BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Engineering
- UCAS Course Code
- H12M
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Mechanical engineers are involved with the design and manufacturing of almost anything with moving parts, from household appliances to renewable energy systems.
Our accredited four-year BEng in Mechanical Engineering incorporates a range of engineering disciplines including stress analysis, fluid dynamics, control systems, and thermodynamics. You’ll have access to industry-standard software and facilities, helping you develop a well-rounded skill set and become the digital engineer of the future. Regular practical sessions will reinforce this knowledge while group activities will equip you with transferable soft skills like communication and leadership. The year in industry will accelerate your development even further, setting you apart from other engineering graduates.
Our state-of-the-art facilities in Productivity East act as a link between our students and our industrial partners, helping you secure placements and graduate employment.
Our course structure, innovative teaching and assessment, and embedded employability opportunities have all been praised by professional accrediting bodies like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Mechanical engineering is a great fit for anyone who is passionate about machines and manufacturing, has a knack for problem solving, or is simply curious about how and why things work. This four-year course will give you a grounding in core principles of engineering, alongside specialist mechanical engineering knowledge and skills. The year-long industry placement means you can apply your learning in a professional setting, before returning to UEA to complete your mechanical engineering degree.
All our engineering courses follow an integrated programme structure for the first year. You’ll develop skills like problem solving, computer aided engineering, manufacturing, programming, and sketching, which will serve you well throughout your studies and in your future career.
With this underpinning skill set in place, you’ll begin applying key mechanical concepts to your work on several engineering design projects. You will deepen your knowledge of solid mechanics, control systems, design, and manufacturing. Outside of your core modules, you can tailor the course to your interests with optional modules in electrical engineering, energy storage, and solar/nuclear energy engineering.
The BEng Mechanical Engineering course culminates in an individual project of your choice, based on a real-world challenge related to industry or research.
This course will enhance your engineering knowledge, equip you with essential hard and soft skills, and give you access to industry-standard facilities in Productivity East, the home of engineering at UEA. Your curiosity will be encouraged throughout your engineering studies, as you develop the tools, experience, and insight you need to pursue a rewarding career in mechanical engineering.
All our courses include a particular emphasis on commercial awareness, but this BEng in Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry takes you even further. You’ll spend your third year gaining first-hand experience in your chosen industry and graduate one step ahead in your career. Throughout your time at UEA, you can also take advantage of our exclusive Select partnership scheme, a speed-interview event attended by several prestigious engineering organisations and industry partners.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
On this course, you’ll graduate with the added advantage of a year’s work experience. You’ll study the same topics as our BEng Mechanical Engineering students, except you’ll spend your third year working in a company related to your chosen discipline, before returning to complete your degree in your fourth year.
A year in industry is a great way to test out career options, hone your skills, gain real-world experience, and make valuable professional contacts.
During your placement year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial supervisor will keep in touch during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Accreditations
This course is professionally accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). It fully meets the academic requirements for the award of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status, which may be achieved following a period of experiential learning in employment (also known as initial professional development or IPD). Further Master’s level study will be required to register for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Completing an accredited course enables you to demonstrate to employers your knowledge, abilities, skills, and competencies as specified in the Engineering Council's UK-SPEC4.0.
Professionally recognised engineers can benefit from improved career prospects and higher earning potential. This accreditation is an international recognition and can also pave the way to further career opportunities abroad.
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Study and Modules
Structure
In our integrated first year, you will learn about the core engineering principles including fluids, thermodynamics, materials, electrical and electronics. You’ll collaborate in group activities with other engineering disciplines like energy and electrical and electronics. These activities will be delivered through active learning involving experimentation, laboratory work, and regular group design exercises. In these design exercises, you will apply your problem-solving skills and engineering knowledge to real-world challenges and issues. You may have the opportunity to participate in an inter-university competition with Engineers Without Borders, where our students regularly excel.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
From day one, you’ll explore the concerns of today’s engineers and the pivotal role mechanical engineers play in shaping society’s response to the challenges of our time. You’ll participate in an inter-university competition in partnership with Engineers Without Borders, and understand how engineers serve society, contributing to national economies while working to protect the environment.
Assessment
Our assessment strategies are as varied as our teaching. We're aware that you might prefer to demonstrate your learning in different ways, so our variety of assessment methods are designed to give you opportunities to shine, whatever your preference. These methods include continuous assessment in the form of frequent coursework across each term, as well as written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations. Our innovative forms of assessment delivery have recently been commended by professional engineering bodies.
In Year 1, your assessed performance does not count towards your final degree. We therefore use this first year to expose you to the range of assessment-types that you may encounter as you progress through your degree. You will also receive instruction in areas like report-writing and presentations to secure your knowledge and capacity to perform. You’ll use these skills in the group work assessments and competition opportunity presented to you in this initial year of study.
Structure
Building on your progress from the first year, you’ll deepen your study of mechanical engineering in advanced concepts encompassing solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, vibration and dynamics and heat transfer.
The year-long engineering design project will allow you to flex your Mechanical Engineering skills in solving complex multi-disciplinary problems. For example, you may take on the Greenpower car challenge to design and build an electric car, with the ambition to participate in Formula 24+, a national championship run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
You will also have the flexibility to choose additional modules on renewable energy, electrical power engineering, and programming, depending on your interests.
