Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry (MEng)
- Subject area:
- Engineering
- UCAS code: H307
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 5 years
- Mode: Full time with sandwich year
Why study this course
Mechanical engineers are essential to the workings of the modern world, combining imagination and technology to offer innovative solutions across society and industry. They work across all industrial sectors, developing and manufacturing well-designed products through efficient manufacturing processes.
This four-year MEng Mechanical Engineering programme offers you a quicker, more direct route to Chartered Engineer status than the three-year BEng. It allows you to use the last two years of the course to expand and strengthen your knowledge in mechanical engineering. You will benefit from advanced learning in design and management and an appreciation of the techniques needed to manage and organise a multidisciplinary engineering design project.
This course includes the opportunity to take a year of industrial placement between your second and third years of academic study. With this option we will support you in finding a placement that will allow you to experience at first- hand, a professional working environment. If you are successful in securing a placement you will be paid a salary and will enhance your employability skills through direct experience of working in business, industry or the public sector.
Other mechanical engineering courses include:
- A thorough grounding in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering if you choose a BEng course
- The opportunity to study abroad at a partner institution for one semester if you choose the relevant MEng (International) degree option
- The opportunity to study a language if you choose the relevant MEng degree option with a sandwich year at a university in France, Germany or Spain
Strong design element
There is a strong design element throughout the course, and you will have plenty of opportunities for hands-on practical work.
Industrial placement
Gain valuable experience working in a paid role at an organisation in the UK or abroad for one academic year.
Join Cardiff Racing
You will have the opportunity to join Cardiff Racing and participate in the design, development, construction, and testing of a proven Formula Student racing car.
Professional award consideration
Our formal partnership with the City and Guilds of London Institute enables you to achieve the Senior Award of Licentiateship after successfully completing your placement.
Professionally accredited course
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Energy Institute on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Subject area: Engineering
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB. Must include grade A in Maths. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
DD in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade A in A-Level Maths.
36-34 overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Maths.
Other UK qualifications may also be accepted, often in lieu of A-levels, but subject requirements must be met. If you are offering non-UK qualifications, our qualification equivalences guide should allow you to calculate what kind of offer you are likely to receive.
Please be aware that this is a general guide, and that some programmes may have more detailed or specific entry requirements which will be reflected in your offer.
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 51 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course. If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £9,000 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2021/22 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £21,950 | None |
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Costs for sandwich years
During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply. Full details can be found on our fees pages.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
No specific equipment is needed. The University will provide resources such as computers and associated software, laboratory equipment (including any safety equipment) and a variety of other learning resources.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2021 and this page will be updated by end of October 2021 to reflect the changes.
This is a five-year full-time degree, the third year of which is spent working in industry. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of core modules and optional modules. Most modules are worth 10 credits, some are worth 20 and a few, including the year four and year five projects, are each worth 30. You need to attain 120 credits a year in order to continue your studies.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year one
Year one consists of a series of lectures underpinned by practical laboratory sessions.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Technology | EN1040 | 10 credits |
| Engineering Applications | EN1048 | 20 credits |
| Professional Engineering | EN1086 | 10 credits |
| Engineering Analysis | EN1090 | 20 credits |
| Materials and Manufacture | EN1101 | 20 credits |
| Mechanics | EN1102 | 20 credits |
| Thermofluids | EN1103 | 20 credits |
Year two
Year two again consists of a series of lectures underpinned by practical laboratory sessions.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Labs | EN2024 | 10 credits |
| Control and Instrumentation | EN2037 | 10 credits |
| Thermofluids 2 | EN2104 | 20 credits |
| Solid Mechanics and Dynamics | EN2105 | 20 credits |
| Computing 1 | EN2106 | 10 credits |
| Engineering Analysis and Computing 2 | EN2107 | 20 credits |
| Design | EN2602 | 20 credits |
| Manufacturing Systems Design | EN2904 | 10 credits |
Year three: Sandwich year
Year three is spent working in industry. You are normally expected to be in employment for a minimum of 30 weeks to satisfy the minimum University requirement, although the Cardiff School of Engineering expects the placement to last for the whole academic year.
