University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The course delivers a balance of theoretical fundamentals and hands-on engineering practice. Early years focus on mathematics for engineers, statics and dynamics, materials science, thermodynamics and introductory design. Core technical clusters through the programme typically include:

• Mechanics of solids and structures (stress, strain, fatigue and failure)
• Thermofluids and heat transfer (energy systems, fluid mechanics, combustion basics)
• Materials and manufacturing (metals, polymers, composites, processing methods)
• Systems, control and dynamics (modelling, control theory, mechatronics)
• Design and product development (CAD, prototyping, design project work and design for manufacture)
• Professional skills (project management, engineering ethics, communication and teamwork)

Laboratory and workshop sessions are an integral part of the programme, covering materials testing, dynamics and control experiments, thermofluids rigs and CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping facilities. Group design projects and a substantial individual or group capstone project give students practical experience of taking a concept through concept selection, detailed design, analysis and testing.

Entry requirements

Typical academic routes require strong A-levels or equivalent qualifications with Mathematics and usually Physics as subject requirements. General entry expectations are competitive; applicants from other recognised qualifications (International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, BTEC or equivalent) are considered on their merits and must demonstrate comparable achievement in relevant subjects. The university also provides foundation and pathway routes for applicants who do not already meet the standard subject prerequisites.

Other considerations during selection include personal statements, references and any relevant experience. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering move into a wide range of roles across multiple sectors. Common career paths include design and development engineering, manufacturing and production engineering, maintenance and reliability, systems and control engineering, and roles in energy, automotive, aerospace and defence industries. Many graduates join graduate training schemes with large employers, enter consultancy or project management, or take specialist technical roles in research and development.

The BEng also provides a route into further study and professional development: graduates may progress to a specialised master's degree, an integrated MEng where available, or begin the process of professional registration and chartered status through workplace experience and additional learning.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has a long-established Faculty of Engineering with dedicated facilities for mechanical engineering education and research, including teaching workshops, materials and testing laboratories, thermofluids rigs and CAD/CAM and rapid-prototyping suites. Teaching combines lectures, labs, small-group tutorials and industry-focused design projects.

Students benefit from strong links with industry, opportunities for placements and year-in-industry options, and access to multidisciplinary research groups across the university. The campus environment provides comprehensive student support, careers and employability services, and opportunities for international exchange and extracurricular engineering activities that enhance practical skills and graduate employability.