Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)

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

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 research into areas such as manufacturing systems and advanced maintenance.

Please contact us to discuss part-time options.

IET_Accredited_Programme_RGB

Why us?

This course has over 94% Overall Satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2020
Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as partially fulfilling the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Strong links to local and national employers
Current and future proof programme content to prepare you for tomorrow's engineering world
Experienced and supportive staff

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 in groups.

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

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.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

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.

Thermofluids and Engines (20 credits)
Design Methods and Applications (20 credits)

Year 3:

Work placement (optional)

Final year (national level 6):

Professional 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 Designs (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.

Facilities

You will be based at the David Goldman Technology 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

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

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

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK/*Europe
£14,000 if you are an international student

*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, then the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course. For more information, see our Funding for Armed Forces personnel page.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the other scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

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 your 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

The facilities and opportunities available here are unbelievable.

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

Beth Harrod
The professors are very friendly and supportive.

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

Jennifer Parkins

Related courses

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year

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: 28 November 2022

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.

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