Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, analysis and manufacture of physical systems that involve forces, motion, energy and materials. From gas turbines and wind turbines to vehicles, robotics, medical devices and consumer products, mechanical engineering principles are applied wherever something needs to be designed to work reliably under real-world conditions. At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time BEng includes a foundation year and a sandwich placement with a work placement component, providing both additional academic preparation and direct professional experience in an engineering environment.

The degree is accredited in a way that provides partial fulfilment of the requirements for chartered engineer registration.

You will study the core pillars of the discipline, including statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, manufacturing processes, structural analysis and design methodology. Exeter's engineering school takes a project-led approach in which you apply theoretical knowledge to design challenges from an early stage, developing the practical judgement that engineering education at its best should produce alongside technical understanding. The sandwich placement gives you typically a year in an engineering company, testing and developing your skills in a professional context.

The foundation year consolidates your science and mathematics before you begin the engineering content. A typical tariff of around 136 points is expected.

Mechanical engineers work across an extraordinarily wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, construction, medical devices and the defence sector. Graduate roles include design engineer, stress engineer, project engineer, manufacturing engineer and technical consultant, and the discipline offers strong routes to chartered engineer status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Many graduates go on to MEng or postgraduate study to complete the academic requirements for chartership.