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BEng Mechanical Engineering

Entry Year: 2024

Overview

Mechanical engineering looks at how parts, machines and systems work, and how to design and analyse them.

The vital role of mechanical engineers is becoming increasingly important as society attempts to meet the great challenges facing it in the future. From addressing the demands of a growing and ageing population, to seeking new sustainable energy approaches and preserving our environment, mechanical engineers will be at the heart of delivering solutions to future global issues.

The focus of mechanical engineering on energy and design and its widespread applications within society, provides our graduates with opportunities to pursue a variety of interesting careers. Because it’s so broad, it makes an ideal undergraduate degree – providing an opportunity to learn about the full range of exciting engineering pathways without specialising too early.

In Years 1 and 2 you’ll build a strong foundation in fundamental engineering concepts such as fluid mechanics, design, materials and mathematical modelling, whilst being introduced to Mechanical Engineering through our ‘Explore Mechanical Engineering’ module. Modules in design and experimental practice, will help you to develop the practical workshop and laboratory-based skills necessary for all engineers, and put core programme material into perspective and to practical use.

In Year 3, you’ll be able to choose modules that fit with your own interests and skill set. This includes Designing for a Circular Economy, Robotics, Failure of Materials, Network Engineering, Heat Exchange and Recovery and Process Safety and Loss Prevention. The third-year design project will provide an opportunity for you to concentrate on your specific interests, whilst working on an industry-focused area in collaboration with the School’s world-leading researchers.

Students who choose to take the MEng degree will learn advanced modules and carry out an industry or research-linked project that focuses on solving real engineering research and design problems. Recent projects have included assessing Britain’s Olympic bobsleigh and testing a combustor from a Rolls-Royce micro-gas turbine.

We place strong emphasis not only on the technical content of our modules, such as mechanics, thermodynamics and design, but also on the cross discipline skills vital for an engineer to function in the work place. We have mapped the modules in our programmes to a range of attributes that we would like our students to attain, within the areas of creativity, resilience, communication and professional practice in order to produce well-rounded, interested and highly employable graduates. This not only ensures that the students develop technical knowledge and understanding as they progress through their degree, but it also gives us the confidence that students will graduate with skills they can apply to a range of future careers or higher-level study.

We've recently undertaken a review of our programmes to ensure that they will prepare you for life beyond 2030 and ensure they reflect the global challenges facing both our society and your future as engineers. We have developed the modules we offer in consultation with our students, staff and industry to enhance your student experience and graduate employability.

Professional recognition

Our Mechanical Engineering programmes have been accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAES) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.  

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).  

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Our BEng programmes meet the academic requirements for IEng and our MEng programmes meet the academic requirements for CEng.

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Royal Aeronautical Society logo

Structure

You can complete your Mechanical Engineering degree in three, four or five years. A typical BEng programme will comprise 3 years of study, whilst a typical MEng programme will comprise 4 years of study. Study abroad can be taken in Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be taken in Year 4. Industrial Experience can be taken in Year 3 or 4 of a BEng programme or Year 3, 4 or 5 of an MEng programme. Please note that students cannot do both study abroad and a year in industry.

Year 0

Foundation

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Physics - Mechanics and Materials
  • Essential Foundation Mathematics
  • Communication in Science & Technology
  • Mathematics B  (double module across Semester 1 and 2)

Semester 2

Compulsory

  • Physics- Fields and Waves
  • Physics - Electricity and Atomic Physics
  • Introduction to Engineering
  • Mathematics B  (double module across Semester 1 and 2)

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

You'll cover the following specialist topics:

  • Applied Fluid Mechanics
  • Heat and Mass Transfer
  • Applied Solid Mechanics
  • Instrumentation and Measurements
  • Designing for Sustainable Manufacture
  • Numerical Methods and Data Science in Engineering
  • Thermodynamic Cycles
  • Control System Analysis and Design
  • Professional Skills for Engineers

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

  • Integrated Design Project (30 credits)
  • Simulation Tools in Engineering Analysis and Design
  • Fuels and Sustainability
  • Advanced Professional Skills for Engineers 


choose from:

  • Electrical Systems for Renewable Energies
  • Heat Exchange and Waste Minimisation.
  • Modelling and Control of Robotic Systems
  • Vehicles for the Future 
  • Robot Design and Mechatronics
  • Sustainability Assessment for Design
  • Failure of Materials

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 4

MEng only

Students choosing the MEng option spend an additional year studying advanced specialised modules and working on an industry/research project. Recent projects have included taking part in the Shell Eco Challenge, designing, building and testing a novel solar collector, and a control-oriented sea wave energy converter.

Specialist module topics include:

  • Computational Engineering
  • Engineering Design Optimisation and Decision Making
  • Renewable Energy Sources
  • Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
  • Introduction to Systems Engineering
  • Statistical Thinking and Applied Machine Learning
  • Advanced Mechanical Modelling of Materials
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Renewable Fuels
  • Solar Energy Engineering
  • Environment, Ethics and Economics in Engineering Design
  • Robotics

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Study options

Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.

Integrated foundation year

Students who do not have the required high school qualifications for admission to this degree,  and students who do not meet their UCAS Conditional offer may be considered for the 4 year degree (foundation year plus the 3 year degree). 

International students with Year 12 or a completed international high school certificate qualify for the one year foundation programme commonly known as the ISEFP.

The foundation programme offers a range of transferable skills and an opportunity to improve on your knowledge content for relevant Maths and Science subjects.

You will enrol on an Engineering BEng with Foundation which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Engineering and Material Sciences including BEng or MEng Mechanical Engineering.  At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BEng or MEng Mechanical Engineering.

Year in industry

Apply for our Mechanical Engineering BEng or MEng with Industrial Experience to spend a year in industry. You'll put your understanding of mechanical engineering into practice in a real-world environment, gaining invaluable experience for your future career.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Take an extra year to study your choice of advanced modules and complete a high-level group project. Apply for our Mechanical Engineering MEng, ideal if you want to go into research and development, or to give you an edge in the job market.

Year abroad

Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Mechanical Engineering BEng or MEng with a Year Abroad. Pathways has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).

Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are.

You can do either a year in industry or a year abroad - you cannot combine these options.

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Testimonial

What I enjoy the most about my course is that I can apply the theory I learn to real-life scenarios. I’ve always loved physics and maths, and mechanical engineering is the most applicable combination of the subjects.

Anesu Nyamutora, Mechanical Engineering (2019)

Teaching

Teaching and learning

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals and problem-based learning.

You should plan for 14-17 hours of formal teaching each week, plus time spent on group projects. For every hour spent in class, you’ll complete a further one to two hours of independent study.

Assessment

Assessment typically includes a combination of coursework, written reports, projects, presentations, group work and exams in the summer.

Resources and facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

  • combustion laboratory
  • nanofluids research labs
  • mechanical testing facilities
  • two-phase flow and heat transfer labs
  • the Whitehead Aeronautical Laboratory containing low- and high-speed wind tunnels
  • workshops for engineering manufacture.

Entry requirements

A-Level Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
BTEC See our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Physics and Mathematics based discipline. Entry will normally be to the BEng or BSc. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 credits must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4.
EPQ

Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.

For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq

Contextualised admissions

Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

A-Level Grades BBB at A-Level.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 30 points overall, including 5,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects.
BTEC See our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 27 credits must be at Distinction and 18 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
Contextualised admissions We consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages.
A-Level Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
BTEC See our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Physics and Mathematics based discipline. Entry will normally be to the BEng or BSc. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 credits must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4.
EPQ Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
A-Level Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
BTEC See our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Physics and Mathematics based discipline. Entry will normally be to the BEng or BSc. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 credits must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4.
EPQ Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

This programme requires ATAS clearance. Students who are not EEA or Swiss nationals may require ATAS clearance to undertake this course. The CAH3 code for this course is CAH10-01-02. Further information on ATAS can be found on our Advice and Counselling webpages.

A-Level Grades AAA at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 36 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
BTEC BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Physics and Mathematics based discipline. Entry will normally be to the BEng or BSc. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 credits must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4.
EPQ Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades ABB including AB in Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBB including Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

This programme requires ATAS clearance. Students who are not EEA or Swiss nationals may require ATAS clearance to undertake this course. The CAH3 code for this course is CAH10-01-02. Further information on ATAS can be found on our Advice and Counselling webpages.

A-Level Grades AAA at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 36 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
BTEC BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Physics and Mathematics based discipline. Entry will normally be to the BEng or BSc. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 credits must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4.
EPQ Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades ABB including AB in Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBB including Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

This programme requires ATAS clearance. Students who are not EEA or Swiss nationals may require ATAS clearance to undertake this course. The CAH3 code for this course is CAH10-01-02. Further information on ATAS can be found on our Advice and Counselling webpages.

A-Level Grades AAA at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
IB International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 36 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
BTEC BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HE We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Physics and Mathematics based discipline. Entry will normally be to the BEng or BSc. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 credits must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSE Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4.
EPQ Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades ABB including AB in Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBB including Maths and Physics or Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

Non-UK students

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.

English language

Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.

You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

Further information

See our general undergraduate entry requirements.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

Scholarships and bursaries

Pathwaysoffers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

Many Mechanical Engineering graduates go on to further study, or find work in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation or communications. Engineering consultancy is another possible career.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Aixtron
  • BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
  • MOOG Music
  • Network Rail
  • PEI-Genesis
  • Y Solar.

Career support

The School of Engineering and Materials Science holds a weekly careers session where employers provide information, advice and skills training. We also run networking events for students to meet employers and alumni.

The Pathways careers team can also offer:

  • specialist advice on choosing a career path
  • support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
  • feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
  • interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.

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