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.

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

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.

During the summer following Stage 4, Fast-Track students undertake a second compulsory industrial placement together with advanced study in fluid dynamics, further developing their technical expertise and experience of applying engineering knowledge within a professional environment.

Year 5

In Stage 5 you will progress to Master's-level study, bringing together advanced engineering analysis, sustainability, reliability and professional leadership. You will study advanced fluid dynamics, reliability and lifecycle analysis, and engineering leadership and management for sustainability. A substantial MEng group project allows you to integrate these skills and work collaboratively on a complex engineering challenge, preparing you for advanced professional roles within offshore, energy and related engineering industries.

Student blogs & stories

Read more about this course:

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 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 - 2-150 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 Offshore Engineering course?

A Mechanical and Offshore Engineering degree can be 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 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, robotics, automation and emerging low-carbon technologies.

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 complex offshore and energy projects.

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 positions including Rig Manager, Drilling Manager and Senior Engineering roles within international energy companies and engineering consultancies.

Through work-integrated learning, industrial placements and industry-informed projects, graduates gain practical experience alongside strong theoretical knowledge, enabling them to contribute effectively in demanding offshore and energy engineering environments. Some graduates also progress to doctoral research or specialist postgraduate study.

What is needed for a MEng Mechanical and Offshore Engineering course?

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, one of which must be at grade 6 and one 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

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Year 1 entry

• 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.

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.