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.

During the summer following Stage 3, students on the Fast-Track route undertake a compulsory industrial placement alongside further study in engineering leadership, sustainability, reliability and lifecycle analysis, developing advanced professional and engineering skills in an industrial setting.

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.

During the summer following Stage 4, Fast-Track students undertake a second compulsory industrial placement alongside further Master's-level study in Smart Engineering, strengthening their ability to apply advanced technologies and multidisciplinary engineering knowledge within professional practice.

Year 5

In Stage 5 you will progress to Master's-level study, developing advanced expertise in smart engineering, reliability and lifecycle analysis, and engineering leadership and management for sustainability. You will explore how emerging technologies can be integrated into complex engineering systems while considering performance, reliability and sustainability. A substantial MEng group project brings these skills together, allowing you to work collaboratively on a complex multidisciplinary engineering challenge and prepare for advanced professional engineering roles.

Student blogs & stories

Read more about this course:

Engineering Degrees Explained: BEng (Hons) and MEng made simple

Learning Methods

Teaching combines lectures, tutorials, laboratories, and based learning. You will apply theory through hands-on laboratory work, workshops and computer-based simulation using industry-standard engineering software. Many learning activities are designed around real-world engineering challenges, integrating professional practice and industry-informed projects to strengthen your work-integrated learning experience. As you progress, you will undertake increasing levels of independent and research-informed study, culminating in substantial individual and group projects. 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 MEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering course?

A Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degree can be successfully completed within 4-5 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 assessment

Year 3

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

Year 4

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

Year 5

• 2-3 reports
• 1 portfolio
• 1 MEng group project portfolio

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. For MEng Fast-Track students, summer placements following Stages 3 and 4 form a compulsory, credit-bearing element. Placements may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer. You may source your own opportunity or access support from the University’s Placement Office and the School’s Placement Coordinator, who assist with applications and approval. Students have undertaken placements with engineering companies across energy, manufacturing, offshore and technology sectors in the UK and internationally.

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

The integrated master’s qualification supports progression towards Chartered Engineer status and develops the advanced analytical, leadership and project management skills valued by employers in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

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 Systems Engineer.

Many progress into senior technical or leadership positions within international engineering organisations.

Through work-integrated learning, industrial placements and industry-informed projects, graduates develop practical experience alongside strong theoretical knowledge, enabling them to contribute immediately in professional engineering roles. Some graduates also progress to doctoral research or specialist postgraduate study in advanced engineering fields.

What are the entry requirements for a MEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• QS/SQA Higher: BBBC 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: BCC to include Mathematics at grade B plus either Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5/C or above is required if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3  to include Maths and either Physics or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 27 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: BB at Advanced Higher plus CC at Higher (4 subjects), 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: BBB to include Maths and one other 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: BCCC 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.