Why this course?
Mechanical engineers are recognised for their knowledge and skills in conceiving, designing, implementing and operating devices, machines, engines and energy systems.
Graduates from the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering - which is consistently rated in the top 10 such departments in the UK - are part of a new breed of engineer who can take on challenges ranging from traditional industries to areas such as new materials, sustainable development and aerospace.
In Year 3, you'll spend a full academic session at a partner university abroad. The study abroad programme is highly relevant to the increasingly global context of engineering and is valued by prospective employers.
Our department has more than 20 years’ experience of student-exchange programmes.
What you’ll study
The majority of our students follow five-year MEng courses. All students experience the same learning pace in the first two years and BEng students can, and often do, transfer to the MEng programme.
Year 1
Students learn about the fundamental principles and concepts of the following topics:
- maths
- mechanics
- dynamics
- thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- electrical engineering
Engineering science content is integrated through the Design and Application classes. You'll also choose elective classes, which may include a modern language to help prepare you for studying abroad.
Year 2
You'll focus on the mainstream core of engineering subjects, together with Applied Mathematics and Information Technology. The Engineering Science element includes:
- thermodynamics and fluid dynamics
- dynamics and control
- structural mechanics and materials
You may also choose elective modules, developing areas such as language skills or business management.
Year 3
Students spend third-year at a partner institution abroad. Study programmes are agreed in advance to match the home curriculum and you'll not be required to take extra classes on returning.
The home curriculum at this stage of study focuses on design and supporting engineering science modules.
Year 4
In fourth-year, students begin operating as professional engineers, working closely with academic staff as mentors. You'll also complete an individual and group project, which are mandatory for professional accreditation. In addition to the projects, you'll take classes in relevant core areas.
Other activities
A high proportion of our students participate in activities such as the Outdoor Management Skills course at Outward Bound Scotland, Formula Student, the national competition to build a formula student racing car (at which Strathclyde is the top-performing Scottish university), the British Model Flying Association’s University Challenge, and ‘Gala,’ the annual employers’ networking dinner.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as Chartered Engineer.
Course content
Assessment
Our assessment methods include:
- written exams
- coursework assignments
- presentations
- individual/group projects
The final award classification is normally based on inputs from first assessed attempt at compulsory and specified optional classes across all years, except Year 1, plus, if appropriate, an oral exam.
Learning & teaching
In the early stages, learning skills are developed through interactive teaching, problem solving and problem-based learning. In later years, students will take part in lectures, tutorials, web-based interactive learning, practical work and computer based learning. The emphasis on individual and group projects increases as our students’ skills develop.
Entry requirements
Minimum grades
Required subjects are indicated following minimum accepted grades.
Highers
AAAB (Maths A, Physics A)
Advanced Highers
Maths & Physics recommended
A Levels
Year 1 entry
BBB (Maths, Physics)
Typical entry requirements: ABB
Year 2 entry
ABB
Typical entry requirements: AAA (Maths A, Physics A)
International Baccalaureate
32 (Maths HL5, Physics HL5)
Additional information
- deferred entry is not accepted
- applicants likely to be made an offer are normally invited to visit the Department between December and March
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.
International students
Find out entry requirements for your country.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for
an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the
University of Strathclyde.
Fees & funding
How much will my course cost?
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
Assuming no change in Rest of UK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2017/18, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and Integrated Masters courses); MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on Integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.
International
University preparation programme fees
International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Additional fees
Course materials & costs
Textbooks and printed materials
- circa £400 cost for duration of course
Study abroad
Studying abroad is possible in third or fifth years - but compulsory for International Study.
Students will require to pay costs for studying abroad, which will vary dependent on country of study.
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility.
Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students (Non UK, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Available scholarships
We have a wide range of scholarships available. Have a look at our scholarship search to find a scholarship.
Careers
With skills including analytical, numeracy and problem solving, Mechanical Engineering graduates are suited to a wide range of career opportunities.
The international study programme further strengthens graduates’ job prospects.
Recent graduates from BEng Mechanical Engineering have been recruited into areas such as oil and gas, subsea, energy, building services, aviation and automotive. Some of the graduates’ job titles include trainee field engineer, mechanical design engineer, technical assistant and project engineer.
Some of our students have also continued to postgraduate study or research.
How much will I earn?
£27,000 is the average salary of our graduates six months after completing the course. The typical salary range is £25,000 to £30,000.*
*information is intended only as a guide.
