School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering With Foundation Year

BEng (Hons) Full-time 4 years

The Mechanical Engineering course provides a comprehensive engineering education covering design, engineering mathematics and its application, the core concepts of mechanics, thermodynamics, structural dynamics, materials and the behaviour of fluids.

The Mechanical Engineering course provides a comprehensive engineering education covering design, engineering mathematics and its application, the core concepts of mechanics, thermodynamics, structural dynamics, materials and the behaviour of fluids.

Award
BEng (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
H302
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The programme, which is professionally accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), combines a strong base in theoretical background (mechanics, materials, fluid, thermal, systems and control) along with project based laboratory, design, build and simulation experiences, which is undertaken in our state-of-the-art live project space. 

This course is currently under review for re-accreditation


The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation course offers a unique pathway into the world of mechanical engineering, especially designed for students who need additional preparation before entering the main program. Beginning with a foundation year at our City campus, you'll build essential skills in mathematics, computing, and engineering principles. This solid groundwork prepares you for a seamless transition to our state-of-the-art campus, where you'll dive into the core BEng program. Throughout your studies, you'll gain in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and proficiency in industry-standard software.

Underpinning this project based approach is the opportunity to gain experience of working on real engineering projects with the UWRacing Team, on Formulae Student, Formulae 3, and the Morgan Challenge, as well as attend live track days at Silverstone and further afield. 

This unique combination ensure our students develop independence, creative talent, and leadership, as well as the capability for continuing professional growth and self-learning. This ensures that graduates are equipped with the appropriate knowledge and enterprising capabilities to practise engineering professionally, ethically and sustainably in the real working world. 

Engineering graduates from the University of Wolverhampton have gained the skills, knowledge and understanding to secure jobs at leading companies such as BAE Systems, Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport, Aston Martin and Rolls Royce.

What's unique about this course?

  • Opportunity to gain experience with UWR
  • Access to open live project workspace and formula student
  • Accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE)
    This course is currently under review for re-accreditation

  • Opportunities to work for local employers

What happens on the course?

The Mechanical Engineering course will provide students with the opportunity to gain unique and distinctive specialist skills in the following key areas:

  • High-tech Manufacturing: knowledge and skills relating to the latest and state of the art manufacturing technologies such as Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) and High Speed Machining.
  • Engineering Design: knowledge, skills and experience using industry standard design tools such as SolidWorks.
  • Engineering Analysis: knowledge, skills and experience applying industry standard numerical simulation packages for computational structural, thermal and fluid analysis.

Your journey begins with a foundation year at our City campus, focusing on essential skills and knowledge in communication, mathematics, computing, and engineering principles. This year sets the stage for your transition to our campus, where you'll embark on the main BEng program.


All of our degrees have a common first year, allowing you to experience a range of subjects before deciding on the course you wish to follow. You will study Mathematics, and the underlying concepts of Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, and Production Engineering. You will undertake laboratory work; and utilise your new production knowledge to build and test a design.

In the second year, you will extend your knowledge of engineering technologies and management, create design specifications, and become proficient in the use of a 3D CAD package. You will also learn the role and responsibilities of a professional engineer. Following the second academic year, you are encouraged to undertake a placement year in industry, thereby improving your employment prospects and forming part of your record of professional development as an incorporated or chartered engineer.

In your final year, you will complete an individual project, further develop your integrative approach to designing electro-mechanical systems, develop global management skills, and learn how to convert an idea into a commercial venture.

 

We are currently reviewing our foundation course to enhance student learning and success. Course details may be subject to updates. Please keep an eye on our pages for updates.

 

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Responding to the regional and national shortage of graduate qualified engineers, the University of Wolverhampton is currently investing over £10m in new Engineering facilities at its City Campus in Wolverhampton.

New engineering courses on offer from 2015 share a design that incorporates significant elements of problem and activity-based learning and live industrial project-work. The courses have embedded themes of creativity, employability, professional engineering, and sustainability and the environment. All of our courses are designed to meet the latest standards for accreditation as defined by the Engineering Council.

As a student on this engineering course, will have access to new specialist equipment and technology that is at the forefront of engineering developments. This includes a design and visualisation facility modelled on best-practice in industry, wind tunnels (including a Formula 1 specification rolling road wind tunnel), engine test facilities, a composites laboratory, 3-d printing facilities, an electronics and telecommunications laboratory, a metrology laboratory and a materials testing laboratory.

Our aim is for our graduates to be ready for employment. We provide additional opportunities for students to gain employability skills, with employability workshops and awards as part of the course. In addition and to further develop employability skills, we offer Club Activities. These currently include the IMechE Formula Student Activity, the Human Powered Flight Club, the Flight Simulator Club and the Formula Renault 2l Racing Team Club. These are great fun, and the only conditions to entry are that you need to engage and demonstrate commitment.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Design and synthesise mechanical engineering products including electro-mechanical systems, systems, and processes, and demonstrate an innovative approach to design realisation.
  • Evaluate a range of solutions to engineering problems, drawn from a broad-based knowledge of engineering and technology specialities.
  • Select and apply appropriate mathematical methods to solve problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanical engineering systems.
  • Contribute to teamwork effectively and ethically, addressing the prominent engineering, social, environmental, and commercial issues.
  • Select and apply appropriate software packages for design, analysis, and synthesis applications and critically evaluate the results.
  • Relate theory and practice, thereby facilitating the efficient realisation of viable mechanical engineering products and processes.

Location Mode Foundation Year Fee Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9535 £9535 per year 2025-26
Home Full-time £9790 £9790 per year 2026-27
International Full-time N/A £15995 per year 2025-26
International Full-time £17600 £17600 per year 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

Academic Pathway:-

Typical entry requirement: 48 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades DD / EEE
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades PPP
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades MP
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
  • T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of D or E in Core
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here
  • Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

    Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider applicants who have not achieved level 3 qualifications if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience. To receive an offer through this route you will be required to successfully attend and pass a Prepare for Foundation event. This is a one-day programme which is designed to assess your keen interest or recent experience in the subject, through a written assessment and a variety of activities. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask questions, be introduced to studying a higher education foundation course and meet staff and fellow students. If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

    Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

    “I have worked in the Aerospace industry as a Structural Designer for the last 20 years. As an apprentice I attained an HNC in Metals Technology.

    When I decided to move back into Higher Education it was not without some trepidation. I found the lecturers to be extremely helpful and their technical knowledge was extremely sound.

    My interaction with the lecturers outside of the classroom has been very positive and has helped me to maintain my motivation.

    I feel that every single module I have studied has enhanced my level of knowledge as an Engineer and will enhance my employability in the future.

    The facilities provided by the University are fantastic and I have never found them lacking.

    I feel very proud and privileged to be a student at the University of Wolverhampton and I would encourage anyone who is interested in Engineering to give serious consideration to the University of Wolverhampton.”

    Marcus Hayward

    Marcus is a current student on the Mechanical Engineering course, and has previously worked for: Airbus; Airbus (North America); BAE Systems; British Aerospace; Boeing Aerospace Corporation; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; Rolls-Royce Deutschland; and Rolls-Royce PLC.

     

     

    Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

    Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

    Changes for EU students:

    The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

    EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


    Self-funding:

    If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

    For more information please contact the Gateway.


    Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

    If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

    We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


    Financial Hardship:

    Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

    for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


    Bursaries and Scholarships:

    In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

    You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

    Telephone

    01902 32 22 22

    Email

    enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

    Online

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    How we compare

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    Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses.

    Full-time Course