Mechanical Engineering BEng
London, Bloomsbury
This is the programme information for 2025 entry
This is a challenging three-year programme which will equip you with the analytical and design skills sought by a wide range of engineering employers. You will learn how to apply a deeper understanding of engineering principles to a range of real world challenges.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2025Application deadline
29 Jan 2025UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- Mathematics and Physics required. A* must be in one of the required subjects. Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Contextual offer information
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Contextual offers are typically one to two grades lower than the standard offer. Grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics, with no higher level score below 5. Higher Level 7, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level. Economics preferred as third higher level subject, but not essential.
Contextual offer
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Contextual offers are typically one to two grade boundaries (equivalent to A levels) lower than the standard offer. IB Diploma grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) D*, D*, D* to include Distinction in Maths for Technicians and Distinction in Further Maths for Technicians or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with D*, D*, D* to include Distinction in Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. Preference should be given to applicants who can demonstrate additional exposure to maths beyond BTEC level.
D2, D3, D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, including Mathematics and Physics. D2 required in either Mathematics or Physics. Economics or Further Mathematics preferred as third subject, but not essential.
A1,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A1,A at Advanced Higher and AAA at Higher), including Mathematics and Physics at Advanced Higher. A1 much be in one of the required subjects. Economics at Advanced Higher preferred as third subject, but not essential.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades A*AA, including Mathematics and Physics. A* must be in one of the required subjects. Further Mathematics, Economics or Design and Technology preferred as third subject, but not essential.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this undergraduate programme, you may be eligible to apply for the Engineering Foundation Year at UCL. Designed for individuals from non-traditional educational backgrounds who do not meet standard entry requirements for UCL's undergraduate engineering degrees, this pre-degree programme helps you develop confidence, academic and study skills, and subject specific knowledge. On successful completion of the Engineering Foundation Year, you can gain access to a selection of the engineering undergraduate degree programmes at UCL. Find out more about the Engineering Foundation Year.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
This programme includes core mathematical, computing and mechanical engineering subjects, taken alongside a set of minor modules of your choice. You will undertake an individual project as a major component of the third year.
You will study in the context of our Integrated Engineering Programme. This gives you the chance to:
- tackle practical engineering challenges
- develop transferable professional skills
- tailor your programme by choosing an IEP Minor
- study and collaborate with students in other engineering disciplines
Visit our page How we teach to learn more about our award winning teaching framework the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) including information about some of the Minors available.
You may opt to take an additional year working in industry between the second and third years of your degree programme. This posting needs UCL approval in advance and you are required to write a comprehensive report on your work and what you have learnt during the year.
What this course will give you
You will benefit from our internationally renowned research expertise, as this cutting-edge knowledge is passed on to you through our teaching. The department is ranked 2nd in the UK* for teaching mechanical engineering.
You will have access to MechSpace, a dedicated student facility for designing and building mechanical engineering prototypes. You will also have the opportunity to learn and conduct projects in our research laboratories, including nanoengineering, materials testing, engine cells and wave tanks.
On completing your degree programme, career options can be in a wide variety of engineering fields. The problem-solving and mathematical skills you develop will also make you an attractive candidate for employers in many other fields, including commerce, banking and management consultancy.
* The Guardian University Guide 2024
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
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This is a three year degree programme. The first year consists of eight compulsory modules. In your second year there are seven compulsory modules and you will pick one of our IEP Minor Pathways: this will consist of one optional module in Year Two, and two optional modules in Year Three. In Year Three, you will also have three compulsory taught modules and one individual project module. For further information, please see the 'Modules' section below.
Compulsory modules
Your learning
You will be taught in a variety of ways, including lectures, example sessions, laboratory classes, computer workshops and project work. Along with MechSpace, we offer extensive computing facilities. Our main research laboratories, including our brand new facilities at UCL East, are also used for laboratory classes and for research-based project work.
On average, students spend approximately 30% of their time in lectures, 15% in tutorials/example classes, and the remainder in independent study. Design and project modules deviate from this distribution, depending on their learning objectives.
Assessment
Throughout your degree programme your progress will be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. You will be required to meet or exceed a range of academic criteria throughout your studies.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
Your career options can be in a variety of fields including aerospace, railways, motor vehicle design, manufacturing and medical engineering. The programme also equips you with the necessary skills to work in commerce, banking and management consultancy.
UCL supports the Year in Industry scheme, providing you with the opportunity to spend a year away from formal study, gaining key skills and experience.
Employability
We place great emphasis on supporting you to develop transferable professional skills, alongside your engineering knowledge, from the word go. This gives you a significant advantage in forging the career of your choice. You can benefit from our dedicated Engineering Careers team, links with industry and internship opportunities.
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC).
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £37,500 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Foundation Year fees for UK students are £6,000.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
Some programme activities may take place at our UCL East campus in Stratford (30 minutes from the main Bloomsbury campus). You will be expected to cover the travel cost to and between our UCL sites.
For some project work and training there may be small expenses which can be reimbursed by the department once claimed.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
We are seeking applicants with a passion for positively changing the world by solving complex problems and designing new sustainable solutions. You will have an inquisitiveness into the world around you and the systems and products that we use. Whilst you will need to have strong mathematical skills, importantly you should also have the desire to acquire a wide range of technical abilities, including theoretical, analytical, design and practical skills. You will also aspire to develop your professional skills such as teamwork and communication. You may apply at any point in your educational journey, and we welcome candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. Your application will need to demonstrate how you have developed your interest in engineering, and what steps you have already taken along the path to becoming a mechanical engineer.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
If you are offered a place to study you will have the chance to visit our department or to participate in a 'virtual offer holder day' before accepting your offer.
It is possible to defer your entry by an academic year.
Got questions? Get in touch
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