Mechanical Engineering (BEng)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Modules in the first 2 years focus on the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. You’ll also gain the skills to apply your theoretical understanding to a wide range of real design problems. In year 3, you’ll be able follow your interests and choose from a range of specialist modules.

Year 1 overview

You'll take part in our award-winning induction programme and gain practical experience. Teams of new students work together to design and create. For example, you could take apart and put back together a 4 stroke engine.

The first year provides a background in engineering science, emphasising the mechanical engineering aspects. This includes a workshop training course.

Core modules cover topics such as:

• thermofluids

• materials

• solid mechanics

• electrical and electronics systems

You'll develop your design and programming skills, preparing you to design, build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.

Year 2 overview

You'll cover the main mechanical engineering subjects with tailored modules. This includes topics such as:

• fluid mechanics

• drives and machines

• vibration

You'll also take part in a challenging design project, such as designing an autonomous robot or quadcopter..

Year 3 overview

You'll deepen your understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing and materials properties. You'll also be able to choose from specialist modules covering areas such as:

• sustainable energy and power generation

• biomaterials

• robotic systems

• automotive power train and chassis

An individual project will let you combine the concepts and skills you've learned. This project will arise from a real engineering need and may be sponsored by industry. Past projects have ranged from biomechanics to electric vehicles.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

Course leader

Philippa Reed is the course leader.

Our mechanical engineering courses are fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and offer a route to chartered status.

We're also a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).

Our collaboration with Lloyd's Register at our Boldrewood Innovation Campus helps our students gain industry experience through projects and placements.

Recent mechanical engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:

• Aston Martin Lagonda

• Babcock

• Dyson

• ExxonMobil

• Rolls-Royce

• Siemens

• Formula 1 teams

Roles you'll be suited for include:

• mechanical engineer

• automotive engineer

• CAD technician

• control and instrumentation engineer

• maintenance engineer

• nuclear engineer

You'll develop transferable skills that are highly sought after in careers outside engineering. These include:

• problem-solving

• teamwork

• communication

• IT

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes

• CV and interview skills and workshops

• networking events

• careers fairs attended by top employers

• a wealth of volunteering opportunities

• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

You can take an Industrial Placement Year as part of this course.

You can apply what you have learned so far on your course, try out a potential career, and develop new skills and experience to help you stand out to future employers.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,000.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: H300
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2023 entry

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000