Undergraduate course

BEng (Hons)

Mechanical Engineering (Top-Up)

This one-year program lets students upgrade their qualifications to a BEng (Hons) degree. Learn from industry-savvy staff, hands-on labs, and tackle challenges like energy security, smart cities, and efficient manufacturing.

Connect with emerging industry

Leverage our strong industry ties to gain hands-on experience in design and materials.

Step into world-class facilities

The Babbage Building offers cutting-edge research labs and specialist equipment, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies. It鈥檚 the ideal space to collaborate on groundbreaking projects and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Be a 'work-ready' graduate

You will be highly regarded by employers for being 鈥渨ork-ready鈥 and excel at top companies like Hoare Lea, Babcock Marine, BAE Systems, Kawasaki, BMT and the Ministry of Defence. Unique to Plymouth, our 'with composites' pathway gives you a competitive edge.

About

Do you have a passion for technology and design? Primarily problem solvers, mechanical engineers design, create and apply tools and methods across industries, from automotive to aerospace. They tackle crucial challenges that impact us all, such as energy security, efficient manufacturing and smart cities. At Plymouth, you will learn from enthusiastic staff with strong industry connections, who use laboratory sessions and hands-on demonstrations to reinforce academic concepts.


Dr Jahir Rizvi
Dr Jahir Rizvi
Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering
Students using new facilities the Babbage Building. Elena Brake - Mechanical Engineering

This course is for you if...

you want to top up your existing academic qualifications to achieve BEng (Hons) level degree
Three arrows pointing upwards
you're captivated by technology and innovative design and enjoy solving complex problems across various industries
Lightbulb with cog inside
you're eager to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment
Hand holding two cogs
you seek a flexible program that aligns with your career goals
Engineer with hard hat next to crane

Details

Final year

You will deepen your understanding of computer aided engineering tools and control systems. You will also focus your specialism choosing to further your understanding of thermofluids and design methodology or choosing to study the theoretical and practical aspects of composites engineering on the 'with composites' pathway. Your dissertation project enables you to research the topics that interest you and will allow you to bring together all you have learnt so far.
Temilolu Danso, Engineering student and Women's Engineering Society Founder and President

Core modules

CONT318
Control and Intelligent Systems Design 20 credits

This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

MECH341
Computer Aided Engineering 20 credits

In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.

100% Tests

PRME310
Engineering Honours Project 40 credits

In this module students will carry out independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

100% Coursework

Optional modules

MATS347
Composites Design and Manufacture 20 credits

The module provides an integrated approach to design, materials and processing selection for composite materials.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MATS348
Composites Engineering 20 credits

This module introduces stress analysis and appropriate numerical methods and integrates the learning from the parallel module MATS347 in a practical assignment to produce a prototype composite component.

100% Coursework

MECH343
Mechanical Engineering Design and Practice 20 credits

This module further develops a methodical approach to engineering design. Students will create solutions to a complex engineering problem, embodiment designs using CAD tools, validate functionality, optimise technical performance and consider design for excellence targets across the product lifecycle. The module also considers the professional responsibilities of engineers, codes of conduct and typical ethical issues.

100% Coursework

THER307
Thermal-Fluids Engineering 20 credits

This module provides further studies in thermal and fluid engineering relating to specific topics relevant to mechanical engineering.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

 
 
 
We are currently seeking accreditation from the and the .
 
Athena SWAN Silver Award logo

Athena Swan Silver

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University鈥檚 curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University鈥檚 policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 
 
Breaking, twisting, and snapping metal in our STEAM Material Testing Lab
The Babbage Building is home to the engineers of the future.
We鈥檝e packed it with specialist equipment sourced from world-leading global companies. This includes a sub-sonic wind tunnel, an autonomous vehicle test laboratory, an energy and sustainability laboratory, high performance computing facilities, a digital fabrication laboratory, virtual engineering suites and much more.
 
 

I envision a career as a Mechanical Engineer, concentrating on critical environmental projects. My aspiration is to make a positive change.

BEng Mechanical Engineering student Elena Brake .

Engineering student Elena Brake
 
 
 

Learn from our experts

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community of world-leading academics and researchers focused on creating knowledge and innovative solutions that positively impact society.
Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
Dr Jahir Rizvi Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering


Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering

Programme Leader
Dr Alexander Besinis Associate Professor in Mechanical and Medical Engineering


Associate Professor in Mechanical and Medical Engineering

Dr Pablo Borja Lecturer in Control Systems Engineering


Lecturer in Control Systems Engineering

Show all
 
 
 

Plymouth Engineering Society

The 抖阴短视频 Engineering Society's main aim is to provide a platform for engineering students at the university to meet, socialise with and learn from their fellow students. We aim to promote links across all engineering disciplines and between all year groups from foundation year to masters year.
We will be hosting socials and events throughout the year so come and get involved! Once you have your membership be sure to follow the society's social media to keep up to date with all activities, socials, and events.
Plymouth Engineering Society
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don鈥檛 need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Careers

Industry connections

As a course focused on employability, we鈥檝e developed a number of relationships with industry to help provide you with the connections and opportunities you need to begin your career.

Sometimes I have to take a step back to remind myself that at the other end of this antenna I鈥檓 controlling a spacecraft around Mars or another spacecraft in deep space, it鈥檚 literally out of this world.

Mechanical Engineering Graduate, Jamie Williams, 聽took his deep interest in science, engineering and space and landed the career he always dreamed of.
Senior Deep Space Operator at Goonhilly Earth Station, Cornwall.
Open the door to a successful future
Your degree opens doors to sectors as diverse as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and energy.
With starting salaries from 拢26,000 to 拢30,000, our graduates have gone on to work for , , , , , the and the .
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 鈥 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
拢9,535 per year
Part-time study
拢795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Following an , the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of 拢9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the 抖阴短视频. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
拢18,650 per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

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Entry requirements

Level 5 qualifications

A Level 5 qualification (e.g. Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education) in an engineering or related subject.
Contact the admissions team for further advice.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
H308
Institution code
P60
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time

Study location
Plymouth
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

English language requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
UCAS course code
H308
Institution code
P60
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time

Study location
Plymouth
 
 
 

Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the 抖阴短视频.
Book your place
Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends