Mechanical Engineering

BEng

Engineers are the applied innovators of the world, creating solutions to global and everyday challenges. Learn from engineering experts in one of the UK’s original technical universities.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration

3 or 4 years

UCAS code(s)

H300

Start date

Course overview

Aston University’s Mechanical Engineering degree, accredited by The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), is designed to thoroughly prepare you for a successful career after graduation. Everything man-made has had input by a mechanical engineer at one point, there is a rapidly increasing demand for mechanical engineers and a wide range of opportunities for those wanting to pursue a profession in the field.

You will leave with the knowledge, skills, and ability to succeed in the challenges that employers set their engineers, globally, on a daily basis. This course goes beyond technical engineering and scientific subjects to include usable skills in project management, teamwork, commercial awareness, and leadership.

Tarun Dosanjh Hero Image

"My time at Aston taught me fundamental engineering principles which I use day to day in my job. Being able to do a placement year also benefitted me greatly as it gave me an insight into industry and experiences that helped me when applying to graduate jobs."
 

Tarun Dosanjh
BEng Mechanical Engineering
System Design Engineer at Red Bull Racing

Why Mechanical Engineering at Aston University?

IMechE logo
Accredited
The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
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Gold standard teaching
Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
Ranked 14th icon
Longitudinal Education Outcomes (2023)
Aston engineering graduates are ranked 14th in median earnings on average of £40,200 in the five years after graduation.

Course description

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree at Aston University will equip you with the tools and confidence to develop innovative solutions to the problems and challenges you will face in your future professional working life.

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What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you; fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience; years of close industry collaboration that Is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs. You’ll also receive free membership of IMechE (which can lead to chartership upon graduation) and access to all project materials.

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What you will provide 
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, you must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

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What skills we teach
You will develop a solid foundation of technical skills including, but not limited to, CAD, model making (3D printing/foam) and metal work. Along with fundamental people skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and ethical social impact.

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Placement year
A placement year is a fantastic opportunity and highly encouraged with Aston University’s Mechanical Engineering course. Not only do placement students often gain invaluable industry experience, but this early exposure to the working world gives graduates a competitive edge when applying for future jobs.

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Career prospects
An Aston University engineering degree is highly regarded by some of the most desirable and well-known companies in the world. Graduates from Aston University’s Mechanical Engineering course have gone on to successful roles such as Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Development Engineer, Design Engineer and Project Manager for leading companies like Jaguar Land Rover, Network Rail, BAE Systems and Caterpillar Inc.

How you will learn

Our teaching style is modern and innovative, with the curriculum based around a hands-on educational framework called CDIO – Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate – supported by 150 of the world’s top technical institutions. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, combining your learning with practical examples, all designed to get you ready for the world of work. Lectures will also incorporate for theory-based subject areas.

 At Aston University there are many extra-curricular activities you can partake in to further develop yourself and explore your passions. Mechanical engineering students have the opportunity to design, build and race at Silverstone a single-seat racing car in IMechE’s national competition Formula Student. You will have the opportunity to showcase your work in the Mechanical Engineering and Design Industry Club, with the chance to meet employers, work on live industrial projects and interact with industry professionals. With our international connections, you will have the option to partake in global visits. This year some of our students have travelled to Norway to participate in an international conference and challenge to test their skills against other students in a competition. 

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My Experience with Aston Racing

We spoke to formula student Leader Sherjit about his experience at Aston Racing and why studying engineering at Aston was the best choice for him!

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry, our course builds knowledge and skillsets through the years offering a range of modern, relevant modules in sought after engineering and scientific subjects. Our graduates leave, confident that they have the solid grounding required by the best engineering employers.

First year

The first year of this course introduces the principles and disciplines of mechanical engineering, science and mathematics through a series of team-based projects. Technical modules build on basic knowledge and theory, whilst you’ll tackle large integrated projects in a practical setting helping you to gain understanding and experience in new technology and concepts.

Second year

With the fundamentals mastered in the first year you’ll be armed with the skills to expand your knowledge with more complex projects and increase your understanding of real-world industry practice. Through creative thinking, group practice and individual activity you will explore engineering’s impact on sustainability, ethics and society which will further your skills and technical know-how.

Placement year

Consolidating your learnings in a work environment. For students who chose to spend a year in industry during their degree we will support you to find paid, professional placement in the field you will one day thrive within. This placement will help you gain invaluable practical experience in a real work environment giving you a huge boost to future career prospects.

