Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Build on your knowledge of mechanical and manufacturing engineering with this BEng (Hons) Mechanical Systems Engineering Top-up degree.
Equip yourself with the expertise and skills needed to design, analyse, and optimise manufacturing systems and processes. Become proficient in product design, learn how to use engineering software and tools, and develop project planning and management skills.
You'll become an innovator, prepared for a future driving efficiency and improving environmental sustainability.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
Entry requirements
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Systems Engineering (Top-Up)
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BEng/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - 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.
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BEng/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - 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.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. In each full-time year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits, or 60 credits if studying part-time.
What you'll study
Core Modules
You'll compare material properties and manufacturing processes while analysing related social, economic, and environmental impacts. As you study the properties of advanced materials, you'll also learn computer-aided materials evaluation and methods of communicating your findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
In this module, you'll explore the vital role Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) plays in modern engineering design and product realization. You'll apply modelling and simulation for manufacture in an integrated CAD/CAM environment, and analyse the use of integrated CAD/CAM/CAE software in engineering design and manufacture.
In this module, you'll compare technologies, propose designs and improvements for existing systems, and learn to apply these for economic and ecological benefit. You'll tackle topics like quantitative analysis, reliability optimisation and structured design, developing your expertise in using traditional techniques and emerging developments to meet real-world manufacturing challenges.
This module will see you develop your knowledge of a project lifecycle; from initiation through to planning, execution and closure. You'll develop an effective project plan including account for budgeting and will look at how you can mitigate risks for a successful project outcome.
You'll assess real-world supply chain strategies that use new technologies and evaluate their impact on business models, society and the environment.
In this module, you'll consider national and international responses to global environmental issues, using perspectives drawn from risk management, life-cycle analysis and security frameworks. You'll appraise materials and processes, technical innovations and ethical behaviour, in preparation for careers that can drive positive change.
Year 1
In this module, you'll explore the vital role Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) plays in modern engineering design and product realization. You'll apply modelling and simulation for manufacture in an integrated CAD/CAM environment, and analyse the use of integrated CAD/CAM/CAE software in engineering design and manufacture.
In this module, you'll compare technologies, propose designs and improvements for existing systems, and learn to apply these for economic and ecological benefit. You'll tackle topics like quantitative analysis, reliability optimisation and structured design, developing your expertise in using traditional techniques and emerging developments to meet real-world manufacturing challenges.
You'll assess real-world supply chain strategies that use new technologies and evaluate their impact on business models, society and the environment.
Year 2
You'll compare material properties and manufacturing processes while analysing related social, economic, and environmental impacts. As you study the properties of advanced materials, you'll also learn computer-aided materials evaluation and methods of communicating your findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
This module will see you develop your knowledge of a project lifecycle; from initiation through to planning, execution and closure. You'll develop an effective project plan including account for budgeting and will look at how you can mitigate risks for a successful project outcome.
In this module, you'll consider national and international responses to global environmental issues, using perspectives drawn from risk management, life-cycle analysis and security frameworks. You'll appraise materials and processes, technical innovations and ethical behaviour, in preparation for careers that can drive positive change.
Changes to course content
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. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Course costs and funding
How we set our tuition fees
Fees for full-time and part-time undergraduate students from the UK and Channel Islands may increase each year, subject to conditions set by the UK or Channel Islands governments.
Fees for new international and EU undergraduate and postgraduate students (both full-time and part-time) will increase each year, based on factors such as inflation. For continuing students, fees will not increase by more than 5% per year.
For more information, please refer to our Tuition Fee Policy.
Tuition fees
Full-time
-
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
-
EU students – £10,300 per year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
-
International (non-EU) students – £16,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Part-time
-
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £4,895 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
-
EU students – £5,150 per year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
-
International (non-EU) students – £8,100 per year (subject to annual increase)
Please note, we’ll confirm 2027 course fees soon.
Apply
Part-time
If you want to study this course part-time with us in September 2025, use our online application form.
Apply for Mechanical Systems Engineering (Top-Up)
To start this course in 2026 or 2027, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H655
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application forms:
- 1 year full-time (September 2026 start)
- 25 months part-time (September 2026 start)
- 25 months part-time (January 2027 start)
- 13 months full-time (May 2027 start)
- 25 months part-time (May 2027 start)
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.
To start this course in 2027 or 2028, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H655
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application forms:
- 1 year full-time (September 2027 start)
- 25 months part-time (September 2027 start)
- 25 months part-time (January 2028 start)
- 13 months full-time (May 2028 start)
- 25 months part-time (May 2028 start)
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Open Days
- 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
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.