School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

BEng (Hons) Full-time 3 years

Design, build and test real engineering systems while developing the skills to launch your career as a mechanical engineer.

Design, build and test real engineering systems while developing the skills to launch your career as a mechanical engineer.

Award
BEng (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
H300
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (3 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus,University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

92% of Mechanical Engineering students were satisfied with the academic support (NSS 2026).

Mechanical engineers design the systems that keep the modern world moving — from jet engines to production lines to the next generation of electric vehicles. This course is built to take you from curious problem-solver to industry-ready engineer, with three years of hands-on projects, specialist facilities and direct exposure to the sectors you want to work in.

  • You'll learn by doing, not just by listening. Every year is built around real design and analysis projects so you leave with a portfolio of practical work.
  • You'll train on the tools employers actually use. CAD, CAM, CFD and FEA aren't add-ons here — they run through the whole degree, alongside metal 3D printing with materials like titanium and copper.
  • You'll study where the industry is. The Midlands is one of the UK's largest manufacturing and automotive engineering regions, and our teaching is shaped directly by employers in it.
  • You'll get support that's built around you. Small-group tutorials, dedicated maths support and structured project supervision mean you're never left to figure out engineering fundamentals alone — a real strength for students who want serious engineering training without an intimidating, sink-or-swim environment.
  • Our graduates go on to work at BAE Systems, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce — proof that a Wolverhampton engineering education holds up against any competitor in the sector.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), giving you a direct route towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

This course is currently under review for re-accreditation

What's unique about this course?

  • Five engineering attributes in every module — Creativity, employability, professional standards, sustainability and specialist skill run through the entire course, so you develop as a complete engineer from year one, not just a collection of grades.
  • Metal 3D printing most undergraduates never get near — In your final year, you'll manufacture functional parts and new component designs from metal powders, including titanium and copper — hands-on experience with technology that's genuinely rare at undergraduate level.
  • A student-led manufacturing practice group, not just a society — Through UWM (University of Wolverhampton Manufacturing), you'll tackle real design-and-manufacture challenges alongside engineers across every year of the course, working the way an actual engineering team does.
  • A showcase, not just a submission — Your individual and group projects are presented at Innovations Unleashed, our annual engineering event, giving you a genuine platform in front of our industry network and a strong talking point in interviews before you've even graduated.
  • A manufacturing region — Wolverhampton sits inside one of the UK's most concentrated manufacturing and automotive supply chain regions, giving this course direct, ongoing industry relevance.\
  • A professional guarantee, not a promise This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), putting you on a direct route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, and every student is guaranteed a professional placement as part of the degree — real professional experience before you graduate, not just the possibility of it.

What happens on the course?

  • Year 1 — Foundations. Build your grounding in solid mechanics and thermodynamics, get hands-on with CAD, and take your first steps into CFD and FEA, while working on industry-informed projects tackling real challenges like sustainable manufacturing.
  • Year 2 — Specialisation. Go deeper into advanced computational analysis, and start designing and manufacturing components using Additive Layer Manufacturing and high-speed machining. You'll also continue an enterprise project exploring specialisms like structural integrity or thermal management alongside engineers from other disciplines.
  • Year 3 — Application. Work on new models and functional parts using metal 3D-printing — including titanium and copper components — apply CAM and Industry 4.0 principles, and complete an individual innovation project that becomes your standout final-year showcase piece.

Throughout, assessment reflects how engineers actually work: roughly 40% of your marks come from continuously assessed fundamentals, and 60% from specialised, advanced project work — so your grades reflect sustained competence, not just exam performance on the day.

 

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

Employability isn't a bolt-on module here — it's designed into every year of the course.

