Overview
Everything that moves
Mechanical engineers work in almost every sector you can think of – energy, transport, aviation, robotics, pharmaceuticals and the motor or marine industries. They focus on the technological aspect of engineering, and developing new techniques and tools that will solve real-world problems. There’s also the opportunity to specialise on an Advanced Vehicle Engineering pathway. Wherever you want to go, a degree in mechanical engineering can help to get you there.
Here, expect a practical education with substantial workshop activities. You’ll spend time getting hands-on in our virtual engineering lab and with our state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, and your individual final-year project will be a 'design-make-test' project that simulates the tasks and challenges mechanical engineers face. Our course accreditation means that students are on the road to achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. You’ll graduate with an impressive skillset and understanding, and as a valued member of a department with a proven track record for amazing future job prospects.
Our students have an amazing track-record in winning national and international prizes, with recent winning prizes being awarded to our Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Vehicle Engineering students; including Engineering Sketches Prize competition, run by The Engineering Club, and the IMechE’s Best Project prize. Students joining us really are joining a winning team that will enhance their future job prospects.
In this course you can choose to follow a specific pathway. The pathways options are detailed below:
- Advanced Vehicle Engineering
Why Mechanical Engineering at LSBU?
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- 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Mechanical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2023)
- briefcase
- Professionally accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
- space-shuttle
- Make use of our stand-out facilities, like our virtual engineering lab and 3D printing.
- heart
- Ranked 4th in London for Mechanical Engineering (Guardian University League Table 2022).
This degree course covers...
As a MEng degree programme, this course encourages you to acquire a deeper understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of mechanical engineering and its underpinning science and mathematics. This course covers:
- mathematics
- thermofluids and dynamics
- design and practice
- solid mechanics
- electrical engineering
- materials
- modelling
You can apply for undergraduate student funding for this course, making it a great opportunity to gain a postgraduate level qualification without the financial pressures normally associated with further study.
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH305 | Application method UCAS |
| ModePart-time | Duration5.5 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code4530 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeSandwich | Duration5 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH305 | Application method UCAS |
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH300 | Application method UCAS |
| ModeSandwich | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeH300 | Application method UCAS |
| ModePart-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code592 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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IME
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
2022 Entry
- A Level AAB or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDD or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 39 Distinctions and 6 Merits including 3 Distinctions in Maths and 9 Merits in Physics or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 144 UCAS points
- Level 3 qualifications must include Maths or Physical Science
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme
If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you may need to apply to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for clearance from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) in order to study this course. ATAS certificate is a requirement for enrolment at the University, you will need one if you are an international student applying to study for a postgraduate qualification in the UK and it is now a requirement for every Visa application. Please note, an ATAS certificate is not needed for you to submit an application for a course at LSBU and to receive an offer.
You can find more information about whether you will require this via the FCO website and in our MyLSBU guide to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme.
The process for obtaining an ATAS certificate can take some time so it is important that you check whether you need one as early as possible so that you can make your application for the certificate to obtain it in good time. Failure to produce a valid ATAS certificate could result in delays to receiving your CAS or we may be unable to enrol you at the University.
