BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year BEng (Hons)

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This is a four-year version of our popular BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn a range of diverse subjects from thermodynamics, design and the mechanics of machines, to state-of-the-art technological solutions such as finite element analysis, computer-aided design (CAD) and computational fluid dynamics. Graduate with a choice of career options in design, process, manufacturing and management.

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Overview

Mechanical Engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines. This course covers topics such as electrical principles, mechanics, manufacturing and materials, microprocessors and thermofluids.

You are encouraged to apply to undertake a year-long placement between the second and final years, although it is not compulsory. Past students have secured paid placement with companies such as Jaguar, Nissan, GlaxoSmithKline, Assystem, Cummins Engines, Delphi Powertrain Systems and Tata Steel.

Staff use their real-world experience to enhance the already excellent teaching and support, which is enriched by the University’s leading-edge research into areas such as manufacturing systems and advanced maintenance.

Why us?

Our Mechanical Engineering courses are 8th in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as partially fulfilling the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
Current and future proof programme content to prepare you for tomorrow's engineering world

Our Mechanical Engineering courses are 25th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024)
Experienced and supportive staff
Strong links to local and national employers
We are a University that is nationally recognised for supporting learners particularly from non-traditional backgrounds and many students come to us with no formal qualifications but with valuable work experience

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, laboratory projects and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills. You will also have opportunities to present ideas to other students and develop concepts within groups.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include exams and projects.

Course modules

The Engineering Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

Essential Study Skills (20 credits)

This module supports the development skills and attributes needed for degree level study and graduate employment. This includes searching for information, reviewing evidence, presenting information, and self-analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Foundation Project (20 credits)

This module supports understanding in a topic area related to your area of study. It also encourages independent and team working with support available from tutors throughout the lifespan of the project.

Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)

Concentrate on consolidating your numerical and algebraic skills, while later in the module a greater emphasis will be put on statistics, leading on to completing an assignment based on statistical work you have done earlier. Take responsibility for your own learning and ensuring you are able to manage your time and work independently.

Foundations of Engineering (40 credits)

Understand and apply scientific principles on which simple mechanical, electrical and electronic systems are based. Apply mathematical concepts learned in the related mathematics module to design, analyse and test a variety of engineering systems. Confirm your findings through a series of practical activities and computer-based simulations.

Engineering Practice (20 credits)

Gain the knowledge and confidence to identify appropriate information sources and use them appropriately in the creation of engineering reports. Learn to use a variety of engineering software in the creation of engineering designs and to support the creation of technical documentation. Perform calculations with spreadsheets and use CAD software to create engineering designs and prototypes.

Year 1 (national level 4):

Digital Technologies for Engineering (20 credits)

Learn to use digital technologies to support and enhance your work as an engineer. Use advanced engineering software to perform engineering calculations and analysis and learn to design, simulate, and prototype systems as part of a digital workflow. Develop smart electronic systems, comprising both hardware and software, and simple computer programs.

Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

Develop the mathematical and analytical skills needed to solve engineering problems. Study the foundations of topics such as algebra, trigonometry, Calculus, matrices and differential equations. Gain transferable skills in problem-solving.

Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits)

Expand your knowledge of all engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics and composites), their properties and processing. Build on your understanding of manufacturing processes and systems alongside economic, ethical, and environmental considerations. Apply computer-aided materials selection and manufacturing process selection techniques to engineering components.

Applied Mechanics (20 credits)

Understand the fundamental concepts, laws, and analytical methods for the solution of engineering mechanics problems. Use mechanical technology and evaluate the results of practical mechanics experiments. Utilise different mathematical techniques such as differentiation, integration, solution of simultaneous equations, ordinary differential equations (ODEs), trigonometry, and vectors.

Electronic & Electrical Principles (20 credits)

Gain a fundamental understanding of concepts related to electronic and electrical engineering. Grow your analytical skills to be able to solve electronic and electrical circuits. Enhance your knowledge of machines and transformers.

Digital Design Principles (20 credits)

Get an introduction to the world of design engineering. Learn to use key design and engineering software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Develop the ability to produce an engineering drawing, alongside workshop and manufacturing skills.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Engineering Mechanics (20 credits)

Enhance your knowledge of the mechanical engineering discipline of applied mechanics. Apply the appropriate mathematical techniques for modelling and analysing engineering problems. Explore a range of specialist areas including machine dynamics and strength of materials.