  • Professionally accredited. This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), giving you a direct route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status — a recognised professional benchmark that carries real weight with employers.
  • Direct line to major employers. Wolverhampton Mechanical Engineering graduates have progressed into roles at BAE Systems, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce — across manufacturing, motorsport, aerospace and automotive.
  • Alumni spotlight: James Small, Class of 2017, is now a Mechanical Engineer at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land — a concrete example of where this degree can take you.
  • Industry engagement from day one. Guest lectures from industry professionals, alumni insight sessions, and frequent employer interaction build your professional network years before graduation.
  • Skills employers are actively short of. High-value manufacturing, R&D, transportation and high-performance technical consultancy (motorsport, aerospace and beyond) are all sectors facing a well-documented UK engineering skills gap — this course is designed to fill it.
  • You leave with proof, not just a grade. A portfolio of design and analysis projects, hands-on manufacturing experience, and a final-year innovation project presented at Innovations Unleashed — all tangible evidence for interviews and portfolios.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Designs mechanical components and systems, ranging from engines to manufacturing equipment—using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo).

Works on the design, development, and testing of vehicles or aircraft systems—such as engines, suspensions, propulsion, or HVAC systems.

Optimises production lines, automation, and lean manufacturing processes to improve quality, speed, and cost-efficiency in factories or industrial plants.

Designs and maintains systems for energy generation and efficiency—e.g., wind turbines, HVAC, thermal systems, or nuclear and fossil fuel power stations.

Combines mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to develop automated systems or smart device, used in manufacturing, healthcare, or consumer tech.

Joins structured programs with companies (e.g., Rolls-Royce, Siemens, BAE Systems) leading to chartered status (CEng) via IMechE or equivalent institutions.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

  • You're studying inside a genuine engineering region. The West Midlands is one of the UK's largest concentrations of manufacturing, automotive and advanced engineering employers — proximity that shapes both our teaching and our industry network.
  • Investment you can see and use. Purpose-built engineering facilities include specialist workshops, a fully equipped design studio, mechanical characterisation tools and metal 3D printing labs at Springfield Campus.
  • A course shaped by more than one department. Content is directly informed by industrial partners and by our championship-winning University of Wolverhampton Racing team — engineering taught by people who race and manufacture.
  • Support that doesn't disappear after enrolment. Small-group tutorials, structured maths support, and a Learning and Skills team offering year-round academic workshops mean help is always close by.
  • A network before you've even graduated. Frequent industry interaction, guest lectures and the annual Innovations Unleashed showcase mean you start building professional relationships from year one.

By graduation, you'll be able to:

  • Apply advanced maths, science and mechanical engineering principles to analyse and solve complex, real-world engineering problems.
  • Use computational and analytical tools — including CAD, CFD and FEA — to model and address complex mechanical projects, backed by technical literature.
  • Design integrated mechanical solutions that account for health, safety, environmental, societal and commercial factors, not just technical performance.
  • Evaluate and minimise the environmental and societal impact of your engineering decisions, and work to sound ethical and professional standards.
  • Demonstrate practical, hands-on engineering skills — manufacturing, materials handling, risk management and quality — alongside the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
  • Conceptualise, plan and deliver a complex individual project, supported by a technical literature review and critical milestones, and present it as a professional technical report.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9790 per year 2026-27
International Full-time £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.

GCSE English and Mathematics at grades 4/C+ or an acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note we do NOT accept GCSE Short Courses

PLUS EITHER

  • 80 UCAS points including a Level 3 qualification in Mathematics and another subject in either Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Further Mathematics, Electronics, Computing, ICT or Engineering. Excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking
  • A Levels - grades CDD including a Mathematics at grade C and another subject in either Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Further Mathematics, Electronics, Computing, ICT or Engineering. Excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMP in an Engineering subject to include Mathematics
  • BTEC L3 Diploma – grade DM in an Engineering subject to include Mathematics
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (80 UCAS point equivalence) in an Engineering subject to include Mathematics.
  • T-Levels - overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of C in Core in an Engineering subject; Design Development Engineering, Maintenance, Installation and repair for Engineering or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

English language requirements also apply

“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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Full-time Course