MEng Mechanical Engineering

Entry requirements

4 years full-time / 5 years part-time with integrated placement year

UCAS Code: H301

Typical offer level
A Level: AAB-AAA
BTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma (including A Level Maths Grade B)
IB: 34 points (includingminimum Grade 6 in Maths and Physics at Higher Level)

Specific subject requirements
A Level: Maths and Physics
GCSE: English Grade C
A suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Applicants receiving offers are invited to an open day.

Information on visas for international students

Course outline

We believe our students should be supported as you develop into inquisitive and enthusiastic problem solvers capable of using a wide range of underpinning knowledge and technical skills to tackle the problems faced by industry today and into the future.

Our programmes introduce a full range of core engineering science modules coupled to practical projects to ensure a highly integrated and industry relevant degree programme.

The MEng degree takes the BEng and develops it to a full Masters level programme which fully meets all the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status.

From year 1 you can expect to work on major projects often in partnership with commercial engineering companies. You will work with your colleagues, academic staff and engineers from industry to develop real solutions to these live problems

Jump to:

• Subject guide & modules
• Learning, teaching & assessment
• Placement year 
• Career prospects
• Facilities & equipment
• Course Director
  
• Further information
  

 

Subject guide & modules

Our degree programmes are driven by the demands of industry to produce graduates with extremely strong engineering and scientific skills coupled to strong skills in project management, team work and commercial awareness.

Our BEng degrees are either a 3-year full-time or 4-year sandwich programme incorporating a year of relevant professional experience. The first year of our programme encompasses a broad study of the fundamental disciplines of mechanical engineering. These feature academic classes in engineering science and mathematics combined with large integrated projects to embed the learning in practical settings. In the projects we expect you to use and develop your skills and we help you understand new technology and concepts. You reflect industry practice and work in groups taking products from initial concept to built and tested prototype.

Your second year follows on with a similar structure of academic classes coupled to major group projects however the focus very much shifts from developing your basic skills to preparing you to become a professional engineer. You can then enter your placement or final year well equipped to meet all that will be demanded of you. Your third year features a major project, involving design, experimental or analytical work can also be tailored to suit your own interests.

The final year of the degree provides you with a mix of in depth technical modules integrated with further professional skills. In this year you will also work with colleagues on a substantial group project.

The flexible structure of our degrees enables transfer between Mechanical and ElectroMechanical and Design Engineering programmes after first year though only the Mechanical programme runs to MEng level. You can also transfer between full-time and placement programmes up to the end of second year. 

The broad basis of our programme, together with the possibilities for specialisation, will make you attractive to employers from a wide spectrum of industries.

Year 1

Modules

• Design and Experimentation
• Prototyping and Development
• Transition Mathematics
• Mathematics for Engineers
• Engineering Science
• Electrical Engineering Foundations

Year 2

Modules

• Design & Engineering for the User
• Engineering for Industry
• Engineering Mathematics 
• Solid Mechanics
• Thermodynamics & Fluids
• Dynamics & Control
• Engineering Materials
• Quality Engineering

Year P - Optional placement year

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Year 3

Modules

• Final Year Project
• Advanced Dynamics & Control
• Advanced Systems Design
• Energy Efficiency
• Design Failure Analysis
• Advanced Thermodynamics
• Heat Transfer & Turbomachinery
• Sustainability Project
• Solid Mechanics & Finite Element Analysis

Year 4

Modules

• MEng Group Project
• Computational Fluid Dynamics & Applications
• Product Introduction Process
• Renewable Energy
• CAD Principles & Material Selection
• Practical Numerical Methods
• Sustainable Design
• Innovation Business Development

You will benefit from a wide range of teaching methods and learning styles, including:

• Hands-on practical project classes
• Lectures, tutorials and seminars
• Video and computer-aided learning
• Lab classes and project work
• A strong personal tutor system

Assessment is by a combination of exams, continuous assessment and projects. Students are also able to take part in major projects such as the Formula Student Racing Car Project at which Aston teams have enjoyed a strong track record.

Find out more about placement years at Aston.

The MEng in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for the purpose of meeting the educational requirements of Chartered Engineer (CEng).

www.engc.org.uk/courses

 Our close links with industry and the broad basis of our degree programmes ensure our students’ attractiveness to a wide range of employers and enhance our graduate employment record. Graduate opportunities exist in the fields of:

• research, development and design
• automotive engineering
• manufacturing systems engineering
• power generation
• advanced technology and computer-aided design
• accountancy, management, marketing
• Navy, Army and RAF Officer training

Our graduates work for automotive, aerospace and electronics companies, pharmaceutical and chemical organisations and computer software houses. For example our recent graduates found graduate engineer, and consultancy positions with companies including Corus, IMI Plc, Army/Royal Air Force, Yamazaki Mazak, Carillion, BOC, NTL, BAE Systems, Nissan, Lloyds TSB, Phillips, Jaguar, TRW and EDF Energy.

You will have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, including CAD labs, numerically controlled machine tools, design studios and PCs for CAD, Document production, research and self-tuition. You will develop your programming skills and use computers to solve engineering problems and to simulate and analyse engineering systems. The School of Engineering and Applied Science has invested heavily in the creation of state of-the-art computer laboratories. Our Mechanical Engineering and Product Design students have their own access to specific computer facilities for design.

Dr Gareth Thomson