Mechanical Engineering
Entry requirements
A level
BBC: including grade B in A-Level Mathematics and a Physical Science or Technology subject (e.g. Physics, Electronics, Design Technology) Standard offer BCC: If the student is also presenting either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B CCC: Contextual offer (more details https://www2.aston.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/contextual-offer)
Access to HE Diploma
30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at level 3 including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics and 15 credits at Level 3 in Physical Science
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language or Literature Grade C/4 and above and Mathematics Grade C/4
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
achieving 5, 5, 4 at Higher Level subjects including Mathematics and Physics grade 5.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
QCF BTEC (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DDM including the following units at Distinction Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians RQF BTEC (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DDM including the following units at Distinction: Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics. For other BTEC combinations or subjects (Science or Technical), please see Aston's web pages.
T Level
The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course: - Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing - Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
Our BEng Mechanical Engineering course is offered as either a three or four year course with integrated placement year. We are driven by the demands of industry to produce graduates with extremely strong engineering and scientific skills coupled to strong skills in project management, team work and commercial awareness. Our courses put you in control, giving you the skills and confidence to lead and undertake complex engineering projects. Teaching isn’t just lectures, it’s workshops and practical sessions too. You’ll be involved in individual and group project work throughout the course, designed to develop your individual skills as an engineer and the communication, organisational and leadership skills needed to work effectively in a business or organisation.
The fast-evolving nature of mechanical engineering means that future generations of graduates must embrace change and thrive on a love of innovation. The challenges and rewards for skilled engineers who can design, manufacture and manage advanced products and processes are greater than ever.
Throughout the course we emphasise the need to be able to apply engineering knowledge, technical skill, strong management skills and innovation to successfully solve engineering problems. You can expect to work on major projects often in partnership with commercial engineering companies. Your studies will encompasses all of the fundamental disciplines of mechanical engineering.
Key course benefits:
- Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for the purpose of meeting the educational requirements of Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Our Mechanical Engineering courses are ranked top 10 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2023)
- Our Mechanical Engineering courses are in the Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects. (Complete University Guide, 2023).
- Our optional placement year offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experience and set your studies in the context of a working environment, to boost your future employment prospects.
Modules
Year 1:
Modules
• Introduction to Engineering and Design
• Prototyping and Development
• Electronic Engineering Fundamentals
• Engineering Science 1
• Materials and Manufacturing 1
• Mathematical Modelling for Engineers
Year 2:
Advanced Mathematical Modelling
Materials and Manufacturing 2
Engineering Science 2
Thermal Fluid Science 1
Design and Engineering for the User
Engineering for Industry
Year 3: Optional placement year
Final year:
Thermal Fluid Science 2
Advanced Dynamics and Control
Advanced Solid Mechanics and FEA
Engineering Design & the Environment
Individual Major Project
Professional Engineering Practice
Advanced Systems Design (Option)
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (Option)
Please Note: All modules are based on the current academic year. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review.
Assessment methods
Teaching isn’t just lectures, it’s workshops and practical sessions too. You’ll be involved in individual and group project work throughout the course, designed to develop your individual skills as an engineer and the communication, organisational and leadership skills needed to work effectively in a business or organisation.
Assessment is by a combination of exams, project, lab and coursework. Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in all years after the first year.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Aston University, Birmingham
School of Engineering and Technology
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Mechanical engineering
Teaching and learning
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Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Mechanical engineering
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
We're short of engineers in a lot of areas and mechanical engineering is no exception. Mechanical engineers are in demand across multiple industries, with vehicle manufacturing most popular, with roles especially common in design and manufacturing. Other important sectors include aerospace, the oil and gas industry, consultancy and defence. Jobs are all around the country, with London, the Midlands, Scotland and the South East the most likely places for a new mechanical engineer to find work at the moment, and starting salaries are good. Although large employers are much the most likely place to get work, some of the most challenging, cutting edge jobs are with small niche engineering firms, so keep your eyes peeled if you want something a little different. Bear in mind that a lot of courses are four years long, and lead to an MEng qualification — this is necessary if you want to become a Chartered Engineer.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Mechanical engineering
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£26k
£30k
£40k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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Graduate field commentary:
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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