Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
BEng (Hons)

Our Mechanical Engineering graduates can look forward to excellent future prospects – and taking this degree with a foundation year will put your plans on a firm footing. We offer high-quality teaching and plenty of practical experience, plus an ideal location in the high-tech city of Derby.

• Mechanical Engineering has been ranked in the Top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2019
• Start your journey with a foundation year for a smooth transition to honours degree studies
• Gain a head start on the route to becoming a Chartered Engineer: this degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council so it partially meets the academic requirement for CEng registration
• Enjoy invaluable professional insights by taking an optional industrial year
• Develop hands-on skills in solving real-world engineering problems
• Challenge yourself with exciting extra-curricular projects such as the Shell Eco-marathon and the British Model Flying Association Payload Challenge
• Broaden your perspectives through industrial visits and guest lectures by leading professionals
• Learn from our expert team of academic staff who have extensive industrial experience of engineering
• Enhance your employability – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016).

This dynamic degree will equip you with all the skills and knowledge which are essential to the modern mechanical engineer.

Benefits of a foundation year

Taking a foundation year first is an ideal choice if you have the potential and ambition to study this BEng programme but lack the formal entry requirements or feel you are not quite ready to embark on a full honours degree right now.

It is also a smart move if you have changed your mind about your career direction since you chose your A-levels or BTECs and need to improve your skills in a different subject area.

The foundation year will cover general concepts in areas such as engineering science, structural analysis and dynamics, together with essential scholarship skills for technologists to aid your progress on the honours degree.

In-depth understanding

From computer aided design to structural analysis, vibration and dynamics to thermofluids, the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering covers a broad spectrum of themes to put your career plans on a firm footing.

The course features a wide range of specialist modules such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, Advanced Material Design and Analysis, and Advanced Thermodynamics.

It also enables you to undertake an individual project which entails real experience of solving an engineering problem in industry. Prospective employers often regard this project as an excellent way to assess the skills of potential future employees.

Industry experience to set you apart

By choosing to spend a year on an optional industry placement, you can give yourself a real career advantage. You will find there is a significant number of SMEs, large, national and international companies looking for placement students each year.

We offer a full range of support to students who are keen to enhance their employability through internships and placements while studying. For more information, please get in touch with our Careers and Employment Service.

Study in a leading high-tech city

Derby is a city of technology, with world-famous companies including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota right on the University’s doorstep. It has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the UK, with 12% of employees in hi-tech roles – that is four times the national average. It also has the highest average salary outside of London and the South East.

This all means that, as a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduate, you will be ideally placed to make the most of the many career opportunities in the city.

Challenge yourself

We offer inspiring opportunities for you to take part in high-profile events. The Shell Eco-marathon project, for example, is fast becoming a flagship competition for our Mechanical Engineering team. We encourage you to join in and experience building and racing a real vehicle based on student design and analysis. Such is our profile in this arena that our Shell Eco Team was awarded a £9,000 sponsorship to build a prototype ethanol vehicle for the competition.

Another highlight is the British Model Flying Association Payload Challenge, which is supported by BAE Systems and the Royal Aeronautical Society. The aim is to design, build, test and compete a radio-controlled aircraft against other national and international teams.

You will be assessed using a mixture of coursework assessment, examinations and professional presentations. 

September 2018 typical entry requirements

Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

September 2019 typical entry requirements

Alternative entry qualifications:

• BTEC - MPP
• Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.

We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.

Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

2018/19 Fees

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

This course prepares you for careers at the cutting edge of mechanical engineering design, motorsport or automotive design and the applications of advanced materials.

You could also take your studies to postgraduate level with our MSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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