The CAH code for this course is CAH10-01-02.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Course status
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code H305 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 5.5 years | Start date September | Application code 4530 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Sandwich | Duration 5 years | Start date September | Application code H305 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code H300 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Sandwich | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code H300 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code 592 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Accommodation
Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Year 1
- Engineering mathematics and modelling
This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin the BEng engineering degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of 1st year students, as well as to prepare you for the Advanced Engineering Mathematics and Modelling module that you'll take in the second year. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Solid Mechanics and Materials
This module will give you a broad introduction to the properties and limitations of engineering materials and an understanding of the fundamental structural characteristics governing these properties. The module will also introduce you to the fundamental concepts of engineering mechanics, particularly statics at BEng Level 4. The module will emphasise the relationship between theory and real engineering systems, and will involve a set of appropriate practical laboratory experiments. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
This module provides a first study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and dynamics. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Electrical Circuit Analysis
This module will cover the essential material relevant to the fundamentals of both electrical and electronic engineering. Starting with basic circuit elements, Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Law, the first half of the module will introduce basic and more advanced circuit analysis techniques such as Node Voltage and Mesh Current methods, progressing onto Source Transformation techniques and the basics of semiconductors (Diodes, BJTs and Op-Amps). Then, the electrical part will cover DC responses of RC, RL and RLC circuits and finally AC sinusoidal circuit theory and power systems and three phase circuits. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Design and Practice
This module will cover material design activities, team work, creative problem-solving, project management, sustainable development principles, personal development planning, report writing communication, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), employability and transferable skills. It's also a work-based module for part-time students, utilising the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to provide supporting teaching material and assessments. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Object Oriented Programming C++
This is an introductory module that will address the engineering formation as well as programming knowledge and skills. It will enable you to appreciate the role and importance of software and computers in engineering, and so provide you with the impetus to quickly become competent in their use. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Year 2
- Advanced engineering mathematics and modelling
This module covers undergraduate advanced engineering mathematics to enable you to consider and model a variety of relevant engineering problems (e.g. electrical, mechanical, petroleum, chemical, computer, civil). Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Engineering design
This module is intended to extend your understanding and ability of engineering design, enabling you to appropriately select and then apply established design theory alongside product development and prototyping techniques to effect comprehensive solutions for a wide range of open ended engineering problems. The module uses a project-based learning approach as a vehicle for developing your ability to design, make and test functional components and/or systems as part of a structured solution to a designated real world problem. The project will require you to make extensive use of the engineering workshops and associated facilities, and will Involve some supplementary use of commercial CAD/CAM and product development software tools. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Solid mechanics and FEA
This module will provide new concepts in the deformation of materials under different loading conditions and extend the application of fundamental principles of solid mechanics to more advanced systems, building on knowledge gained through Engineering and mechanical Principles. The module will provide basic concepts and the principles of the finite element analysis (FEA) techniques and the application of FEA in structural and stress analysis. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Dynamics and control
This module builds on the platform established at Level 4. The module covers dynamics and classical theory. You'll extend your treatment of dynamics from point masses rigid bodies, and cover a wider scope of applications of the principles of mechanics. You'll apply a variety of mathematical techniques to the study of dynamics and feedback problems. Additionally, you'll study various methods of classical control theory such as Bode, Nyquist and Root Locus. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Thermofluids and sustainable energy
This module provides a second study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, exploring more theory to allow industrial level analysis of processes. The scope includes an appreciation of fuels/combustion, power-producing cycles, internal/external fluid flows and further heat transfer. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Machine drives and mechatronics
This module provides the fundamental theory and calculations behind essential elements of mechanical and mechatronics design e.g. mechanical drives, transmission systems, electrical actuation systems, sensors and microcontrollers. You'll learn from the laboratory experiments about the hardware components and subsystems used in the mechanical and mechatronics control in advanced engineering applications. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
Year 3
Optional placement year
Year 4
- Manufacturing systems and materials technologies
This module provides an advanced study on stress analysis, including elasticity theory, inelastic deformations, fracture of materials and their application to practical engineering problems. The module also introduces the core concepts of manufacturing systems and computer integrated manufacturing in the contemporary product realization process. You'll develop an understanding of the scope of materials/manufacturing technologies, the integrative role of materials selection in engineering and design and an appreciation of technological change, innovation and sustainable in manufacturing technologies. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Dynamics and systems modelling
This module will introduce you to advanced dynamical systems theory. This involves mathematical modelling of engineering systems using both Newtonian and Lagrangian approaches. The module will include investigative work into mechanical systems using computer software and laboratory experiments. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Innovation and enterprise
