Undergraduate students using the XYZ Milling Machine KMX1500. Milling - face milling then drilling 2 holes

Mechanical Engineering BEng

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Do you want to solve complex problems and shape a more sustainable, efficient future? Our BEng Mechanical Engineering degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in industries ranging from aerospace and renewable energy to medicine and Formula 1. Mechanical engineering innovations touch every part of our lives, from the cars we drive to how our food is processed.

With outstanding graduate outcomes, competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities in industries such as renewable energy, manufacturing and aerospace, this degree prepares you to stand out.

This is a three-year course. High-performing BEng students can transfer to the MEng at the end of the second year, offering even more opportunities for advanced study and professional development.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Engineering Practice and Project

Mandatory

Year 1

Materials and Manufacturing

Mandatory

Year 1

Mathematics and Programming

Mandatory

Year 1

Professional practice

Mandatory

Year 1

Statics and Dynamics

Mandatory

Year 1

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1

Mandatory

Year 2

Design, Manufacture and Project

Mandatory

Year 2

Computation and Simulation

Mandatory

Year 2

Dynamics and Vibration

Mandatory

Year 2

Electromechanical Systems

Mandatory

Year 2

Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability

Mandatory

Year 2

Mechanics of Solids

Mandatory

Year 2

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2

Mandatory

Year 3

Major Individual Project

Mandatory

Year 3

Engineering in Industry

Mandatory

Year 3

Engineering Sustainability

Mandatory

Year 3

Professional Portfolio

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Dynamics and Vibration

Optional

Year 3

Fundamentals of Aerospace Engineering

Optional

Year 3

Automotive Technology

Optional

Year 3

Computer Aided Engineering

Optional

Year 3

Computer Engineering and Mechatronics

Optional

Year 3

Fibre Reinforced Composite Manufacturing

Optional

Year 3

Materials for Low Carbon Transport

Optional

Year 3

Thermal Management of Power Systems

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 31 March 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching and learning

Teaching methods

  • Group study
  • Independent study
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Supervision
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Group coursework
  • Presentation
  • Research project
  • Laboratory assessment

Engineers are among the busiest students on campus. On average, you will have around 20-22 contact hours a week in years one and two. Combined with coursework and self-study, you are likely to spend over 40 hours a week on your studies. Our courses provide the opportunity to specialise through a choice of subject modules and practical work.

Careers

You will gain a broad knowledge of engineering science and engineering design - the essential skills to work in industry as a mechanical engineer. You will have developed skills in problem solving through group and individual project work and have an appreciation of the business environment in which engineers work.
 
Our graduates work for a diverse range of employment sectors with companies including:
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Tata Steel
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Ford
  • Network Rail

Average starting salary and career progression

90.4% of undergraduates from the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £29,032.

*HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2023, High Fliers Research).

Trent and Highfields lake

I spent a year working for one of the biggest construction companies in the world. I was working on a student accommodation project for The University of Essex where my main job was to manage the façade. The placement team helped me a lot in finding a placement, getting my CV right and getting through interviews

Maryam Sebzali

Course data

Open Day June 2022