigation.
Advanced Materials: In this unit you will gain expertise in a variety of analytical techniques for materials characterisation and their applications at the cutting edge of the field. You will gain knowledge around properties and performance of materials at nano level and the concept of self-healing in materials and how it can be used to increase the life of components.

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. That’s why we offer every new student the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their course.

We will provide a great deal of support to help you find the most appropriate work placement for the subject you’re studying and the career you’re interested in, which means you could be based anywhere in the UK, or even overseas.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placements All you need to know about placements

How placements benefit you

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider
Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Coordinator.

They’ll help you plan your placement so make sure you get the right experience for you. That includes offering help and support if you need to move to another part of the UK – and even another country – to get the most out of your time.

We’ve also built close industry links over the years – so our network of employers that are keen to work with placement students is always growing. Or if you’d prefer to arrange your placement independently, we can offer advice on how to do that too.

Our placement students have previously worked with

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'll 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, predicted grades, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview/selection test.

If you meet one or more of our contextual data indicators for educational disadvantage (such as being in care, living in a low participation neighbourhood or in an area with less advantaged socio-economic characteristics), your offer could be between 8-24 points below the published tariff.

Our offer making process

Our offer making will typically be based on your most recent graded qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications on the UCAS tariff tables 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) and the rest of the application to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will still confirm your place.

Our Unconditional Offer Scheme (2019 entry)

Applicants who are predicted to achieve strong academic results will be eligible for BU’s Unconditional Offer Scheme in recognition of their academic performance and potential to succeed at university. If you are selected for the scheme and commit to us as your firm choice of university, then we will match this commitment by making your offer unconditional, which will guarantee your place at BU.

You will receive a standard conditional offer based on the entry requirements for your course via UCAS Track and your offer letter – it will advise that you are eligible for the Unconditional Offer Scheme. We will then update your offer to unconditional should you choose BU as your firm choice on UCAS Track. We believe that unconditional offers reduce pressure on applicants who will continue to strive to achieve the best grades possible. If you achieve ABB or above at A-level or equivalent, you’ll also be eligible for our Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Visit our Unconditional Offer Scheme FAQ page

Applying for year 2 or the final year

We have recently reviewed this course to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in industry. As the aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, teaching, learning and assessment methods may have changed as a result of the review, you can find the relevant information for your year of entry in the appropriate programme specification.

Year 2 and final year new entrants programme specification (pdf 302 kb)

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff points

We use the UCAS Tariff to show our entry requirements and will accept a combination of grades from your qualifications. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to tariff points.

For 2019: The entry requirements for this course are 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels in required subjects, or equivalent.

Required subjects: A level Mathematics and a Science or Technology subject.

Excluded subjects: We do not accept General Studies.

GCSEs: GCSE English and Mathematics grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications.

Numeracy and literacy: We need to be sure that you can express yourself in written English and have basic numeracy skills. We look at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework, which includes GCSEs, iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills Level 2. If you do not have formal qualifications to this level or have alternatives, we may still be able to consider your application – please contact the Future Students Enquiry Service to find out more.

Other qualifications: We have outlined below other qualifications that we consider for this course. If you are studying a qualification that is not listed, please contact the Future Students Enquiry Service – it may be that we can still consider it.

Access courses: 102 - 118 tariff points in a required subject with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.

BTEC qualifications:

Extended Diploma: 112 tariff points (Grade DMM) in a required subject
Diploma: 104 tariff points (Grade D*D) in a required subject
BTEC National Foundation Diploma/90-credit Diploma: The 90-credit Diploma will be accepted as part of your overall tariff but it must be accompanied by A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
BTEC National Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by A-levels or equivalent.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 Principal Subjects in required subjects.

Cambridge Technical qualifications:

Extended Diploma: 112 tariff points (Grade DMM) in a required subject
Diploma: 104 tariff points (Grade D*D) in a required subject
Subsidiary Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by A-levels or equivalent.
Introductory Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by A-levels or equivalent.

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 28 - 31 overall including grade H5 from 2 Higher Level required subjects

Scottish Highers: 104 - 120 tariff pointsfrom Scottish Highers in required subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by A-levels or equivalent.

Extended Project Qualification: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by 3 A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

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

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 it’s 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.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider applicants for deferred entry.

International entry 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:

IELTS (Academic) 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components) 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, without the need to re-take IELTS.

Academic 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.

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. Within six months of completing their course, 90% of our students who study our Engineering courses are working in professional or managerial positions.

Graduates from our design and engineering courses are now working for a range of organisations, including Aish Technologies Limited, Canyons, General Electric Aviation, Modulift, Pall Aerospace and Visteon.

Typical starting job roles

Industries worked in

Further study

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 – including unlimited Academic Excellence Scholarships for UK, EU and International students.

