Mechanical Engineering
Full-time
With placement
Three year
Four year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Mechanical engineering shapes our daily life, from heating systems to refrigerators to cars. As automation and robotics expands into new industries, seize the career opportunities this offers by developing relevant skills and knowledge with a Mechanical Engineering degree.
We are delighted this programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Designed around real-world problem solving, the BEng pathway builds your mechanical engineering knowledge base to an advanced level. Initially providing strong foundations in engineering materials, structures and systems, you will advance to study topics such as finite element analysis, engineering thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
With a focus on your future, you will also build transferable skills and learn about the decision-making methods used by the industry. There is also the option to include an industry placement year, where you can gain additional workplace skills and boost your employability once you graduate from your mechanical engineering course.
Looking to take your studies further? Take a look at our integrated masters MEng pathway.
Start your study journey
Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying Mechanical Engineering, explore our facilities and meet the course team
You will:
- Develop an appreciation for project timings, resource allocation and the range of decision-making methods used by industry
- Study the relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties of materials, mechanisms of corrosion and corrosion protection
- Gain an understanding of the concepts of engineering thermodynamics and finite element analysis
options available
students accepted
This is for you if...
You're excited about the emergence of automation and want to build a future career in engineering
You're a keen problem-solver who enjoyed mathematics or physics at school/college
You're interested in how engineering systems work and how they are designed
All about the course
Course Delivery
Delivered over three years (or four with a placement year) you will study a suite of modules designed to embed theoretical mechanical engineering knowledge, build career-focused skills and help you become a world-class engineer.
During your first and second years of study, you will develop a strong foundation of mechanical engineering knowledge and an approach to problem-solving. In your final year, you will progress to study specialist modules in industrial management, control engineering and finite element analysis. You will also complete experiments and project work, culminating in your individual project.
Learn more about the current course modules below.
Learning Experience
Mechanical Engineering degree courses at Salford are designed to equip you with technical knowledge and transferable skills, and a commitment to the highest professional standards. This course is designed to meet the requirements of the Engineering Council's Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).
Collaboration is core to our values, so we strive to embed this throughout your studies. You will experience group projects that will build your confidence and capabilities in team working, problem-solving and communication - all desirable skills for real-world engineering careers.
The mechanical engineering course team has long-standing connections with industry, both in the North West and beyond. You will benefit from a stimulating range of external guest lecturers, project and placement opportunities, and engagement with professional networks.
Industry Placement
On this mechanical engineering course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you in finding a role and monitor your progress throughout.
Industry placements are an excellent way to enhance your CV, gain hands-on work experience and build industry connections. We often find that placement students achieve higher final year grades.
Engineering Mathematics
You will build on the engineering mathematics module from your first year by developing advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis. This will enable you to tackle more advanced engineering problems. Subjects covered include partial differentiation, determinants and matrices, vector analysis
Engineering Materials and Electrical Systems
You will develop an understanding of the basic properties and applications of materials and of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. This will include learning about the relationship between the micro-structure and mechanical properties of materials, mechanisms of corrosion and corrosion protection, the principles of electronic and electrical engineering, and the response of electrical elements in circuits to AC or DC supplies.
Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
In this module, you will be given an understanding of the internal combustion engine and the gas turbine and an introduction to refrigeration cycles. You will also expand your knowledge of heat transfer processes, fluid mechanics to viscous flows by examination of the Navier-Stokes equations, and compressible flow analysis to one and two dimensional flows.
Project and Risk Management
You'll be introduced to project management techniques, particularly in project planning, organisation and control. You will develop an understanding of project timings and resource allocation and a broad understanding of quantitative methods used for decision making in industry. You will gain experience in the interactive nature of engineering, including business and commercial influences, and effectively communicate the outcome using computer software and presentations.
Engineering Structures and Engineering Dynamics
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of structural behaviour and the nature of stress and strain and provide you with a foundation in engineering dynamics, allowing you to tackle simple engineering problems, and preparing you for subsequent modules.
Manufacturing and Mechanical Group Design
You will be introduced to a range of basic manufacturing processes and their application, enabling you to specify appropriate manufacturing techniques, taking into account quality, quantity and cost. You will work in groups throughout this module, building on your communication and team working skills.
Engineering Mathematics
You will build on the engineering mathematics module from your first year by developing advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis. This will enable you to tackle more advanced engineering problems. Subjects covered include partial differentiation, determinants and matrices, vector analysis
Engineering Dynamics and Control Engineering
This module will provide you with an introduction to the design and analysis of both analogue and digital feedback control systems and the application of fundamentals in spatial kinetics and multi-degree of freedom vibrations. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of the analysis and solution of engineering problems in dynamics and robotics and the application of fundamentals in discrete event systems and their application to robotics and automation.
Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
In this module, you will be given an understanding of the internal combustion engine and the gas turbine and an introduction to refrigeration cycles. You will also expand your knowledge of heat transfer processes, fluid mechanics to viscous flows by examination of the Navier-Stokes equations, and compressible flow analysis to one and two dimensional flows.
Manufacturing
Your understanding of manufacturing methods and current processes will be enhanced through this module, and you will be able to specify the most appropriate manufacturing method/process for a particular application taking into account quality, quantity and cost. You will also be introduced to computer simulation modelling and programmable logic controllers and their programming language.
Structural Mechanics
Become proficient in the application of theory of beam deflections, instability, three dimensional stress analysis and criteria for strength. You will develop an understanding of the Direct Stiffness method, the nature of elastic stability, the need for failure criterion and the nature of plastic strain.
Mechanical Group Design
You will extend your knowledge and experience in robotic design via the writing of clear and concise specifications, the generation and presentation of concepts, performing appropriate calculations and selecting suitable materials, actuators, sensors and computer hardware and software. The module provides additional computer systems skills and applications of CAD and IT in support of communication and the analysis and presentation of data.