In the rapidly changing world around us, it's imperative that you're able to think dynamically to create advantage in your life. This module encourages you to question what you see and experience around you and in your prospective engineering field with an aim to enhance your creativity to discover new and better ways of doing things. It aims to equip you with methods and processes to recognise opportunities and to plan on harnessing commercially viable benefits that may exist from exploiting those opportunities in a sustainable fashion. This might be a product or service (such as consultancy or contract management). The application of project management principles will help to define the critical path of a proposed business and how the many processes involved (planning, market research, market placement, finance, operations, human resources etc.) are interlinked throughout the initial planning exercise and how they can change over time. You'll be expected to reflect on what you can contribute towards a group. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Thermofluids and turbo machinery
This module provides a third study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, exploring in-depth internal combustion engines, fluid-mechanics governing equations, performance of various types of pumps and turbines, and application of heat transfer to extended surfaces and heat exchangers. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Individual project
The Individual Major Project requires you to plan, execute, review and report upon a major piece of technical work directly related to your degree discipline. In this regard, this module provides you with the opportunity to develop a high degree of subject-specific expertise. This module differentiates from others on the course taken due to the high degree of autonomous study expected. This flexibility should be seen as an opportunity to explore new areas of interest and to acquire new and often unexpected skills. The work undertaken within the project will require you to develop your own methodology in advance of presenting solutions to the studied problem. It's therefore expected that project will include evidence and demonstration of detailed research of the subject matter, practical demonstration of understanding of the material, testing and evaluation of the practical elements, detailed reporting, discussion and conclusions of the entire project, and a high level of written presentation and grammar skills. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Year 5
- Group project
This module is designed to provide you with the experience of working in an asset team to solve a real world problem using industrial data for the development of a specific asset. You'll be grouped into teams of 3-4 members and you'll undertake a specific role in respect of the design calculations and analysis. You'll work full-time on this project under time constraint, using donated field data. The project results will be presented orally to an expert panel and the group will submit a report detailing their investigation and recommendations for development of the field. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Technical research and professional skills
This module provides training for the skills that are necessary for successful completion of Master's level studies in the near future and for professional development in the long-term. More specifically, the course teaches how to search and gather relevant technical information, how to extract the essence from a piece of technical literature, how to carry out a critical review of a research paper, how to write a feasibility report, how to give presentations and put your thoughts across effectively, and how to manage a project in terms of time and progress in a group project environment. These are designed to enhance the technical and analytical background that is necessary for the respective Master's stream. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Engineering design, analysis and manufacture
This module will broaden your knowledge base. It will involve case studies and practical work that demonstrate how advanced analysis is employed in the engineering design process. The module will involve the application of finite element analysis (FEA) and CAD-CAM, with an integrated approach to engineering design. It will allow you to develop a critical awareness of current problems and solution strategies, whilst building your practical ability to apply the knowledge and understanding to real problems, exploring solutions through digital and physical prototypes. This module will enhance your employability by providing your with demonstrable evidence of practice-based analysis work in the field of engineering design. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Advanced thermofluids and energy analysis
This module provides you an opportunity to study applied thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, with emphasis on power-producing devices, energy systems and renewable energy. Experimental techniques for measurement of performance of power-producing devices and fluid mechanic systems will be covered in both theory and practice. Performance prediction of power-producing devices will use techniques ranging from simple models, through to consideration of various numerical simulation techniques. Analysis of energy systems will include appreciation of environmental impact, and you'll develop the ability to critically appraise alternative power-producing devices to meet current and future energy needs. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Advanced solid mechanics and dynamics
This module will cover the basic concepts of solid mechanics from a mathematical modelling perspective. It will treat the mechanics of point masses, systems of point masses, rigid bodies and flexible bodies in a systematic manner. This approach will complement computational modelling techniques such as finite elements. The module will incorporate engineering design and appreciation of sustainability issues as common themes running through the module. You'll be required to have a good background in analytical techniques, for example linear algebra and differential equations. You'll use classical approaches to solid mechanics together with modern approaches and will deal with complex problems in mechanics both systematically and creatively. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
All modules are assessed by a mix of coursework and examinations and group learning and teamwork is assessed by group studies, reports and presentations.
Facilities
Our students learn in an environment that is highly in tune with leading technologies. They gain the knowledge and training needed to meet future demands for products and services in electrical, electronics, mechanical, telecommunications, product design, the internet and computer engineering fields.
Well-placed and considered investment means our students' access up-to-date and large-scale workshops, laboratories and design studios. Through hands-on engineering experience students learn how to test, measure, design and produce their own prototypes, bringing their ideas off the computer screen and into 3D full-size models.
Read more about our workshops, laboratories and industry-standard software.
