MEng / BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering 2022/23

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.

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.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

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:

• An 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.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

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.

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.

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 226 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 funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

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.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 226 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.