Final year

Your final year will centre around an individual project, allowing you to exercise the skills and foundations you have built on during your degree and focus on a speciality in your preferred area of either Advanced Systems Design or Advanced Manufacturing and Materials. The remaining part of the year focuses on more technical and theory-based modules, fully preparing you for the working world that awaits.

Eishar Bassan Hero Image

My Placement at Siemens

Successful BEng Mechanical Engineering graduate Eishar sought out new experiences at Aston University which has supported her to grow and thrive in her career today

Facilities

Mechanical Engineering is a hands-on discipline, you learn through combining lectures with practical lab-based work and engineering workshops. You will master both individual learning and group work with like-minded peers, guided by industry professionals and technical experts. Our engineering facilities mirror these environments with state-of-the-art facilities. 

Within the model shop

  • Five 3D printers
  • Maker space (with four additional 3D printers)
  • Laser cutting
  • Silicone moulding
  • Vacuum forming and foam cutting
  • Design Studio (an interactive space with PC’s and software)
  • Clay modelling facilities for automotive design
  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
  • Surface modelling using Solidworks and Keyshot
     
  • Dedicated project-based learning space and bookable student booths, assembly areas and professional drawing boards
  • Engine test lab (five engine test cells with hydraulic and electrical dynamometers, Kistler combustion analyser, emissions analyser)
  • Fuel characterisation and preparation lab
  • CNC Machine shop
  • Plasma cutting facility
  • Formula student garage & Shell Eco garage
  • Biomedical research lab with tissue and cell preparation areas, fume cupboards and microscopy facilities
  • Materials characterisation suite with advanced cyclic multi-axial testing equipment
  • Desalination and water treatment research lab with under-floor drainage
  • Solar array simulator
  • Solar thermal simulator


Our mechanical engineering course offers a range of excellent support for students, including additional mathematics 1-2-1 development, peer-assisted learning, expert technicians, and personal tutors.
Here, you will learn through hands-on experience by, for example, designing and building towers, wind turbines, and cars which you can then race in our Formula Student and Shell Eco Marathon competitions.

Course objectives

  1. Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences

  2. Develop a practical approach, where you have a passion for engineering and an enthusiasm for learning

  3. Prepares you with a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of mechanical engineering including relevant aspects of societal, environmental, and commercial matters 

  4. Provides an opportunity for advanced levels of study and a focus on skills and appreciation of the changing nature of engineering 

  5. Provides you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching and learning in theoretical issues with practical and digital skills training

  6. Provides an up-to-date and professionally focused curriculum satisfying the accreditation requirements of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

  7. Enables you to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich placement year

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year, you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Introduction to Engineering and Design30
Prototyping and Development30
Electronic Engineering Fundamentals15
Engineering Science 115
Materials and Manufacturing 115
Mathematical Modelling for Engineers15
Total120

Year 1 outcomes 

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

  • Have a basic theoretical knowledge of the mathematics, science and technology that underpins mechanical engineering.
  • Have a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, methodologies and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering.
  • Be able to demonstrate and apply analytical skills using a range of IT, mathematical modelling, and CAD-based software.
  • Be able to analyse and solve simple engineering problems.
  • Be able to plan, conduct and report on a programme of work to technical and non-technical audiences using a variety of IT packages.
  • Be able to create a solution to a design problem subject to identified constraints, evaluate the design and make improvements, using appropriate design tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a team and use basic team and resource management and documentation techniques to achieve engineering objectives.
  • Be able to integrate information from a variety of sources in the solution of an engineering problem.
  • Be able to plan, execute safely, record and use appropriate tools to report a series of measurements.
  • Be able to demonstrate basic practical workshop skills and hazard awareness in the production of simple prototype systems or components.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of common engineering materials, equipment, processes or products.
  • Reflect on their learning and personal development and plan steps to improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

 

Year 2 modules

In your second year, you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Design and Engineering for the User30
Engineering for Industry30
Engineering Science 215
Thermal Fluid Science 115
Materials and Manufacturing 215
Advanced Mathematical Modelling15
Total120