Computer-Aided Engineering (20 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of finite element analysis and its integration to the design engineering process. Use industry standard and commercially available software to predict the performance and behaviour of a component or system due to external influences. Analyse mathematical models of the behaviour of a component or system due to external influences.

Automation for Manufacturing (20 credits)

Delve into the operation and application of a range of both Instrumentation and Automation Systems. Enhance your understanding of the properties of measurement systems and sensors and evaluate their application in selecting an appropriate approach for a given application. Analyse signal conditioning and data capture systems using components such as operational amplifiers, analogue to digital converters and microcontrollers.

Engineering Group Interdisciplinary Project (20 credits)

Work in groups across engineering disciplines to solve a real-world engineering problem. Apply your specialist skills and knowledge to perform tasks to support your project group. Progress your project through the various stages including; identifying the problem, project planning, design and evaluation.

Design Methods and Applications (20 credits)

Explore the creation of solid models of simple components using 3D solid modelling software. Gain an introduction to the three interlinked methodologies of design for manufacture, design for assembly, and process selection. Undertake a redesign project which must be conducted conscious of both the economic challenges and environmental responsibility which the global manufacturing sector is facing. Use case studies to gain insight and understanding into the key aspects of the design for manufacture concept.

Thermofluids and Engines (20 credits)

Expand your knowledge of the mechanical engineering disciplines of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Gain fundamental knowledge by exploring topics such as thermodynamics, air standard cycles, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Engage in essential mathematical techniques including differentiation and integration, solution of simultaneous equations, and ordinary differential equations.

Year 3 (national level 6):

Engineering Placement (Optional) (120 credits)

Spend a minimum of 35 weeks working on an industry placement where you’ll compile a portfolio of supporting evidence to demonstrate the achievement of the objectives identified in the learning contract. Engage in work-based learning activities with the support of a supervisor and receive feedback from both them and your academic tutor to improve your performance.

Professional Engineering Management Techniques (20 credits)

Explore some of the soft skills outlined in the UK-SPEC which are pre-requisites to chartered status. Develop your communication and interpersonal skills alongside the design and development of processes and systems. Discover more about project management, and some of the techniques associated with it.

Project (40 credits)

Undertake a unique engineering project that builds on one or more of the topics you've studied throughout your course. Conduct research and resolve an engineering problem in an area of practice that is interesting to you. Enhance your time-management and research skills.

Manufacturing Systems Design (20 credits)

Discover a range of tools that can be applied within a manufacturing context to analyse existing performance and aid the development of models and systems which achieve an enhanced level of productivity. Develop your knowledge of modern measurement and control tools.

Engineering Dynamics and Thermofluids (20 credits)

Gain advanced knowledge of the principles underlying a range of engineering applications of engineering dynamics and thermofluids systems. Design from first principles a range of psychrometric and heat transfer systems. Evaluate the dynamic characteristics of rotating systems and predict instability.

Mechanical Design and Materials Selection (20 credits)

Enhance your understanding of the materials needed in a wider engineering context and the interdependency of design, manufacture, economics, and environmental considerations. Undertake a design exercise based upon a real engineering problem and select the appropriate materials from which specified components or assemblies would be made. Synthesise solutions to engineering problems using the knowledge and techniques you’ve gained throughout your studies.

David Goldman Technology Centre 360
There are 25 stations for electronics, each with its own power supply, oscilloscope, signal generator, multi-meter and a PC with software to support circuit analysis/design, and programming of PLCs and microcontrollers.
There are also numerous pre-built circuit boards to aid in the study of analogue electronics, digital electronics and logic, as well as hardware rigs for the study of CAN Bus systems.

View our AccessAble accessibility guide for the Electronics lab.

Electronics Lab
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on engineering topics, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

Some of the most important sources for engineers include:
- British Standards Online which offers more than 35,000 documents covering specifications for products, dimensions, performance and codes of practice
- Abstracts from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Institution of Engineering and Technology, including journals, technical reports and dissertations
- Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier, with journals such as ‘Engineering Structures’, ‘Advanced Engineering Informatics’ and ‘Electric Power Systems Research’
- Archives of publications from Emerald, including over 35,000 full-text engineering and management articles
Library Services - engineering
The Mechanical Engineering Lab is used for taught sessions across all engineering courses and facilities include (but are not limited to): inertia wheel; balance beams; vibration testing; thickness testing (with thick and thin cylinders); and structures testing (bending beams).

