Mechanical Engineering MEng
MEng Mechanical Engineering
Overview
With huge advances in technologies for transport, healthcare and robotics, there’s never been a more exciting time to train as a mechanical engineer.
You'll study the design, development, manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of engineered products. You'll get to specialise in advanced subjects such as sustainable development and computer-aided engineering and have the option to get involved in UP Racing – the University's Formula Student team.
In your final year, you'll complete a major group engineering project. This is normally linked to the University's research and commercial activities, giving you relevant experience in the field.
This 4-year MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering integrated Master's degree course is similar to our 3-year BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course. The difference is you'll study more advanced topics leading to a Master's degree at the end of the course.
Accredited by:
This course is accredited by European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and meets in full the academic requirement for registration as Chartered Engineer (CEng).
90% Graduates in work or further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey conducted in 2019)
Entry requirements
MEng Mechanical Engineering Master's degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120–136 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from Mathematics, plus two relevant subjects (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 27
See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
What you'll experience
On this course you'll:
- Learn about the underlying elements of successful engineering and manufacturing projects, including solid mechanics and dynamics, and engineering design
- Complete a team project in your final year
- Use our CAD and rapid prototyping suites, energy systems lab, stress analysis lab, and metrology and 3D scanning microscopy facilities
- Get the chance to be involved in Formula Student, where you'll design, construct and test a competitive race car with fellow students
- Put your skills to the test by building your own products in our manufacturing workshops
- Have the option to expand your learning and meet potential employers by working on an industrial project
Careers and opportunities
There's currently a shortage of talented engineers in the UK and abroad, so there will be many opportunities open to you when you graduate.
What can you do with a Mechanical Engineering degree?
Previous graduates have gone on to work in areas including:
- design
- research and development
- product manufacture
- project management
What jobs can you do with a Mechanical Engineering degree?
Graduates from this course have gone on to work as:
- mechanical engineer
- product design engineer
- aerospace engineer
- application engineer
Other graduates have set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Harrison: I'm the vice-Team Leader this year for the Formula Student project UP Racing.
Ryan: So the rewarding aspect is probably starting from scratch, so having a complete clean sheet - designing it fully then seeing it actually get implemented on the car, racing at Silverstone.
So I got recommended through a friend, then you had to do an application process. Show that you're dedicated and want to be part of the team.
Ryan: We're going to be getting involved into Silverstone this year and also Formula Student Netherlands, which is a great prospect for the team.
Harrison: So we get to take the car all the way over to Amsterdam to the TT racing circuit, Assen. We get to compete there with loads of Netherlands teams as well as teams across Europe, India, Egypt.
Tom: Very good learning experience. You develop a lot of maturity because you have to sort of really push yourself.
Alex: I'm lucky enough to be a driver so I get to have a bit of fun in the car and see, you know seeing everyone's faces once the project is done - the feeling is immense and it's really great to get the car rolling on its own power.
Formula Student has given me the confidence in my ability as an engineer, as components that I have designed were built and proven to withstand their environment.
What you'll study on this MEng Mechanical Engineering degree course
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Electrical and Electronic Principles
- Introduction to Design
- Introduction to Materials and Manufacture
- Introduction to Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
- Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Mathematical Principles
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Computer Aided Engineering and Product Manufacture
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
- Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Optional modules in this year include:
- Control Engineering
- Engineering Programming
- Institution-wide Language Programme
- Materials and Manufacture
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Previous students have gone on to placements at organisations including:
- Airbus Defence and Space
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
- GE Aviation
In your placement year, you can also set up a business on your own or in a group.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core units in this year include:
- Advanced Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Design for Quality
- Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics
- MEng Individual Project
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
Core modules in this year include:
- Energy Systems
- Multidisciplinary Group Project
- Structural Application of Finite Elements
- Structural Integrity
Optional modules in this year include:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Control Systems
- Renewable Energy Management
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.
We can help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies.
I did my placement with BAE Systems. I was on the naval base in Portsmouth and really enjoyed it. I was there for 13 months in total and had a vast array of experiences, not all of them engineering, which was great
Academic skills support
As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Maths and stats support
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- tutorials (personal and academic)
- laboratory and project work
- Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) system activity
- open access study
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- practical tests
- project work
- presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed will depend on the modules you select throughout your course. Here's an example from a previous year of how students on this course were typically assessed:
- Year 1 students: 84% by written exams and 16% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 56% by written exams, 13% by practical exams and 31% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 60% by written exams and 40% by coursework
- Year 4 students: 42% by written exams, 5% by practical exams and 53% by coursework
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2022 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,300 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
There may be occasional trips for which you will be asked to contribute £25 a trip.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2022, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H304
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
- Subject area
- Engineering
