Mechanical engineering is a very diverse subject that plays a central role in areas such as automotive design, robotics, manufacturing, the aerospace industries, medicine and marine engineering. It is vital to all aspects of our society, and is directly involved in the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of just about anything that has movable parts.

This course is designed to teach students the required technical skills to become professional engineers. core subjects taught will include analytical abilities in thermo-fluids, dynamics and solid mechanics complemented by 3D-design and management skills.

Students will not only acquire an understanding of general engineering principles, but also a range of transferable skills which are useful for careers outside on engineering. Graduates are sought after by a wide range of sectors such as engineering, research and development, manufacturing, and the chemical industries. Its not just technical positions that they fill, because of their analytical skills, many mechanical engineering graduates are also sought after by financial institutions.

Mechanical engineering degree course overview

The course will give you the basic engineering skills required to overcome design and technical problems. By studying the fundamental topics of mechanical engineering and then applying these to the design problem, students will be able to design, develop, install, manage, operate and maintain just about anything with movable parts. Many universities have well established links with local engineering companies, allowing you to enhance your experience and employability through placements and professional mentoring schemes.

Teaching is done through a range of lectures, small-group tutorials, hands-on laboratory sessions, and research-based projects. On top of this students are expected to spend time self-studying, reviewing their lecture notes, preparing coursework assignments, working on projects and revising for assessments and examinations.

Due to the nature of the subject many universities allow and encourage their students to go on to industrial placements, where they will have the opportunity to gain relevant professional experience, that can enhance their technical knowledge and improve their future employment prospects.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a mechanical engineering degree 

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Design and CAD
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Engineering Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Group Design Project
  • Professional Skills
  • Properties of Materials
  • Structural Mechanics
  • Applied Dynamics
  • Computer-aided Analysis
  • Turbomachinery and Aeroengines
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Mechanical Principles
  • Principles of Design and Manufacture
  • Computer Aided Engineering
  • Solid Mechanics
  • Plant Analysis and Sustainability
  • Dynamics and Control

Students will learn about

  • Changing technologies and principles in mechanical engineering.
  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • Advanced dynamics and vibration
  • Applied engineering statistics
  • Engineering technology management
  • Design principles
  • Technical issues
  • Manufacturing processes

Students will learn how to

  • Solve problems using a logical approach.
  • Interact with businesses.

Mechanical engineering personal statement

Below is a mechanical engineering personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Mechanical engineering personal statement example 1

“Mechanical Engineering is my passion, and my ambitions have always been very clear. I enjoy the diversity of the subject, projects are wide, varied and always different, all factors which help to keep it interesting. This degree is very relevant to the work I want to do, and one that will strengthen my engineering knowledge and skills for future jobs and opportunities. I strongly believe that it will provide me with the skills required for a professional career in a wide range of sectors like finance, industry, consultancy and public services.

To me real engineering is not about having large amounts of technical knowledge in your head, but instead it’s about applying basic principles and methodologies to find answers and solutions to problems.

Basically I have chosen to study mechanical engineering because I want to be involved in designing technology and products that help to cut down on ozone depleting emissions and lower energy costs. For me it’s a chance to have a career in a field where I can help in the fight to improve the global environment and tackle climate change. It’s a subject that I am both intrigued and excited about, as although I have been studying it for a while, I fell there is still so much out there for me to discover.

I have good technical knowledge of many primary engineering disciplines and a thorough understanding of Building Services Engineering and interdisciplinary design through to all stages of the design process. I also posses excellent communication skills and a team-based work approach, with an appreciation that holistic working is central to good building design. I am someone who readily accepts responsibility, pays careful attention to detail, and has a track record of exercising good judgement. My experiences to date have given me a comprehensive understanding of the commercial dimension of mechanical engineering, as well as its ethical and environmental implications. I am dedicated to this subject, have excellent time management skills, am highly self-motivated and also posses the personal drive and motivation necessary to succeed.

Through the knowledge, advice and experience that I gained at college I have been able to realise what my long term career ambitions really are. The quality of education I received at college was exceptional, classes were very engineering orientated with cases studies every other week. I really enjoyed the fact that when studying engineering we had labs to support what we were being taught in theory, this helped me to understand everything a lot more. I always find it much easier to take in things if you can visualise what you are learning, instead of just being given books to read. I came away from college with the belief that collaboration and the sharing of knowledge is vital to success in mechanical engineering, as together, people can produce better results than when they work alone.

I recently took a temporary job as an administrative junior with a mechanical engineering company. The job was very multi-disciplinary in nature and I supported a team that was involved in working on a variety of projects ranging from commissioning industrial gas turbines to furthering technology in airport runway lighting. I worked alongside and took instructions from the Team Leaders and Executive Engineers. My role was to respond to our clients’ needs with initiative and enthusiasm with the aim to deliver beyond expectations. I was involved in projects that designed and implemented cost-effective equipment modifications to help improve safety, reliability and throughput. I attended meetings alongside engineers where they discussed and solved complex problems with manufacturing departments, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers. I have learnt a lot regarding project development, preliminary appraisal and feasibility studies, right through to detailed design, implementation and operational management advice.

After successfully completing my college education, I felt that I needed a more in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering, in order to better prepare for a career in the engineering sector. I chose your university primarily because of its excellent research power and quality, and my belief that your institution can take me to the next level. On a recent visit there I found the people very friendly and the city itself was great with lots to see and do. I was also impressed by your admissions and finance officers, who were very patient and prompt in answering my queries.”

 

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