You may be eligible to transfer to our five-year MEng Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry course, subject to your academic performance. This is an ideal route for anyone seeking Chartered Engineer status as well as a year’s professional experience on placement.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Following the integrated first year, you’ll commence a more specialised study of mechanical engineering in Year 2. You’ll also develop your collaborative skills by working as a small engineering consultancy company to solve a specific design challenge. The breadth of this project will require you to integrate your design solutions across multiple engineering disciplines in order to ensure success.
Assessment
In Year 2, you’ll form a small design consultancy team that will work together to present assessed design reports. This design module also lets you demonstrate your individual strengths, applied to a complex design challenge. For example, you might choose to use your mechanical engineering skills within your consultancy group to focus on increasing components’ stress resistance and optimising the shape of a car chassis to reduce drag. Other module assessments will involve traditional examinations, small regular tests, and tailored coursework problems.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on an industrial placement at an organisation of your choice. This opportunity to connect with working engineers and contribute to real engineering projects will immerse you in the dynamic world of the modern engineering industry. You’ll consolidate the knowledge and skills you’ve developed so far in a professional context, picking up plenty of new expertise as you go. A year in industry gives you unparalleled insight into your chosen sector and sets you apart from other mechanical engineering graduates. Recent students have undertaken placements in motorsport companies, control system providers and renewable energy companies.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
While your experiences on your year in industry will be unique to the nature of the organisation in which you undertake your placement, the learning outcomes from this year will emphasise the development of your professional skill set, your understanding in an applied learning context, and the application of theory gained from your academic experiences to date.
Assessment
In this year of industrial experience, you’ll document your progress throughout the year and submit this as an assessed final report. You will also be assessed on your reflections from the year and how you articulate your learning journey.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll study advanced concepts of stress analysis, control systems, manufacturing technologies, and Industry 4.0 principles. The pinnacle of your studies will be your individual project based on your specific interests and skills. This is a significant piece of research and could involve experimentation, computational/numerical modelling, practical prototyping and construction, or circuit assembly. There may be opportunities to link your individual project to a real engineering challenge experienced in industry. For example, recent students have carried out projects on the applications of robotics in agriculture and health care, designing and developing vertical farms, geothermal energy systems optimization, and electric vehicle battery pack thermal management.
We emphasise employability across the years, embedding project management, teamworking, communication and other soft skills throughout our modules. This combination of soft skills, teaching excellence and commercial awareness means you’ll leave UEA ready to launch your career as a graduate mechanical engineer.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, we’ll encourage you to explore all the options available to you to define your mechanical engineering credentials. You will also deepen your learning experience through an independent study based in an area of particular interest or relevance to you. You’ll choose what you wish to study and define how you wish to study it, with the support of academic staff.
Assessment
Year 4 assessment is dominated by your double-credit engineering project. You’ll apply the skill set that you have acquired to deliver projects combining your computational, software, data analysis, and laboratory skills, depending on the proposal you choose to deliver. You’ll also demonstrate the practical and applied aspects of your learning, as you adopt a reflective and iterative approach to the design of control systems. Beyond this, your independent module selection will determine your remaining assessment types. By this stage in your academic journey, you’ll understand what type of learner you are and be able to identify your preferred methods of assessment. With this insight, you’ll be free to select the optional modules that support your ability to excel.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including A in Mathematics and B in one of Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, Computing Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Geology or Biology. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.
- BTEC
- Extended Diploma: DDM. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC (including B in Mathematics and B in one of the following subjects - Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, Computing Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Geology or Biology)
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM (specific subjects and modules required)
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including grade A in one of Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, Computing Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Geology or Biology. Only accepted in combination with Scottish Advanced Higher grade B in Mathematics.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including B in Mathematics and C in one of Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, Computing Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Geology or Biology. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including H2 in Mathematics and H3 in one of Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, Computing Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Geology or Biology.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics and 12 credits in one other Science.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 including HL6 in Mathematics and HL5 in Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Design Technology or Computing Science.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 or above, and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM.
Diploma: DD plus A in A-Level Mathematics.
Extended Certificate: D plus A in A-Level Mathematics and B in A-Level Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, Computing Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Geology or Biology .
Modules to include either Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Mathematics OR Maths for Engineering Technicians and Further Maths for Engineering Technicians. A Distinction will be required in both modules.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BEng Engineering with a Foundation Year.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
As a UEA Mechanical Engineering graduate, you’ll enjoy excellent career prospects in mechanical engineering and a breadth of other industries. Your commercial awareness and continuous collaboration with industrial partners throughout your degree will support your professional and personal development, giving you the confidence to pursue your career goals.
Our industrial partners recognise the potential that UEA students bring to their organisations and are ready to support your development throughout your engineering studies. In several key sectors, mechanical engineers are in especially high demand–particularly those with the digital skills and industry insight to navigate the challenges of our time.
Upon completion of this course, you may choose to continue your academic studies by joining a Master’s degree programme or studying for a PhD. Your Mechanical Engineering degree could also support a career beyond engineering in accountancy, law, STEM teaching.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Mechanical engineering
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Manufacturing
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Renewable energy
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Design Engineering
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STEM teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages.