Mechanical Engineering

Course overview

Aston University's IMechE-accredited mechanical engineering program ensures your readiness for a prosperous post-graduation career. Mechanical engineers play a pivotal role in virtually all man-made creations, resulting in a growing demand for professionals in this field. Upon completion, you'll possess the expertise and skills required to excel in global engineering challenges. This program encompasses not only technical and scientific subjects but also valuable skills in project management, teamwork, commercial awareness, and leadership.

"I am currently an engineer at Toyota, which is a very intense role. Aston set me up with the knowledge to get started in the job, as well as the more personal skills needed to succeed. The CDIO projects were a great way of improving communication and teamwork, which are vital skills in my every day life. My confidence also grew during my time at Aston, which means that I can now present to senior management regularly with few worries."

Emma Turner

Mechanical Engineering Graduate

Why Mechanical Engineering at Aston University?

Accredited

The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Gold standard teaching

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

Longitudinal Education Outcomes (2023)

Aston engineering graduates are ranked 14th in median earnings on average of £40,200 in the five years after graduation.

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.

Course description

MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

This degree at Aston University will equip you with the tools and confidence to develop ground breaking solutions to challenges you will face in the future.

What we will provide

You'll receive exceptional education in the UK's second-largest city, led by a diverse team of inspiring instructors. Our excellent facilities enable hands-on, practical learning, and we integrate years of industry collaboration to deliver real-world-oriented education. Additionally, you'll enjoy complimentary IMechE membership, offering chartership opportunities upon graduation, along with access to project materials.

What you will provide
Developing a growth mindset is vital for your academic journey. Recognise that intelligence and achievement result from the effort, and demonstrate critical thinking, ambition, and a drive for excellence.

What skills we teach
You'll establish a strong base of technical expertise, encompassing CAD, model construction (including 3D printing and foam work), and metalwork. Additionally, you'll hone essential interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and ethical awareness.

MEng year
Choosing the MEng year provides a chance to secure a valuable industry placement, enhancing specialised knowledge and professional growth. This experience grants a competitive advantage in the mechanical engineering field. While securing a placement is your responsibility, Aston University's Careers and Placements team offers robust support and maintains strong industry connections. Eligibility requires a minimum average mark of 50% in your third program year, and you can transition to the MEng program at any point during your BEng studies.

Career prospects
Aston University's mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after by top global companies, securing roles like Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Development Engineer, Design Engineer, and Project Manager at firms like Jaguar Land Rover, Network Rail, BAE Systems, and Caterpillar Inc

How you will learn

Our teaching approach is contemporary and inventive, centered on the CDIO framework (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) and backed by 150 leading technical institutions worldwide. This framework integrates practical examples into your learning journey, preparing you for the workforce, while lectures cover theoretical subjects.

At Aston University, numerous extracurricular activities offer personal growth and exploration opportunities. Mechanical Engineering students can participate in IMechE's Formula Student competition, designing, building, and racing a single-seat car at Silverstone.

The Mechanical Engineering and Design Industry Club provides a platform to showcase your work, connect with employers, engage in live industrial projects, and interact with industry experts. International connections offer global experiences, such as student participation in conferences and competitions, as seen with recent travel to Norway for a challenge against students from around the world.

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 will have 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 technical knowledge and skills.

Placement year

The placement year is a chance for you to consolidate your learning in a work environment. For students who choose 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 center around an individual project, allowing you to exercise the skills and foundations you have built on during your degree and focus on a specialty 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. The MEng Year integrates distance learning modules, narrated lectures, and reflective coursework, enabling real-world application of your education.

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

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.

coursepage_mechnicalengineering_formulastudent

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.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Develop your passion for engineering and an enthusiasm for learning through a practical approach.
Provides you with a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of mechanical engineering including relevant aspects of societal, environmental, and commercial matters.
Provides you an opportunity for advanced levels of study and a focus on skills and appreciation of the changing nature of engineering.
Provides you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching and learning in theoretical issues with practical and digital skills training;
Provides you with an up-to-date and professionally focused curriculum satisfying the accreditation requirements of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Enables you to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich placement year.
Develops you to become a capable graduate engineer who is highly valued by employers.
Provides masters level graduates who have advanced knowledge and skills to afford them the best opportunity to become engineering leaders.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Engineering and Design	30
Prototyping and Development	30
Electronic Engineering Fundamentals	15
Engineering Science 1	15
Materials and Manufacturing 1	15
Mathematical Modelling for Engineers	15
Total	120

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 Title	Credits
Design and Engineering for the User	30
Engineering for Industry	30
Engineering Science 2	15
Thermal Fluid Science 1	15
Materials and Manufacturing 2	15
Advanced Mathematical Modelling	15
Total	120

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 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

Fourth year modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Individual Major Project	30
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Thermal Fluid Science 2	15
Advanced Solid Mechanics and FEA	15
Advanced Dynamics and Control	15
Engineering Design and the Environment	15

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials	15
Advanced System Design	15
Total	120

*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.

Fourth 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.

Final year modules

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

Module Title	Credits
MEng Group Project	45
Fluid-Structure Interactions	15
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly	15
Sustainable Energy	15
Project Managemen	15

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Smart Sensors and Control Systems	15
New Engines and Alternative Fuels	15
Total	120

*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 comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, science, technology, and mathematical and computational modelling techniques to advanced topics in mechanical engineering and related areas.
Integrate knowledge from a range of areas, within and beyond engineering, and critically evaluate and apply that knowledge in engineering projects.
Apply quantitative and computational methods with knowledge of their limitations, extract and evaluate data, and apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar complex problems.
Design processes and methodologies to generate innovative designs for products, systems, and components to fulfil new needs in unfamiliar situations or real-world problems.
Demonstrate professional skills and responsibility towards legal and ethical issues, an awareness of the legal requirements governing engineering activities, and that they may differ internationally.
Ability to identify the key drivers for business success, including innovation, calculated commercial risks, and how these can be managed within an engineering project.
Evaluate an engineering activity and identify risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk.
Extensive knowledge of the characteristics of equipment, simulation software, processes or products and awareness of using technical literature and other sources to expand this knowledge.
Have thorough knowledge of current design and engineering practice, product development processes and design workflows, their limitations, and likely new developments.
Work effectively within an engineering team, exercising initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader, and be effective at communicating to a technical non-specialist audience.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBB to include grade B in Maths and a Physical Science or Technology subject (standard offer)
BBC to include Maths, a Physical Science or Technology subject and grade B at EPQ or Core Maths
BCC 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.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C, with the following units at Distinction: - Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics.
OR Achieve overall grade Distinction plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit, with the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics
OR Achieve overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in Math at grade C.
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.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

31 overall points with 5, 5, 5 in higher level subjects including Maths and Physics at higher level grade 5.

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.

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) 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: 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 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.

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

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, 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 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.

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