University of Hull

What you'll study

This top-up year builds on previous vocational study to deliver final-year honours-level modules typical of a Mechanical Engineering degree. Teaching combines lectures, laboratory work, computer-aided engineering sessions and a substantial individual project.

• Honours project: an independent research, design or manufacturing project that develops project management, experimental or simulation skills and culminates in a written dissertation and oral presentation.
• Advanced mechanics & structural analysis: study of stress, strain, failure criteria and practical application of numerical methods such as finite element analysis for component design.
• Thermofluids and heat transfer: advanced thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer principles applied to power systems, HVAC and thermal management challenges.
• Manufacturing, materials and design: contemporary manufacturing processes, materials selection, sustainability considerations and design for manufacture and assembly.
• Control systems and mechatronics: fundamentals of sensors, actuators, feedback control and basic embedded systems used in modern mechanical products.
• Computer-aided engineering: CAD modelling, simulation, and use of industry-standard software for design verification and optimisation.
• Professional engineering and management: engineering ethics, risk assessment, project management and communication skills relevant to industry practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an HND, HNC or foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. The programme typically requires a good pass or merit-level classification in prior study; acceptable alternatives include equivalent qualifications, recognised international equivalents or relevant professional qualifications.

Applicants should demonstrate competence in core areas such as mathematics and mechanical science. Mature applicants with substantive industrial experience may be considered, and the University may request a portfolio of work or an interview as part of the assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates of the top-up BEng (Hons) can pursue roles across manufacturing, energy, transport, aerospace, automotive, utilities and consulting sectors. Typical job titles include:

• Design engineer
• Project or development engineer
• Maintenance and reliability engineer
• Manufacturing/process engineer
• Field service or technical support engineer

The honours award also provides a platform for further study, such as MSc programmes, and contributes towards the educational requirements for professional registration pathways (for example through institutions that offer Chartered Engineer registration) when combined with accredited prior learning and appropriate professional experience.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull combines a campus-based learning environment with practical engineering facilities and workshop spaces that support hands-on learning. The School fosters links with local and regional industry, reflecting the Humber region's strong engineering and manufacturing base, which can benefit project partnerships and employer engagement.

Students studying the top-up benefit from small-group teaching for advanced modules, access to laboratory and computing resources for CAD and simulation, and academic staff with research and industrial experience. The University also offers careers and employability support to help graduates move into engineering roles or further study.