Our subjectsMechanical engineering degrees

What is mechanical engineering? 

Mechanical engineers create solutions and solve problems. Mechanical engineering focuses on the design, manufacturing and maintenance of machinery. It is one of the broadest engineering disciplines and covers everything from designing cars to escalators and lifts for buildings. 

Why study mechanical engineering? 

Mechanical engineers have good job prospects. The vast majority of mechanical engineers end up in professional-level employment or postgraduate study within six months of graduating (according to Complete University Guide). Mechanical engineers are multi-skilled with the degree developing your knowledge in areas including: 

  • computer applications
  • electricity
  • structures
  • maths
  • physics 

Mechanical engineering is at the forefront of developing new technologies for a number of industries including transport, healthcare, construction, and robotics.

View our mechanical engineering courses

Salary guide

Prospects* provide the following salary guide for mechanical engineers: 

  • starting salaries for mechanical engineers, and for those on graduate training schemes, are in the range of £22,000 to £28,000
  • with experience, this can increase to between £25,000 and £35,000. At a mid-level for lead or principal engineers, salaries are around £35,000 to £50,000
  • when a senior level is reached, such as chief engineer, salaries of £45,000 to £60,000+ can be achieved

*Last accessed November 2023

Why study mechanical engineering at Strathclyde? 

Studying mechanical engineering at the University of Strathclyde, you'll be learning at an award-winning academic institution - the only to have won Times Higher Education University of the Year twice!

Our postgraduate degree, MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and provides a route for you to achieve Chartered Engineer status. 

Our department also holds an Athena Bronze award in recognition of our practices which supports gender equality in higher education.