Mechanical Engineering MEng, BEng | School of Mechanical Engineering

Overview

Mechanical engineers help shape the way we live through the design and manufacture of everyday items, from sports equipment to high-tech operating theatres for hospitals, vehicles and public transport infrastructure, and industrial applications such as the structural design of oil platforms. A wide range of skills are needed to achieve this in an efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

This course will develop your knowledge and skills across the full range of mechanical engineering, from the fundamentals of design and manufacture to fluid dynamics. You’ll also have scope to specialise in fields that interest you, such as vehicle design or biomedical engineering.

Our active Industrial Advisory Board helps inform the development of this course to ensure that it is up to date with industry developments and requirements. This is one of the reasons why our graduates are so in demand from industry.

You can choose to take either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng) degree on this course.

Find out more about the MEng, BEng and BEng.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from our extensive lab space and equipment for subjects including: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, engine testing and thermofluids as well as control and dynamics. You will have access to our high-spec CAD cluster and workshop facilities including various rapid prototyping systems.

Our LabVIEW Academy course is the first of its kind in the UK. It combines face-to-face teaching with hands-on lab exercises, which will build your skills in using the visual programming software LabVIEW, created by National Instruments.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. An accredited mechanical engineering course must meet the quality standards set by the IMechE.

The MEng, BEng course is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Once you have graduated with your MEng degree, you will usually be required to have a minimum of three years industrial experience before you can apply for your chartered status.

The BEng is accredited as partially satisfying the educational base for CEng status. A course of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.

Course content

The first two years of our degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In Years 3 and 4 you’ll take modules in your chosen specialism.

In Years 1 and 2, you’ll study compulsory modules to establish the core mechanical engineering principles required by all branches of mechanical engineering. You’ll undertake the first and second year design and manufacture projects. Since many mechanical engineers go on to positions where they have management responsibilities, you’ll also develop your knowledge of business practices by studying economics and management, taught by the Leeds University Business School.

Year 3 will extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding in several key areas such as thermofluids and finite element methods of analysis. In design and manufacture systems, you will study advanced manufacturing methods and strategies, as well as gaining experience of using process simulation software such as Witness.

If you take the MEng, BEng course, you’ll select four masters-level modules from a choice of 12 in Year 4, so there are plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. You’ll also have a chance to develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of design optimisation, study in detail the analysis of structures unique to the aerospace industry, explore rotary wing aircraft, and develop a deeper understanding of aeronautical and aerospace engines.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects.

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industry sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. We also organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you will have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You will have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You will be assessed through both written examinations, held at the end of each year, and through coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including Mathematics and Physics, where the A* must be in either Mathematics or Physics.

Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Admissions statement

Due to the competitive nature of this course, the Admissions team may take a variety of factors into account when assessing applications. Please read the admissions statement for further information.

Extended Project Qualification - Whilst we recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, we do not currently include this as part of our offer making. We do however encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, with Distinction, to include Mathematics, Calculus, Further Calculus and Physics.
BTEC

DDD overall with Distinctions in relevant Mechanical units and grade A in A-Level Maths. Some Mechanical units may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.
Cambridge Pre-U

D2, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics, where the D2 must be in either Mathematics or Physics.
International Baccalaureate

36 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 6 points in higher level Mathematics and Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry where a H1 must be in either Mathematics or Physics.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

AA at Advanced Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics, and AAAAA at Higher Level.
Other Qualifications

Engineering Diploma: A* (plus A-level Mathematics at grade A or above).

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study the four-year MEng, BEng course at the University of Leeds.

To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-01-02 and the descriptor is Mechanical Engineering.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.

Applicant days

Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, for which we encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our students, academic and admissions staff, and find out more about your course. You’ll take part in a practical engineering activity, working in teams to solve a fun engineering problem. This is followed by a feedback session and prize-giving.

The tour of the School’s facilities includes interactive demonstrations of student activities, such as experiments with engines, materials and mechatronic systems, and recent project work. You will also view our thermofluids lab, the dynamics and control lab, the National Instruments LabVIEW Academy/ materials lab, and the prototyping and manufacturing lab.

During the day you’ll have the opportunity to meet academic staff, to have your questions answered and find out more about studying at Leeds.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, but please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £23,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for international students for 2020 entry.

Career opportunities

Our degrees will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in industry, including design, problem solving, engineering ethics, numeracy and analysis skills, together with transferable skills, such as communication and working as a team.

98% of our recent graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduating (latest Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17). Graduates have secured positions including:

Mechanical Engineer, BP
Project Manager, Coca Cola
Graduate Mechanic, London Underground
Clinical Engineer, NHS
Mechanical Design Engineer, Rolls Royce
Pipeline Engineer, Shell
Design Engineer, Tata Steel

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

You’ll have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.

You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Find out more about careers support and employability.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake an industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

As a BEng student you have the option to undertake the placement between years 2 and 3. MEng, BEng students can choose to do this either between years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4.

Find out more about work placements.