Year 2 outcomes 

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

  • Have a robust theoretical knowledge of mathematics, science, and technologies as appropriate to areas of mechanical engineering.
  • Have a detailed knowledge of well-established concepts, principles,  methodologies, and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering
  • Apply analytical skills using a range of IT, and mathematical modeling in the solution of advanced or ill-formed problems. 
  • Have the ability to apply an integrated approach to solving complex engineering problems
  • Have an awareness of the role of the engineer in society including professional skills, legal responsibilities, ethical risks, health, safety, security, and environmental responsibilities.
  • Explore a complex design problem, identify drivers and constraints, evaluate and iterate and document the design, using professional design tools and techniques
  • Interact effectively within a team, recognising and addressing situations likely to lead to conflict.
  • Be able to work with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty.
  • Have knowledge of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, and risk assessment and risk management techniques
  • Be able to apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal
  • Be able to evaluate business, customer, and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics
  • Be aware of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities 

Placement year modules

If you opt for an integrated placement year, you will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module TitleCredits
Integrated Placement Year
 
120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

  • Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role within it.
  • Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context.
  • Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Individual Major Project30
Professional Engineering Practice15
Thermal Fluid Science 215
Advanced Solid Mechanics and FEA15
Advanced Dynamics and Control15
Engineering Design and the Environment15

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module TitleCredits
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials15
Advanced System Design15
Total120

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final Year Outcomes 

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

  • Apply a systemic knowledge of mathematics, science, and technology to advanced topics in mechanical engineering and related areas.
  • Apply an in-depth knowledge of concepts, principles, and analytical and computational skills to solve problems in specific areas of engineering.
  • Integrate abstract concepts and ideas to solve complex multidisciplinary real-world problems and critically evaluate the solutions with a focus on sustainability and climate change.
  • Demonstrate professional skills and responsibility towards legal and ethical issues.
  • Work with incomplete information manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty and be able to evaluate the potential impact on an engineering activity.
  • Audit a planned engineering activity, and identify risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk.
  • Reflect on their knowledge, skills, and competencies to formulate a personal development plan in line with their chosen engineering career.
  • Plan, conduct, evaluate and report on a major individual programme of work initiated from a technical brief.

Entry requirements

  • A Levels

    BBC to include grade B in Maths and a Physical Science or Technology subject (standard offer) 
    BCC to include Maths, a Physical Science or Technology subject and grade B at EPQ or Core Maths
    CCC to include Maths and a Physical Science or Technology subject (contextual offer)

  • Physical Science or Technology subject accepted: Physics, Further Maths, Design Technology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Biology or Electronics.

  • Contextual offers

    Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

  • Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DDM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
  • National Diploma and Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. OR (RQF):  Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, Further Engineering Mathematics. This BTEC also requires 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B.
  • 'Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering type): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B. Diploma should include the following units at Distinction if A level is not in Mathematics: (QCF) Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, Further Engineering Mathematics.
  • Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics or similar physical science A-level subject. 
  • National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering type): M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum Grade B. If 1 A Level is not Maths then the Diploma should include the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, Further Engineering Mathematics.
  • National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics or similar physical science A- level subject. 
  • Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.
  • 29 overall points with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including Maths and Physics at Higher Level grade 5

Access

Subject related Access with at least 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at level 3 including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics and at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Physical Science.

Degree

  • Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
     
  • Year 2 entry: International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with these approved teaching partners: Kaplan International College London or NCUK.

    Please note that other second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits  on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
     
  • Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 

    The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

  • Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D
  • Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade D
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:

GCSE English Grade C/4 and Maths Grade C/4

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£9,250
During placement year:£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£21,100
During placement year:£2,500

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships 

Assessment

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral exams as well as practical work-based competencies such as log bookkeeping, teamwork evaluation, reports, presentations, and portfolios. Your final degree classification will be determined by your performance in all years.

Career prospects

The UK is a major contributor to the global engineering industry and our students have an excellent track record of employability upon graduation. Our recent graduates have successfully gone on to place roles such as Mechanical Engineers, Design Engineers, Project Managers and Consultants in world-leading companies such as BAE Systems, Bentley Motor Cars, Network Rail, Caterpillar Inc, Corus and Jaguar Land Rover.

Graduation

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Mechanical Engineering at Aston?

If you’re interested in a career in industry or commerce, using your engineering skills, this course will give you the necessary academic knowledge and understanding.

How will a placement year benefit me?

We think that the knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills. 

We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you. 

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Does an accreditation matter?

Yes. Working towards accreditation with your professional body means that you are among the best in your field. The BEng Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to set you on the path to Chartered Engineer status. 

Chat with our students

 

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