Select the year

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement

UCAS Tariff

120-112

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Our Common First Year helps you explore Electronic, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering before specialising in the field that suits you.
  • Combine study of the fundamentals with understanding the importance of sustainability to ready yourself for opportunities in a range of industries.
  • In year four, you’ll complete an individual research/design project and have the option to link it to Team HARE, our Formula Student team.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Our Mechanical Engineering Graduates go on to amazing careers in a diverse range of industries. You could have an impact on one of the major challenges facing society today such as climate change, world health and the future of our transport networks. We are situated at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse with great links to set you up for an exciting career.

A degree in Mechanical Engineering could open the door to a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities that will allow you to contribute to a more sustainable future, securing a role at the at the heart of these technological developments could result in a substantial earning potential which will allow you to shape the lifestyle you want in the future. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Mechanical Engineering courses are Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Service Engineer, Project Engineer and Mechanical Project Engineer.*

Visitors to campus are always impressed with the teaching and research facilities we have for you to use and develop as a Mechanical Engineer. We have invested in these facilities so you can gain practical experience with wind tunnels, fluid mechanics laboratories and materials testing.

During your first and second year, you will be part of our programme: EnABLE (Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment). This will see you work on projects to develop your technical knowledge and skills. EnABLE aims to boost your confidence, helping you when undertaking an optional placement in your third year, or when securing your first graduate role post-university.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which will help you toward achieving Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partly meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Mechanical Design Engineers

Mechanical Engineers

Project Engineers

Mechanical Project Engineers

Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level. A Levels must include A2 Mathematics (Use of Mathematics is not an acceptable A Level) and at least one other Science/Technology subject (or equivalent qualification) as listed in Additional information.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications which must include the accepted qualifications as listed in Additional Information.
Merit at T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing (Core) Full Qualification.
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering. The BTEC Extended Diploma in Science is not acceptable without an additional A Level Mathematics at Grade C or above.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above in relevant Science/Technology subjects.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications which must include Higher Level Mathematics and another Higher Level Science/Technology subject as listed in Additional Information.


Additional Information

Entry is also possible from the Engineering Foundation Year. To progress onto this course from the Foundation Year you must pass all modules and achieve an average mark of 40% or above.

Progression to MEng is possible following good performance on the first two years of the appropriate MEng/BEng course.

In addition to A2 Mathematics, A Levels must include one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further and Additional Mathematics, Computer Science, Design and Technology: Product Design, or Statistics.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Engineering - please note that we do not accept BTEC Computing and Operations as a qualification for entry to this course.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

The module provides a comprehensive foundation in Engineering Mathematics, equipping you with the essential mathematical tools and techniques required to tackle complex engineering problems. It covers key topics such as functions, linear mathematics, calculus, and numerical methods, with a strong emphasis on applying these concepts to real-world engineering scenarios. You will develop your analytical skills and learn to model engineering problems using MATLAB, a powerful tool for solving and visualizing mathematical models. The integration of theory with practical applications ensures that you are well-prepared for the more advanced analytical modules in the subsequent years of your course as well as for your future careers in engineering. This module lays the groundwork for successful problem-solving and mathematical modelling, essential skills in the field of engineering.

This module provides you with an appreciation of the broad role of the engineer and technologist in society, including responsibilities, ethical behaviour, and contribution to the business team. It will introduce you to the personal and professional skills required to succeed as both students and professional engineers. You will acquire skills related to study techniques, research and analysis, project management, academic writing and communication and you will be introduced to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). In addition, this module aims to give you a foundation in computer programming. You’ll be introduced to coding, testing and documenting software appropriate for engineering systems. You’ll be supported in developing your knowledge and understanding of the underlying syntax and logic structures specified by the programming language by solving practical problems in dedicated lab sessions. You’ll be expected to design and implement a software solution to a given problem specification.

In this module, you will explore the science of flow in engineering systems, focusing on three core areas: mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems. First, you will study the dynamics of mechanical systems, understanding the forces, energy, and motion that govern their behaviour. Topics such as forces and equilibrium, linear and angular motion, and work-energy principles will help you grasp the fundamental concepts driving mechanical systems. Next, you will investigate the flow of fluids, learning how pressure, viscosity, and flow dynamics affect fluid movement in pipes, open channels, and thermofluid devices. The principles of thermodynamics, steady and unsteady flow, and the application of Bernoulli’s theorem will give you insights into how energy is transferred and conserved within fluid systems. Finally, you will delve into the behaviour of electric currents and electromagnetic fields. You will examine the fundamentals of electrostatics, current flow, and the principles of inductors and capacitors, applying these concepts to analyse circuits using network theorems and complex impedances. You will also explore the behaviours of electrical systems, developing an understanding of their dynamic response. Through theoretical learning and practical applications, you will build a comprehensive understanding of how motion and flow operate in engineering systems.

In this module, you will explore the foundational concepts of analogue and digital electronics. It begins with electric circuit theory, and circuit analysis techniques, before exploring how these concepts are applied to produce systems. The module then introduces the operation and characteristics of systems along with a how these systems may interconnect. You will explore these through practical labs and guided tutorials. You will gain an overview of an sensors, actuators, interfacing System-on-Chip (SoC), and intelligent systems.

Explore how engineering ideas evolve from concept to prototype through a blend of digital design and hands-on problem solving. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of interdisciplinary engineering practice, combining creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through a series of structured, project-based activities, you will engage in real-world challenges that develop your understanding of the engineering design process. You will also build foundational skills in interpreting and producing technical drawings, as well as prototyping and testing basic electrical circuits. Working individually and in teams, you’ll develop confidence in applying design principles, communicating technical ideas, and progressing from initial concepts to working solutions. By the end of the module, you will have gained practical insight into the thinking, processes, and teamwork that underpin effective engineering design in professional contexts.

Discover how materials shape the world around us and how forces keep structures standing. In this module, you will explore the fascinating science behind different materials and learn how they behave under various conditions. You will dive into the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, understanding their properties from the atomic level to real-world applications in mechanical, civil, and electrical systems. On the mechanics side, you will investigate how forces, moments, and stresses act on structures, leading to insights into equilibrium, bending, shear, and torsion. You will develop practical problem-solving skills by analysing beams, trusses, and other structural components. Through a mix of assessments, practical experiments and interactive simulations, you will apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. You will also explore materials testing techniques and learn how to evaluate the strength and behaviour of different materials under load. By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding of how materials and mechanics influence the design and performance of engineering systems, giving you the confidence to approach complex engineering challenges.

In this module you will cover kinematics, kinetics (particles and rigid bodies) and one degree of freedom vibration. You will learn about rectilinear and curvilinear motions including rectangular and polar coordinate systems, relative motion, work and energy and energy conservation. In addition, you will be introduced to free and forced vibration systems with and without damping. You will gain fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills for dynamic systems.

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of material behaviour in conventional and bio-engineering environments and to develop your ability to analyse solid objects subjected to static loads in the light of this knowledge. You will learn to understand and explain the behaviour of materials at a microscopic level and appreciate the relationship between this scale of behaviour and the properties of bulk material. You will cover the classical techniques of stress and strain analysis that allow component behaviour to be related to material behaviour. Your understanding will allow you to select appropriate material and component characteristics for particular operating conditions in conventional and bio inspired applications.

In this module you will focus on Engineering Design understood as a set of tools and methodologies required to integrate mechanical and electrical elements of the design process into a cohesive functional product. The majority of products such as automotive, home appliances and hand tools represent design challenges that require both mechanical and electrical elements. The module will inspire your creativity and encourage you to develop and use your analytical abilities and knowledge in engineering and science. You will find out that Engineering Design is a complex process that always requires methodical and iterative approaches. You will uncover the importance of information resources and computer-aided design tools that exist to support modern design engineers. In addition to the technical competences, you will develop your sense of responsibility as a future practising engineer and the professional work ethics.

In this module you will be introduced to the essential principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, and their applications in thermo-fluids engineering systems. You will learn about the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, combustion process, refrigerators, turbomachines, heat exchangers, fluid conveyance and flow control systems. This module will equip you to design, analyse and predict the performance of thermo-fluids engineering systems.

To increase system functionality and conversion efficiency, modern energy conversion systems invariably have electrical elements to interface a multitude of technologies. Electronics are a key technology, together with electric machines and control. You will learn how electronic techniques are used to convert energy and study key electric machine technologies. You will develop block component models that can then be integrated to form the core of an energy conversion system, for example, solar and wind generation schemes, electric vehicles or industrial processes implementing electro-mechanical energy conversion.

In this module you will be introduced to the major classes of manufacturing systems, from jobbing to mass production with consideration of relevant production technology issues and requirements for systems from design through to production and control. You will focus on the interface between product development stages from design, to manufacturing and inspection, and the dependency to each other. The implications for product specification and design are considered and reinforced through your study of examples involving a practical problem-based approach. Emphasis will be given to aspects such as, design to production along with quantity forecasting implications and the significance of inspection and quality within a production system.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

This module will let you develop knowledge and understanding of dynamic systems related vibration and its analysis and control in machine systems. The module uses selected topics to give you an understanding of the analytical tools applied to vibration in mechanical systems and the ability to synthesise and analyse complex mechanisms. The module focuses on mathematical models of physical systems which are key elements in the design and analysis of control systems through theory and practical examples. Mathematical and analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

In this module you will discover the principles behind Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This is increasingly becoming an integral part of the design process and has recently been linked to optimisation methods within many commercial computer packages. You will develop the understanding of the theoretical foundations and limitations of these methods for their effective application in practical contexts. In addition, you will gain an invaluable experience of using state-of-the-art commercial software of this type to equip you with the skills of carrying out accurate and cost effective finite element and optimisation analyses.

In this module you will have an opportunity to demonstrate a range of knowledge and understanding of sustainable design processes and the inherent value of design by undertaking a group design project. Through collaboration you will develop product design solutions that comply with the sustainable engineering agenda with the goals of a lower carbon economy at the forefront of your thinking. You will develop and use quantitative techniques that allow for the direct measurement of outcomes from a sustainability and commercial perspective. In addition you will demonstrate critical and creative thinking in the creation of industrially appropriate approaches to the handling and exploitation of intellectual property in regard to new and novel products.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to study and investigate a specific engineering topic in-depth. The aim of this module is give you the skills and experience to carry out an engineering project and introduce you to the process that would typically take place in a professional engineering environment. You will undertake and execute a project on a topic appropriate to your study pathway. You will be allocated a project supervisor(s) who will direct you through the process of project planning, undertaking background research and carrying out the technical aspects of the project to a satisfactory conclusion. Your project will be an in-depth study of an engineering problem and may be either academic or industry-based. You will have the opportunity to either select a project defined by a tutor, or to propose your own project idea. The project work will extend your knowledge and capabilities in the specific field associated with the project topic and allow you to demonstrate your initiative, commitment, and engineering capability to a professional standard.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

In this module you will be introduced to concepts, standards, techniques, software and systems for project management, quality management and production management, making reference to relevant ISO standards. You will cover case material relevant to manufacturing and service industries and gain experience of practical application. On completion you will be in a strong position to apply these key industry standard practices to projects in your role as a graduate engineer.

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of fluid dynamics in general and aerodynamics in particular. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of aerodynamics ranging from bluff body aerodynamics to compressible flows. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with experimental and numerical tools to establish aerodynamic characteristics of important industrial systems encountering fluid flows.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience. Students have previously secured placements with companies such asSolid Solutions, Xaar, BAE Systems and Dyson.

The support of the placement unit helped me to gain a placement year at JLR, where I have now continued my career. The skills I learned on the course have developed me into a strong engineering manager and I am currently leading a team to deliver the next generation of electrified JLR products.

- Peter Wilson
Vehicle Integration Manager, Jaguar Land Rover

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Supplier Quality Manager, Vehicle Engineering, Design Engineer, Lead Engineer and Chassis Engineer in organisations including McLaren Automotive Ltd, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Rolls-Royce, Cummins Inc and Bentley Motors Ltd.**
Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could also go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study which may interest you.

  • Source: LinkedIn

80%
Percentage of graduates from this course who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

* (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

I first enrolled on the Engineering Foundation Year and then progressed to the Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons) course. The course content was fantastic, as well as key maths and physics knowledge I picked up sought after CAD skills. Both group projects and presentations on the course have helped to prepare me for assessment centres and further study.

- Bridie Bailey
Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons)

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Advanced Engineering Exhibition and Silverstone Museum. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.
Depending on the student's choice of project, may incur costs on project materials, but many materials available from the department. (final year and masters only)

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Explore More

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Need more details?

More Info

Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

Find out more about careers support

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

See our support services

Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

Find out more

Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Engineering may teach you on this course.

Find out more about our staff

Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

Find out more

Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

Discover postgraduate courses
Ask us a question