Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, concerned with the design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance of mechanical systems. From the components of a jet engine to the mechanisms in a medical device, mechanical engineers apply the principles of physics and materials science to create machines, structures, and systems that are reliable, efficient, and fit for purpose. The field underpins manufacturing, energy, transport, aerospace, and many other industries, and the analytical and problem-solving skills it develops are transferable across a wide range of professional contexts.
At the University of Sunderland, you will study mechanical engineering over three years full-time, covering core areas including mechanics, thermofluids, electrical principles, manufacturing processes, materials science, and microprocessors. You will develop both the theoretical understanding and the practical skills needed to work on real engineering challenges, with project work running throughout the course. The programme includes a sandwich year, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial industry experience before your final year, and a year abroad to broaden your academic and professional horizons.
Work placements are built into the programme. The typical entry tariff is 72 UCAS points, and the course is designed to be accessible to students who have the aptitude and motivation to succeed in engineering.
Mechanical engineering graduates are in demand across a broad range of industries. Automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, rail, defence, and robotics are among the most common destinations. The combination of hands-on experience from the sandwich year and a rigorous engineering education makes graduates competitive in the graduate job market.
The degree also provides a strong foundation for working towards chartered engineer status with institutions such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and many graduates continue to postgraduate study at MEng or MSc level.