Mechanical 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 deepen your mechanical engineering knowledge through heat transfer and turbomachinery, control engineering, renewable energy and machine learning. You will also develop skills in engineering project planning, professional practice, innovation and sustainability. A group design project brings these areas together through a collaborative engineering challenge, while elective choices allow you to explore areas such as quality engineering, embedded systems, circular economy and energy technologies.

During the summer following Stage 3, students on the Fast-Track route undertake a compulsory industrial placement alongside Master's-level study in engineering leadership and management for sustainability, and reliability and lifecycle analysis. This combination allows you to develop advanced technical and professional skills while gaining valuable experience in an industrial engineering environment.

Year 4

Stage 4 develops your ability to analyse and solve complex Mechanical Engineering problems through advanced topics such as control and instrumentation, computational mechanics, failure analysis, safety, risk and engineering management. Elective choices enable further specialisation. You will also complete a substantial capstone project involving the design, modelling, analysis or experimental investigation of an engineering system, demonstrating independent working, technical judgement and integrated engineering knowledge.

During the summer following Stage 4, Fast-Track students undertake a second compulsory industrial placement alongside Master's-level study in advanced vibrations and structural dynamics, further developing their analytical expertise and experience of applying advanced mechanical engineering knowledge in professional practice.

Year 5

In Stage 5 you will progress to Master's-level study, developing advanced expertise in vibrations and structural dynamics, reliability and lifecycle analysis, and engineering leadership and management for sustainability. You will explore complex engineering problems with greater technical depth while considering reliability, sustainability and professional decision-making. A substantial MEng group project brings these skills together, allowing you to work collaboratively on an advanced engineering challenge and prepare for senior professional engineering roles.

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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 - 40 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Independent Study - 30 hours per week

How long is a MEng Mechanical Engineering course?

A Mechanical 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 assignment
• 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

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

Job Prospects

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

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

Is Mechanical Engineering a good career choice?

Previous graduates have secured roles including:

• Senior Mechanical Engineer,
• Design Engineer,
• Project Engineer,
• Commissioning Engineer,
• Manufacturing Engineer,
• Energy Systems Engineer,
• Controls Engineer and Technical Consultant.

Many progress into leadership, project management or specialist technical roles within international engineering organisations.

The strong emphasis on work-integrated learning, industrial placements and industry-informed projects ensures graduates are well prepared to contribute immediately in professional engineering environments. Some graduates also progress to doctoral research or specialist postgraduate study in advanced engineering fields.

What is needed for a MEng Mechanical 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.