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.

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:

One set of study-related consumables such as a memory stick/ DVD
Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement.
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
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support
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

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:

Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website.
Optional fieldwork travel, outdoor wear and footwear (where applicable)
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.

Repeat units

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. You may also benefit from guest lectures from industry, including our alumni. Please note that teaching 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.

Dr Ben Thomas' staff profile

Course changes

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
17/11/2017	Where the change was made: Fees Change: After an annual review of tuition fees a price increase has been introduced. International tuition fees for Years 1, 2 and 3 have increased from £13,500 to £13,750. Final year tuition fees have increased for UK/EU/Channel Islands students from £6,000 to £6,500 and international students from £13,500 to £14,000 Previous text: Years 1, 2 and 3. UK/EU/Channel Islands: £9,250. International (non-EU): £13,500. Final year (postgraduate study). UK/EU/Channel Islands: £6,000. International (non-EU): £13,500.
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: 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: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent including 32 points in 2 required subjects. Previous text: The entry requirements for this course are 104-120 tariff points including 3 A-levels including 2 required subjects, or equivalent qualifications. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM.
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: 2018 Entry Requirements Change: 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.

Changes in 2016

Date	Changes to this course
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change of year 1 unit Previous text: Statics & Dynamics: Through a mix of laboratory and/or software-based exercises, lectures and seminars, you'll learn about a range of static and dynamics principles for design components, structures and machines. You'll mathematically analyse static design solutions and dynamic and kinematic design problems.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 1 unit Previous text: Engineering Tools: The key engineering tools for analysing, designing, communicating and making an engineering solution. This unit will cover computer-aided design (CAD), basic programming and workshop skills.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 2 unit Previous text: Visualisation Tools: Learn about applied 3-D modelling techniques to support your design visualisation, realisation and presentation. You'll learn to support your design process by using computer, physical modelling and presentation skills, and colour, texture and light using computer and manual techniques.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 2 unit Previous text: Mechanical Design Applications: Develop further knowledge of mechanical engineering for designing components, structures and machines.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 2 unit Previous text: Thermo Fluids & Heat Transfer: Learn about key thermo fluid and heat transfer principles. You'll be shown these for a number of systems and process.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 3 unit Previous text: Advanced Engineering: You will learn about and use the latest innovations in engineering to solve complex problems. This will include computational intelligence and the latest simulation systems and technologies.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 3 unit Previous text: Advanced Computer Applications: Develop advanced CAD skills for analysis, design and simulation. This will include static and thermal stress analysis.
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Change to year 3 unit Previous text: Mechanical Design Analysis: Important analytical methods for designing structures. You'll apply these methods and predict their performance in service using analytical and computer tools.
23/05/2016	Where the change was made: Your application Change: Removal of the interview selection measure for 2017 entry Previous text: You will need to attend an interview for this course - find out more about what to expect at an interview, including where the interviews are held, and what you need to bring. You can bring along a portfolio of your work to support your application, however this is not essential and may not be required. Please do not bring along educational certificates or other documents.

After an annual review of the tuition fee for international (non-EU) students, a price increase has been introduced.

What our students say

David Maw

My placement involved work as a commercial structural engineer using Autodesk and Solidworks Finite Element Analysis software to model, analyse and optimise structures

What employers think

2010 CBI/EDI Education and Skills survey

Two thirds of employers believe gaining practical experience is the most valuable step you can take to improve your employment prospects.

What our students say

Martin Shutler

It’s a great privilege to combine this IED award with my Engineering qualification, this is an excellent addition and I am very pleased.

MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Course search

Search form

Key information

Next start date:

Location:

Duration:

Accreditations:

Required subjects:

Entry requirements:

International entry requirements:

Accredited by:

Related courses

Our stories

See creations by BU students showcased at Design & Engineering Show 2017

Dom talks about choosing the right degree for you

View Joe's final year project where he investigated changing the renewable energy sector

Read BU student Shaay’s blog on why you will love Bournemouth

Read Agata’s blog, ‘10 things I wish I knew before starting university’

Planning your future

Course details

Contact hours and assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Optional placement year

Final year BEng

Final year MEng

Programme specification

Placements

How placements benefit you

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

Our placement students have previously worked with

Your application

Selection methods

How we'll assess your application

Our offer making process

Our Unconditional Offer Scheme (2019 entry)

Applying for year 2 or the final year

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff points

International entry requirements

Careers

Typical starting job roles

Industries worked in

Further study

Costs and fees

No hidden extras

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Repeat units

Our staff

Dr Ben Thomas – Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Design

Course changes

Changes in 2018

Changes in 2017

Changes in 2016

What our students say

David Maw

What employers think

2010 CBI/EDI Education and Skills survey

What our students say

Martin Shutler