Mechanical and Offshore 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 mechanical engineering knowledge with a growing focus on offshore and energy applications. You will study heat transfer and turbomachinery, control engineering, oil and gas drilling and well completion, alongside professional practice, innovation and sustainability. A group design project allows you to apply your knowledge collaboratively, while elective choices provide opportunities to explore areas such as renewable energy and emerging engineering technologies.

Year 4

In Stage 4 you will develop specialist knowledge of offshore engineering through offshore hydrodynamics and structural loading, petroleum systems and production engineering, supported by advanced computational mechanics. Elective choices allow you to further tailor your studies to your interests. You will also undertake a substantial individual capstone project, applying your engineering knowledge and analytical skills to investigate a complex engineering problem in depth.

Student blogs & stories

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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 Offshore Engineering course?

A Mechanical and Offshore 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 assignment, including essay
• 3 portfolios
• 2 project portfolio-based assessments

Year 2

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

Year 3

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

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.

Job Prospects

Graduates of BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Offshore Engineering are highly sought after across the global energy and offshore engineering sectors. The course prepares you for careers in offshore oil and gas, offshore wind, subsea engineering, marine engineering and wider energy industries, as well as roles in manufacturing, automation and emerging low-carbon technologies.

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

Is Mechanical and Offshore Engineering a good career choice?

Previous graduates have secured roles such as:

• Marine Engineer,
• Subsea Engineer,
• Well Engineer,
• Drilling Engineer,
• Petroleum Engineer,
• Project Engineer,
• Business Analyst. 

Many progress into senior technical and leadership roles including Rig Manager, Drilling Manager and Senior Engineering positions within international energy companies and engineering consultancies.

An Honours degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study or specialist professional development in advanced engineering fields..

What is needed for a BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Offshore 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, one of which must be 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

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Year 1 entry

• 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.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.

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.

Locally-based companies recognise the value of an engineering education at RGU and they have made a number of different scholarships available for the financial support of selected undergraduate students