View our AccessAble accessibility guide for the Mechanical Engineering Lab.

Mechanical Engineering Lab
The Product Development Lab is used by students across all years, including masters and PhD research students. There are no formal classes taught in here; it is instead used for project work outside of set teaching time. In here you can find: a 3D printer; Trotec laser and engraving machine; CNC lathe; CNC router; CNC milling machine; pillar drills; bandsaws; as well as various powered hand tools.

View our AccessAble accessibility guide for the Product Development Lab.
Product Development Lab
Map and directions

Facilities

You will be based at the David Goldman Informatics Centre. Our specialist labs include:

• Product Development Lab
• Electronics Lab
• Automation Lab
• Project Lab
• Material Characterisation Lab
• Formulation Lab
• Thermofluids Lab
• Mechanical Engineering Lab

You will have access to a range of industry leading technologies at the Industry Centre, the home of the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice as well as access to industrial standard software to help prepare you for a future career in a digital context.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only and we may offer you an entrance interview which will help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree. This enables us to consider making you an offer if you are perhaps a mature student who has been out of education for a period of time, or you have gained significant knowledge and skills through employment rather than traditional education.

Eligible entry qualifications:

1. Normally a minimum of three Level 2 qualifications (NVQ, GCSE or equivalent ), including Maths and English at grade C or above and a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A or AS Levels, BTEC certificates/diplomas, access courses or equivalent) OR Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

OR
2. Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

If you are unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us!

** If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above. Equivalent alternative qualifications are also accepted, such as Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £9,535 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.

If you are a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan.

Please note, this course is not available to international students.

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Recent graduates have secured graduate jobs that pay around £28,000 a year, with companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors and Nissan.

Graduate success

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors, Jaguar, Perkins Engines, GSK, Northumbrian Water, Hitachi and Parametrics Technology. Other graduates conduct research within major automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall and Nissan.

Placements

To further enhance employability we encourage you to apply for a 48-week placement where available between your second and final year. Placements are subject to availability and interviews are required. They are usually paid, with past students having earned an average salary of £14,000-£18,000 a year depending on location.

Placements are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers. Examples of companies that have offered placements to Sunderland students include Jaguar, Vauxhall, Nissan, Caterham Cars, Cummins Engines and Tata Steel.

Meet the students

Studying here was a fun, eye-opening experience. I developed as a person, and as an engineer.

Aidan Roche
The lecturers are so approachable and always willing to help with any issues you may have.

Beth Harrod
Studying at University of Sunderland created so many opportunities and I have taken up every one.

Jennifer Parkins
I've gained skills, built lifelong friendships, and achieved a career I've always wanted.

Jordon Cragg

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 02 December 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Overview

Why us?

Course structure

Course modules

The Engineering Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

Essential Study Skills (20 credits)

Foundation Project (20 credits)

Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)

Foundations of Engineering (40 credits)

Engineering Practice (20 credits)

Year 1 (national level 4):

Digital Technologies for Engineering (20 credits)

Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits)

Applied Mechanics (20 credits)

Electronic & Electrical Principles (20 credits)

Digital Design Principles (20 credits)

Year 2 (national level 5):

Engineering Mechanics (20 credits)

Computer-Aided Engineering (20 credits)

Automation for Manufacturing (20 credits)

Engineering Group Interdisciplinary Project (20 credits)

Design Methods and Applications (20 credits)

Thermofluids and Engines (20 credits)

Year 3 (national level 6):

Engineering Placement (Optional) (120 credits)

Professional Engineering Management Techniques (20 credits)

Project (40 credits)

Manufacturing Systems Design (20 credits)

Engineering Dynamics and Thermofluids (20 credits)

Mechanical Design and Materials Selection (20 credits)

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Graduate success

Placements

Meet the students

Aidan Roche

Beth Harrod

Jennifer Parkins

Jordon Cragg

Meet the team — BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year

Related courses

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