You will develop key skills in both written and oral communication, group dynamics, interview skills and the running and reporting of formal meetings. The module provides additional computer systems skills and applications of CAD and IT in support of the communication, analysis and presentation of data.
Industrial Management and Project Preparation
This module has two main components. Industrial management in which you will be introduced to the commercial issues which must be addressed by engineering businesses, and the principles of quality management systems; and project preparation which will develop your ability to work independently, become competent in analysing and assessing the value of information, and develop effective communication skills both written and orally.
Control Engineering and Engineering Dynamics
You will be introduced to the design and analysis of both analogue and digital feedback control systems and the application of fundamentals in spatial kinetics and multi-degree of freedom vibrations. Subjects include encirclement theorem, Nyquist stability theorem, compensator design and spatial kinetics applied to machinery and robots.
Finite Element Analysis and Structural Mechanics
Explore finite element analysis as a tool for the solution of practical engineering problems. You will become aware of the principles of finite element analysis, learn how to construct an appropriate finite element model of a physical system, and know how to interpret the results of the analysis.
Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
In this module, you will be given an understanding of the internal combustion engine and the gas turbine and an introduction to refrigeration cycles. You will also expand your knowledge of heat transfer processes, fluid mechanics to viscous flows by examination of the Navier-Stokes equations, and compressible flow analysis to one and two dimensional flows.
Manufacturing and Group Design
You will extend your knowledge and experience in design: the writing of clear and concise specifications; the generation and presentation of concepts; performing appropriate calculations, selecting suitable materials, treatments and manufacturing processes; the development of the concepts into workable schemes and their communication in a form suitable for manufacture including dimensional toleranced scale drawings or sketches.
Project
A vital part of your career preparation, whether in industry or research, is to complete an individual project. Your final project will be based on an engineering theme of industrial relevance.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Frequently asked questions
What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical Engineering is a branch of engineering that studies physical machines and designs and maintains mechanical systems. This branch of engineering combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science.
What do mechanical engineers do?
Mechanical engineers play a key part in our daily lives, studying, designing, and maintaining mechanical systems. They work on any item that has a system of moving parts. The field combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to shape the things we use every day, from heating systems to refrigerators to cars.
What are the main types of mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a broad field, encompassing a wide range of engineering disciplines. These disciplines include, but are not limited to, fluid mechanics, automotive engineering, thermodynamics, robotics, and acoustical engineering.
Is mechanical engineering a good job?
A career in mechanical engineering can be very rewarding. If you choose to go down this career path, you could play an important role in the research, design, and maintenance of key mechanical projects that shape modern life.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.
Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
As a mechanical engineering student, you will be based in laboratories that keep teaching and learning apace with cutting-edge innovation and discovery. This includes our Morson Makerspace - an exciting new additive manufacturing and digital fabrication facility.
You will use our Mechanical Laboratory to understand material behaviour under different loading conditions and contains a tensile test machine and static loading experiments.
We also have an Aerodynamics Laboratory that contains low speed and supersonic wind tunnels, and a Control and Dynamics Laboratory which is home to flight simulators and programmable control experiments.
After your Mechanical Engineering degree
EMPLOYMENT
A mechanical engineering degree with Salford can open up employment opportunities in a wide-range of engineering roles. Mechanical engineers are integral to the processes of design, manufacture, testing or maintenance, which means that there are lots of industries that need these skills. Graduates can find exciting roles in automotives, aerospace, military and defence, transport and information technology sectors worldwide.
Today, you will find our mechanical engineering alumni in roles ranging from Mechanical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer to a Systems Controller, Mechanical System Designer or Researcher, working at leading organisations such as Bentley Motors. You may choose to focus your future career in systems design, advanced manufacturing, or even the operational management of complex power stations and infrastructure networks.
FURTHER STUDY
You might find you want to learn more about automation, mechanical engineering, and robotics. Building on our engineering expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further. Salford graduates and alumni will also receive a generous fees discount.
How to get accepted on the mechanical engineering course
APPLICANT PROFILE
We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate an enthusiasm to build a mechanical engineering career. Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail and a strong work ethic are highly desirable characteristics. Ideally, you will have an academic background in mathematics and/or numerate science, with a good understanding of connecting theory to real-world application.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
International students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin their studies. You may need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions.
You can find out if your programme requires an ATAS by checking the FCO website with your JACS code which will be on your offer letter. If you cannot find it please contact application@salford.ac.uk.
If you have a query relating to ATAS, please contact: Salford-ATAS@salford.ac.uk
GCSE
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below:
English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above.
UCAS tariff points
112 UCAS points to include the study of Mathematics and a numerate science-based subject (Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Design Technology, or Computer Science).
A level
112 UCAS points to include grade C in Mathematics and grade C in a numerate science-based subject (Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Design Technology, or Computer Science). Grade C in A/S Level Physics is also acceptable.
BTEC National Diploma
DMM in Engineering, must include Distinctions in Mathematics modules
T level
This programme accepts the following T levels: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. These must add up to the equivalent of 120 UCAS points.
Access to HE
112 UCAS points from a QAA-approved Engineering course; including 60 credits overall with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 and Distinctions in numerate modules
Scottish Highers
112 UCAS points, to include Mathematics and Physics or Design Technology, grade C for Advanced Higher level or grade A at Higher level
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS points, to include A2 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 60% from Science or Engineering
International Baccalaureate
30 points to include grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
International students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Please contact Admissions for further information.
The cost of studying Mechanical Engineering
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,535.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00per year |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships to study mechanical engineering.
Learn more about our latest international scholarships.