Mechanical Engineering
| From | To | UK Fee * | International Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Sep 2012 | 31 Aug 2013 | £8,500 | £9,000 |
* Exceptions may apply. Please see Fees and Finance for further information.
Introduction
The muscular shape of the latest Ducati, the effortless operation of a DVD drawer and the powerful functionality of a JCB have all been influenced by mechanical engineers.
This is an ideal course if you are excited by technology and its use in such creative design - it will give you the skills and knowledge to become a modern mechanical engineer.
Throughout your studies, you will encounter numerous problems which need to be solved either individually or in a group. You will need to design and construct new equipment for novel and challenging applications. You will tackle problems using the tools and computer systems available to today's engineer. As the course progresses, you will also learn about management and the business context of engineering projects. In this way you will gain the confidence to tackle the varied and demanding work challenges of a professional engineer.
An exciting new development is the opportunity for all students on all automotive programmes to participate in the Formula Student competition. Students in the team design and build a small 'racing car' and participate in an annual international racing event.
Students living in the North East may be eligible for a Student Achievement Reward (StAR) click here for about information.
Course Content
Level 1
- Electrical Principles
- Engineering Application of IT
- Applied Mechanics
- Design, Drawing and Practical Skills
- Engineering Mathematics
- Thermodynamics, Manufacturing and Materials
Level 2
- Themofluids and Engines
- Computer-aided Engineering
- Design Methods and Applications
- Engineering Mechanics
- Manufacturing Processes
- Industrial Studies
- Measurement and Instrumentation
Highly Recommended Industrial Project between Levels 2/3.
Level 3
- Project Management Planning and Control
- Individual Project
- Manufacturing Systems Designs
- Materials Selection
- Mechanical Design
- Engineering Dynamics and Strength of Materials
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Entry Requirements
A typical offer will be 260 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/AVCE or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award). which must include Mathematics or Physics.
Please note we do not accept AS/A Level General Studies.
We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills.
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number (or equivalent).
Scottish Highers: 260 points which must include Mathematics or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate: 260 points which must include Mathematics or Physics.
Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline, Tel: (0191) 515 3000.
International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.
Fees and Finance
The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.
Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.
For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.
This programme attracts a Student Achievement Reward (StAR). For more information be click here.
Teaching and Assessment
You will benefit from impressive teaching resources, including sophisticated workshops, solid modelling software, a dedicated engineering library, a Resource Centre with over 100 PCs, study areas and meeting areas. Teaching combines lectures, seminars and tutorials with practical project work.
Assessment is designed to ensure a smooth transition from College or School to University level, with a high proportion of coursework and paper tests at first with more formal examinations and dissertations later in the course.
Work Experience
You can only learn so much from textbooks and lectures you need to refine your skills by working alongside industry professionals. The Department of Computing, Engineering and Technology offers a wide range of opportunities for you to develop work-based skills via work placements and industrial projects.
These placements are typically:
- one year in length
- paid (you can earn an average salary of £14,000 a year)
- supervised by the university as well as managers at the placement organisation
By the end of a placement, you will invariably possess a greater self-confidence and technical expertise, as well as a general level of employability that will help you launch your career. It is not uncommon for students to be offered a position as a result of a work placement.
We have arranged placements with companies such as British Energy, Innovative Business Solutions, Jaguar and Nissan.
A 48 week work placement is recommended for putting you in a stronger position to gain full-time employment. You can secure a rewarding, paid placement with a company such as British Energy, Innovative Business Solutions or Nissan. Placements also help you to produce a good quality final year project.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, you can play a major role in design, management and manufacturing in a wide range of industries; for example, power generation, transport and the automotive industry. Recent graduates have secured exciting jobs, earning up to £25,000 in companies such as Rolls Royce, Press Construction and Lloyds Register.
Supplemental Information
You will have access to excellent facilities. These include dedicated automotive and mechanical laboratories, an engineering library and workshop facilities. You will also have use of state of the art Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and CAM software, including solid modelling (2D and 3D) software such as Pro-Engineer.
Study Abroad
The University of Sunderland provides the opportunity to study abroad, for one semester or a full academic year, at one of our many partner institutions throughout the world. You have the opportunity to spend part or all of your second year in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan or the USA as part of your programme. The time spent abroad replaces the time which would have been spent in Sunderland.
Facilities
*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.
Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.
CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.
Further information is available from:
http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.
If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.
Please visit:
http://www.student-software.co.uk/