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.
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.
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 the University's Formula Student racing 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.
After the course, you'll have attained Chartered Engineer status (CEng), and be eligible to apply for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. With the current shortage of talented engineers, you'll be in high demand across many sectors and industries. You could join a graduate engineering programme or work in areas such as aerospace, research and development, and product design.
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
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.
Placement year
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.
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.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in areas including:
- design
- research and development
- product manufacture
- project management
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.
Professional accreditations
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) and the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE). This course also meets the UK Standard for the Engineering Council's Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), which is set by the Engineering Council.
These accreditations let potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work in the engineering industry when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who didn’t do an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs.
Entry requirements
- 120-144 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from Mathematics, plus two relevant subjects
See the other qualifications we accept
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
Course costs
Tuition fees (2019 start)
- UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £15,900 per year (subject to annual increase)
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.
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.
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.
What you'll study
Each unit on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study units worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 units worth 20 credits and 1 unit worth 40 credits.
Core units in this year include:
- Communication and Engineering Technology Appreciation
- Electrical and Electronic Principles
- Introduction to Design
- Mathematical Principles
- Mechanical Engineering Principles
- Introduction to Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
There are no optional units in this year.
Core units in this year include:
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
- Materials and Manufacture (ENG)
- Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
- Energy Engineering
Optional units in this year currently include:
- Computer Aided Engineering and Product Manufacture
- Engineering Programming
- Control Systems Analysis
Core units in this year include:
- MEng Individual Project
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
- Design for Quality
- Materials, Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
- Thermofluid Mechanics
Core units in this year include:
- Multidisciplinary Group Project
- Structural Application of Finite Elements
- Structural Integrity
- Energy Systems
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 units may not run every year. If a unit doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative unit.
Learning 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 mental or physical disability, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) can give you help, support and advice so you can reach your potential.
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
How you'll spend your time
Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks and an assessment period:
- Autumn teaching block – September to December
- Spring teaching block – January to Easter
- Assessment period – Easter to June
Most teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Your workload
The time you spend in teaching activities such as lectures and seminars varies year on year and will depend on which optional units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year typically spent their time as follows:
- Year 1 students: 32% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities and 68% studying independently
- Year 2 students: 27% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities and 73% studying independently
- Year 3 students: 18% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities and 82% studying independently
- Year 4 students: 16% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities and 84% studying independently
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 may depend on the units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- 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
Apply
To start in 2019 you need to apply through UCAS. You’ll need:
- the UCAS course code – H300
- our institution code – P80
You can start your application now and submit it later if you want.
If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply for this course through UCAS (see the 'How to apply' section above for details). You can also apply directly to us or you can 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.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to our terms and conditions as well as the University’s policies, rules and regulations. You should read and consider these before you apply.
