Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
BEng (Hons)

Our Mechanical Engineering graduates can look forward to excellent future prospects. Offering high-quality teaching and plenty of practical experience – and in an ideal location with world-famous companies on our doorstep – the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering will give you the edge in your career.

• The degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). On completion, you will have met the full requirements to register as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and part of the requirements to register as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Enjoy invaluable professional insights by taking an optional industrial year between stages two and three of your studies
• Develop hands-on skills in solving real-world engineering problems
• Challenge yourself with exciting extra-curricular projects such as the IMechE Design Challenge 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

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

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. You'll gain essential skills to solve problems such as how to read technical drawings and use 3D modelling software. Your existing mathematics knowledge will be built on for practical application within a mechanical engineering context.

You'll 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. The industrial year takes place between the second and final stages of your degree and 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.

Use excellent facilities

You’ll have access to excellent labs and facilities whilst studying the degree. These include:

• Additive manufacturing lab: A technician supported facility, this lab is equipped with various 3D printed technology including fused-deposition modelling, stereolithography and polymer
• Manufacturing automation: This lab is equipped with programmable logic controllers, pneumatics and a smart factory. The equipment enables teaching centred on the fundamentals of both pneumatic and electro-pneumatic circuits
• Materials testing lab: This teaching space is where you will explore material properties, testing and measuring the characteristics and behaviour of materials. Equipment includes a hardness testing machine and optical and digital microscopes which allow 3D image reconstruction and measurement
• Dynamic testing lab: This specialist space supports further research in material testing. The room is equipped with fatigue and impact testing equipment
• Wind Tunnel and Thermodynamics: A practical area which includes a wind tunnel where you’ll test the aerodynamics of objects, and a jet engine where you can control and test its performance
• Mechanical workshop: Equipped with both traditional lathes and milling machines, alongside more modern Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) equipment

You'll also have access to our Makerspace. It’s a creative space where you can work on any project and turn your ideas into a prototype. All students across the University can use this space and it is a fantastic way of sharing knowledge and skills with one another. Equipment in the Makerspace includes a laser cutter, 3D printers, soldering irons, CNC machines and more.

Your teaching team

The teaching team has a wide range of experience across a variety of sectors which they bring into their teaching and research. They include:

• Martin Sole: Martin has 30 years of experience in the aerospace and automotive sectors, having been a Service Engineer travelling throughout Europe, Mexico, India and Russia
• Dr Patrick Barber: Patrick’s interests lie in improving manufacturing productivity and increasing profitability of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) through innovative engineering management methods
• Dr Rizwan Saeed Choudhury: Rizwan has research and teaching experience in the area of materials, solid mechanics, failure analysis and forensic engineering
• John Thorley: John has 25 years of experience in a variety of management and improvement roles in sectors including aerospace, food, power and automotive
• Dr Yiling Lu: Yiling carries out research in mechanical engineering with main applications in bio-engineering. He teaches on a range of modules including Computer Simulation and Engineering Design
  
• Dr Jianfei Xie: Jianfei teaches and has a research interest in the area of fluid dynamics, particularly in the aerodynamics and structures of aeroplanes
• Professor Zhiyin Yang: Zhiyin is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University. He conducts world-leading research and has published over 100 scientific papers. His teaching covers Thermofluids advanced computational fluid dynamics

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.

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 such as 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. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

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

2022 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2022 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)

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

Additional costs and optional extras

Engineering is a part of so many different industries, and completing an engineering degree will give you access to a wide range of opportunities. 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 move into roles in design, production or manufacturing in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive and rail.

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

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

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.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Please also note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, if your course offers fieldtrips, the location of these may change or be cancelled. If this happens, you will be communicated to in advance and we will do our very best to seek out other practical opportunities to ensure your experience is not affected.

The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2021 - August 2022 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.

Included in your fees

• Some educational software packages        
• Use of resources such as computer rooms, workshops and laboratories
• PPE kits (safety boots, safety googles and ear plugs)
• One industrial visit during induction week/first year
• Industry speakers
• Small allowance for final year project

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Additional educational software approx. £100
• Computer accessories approx. £30
• Workshop material approx. £100
• Additional industry visits approx. £40
• Additional expenses for final year project approx. £50
• Printing approx. £120

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Not required but useful: a personal computer or tablet computer approx. £400

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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