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.
Mechanical Engineering
MEng (Hons)
Engineers serve as practical innovators, addressing global and daily issues. Gain knowledge from experts at a renowned UK technical university.
Location: Aston University, Birmingham
Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
BBC
Duration
4 or 5 years
UCAS code(s)
H301
Start date
Course overview
Course description
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!
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
- Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
- Encourage, through a practical approach, you will have a passion for engineering and an enthusiasm for learning
- 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.
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, and 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.
| Module Title | Credits |
| EPS 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 |
| 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 |
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
- Evaluate potential impact on engineering activity when working with incomplete information and manage the risk arising from technical uncertainty
- 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 |
| Smart Sensors and Control Systems | 15 |
| Machine Learning | 15 |
| Fluid-Structure Interaction | 15 |
| Renewable Energy | 15 |
| New Engines and Alternative Fuels | 15 |
| Aston Global Advantage | 15 |
| Multiphysics System Design | 30 |
| Total | 120 |
Final Year Outcomes
On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:
- Synthesise a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, technology, 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
- Evaluate quantitative and computational methods with knowledge of their limitations, extract and evaluate data, and formulate engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar complex problems
- Formulate processes and methodologies to generate innovative designs for products, systems and components to fulfil new needs to unfamiliar situations or real-world problems
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of professional skills and responsibility towards legal and ethical issues, an awareness of the legal requirements governing engineering activities, and that they may differ internationally
- Evaluate 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
- Organise and reflect upon 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.
We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
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 when 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 Math.
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.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Course fees
UK students
(2025/26)
| Annual tuition fees: | £9,250 |
| During placement year: | £1,250 |
International students
(2025/26)
| Annual tuition fees: | £21,500 |
| During placement year: | £2,500 |
For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students. For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. 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.