Facilities
Our students learn in an environment that is highly in tune with leading technologies. They gain the knowledge and training needed to meet future demands for products and services in electrical, electronics, mechanical, telecommunications, product design, the internet and computer engineering fields.
Well-placed and considered investment means our students' access up-to-date and large-scale workshops, laboratories and design studios. Through hands-on engineering experience students learn how to test, measure, design and produce their own prototypes, bringing their ideas off the computer screen and into 3D full-size models.
Read more about our workshops, laboratories and industry-standard software.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Mechanical engineers are deployed in a wide range of industrial sectors, such as, power, construction, manufacturing and health. It is this broad range of employment opportunities that make a degree in mechanical engineering so attractive to students. The types of projects that you may work on as a mechanical engineer are varied. Consequently, there is bound to be something new which captivates, motivates and inspires you, both in your studies and your future career.
As a graduate you'll have a number of practical key skills that will make you an attractive prospect to employers, such as, the ability to complete analytical investigative work, laboratory and workshop techniques and safe practice, and experience working independently or as part of a team.
Chartered engineer status
Chartered Engineers typically earn more than their colleagues, and our degree prepares you academically for registration. This course has been designed in accordance with IMechE's guidelines to ensure that our graduates are enthusiastic, articulate and motivated, as well as being recognised internationally as highly competent engineering graduates who are aware of their obligations and committed to lifelong learning – qualities that employers will immediately attribute to you upon seeing that you studied at LSBU.
Graduate success stories
Those who have sought immediate employment have gone onto roles within research and development, design, manufacture, testing and installation. Some of the companies employing graduates from this course are Rolls-Royce, KBR, EDF, amongst others.
The majority of our part-time students are working in industry while they study – and most have benefited from major career advances by the time they graduate.
What to expect from your career
With such a varied list of career prospects, you can be sure that life as a Mechanical Engineer will never be dull. The kinds of projects involved will depend on the sector you choose to work in. You could find yourself designing a mechanical heart to prolong human life or be asked to improve the production process on an oil refinery. It really is that diverse.
Mechanical Engineers work on projects from the initial brief through to the final manufacture and implementation. They generally work as part of a team with engineers from other disciplines. You'll be involved in the early planning of a project, testing and evaluating theories and working with others to solve complex problems, as well as ensuring that your solutions can be made again reliably, and will work efficiently in the environment it is destined to be operated in.
In-sync with industry
Accreditation is a mark of quality assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council, who represent the engineering profession. This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
- IMechE is the fastest growing professional engineering institution in the UK, with 100,000 members working at the heart of the country's most important and dynamic industries.
Teaching and Assessment
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work. Taking on both group and individual projects, we assess your work through a mixture of coursework and exams, with project and laboratory work counting towards your final award.
We also teach you the life skills of effective communication, problem solving, project planning and team working that will set you apart and give you the best chance of getting the job you want after you graduate.
I've been taught by real engineers with long-term work experience in the industry. The university offers great career support which I have found priceless, especially CV writing.
Magdelena Strzeminska, Alumna, BEng Mechanical Engineering
Design-make-test project work
The amount of project-based learning that you'll do on an engineering degree varies from university to university. At LSBU we offer 'design-make-test' projects throughout the degree course rather than concentrating them all into your final year. This means that you'll adapt theoretical principles to solve real-world engineering problems very early on in your university career.
This experience of delivering innovation makes you attractive to employers. Innovation is at the very heart of what an engineer does on a day-to-day basis. Engineers look for practical ways of making things better, more efficient, cheaper, safer, stronger, more resilient, quicker, more integrated and more effective. Our engineering courses will teach you first-hand how to develop these crucial skills and traits.
Prepared for modern engineering practice
In reality most engineers will find themselves working side-by-side in multi-disciplinary project teams. One of the greatest professional assets that you can have is the ability to function well in this team set-up. That's why some of our modules are shared across all our engineering courses.
These modules are about understanding the commercial priorities that shape engineering practice and problem-solving. Guest lecturers from world-renowned companies, such as Rolls Royce, have lectured on these modules.
Personal Tutoring
As an Engineering student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.
They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least twice a semester. Some meetings will be one-to-one and others will be in small groups. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.
