Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Year 1

Stage 1 is common across all engineering degrees and provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles. You will develop essential skills in mathematics, physics, programming, and electrical and mechanical systems. Through hands-on labs and team-based projects, you will begin to apply theory to practice while building confidence in problem-solving, communication, and design, laying the groundwork for more specialised study in renewable energy engineering in later stages.

Year 2

In Stage 2, which is common across all Mechanical Engineering degrees, you will build on these foundations through further study of mathematics, mechanical systems, thermofluids, structural behaviour, vibration and electromechanical energy conversion. You will strengthen your analytical, design and problem-solving skills through practical engineering challenges. The Robot Wars project provides an engaging opportunity to bring your mechanical engineering knowledge together, applying design, analysis and teamwork skills to develop and test a working robotic system.

Year 3

In Stage 3 you will develop your expertise in integrated mechanical and electrical engineering through mechatronics, control engineering, heat transfer and turbomachinery. You will explore how mechanical, electrical and control technologies work together in modern engineering systems, while developing your understanding of professional practice, innovation and sustainability. A group design project allows you to integrate these skills collaboratively, with elective choices providing opportunities for further specialisation.

Year 4

In Stage 4 you will develop advanced knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems through electrical power machines and applications, advanced control and instrumentation, and computational mechanics. Elective choices allow you to specialise further in areas such as robotics, product development and computer vision. You will also undertake a substantial individual capstone project, applying advanced analysis, design and engineering judgement to investigate a complex engineering problem.

Learning Methods

Teaching combines lectures, tutorials, laboratories and project-based learning. You will apply engineering theory through hands-on laboratory work, workshops and computer-based simulation using industry-standard software such as CAD and analysis tools. Many activities are built around practical engineering challenges, integrating professional practice and industry engagement. As you progress, you will take increasing responsibility for your learning, culminating in a substantial final-year capstone project. Learning materials, coursework guidance and feedback are provided through the University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle, to support on-campus teaching and learning.

Project-based learning is an important part of our Engineering courses. From your first year, you will have opportunities to apply engineering theory through practical design, build and analysis activities. Find out about the projects on this course:

Activity Summary

Year 4

• Lectures - 20-150 students per group, 3-5 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 20 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Independent Study - 30 hours per week

How long is a BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Electrical Engineering course?

A Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degree can be completed successfully in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

Independent study forms a major part of each module, allowing you to deepen understanding through guided reading, problem-solving, and project work. You will consolidate material from lectures and labs, prepare for assessments, and explore specialist topics, developing the self-directed learning and critical thinking skills essential for professional engineering practice.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Teaching is delivered by experienced academic staff with strong industrial, research and professional backgrounds. Many hold Chartered status and Fellowship of Advance HE, reflecting recognised excellence in teaching and learning. The team is research-active across areas including mechanical systems, energy technologies, materials and digital engineering, ensuring your learning is informed by current developments. Industry practitioners and guest lecturers contribute to selected modules and projects, strengthening work-integrated learning. Practical sessions are supported by dedicated laboratory supervisors, technical staff and postgraduate researchers. Members of the team have featured in the student-voted STAR awards.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written assessment, including essay
• 3 portfolios
• 2 project portfolio-based assessments

Year 2

• 2-3 reports
• 4-5 portfolios
• 1 project portfolio-based assessments

Year 3

• 4-6 reports
• 1-3 portfolios
• 1 project portfolio-based assessments

Year 4

• 3-4 reports
• 1 portfolio
• 1 Capstone Project consisting of a written report and degree show

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.

Placements

Optional short summer placements (minimum four weeks) or year-long industrial placements (30–48 weeks) are available between stages.

Study Abroad

An optional study abroad opportunity is available between stages at one of the School’s approved international partner institutions. You will agree a learning plan in advance to ensure academic alignment. Study abroad provides valuable global perspective, cultural experience and insight into international engineering practice.

Study Abroad

Job Prospects

Graduates of BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Electrical Engineering are highly sought after across a wide range of industries. The course prepares you for careers in renewable and conventional energy, offshore engineering, manufacturing, transport, aerospace, robotics, automation and smart energy systems. Graduates also contribute to emerging low-carbon technologies including electrification, digital engineering and sustainable energy systems. 

The course emphasises design, analysis, digital engineering tools and project-based learning, ensuring you graduate with the technical knowledge and professional skills required by modern engineering employers. Optional industrial placements provide valuable real-world experience and further enhance employability.

Is Mechanical and Electrical Engineering a good career choice?

Previous graduates have secured roles such as:

• Mechanical Engineer,
• Electrical Engineer,
• Design Engineer,
• Project Engineer,
• Risk and Safety Engineer,
• Controls Engineer,
• Energy Engineer.

Many progress into senior technical or leadership roles as their careers develop.

An Honours degree also provides a strong foundation for progression to postgraduate study, including specialist master’s programmes or advanced professional development in engineering.

What is needed for a BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• QS/SQA Higher: BBCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Electronics, or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5/C or above is required if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Maths and either Physics or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level Maths and Physics at grade 5. English is required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4.

Year 2 entry

• QS/SQA Advanced Higher: CC at Advanced Higher plus CC at Higher (4 subjects), to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BBC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Design Technology, Electronics, or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5 or above is required if not held at A Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• QS/SQA Higher: CCCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 C is required if not held at Higher.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.