Mechanical EngineeringBEng
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027/mechanical-engineering-beng Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027
2027-28 entry
Mechanical Engineering BEng
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
The first two years of our BEng degree comprehensively cover the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering. The pinnacle of your third year centres around an individual research project. This course is designed to enhance your independence, communication skills, and organisational abilities, providing a solid foundation for your future engineering career.
- A Levels \ A*AA
- UCAS code \ H302
- Duration \ 3 years
- Start date \ September
-
Attendance \ Full-time
- Course fee
- Funding available
- Optional placement year
- Study abroad option
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Course description
Why study this course?
Project-based learning
Our system of project-based learning integrates engineering science with practical projects. So, you’ll become comfortable and capable in tackling realistic, open-ended problems – preparing you for a successful career.
Professional skills focus
The course includes professional skills learning, which empowers you to take responsibility for your own development and become an independent learner. This includes areas such as developing communications skills, teamwork, and presentation skills, helping to create more employable engineers.
Personal tutorials
From day one, your personal tutor will be your regular point of contact for both pastoral and academic support throughout your studies. The small group academic tutorial system strengthens the student-tutor bond and helps you to develop as an independent learner.
Vibrant student and staff community
We build a culture of collaborative learning where our excellent ‘student voice’ is consistently recognised and rated highly in the National Student Survey (NSS). Students are encouraged to be involved, have a say in their own education, and work together with staff to improve their mechanical engineering programmes.
Specialist teaching facilities
'Learning by doing' is the reason The Diamond was built. Dedicated to engineering, with a focus on developing practical engineering skills, this is where you’ll apply the theory you learn in lectures – consolidating your understanding alongside students from other disciplines, and beyond the bounds of the curriculum.
Passionate about mechanical engineering, and keen to get into the workplace?
Sheffield’s Mechanical Engineering BEng is an excellent alternative to an MEng course – offering the option to graduate, or continue your engineering education with an MSc or switch to a MEng depending upon performance.
In the first two years you'll study the core subjects you need to be a successful mechanical engineer, including design and professional skills, mathematics, fluids, dynamics, thermodynamics and the mechanical behaviour of materials. We’ll embed that knowledge by applying it to open-ended projects, typical of the engineering industry.
In the third year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree in a way that supports your career aspirations by choosing from a wide selection of engineering modules.
One of the highlights for the third year is the individual research project, chosen from a very wide range of topics and under the supervision of an expert in the chosen field.
Throughout the course, you will be given many opportunities to develop and demonstrate the professional skills, such as written and spoken communication, group working and project management, that employers desire.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Placements and study abroad
Placement
You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year.
A placement year will help you to:
- gain an insight into possible careers
- develop a range of transferable skills
- build a professional network
- get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
- add valuable work experience to your CV
- gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
- apply elements of academic learning in the workplace
Engineering placement years
In engineering, a placement year can be included on all of our programmes. It gives you the opportunity to maximise your employability by spending a year in a graduate-level role within an engineering company.
- The placement year is typically during your penultimate year: after year two for a BEng or after year three for a MEng.
- A dedicated Engineering Placements Team will help you find your placement and provide support throughout the application process and also during your placement.
- You’ll be assigned a dedicated tutor to support you during placements.
Elliot tells us about his industrial placement year experience in an engineering consultancy firm
Study abroad
Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget.
You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.
More information about the opportunities to study mechanical engineering overseas.
The most challenging but simultaneously rewarding and enjoyable experience - I couldn't recommend it enough
Tilly MEng Mechanical Engineering with Spanish \
Tilly spent a year of her course studying Mechanical Engineering, in Spanish, at a university in San Sebasitán, Spain.
Modules
We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.
Title: Mechanical Engineering BEng course structure\ UCAS code: H302\ Years: 2026, 2027
First year
Second year
Third year
First year
Core modules:
Autumn Integrative Project : This module will introduce you to what it means to be a professional engineer by supporting you through the process of tackling a typical, practical, engineering problem. Through a series of structured, timely activities you will integrate the fundamental knowledge, taught in a separate, concurrent module, with the skills and capabilities expected of modern engineers. In conjunction with a similar integrative project in the Spring semester, you will develop a holistic view of mechanical engineering that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, and your subsequent career, giving you the ability and confidence to address open-ended, engineering problems in a proficient and effective manner.
**20 credits**
Spring Integrative Project : This module will provide you with further insight into what it means to be a professional engineer by supporting you through the process of tackling a typical, practical, engineering problem. Through a series of structured, timely activities you will integrate the fundamental knowledge, taught in a separate, concurrent module, with the skills and capabilities expected of modern engineers, building upon feed forward from a similar integrative project in the Autumn semester. In conjunction with the Autumn project, you will develop a holistic view of mechanical engineering that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, and your subsequent career, giving you the ability and confidence to address open-ended, engineering problems in a proficient and effective manner.\ \ This module also includes a focused, week-long, cross-faculty interdisciplinary design activity aimed at equipping students with essential teamwork, design, problem-solving, and communication skills. Particular attention is paid to employability, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through real-life engineering projects, students are introduced to tackling complex challenges.
**40 credits**
Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 1 : In conjunction with a similar module that runs in the Spring semester, this module will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding that will underpin the rest of your mechanical engineering degree. This module focuses on statics, solid mechanics and manufacturing processes; you will learn about these topics from first principles and observe them as phenomena in the laboratory. You will then have the opportunity to apply them to a practical engineering problem in a separate, concurrent integrative project module.
**20 credits**
Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 2 : In conjunction with a similar module that runs in the Autumn semester, this module will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding that will underpin the rest of your mechanical engineering degree. This module focuses on dynamics, fluids, gases and thermofluids; you will learn about these topics from first principles and observe them as phenomena in the laboratory. You will then have the opportunity to apply them to a practical engineering problem in a separate, concurrent integrative project module.
**20 credits**
Essential Mathematical Skills & Techniques : This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes.
**20 credits**
Second year
In your second year, you’ll continue to build your fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering, which you’ll apply to increasingly complex problems.
Example core modules:
Dynamics & Solids\ Thermofluids\ Manufacturing\ Maths for Mechanical Engineering\ Design Project
Third year
In your final year you’ll undertake an individual project chosen from a wide range of topics and under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field and will also take part in the group design project where you’ll take on a real-life challenge proposed by our industrial partners, developing professional skills with real clients.\ \ Example Optional Modules include:\ Solids and Finite Element Analysis\ Dynamics\ Fluids and Computational \ Fluid Dynamics\ Thermodynamics
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
We take a practical, "learn by doing" approach which puts engineering practice at its core. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities using the same equipment, computer modelling, and simulation software found in the workplace.
You will learn to think like an engineer by solving real industry challenges. Your learning will include:
- Lectures and tutorials: to build your core knowledge.
- Practical lab Sessions and design classes: hands-on activities in our state-of-the-art facilities to apply your knowledge to real engineering problems.
- Computer modelling and simulation: using industry-standard software.
- Project work: where you will learn important group work skills and have the opportunity to work with industry partners to solve real-world problems.
- An individual investigative project: where you organise and conduct your own research, showcasing your ability to work independently.
As well as your formal timetabled sessions, you will be expected to manage your own time and undertake independent study. To support this, you will have 24/7 access to our online library service and various study spaces designed for both individual work and group collaboration.
We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.
Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over one million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.
Learning support facilities and library opening hours
Assessment
We use a wide range of assessments designed to match the specific skills you are developing in each module, ensuring they mirror the tasks that you’ll face in your engineering career. Depending upon your module choices, you can expect a mix of:
- Coursework: including reports, presentations, posters and a wide range of other formats used by engineers to communicate information.
- Practical Work: assessing your hands-on capability to meet complex engineering challenges.
- Exams: written examinations and online assessments.
This variety ensures you’ll graduate with a range of both engineering and professional skills, ready to present ideas, write professional reports, and solve industrial problems; exactly what you’ll need in your future career.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
- Standard offer
- Access Sheffield offer
Standard offer
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ A*AA \ including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : AAA including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
International Baccalaureate : 38, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology; 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and A in a science-based Extended Essay
BTEC Extended Diploma : D*DD in Engineering or Applied Science (inc Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science, and Physical Science streams) + A in A Level Maths
BTEC Diploma : D*D in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
T Level : Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s : AAAAB + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : A + A*A in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Access to HE Diploma : The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 42 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 3 at Merit + A in A Level Maths
Access Sheffield offer
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ AAB \ including A in Maths and B in at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : AAA including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
International Baccalaureate : 34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and 5 in at least one of Higher Level Physics, Chemistry or Biology
BTEC Extended Diploma : DDD in Engineering or Applied Science (inc Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science, and Physical Science streams) + A in A Level Maths
BTEC Diploma : DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
T Level : Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s : AABBB + AB, Including A in Maths and B in either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : B + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Access to HE Diploma : The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 42 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 3 at Merit + A in A Level Maths
English language requirements |
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
Pathway programme for international students
If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Graduate careers
As a mechanical engineer from Sheffield, you’ll graduate with a degree that’s relevant to the world today. Our strong industry connections and focus on practical, real-world learning equip you with the skills and experience needed to thrive in your chosen career path.
You’ll be able to solve complex engineering challenges and apply your knowledge and creativity to tackle real-world problems. You’ll lead and innovate using strong leadership and problem-solving skills to drive innovation in your field.
The majority of our students remain focused on mechanical engineering, either in industry or research, securing work all over the world, from the UK to Australia. Recent graduates have gone on to work for BAE Systems, Boeing, Dyson, EDF Energy, Jaguar, McLaren Racing, Red Bull, Siemens and The Royal Navy.\ \ Our mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought-after by top employers in various sectors, for example:
- Aerospace: designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies.
- Transport: working on the design and development of vehicles, from high-performance cars to electric vehicles.
- Energy: contributing to the development of renewable energy solutions, such as wind turbines and solar power systems.
- Manufacturing: overseeing the production and development of a wide range of products, from consumer goods to industrial machinery.
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
1st in the Russell Group for mechanical engineering
National Student Survey 2025
4th in the UK for mechanical engineering
Guardian University Guide 2026
4th in the UK for mechanical engineering
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
As part of a world top-100 university and a leader in excellent student experience, ourschool brings together expertise from across the mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering disciplines to help you create a better future. Whether you want to design sustainable transport, build resilient cities, or pioneer new technologies, we provide innovative teaching and practical experience to help you get there. And we inspire and empower our researchers and students to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.
At Sheffield, we believe in learning by doing and our courses are designed to give you both the academic knowledge and practical experience that employers actually look for. You’ll take part in projects where you’ll connect engineering theory to practice, including our interdisciplinary Global Engineering Challenge and Engineering You’re Hired project weeks where you get to solve real-world problems alongside other student engineers. There’s also the opportunity to join our student-led engineering teams, building everything from single-seat racing cars, rockets and miniature locomotives, to sustainable wind turbines and human-powered aircraft.
From day one, you’ll be immersed in a research-led curriculum, taught by academics who are experts in their fields, with a wealth of experience, many involved in the latest engineering research. You'll also have the opportunity to work with our industrial partners giving you experience that will support your employability and you’ll have an academic personal tutor who will support and guide your progress throughout your studies.
Mechanical Engineering is situated in the Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing. We also have teaching space and labs in the new state-of-the-art Engineering Heartspace. The majority of mechanical engineering undergraduate lectures and labs take place in the Diamond.
Facilities
Our students connect engineering theory to practice in The Diamond, developing the skills, knowledge and experience that global employers demand. The Diamond features some of the best engineering teaching spaces in the UK.
You’ll be taught in specialist state-of-the-art teaching and dedicated lab facilities such as our engineering applications workshop, structures and dynamics laboratory, and thermodynamics and mechanics laboratory.
You’ll be using industry standard equipment and will be able to directly apply what you’ve learnt in lectures to lab sessions, helping you to put theory into practice. Alongside teaching and study spaces, the Diamond is also home to iForge – the UK's first student-led makerspace.
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
University rankings
A world top-100 university\ QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)
Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)\ National Student Survey 2025
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent\ Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year for Student Experience\ The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Number one Students' Union in the UK\ Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union\ StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards
20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26\ High Fliers 2026
Student profiles
[I became interested in mechanical engineering through my love of maths and problem-solving
Esther
Undergraduate student, \ Mechanical Engineering MEng](https://sheffield.ac.uk/mac/undergraduate/profiles/esther)
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Examples of what’s included and excluded
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
£2,500 per year scholarships for international students
We're offering automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 to overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026 - no additional application required.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Online events
Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for this course, you can apply to study mechanical engineering with a foundation year. After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start this (direct) BEng or MEng course.
We can only accept one application to either this (direct) BEng or MEng course or a foundation year course.
Apply for the most appropriate route to you. You cannot hold an offer for both this course (direct) and a foundation year entry course.
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
Contact us
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer
2027-2028
If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for this course, you can apply to study mechanical engineering with a foundation year. After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start this (direct) BEng or MEng course.
We can only accept one application to either this (direct) BEng or MEng course or a foundation year course.
Apply for the most appropriate route to you. You cannot hold an offer for both this course (direct) and a foundation year entry course.
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
The first two years of our BEng degree comprehensively cover the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering. The pinnacle of your third year centres around an individual research project. This course is designed to enhance your independence, communication skills, and organisational abilities, providing a solid foundation for your future engineering career.
No No No Yes Course description Placements and study abroad Modules Learning and assessment Entry requirements Graduate careers Department University rankings Student profiles Fees and funding Extra info box