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?

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)

Longitudinal Education Outcomes (2023)

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

Ranked 24th in the world

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

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.

Rachel Krol

After Aston I project managed a new Cadbury chocolate bar

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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.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

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
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

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

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.

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.
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.

Placement Year

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

Third/fourth year modules

In your third year (if you opt for no placement year) or fourth year (if you opt for a placement 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

Third/fourth year outcomes

On successful completion of the third/fourth 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.

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