Mechanical Engineering

Course overview

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 this programme, accredited* by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), 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.

"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?

Professionally accredited*

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Ranked 6th in the UK for student to staff ratio

Mechanical Engineering, Guardian University Guide, 2025

Ranked 12th in the UK overall

Mechanical Engineering, Guardian University Guide, 2025

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

Mechanical Engineering at Aston University

Mechanical Engineering student Tom Obee talks about his experience studying at Aston.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

A day in the life of a Mechanical Engineering student

Let’s follow Faridot a student studying Mechanical Engineering at Aston.

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.

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.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

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.

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!

Find out more

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

Find out more

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.

Check out the teaching spaces we have for our Mechanical Engineering courses, including workshops where areas such as hydraulics and high powered jets are covered in a safe environment.

coursepage_mechnicalengineering_formulastudent

Course objectives

Provide you with the opportunities to realise their academic potential through a range of learning
experiences;
Encourage, through a practical approach, the student to have a passion for engineering and an enthusiasm for learning;
Provide a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of mechanical engineering including relevant aspects of ethical, societal, environmental, and commercial matters;
Provide an opportunity for advanced levels of study and a focus on skills and appreciation of the changing nature of engineering;
Provide you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching and learning in theoretical issues with practical and digital skills training;
Provide an up-to-date and professionally focussed curriculum
Offer students the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich placement year.
Produce capable graduate engineers who are highly valued by employers

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Design-Build-Test	15
Materials and Manufacturing 1	15
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital, and Physical Sciences	15
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences	15
Electronics 1	15
Engineering Science 1	15
Power Skills	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

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

Demonstrate a basic theoretical knowledge of the mathematics, science and technology that underpins mechanical engineering
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, methodologies and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering
Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science, programming, and engineering principles to solve engineering problems.
Plan, conduct and report on a programme of work to technical and non-technical audiences using a variety of IT packages.
Create a solution as part of (interdisciplinary) teams to a design problem subject to identified constraints, evaluate the design and make improvements, using appropriate design tools and techniques
Demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively in (interdisciplinary) teams and use basic team and resource management and documentation techniques to achieve engineering objectives
Use information from a variety of sources in the solution of an engineering problem
Evaluate and interpret data using industry-standard methods and communicate information effectively to ensure data-driven approaches to decision-making in solving complex problems.
Use sustainable development strategies that reflect a deep understanding of the Circular Economy, Net-Zero strategies, Design and Systems Thinking, and Global Social Responsibility and lead to solutions that are ethically sound and globally relevant.
Employ integrated problem-solving skills to analyse challenging and multifaceted
problems considering professional, social, and ethical contexts.

Year 2 modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Engineering Science 2	15
Materials and Manufacturing 2	15
Advanced Mathematical Modelling	15
Thermofluids	15
Electromechanical Design, Dynamics and Control	15
Integrated Design Project	30
CDIO Team Project	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

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

Demonstrate a robust theoretical knowledge of mathematics, science and technologies as appropriate to areas of mechanical engineering
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of well-established concepts, principles, methodologies and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering
Apply analytical skills using a range of IT, mathematical modelling in the solution of advanced or ill-formed problems
Apply an integrated approach to solving complex engineering problems
Demonstrate awareness of the role 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.
Work with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty.

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 Title	Credits
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 Title	Credits
Advanced Solid Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis	15
Advanced Dynamics and Control Systems	15
Advanced Thermofluids	15
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing	15
Engineering Design and the Environment	15
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Engineering Major Project	30
Total	120

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
Evaluate potential impact on engineering activity when working with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty.
Audit a planned engineering activity, 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 including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject
BCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject (with an EPQ or Core Maths* at grade B)
CCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject (contextual offer)

List of STEM (a) subjects: Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Design Technology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Biology and Electronics.

*List of core maths qualifications we accept: AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies, City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning, Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context, WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life and Level 3 Core Maths

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

If BTEC is in Engineering:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Engineering): DDM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (Engineering): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (Engineering): DM, plus 1 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (Engineering): DM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics, plus 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Engineering): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction if one A level is not in Mathematics: (QCF) Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction, with the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, or Further Engineering Mathematics.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction, plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C. This must include the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, or Further Engineering Mathematics.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

If BTEC is in any other subject:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM, and A Level Maths at grade B.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B in Mathematics and another STEM (a) subject listed above.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (any subject): DM, plus A-level Mathematics at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (any subject): DM, plus A-level Mathematics at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B including Mathematics.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

29 points overall with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level, including Mathematics and another STEM (a) listed subject.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of at least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits at level 3; including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics units and at least 15 credits at Level 3 in STEM (a) subject units.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Building Services Engineering for Construction
Onsite Construction
Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements:

GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Non-standard qualifications

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 Level 3) 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 from your current institution.

Year 2 entry: Please note that 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 in 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 successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content.

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 from your current institution.

Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

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
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,535*
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2025/26)

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

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.

All students:

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

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 Rolls Royce, Tata Consultancy, BAE Systems, Bentley Motor Cars, Network Rail, Caterpillar Inc, Corus, Renishaw and Jaguar Land Rover.

Be part of our community

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

Alumni Services

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