Program Overview
The University of Exeter's BEng Mechanical Engineering program offers a comprehensive and hands-on education, preparing students for a wide range of careers in the engineering field. The program emphasizes project-based learning, industry involvement through the optional Year in Industry, and a choice of specialisms in the final year to deepen students' expertise in areas such as materials and thermodynamics. Graduates are highly sought after by major international organizations in various sectors, including aerospace, finance, and technology.
Program Outline
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a wide range of engineering careers. The program emphasizes project-based learning, providing students with hands-on experience in designing and building real-world solutions. Students will learn from experts in the field, covering topics such as mechatronics, multi-functional materials, additive manufacturing, and thermodynamics. The program also offers a "Year in Industry" option, allowing students to gain valuable work experience before graduation. This option provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a professional setting and build valuable connections within the industry.
Outline:
The BEng Mechanical Engineering program is a three-year program, with the option to extend it to four years by including a "Year in Industry." The program is structured as follows:
Year 1:
- Multidisciplinary ethos: The first year focuses on building core theoretical and practical knowledge across all engineering disciplines.
- Group Project: A year-long multidisciplinary group project allows students to apply their core knowledge in a practical setting.
- Compulsory Modules:
- ENG1002 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing (30 credits)
- ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project (30 credits)
- ENG1006 Entrepreneurship (15 credits)
- ENG1007 Fundamentals of Mechanics (15 credits)
- ENG1008 Fundamentals of Materials (15 credits)
- ENG1009 Fundamentals of Electronics (15 credits)
Year 2:
- Building on Year 1: The second year builds upon the knowledge gained in the first year, introducing new topics such as computer-aided design and solid mechanics.
- Advanced Entrepreneurship: Students will explore more advanced concepts in entrepreneurship, including launching their own company.
- Compulsory Modules:
- ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (15 credits)
- ENG2006 Industry 4.0: Automation and Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
- ENG2007 Introduction to Fluid Dynamics (15 credits)
- ENG2009 Modelling of Engineering Systems (15 credits)
- ENG2011 Solid Mechanics (15 credits)
- ENG2012 Structural Behaviour (15 credits)
- ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (30 credits)
Placement Year (if taken):
- Third Year: Students enrolled in the "with Year in Industry" program will spend their third year on a paid placement in business or industry.
- Module: A 120-credit module is associated with the placement year.
Final Year:
- Individual Project: The final year culminates in a substantial individual project, allowing students to apply their research, project management, and engineering skills to develop a real-world solution to an engineering challenge.
- Specialisms: Students can choose from four exciting and topical specialisms, defined by a number of core and optional modules, allowing them to develop a comprehensive understanding of specialist topics in mechanical engineering.
- Optional Modules:
- ECM3160 Materials (15 credits)
- ECM3175 Individual Project (30 credits)
- ENG3022 Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing (15 credits)
- ENG3015 Structural Dynamics (15 credits)
- ENG3016 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (15 credits)
- ENG3018 Control Engineering (15 credits)
- Option Group A: Select 1:
- ECM3164 Operations Management (15 credits)
- ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD (15 credits)
- ENG3012 Mechatronics (15 credits)
- ENG3023 Zero Emission Vehicles (15 credits)
- PHY3222 Energy, Materials and Sustainability (15 credits)
Assessment:
- Combination of Methods: Modules are assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and exams.
- Continuous Assessment: This includes small practical exercises, project work, essay writing, and presentations.
- Exams: Exams are used to assess theoretical knowledge and understanding.
- Project Work: Project work is a core element of the program, providing students with valuable experience in problem-solving, engineering design, and teamwork. Projects are often industrially driven and commercially relevant.
- First Year Assessment: Students must pass their first-year assessment to progress to the second year. However, these results do not count towards their final degree classification.
Teaching:
- Direct Contact Time: Students typically have between 15 and 32 hours of direct contact time per week with their tutors.
- Independent Study: Students are expected to supplement their lectures with independent study, bringing their total workload to an average of 40 hours per week during term time.
- Workshops and Laboratories: Students have access to workshops and laboratories where they can use specialist equipment, putting their classroom learning into practice.
- Research-Led Culture: All academic staff are internationally recognized scientists working across a wide range of topics. The program draws on the latest ideas, research discoveries, and new technologies in the field.
- Student Involvement in Research: Students have opportunities to participate directly in current research at various stages throughout their degree.
Careers:
- Strong Employment Record: The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record.
- Diverse Career Paths: Graduates are employed by major international organizations in a diverse range of sectors, including aerospace, engineering, finance, and technology.
- Entrepreneurship: Some graduates have successfully launched their own companies.
- Employer Visits: Students have opportunities to meet with graduate employers throughout their degree, including mock interviews.
- Career Paths Examples:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Chartered and Certified Accountant
- Civil Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Engineering Project Manager
- Project Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Programmer
- Expertise in Energy Policy: The university has expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic, and thermal technologies.
- Hands-on Course: The program emphasizes practical project work.
- Investment in Facilities: The university has invested £6.5 million in its teaching labs, workshop spaces, and equipment.
UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year