During your placement you will be visited by your industrial training tutor or nominee at least once, but preferably twice, if you are based in the UK.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Training | EN3095 | 120 credits |
Year four
Year four includes a major project, with a value of a quarter of the overall year. For this you will work individually, alongside a supervising staff member.
There is a core module in Business Management but also a choice of optional modules, building upon the foundations established in the earlier years.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Project Management | EN3026 | 10 credits |
| Project | EN3100 | 30 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Commercialising Innovation | EN3006 | 10 credits |
| Materials and Manufacture | EN3033 | 10 credits |
| Fluid Mechanics | EN3034 | 10 credits |
| Energy Studies | EN3036 | 10 credits |
| Solid Mechanics | EN3037 | 10 credits |
| Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer | EN3042 | 10 credits |
| Robotics and Image Processing | EN3062 | 10 credits |
| Object Oriented Engineering Computing | EN3085 | 10 credits |
| Waste Management and Recycling | EN3401 | 10 credits |
| Fluid Power and Control | EN3513 | 10 credits |
| Automotive Power Transmission | EN3607 | 10 credits |
Year five
Year five includes two group projects which are linked to topical research. In total, these make up half of the overall assessment.
There is also a core Management in Industry module and a choice of optional modules.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Numerical Methods in Engineering | EN4018 | 10 credits |
| Automotive Design | EN4101 | 30 credits |
| Integrated Building Design | EN4102 | 30 credits |
| Renewable Energy Design | EN4103 | 30 credits |
| Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering | EN4107 | 30 credits |
| Mechatronics Design | EN4110 | 30 credits |
| Energy Management | EN4603 | 10 credits |
| Cond Monitoring, Modelling and Forecasting | EN4604 | 10 credits |
| Risk and Hazard Assessment | EN4606 | 10 credits |
| Control | EN4610 | 10 credits |
| Tribology | EN4611 | 10 credits |
| Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer | EN4626 | 10 credits |
| Fundamentals of Nanomechanics | EN4630 | 10 credits |
| Quality and Reliability | EN4640 | 10 credits |
| Theory and Applications of the Finite Element Method | EN4641 | 10 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Teaching is through lectures, examples classes and extensive laboratory, IT and practical work. The taught modules in the first two years are largely compulsory, but options are usually available in years four and five. All students must complete a 30-credit individual project in year four, for which they are allocated a supervisor from among the teaching staff. There are opportunities for interactions with potential employers.
Year 1
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
42%
Guided independent study
58%
Placements
0%
Year 2
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
40%
Guided independent study
60%
Placements
0%
Year 3
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
0%
Guided independent study
0%
Placements
100%
Year 4
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
31%
Guided independent study
69%
Placements
0%
Year 5
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
28%
Guided independent study
72%
Placements
0%
How will I be supported?
You will be assigned a personal tutor who is a member of the academic staff associated with your degree course. Your tutor will be there to advise you on academic, non-academic and personal matters in a confidential and informal manner when you need some guidance. We aim to help you overcome any problem, however big or small, as smoothly and quickly as possible.
For the 30-credit project in year four, you will be allocated a supervisor in the broad area of research specialism and meet regularly.
During your placement year you will be visited by your industrial training tutor or nominee at least once, but preferably twice, if you are based in the UK.
The tutor will interview you, check your logbook/diary and discuss progress with you, the company training officer and/or the manager with direct responsibility for your training. A summary report will be filed.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles. Opportunities for you to reflect on your abilities and performance are available through the Learning Central ‘Personal Development Planning’ module.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback in classes like design and project work and via return of marked coursework.
The opportunity to test your knowledge and understanding will be provided throughout the semester via class tests in Years 1 and 2, plus feedback on written assessments. Occasionally, peer assessment of an individual’s contribution to a group may be used, and you may also receive oral feedback on presentations and contributions to group activities.
Year 1
Written exams
79%
Practical exams
2%
Coursework
19%
Year 2
Written exams
68%
Practical exams
7%
Coursework
25%
Year 3
Written exams
0%
Practical exams
0%
Coursework
100%
Year 4
Written exams
65%
Practical exams
5%
Coursework
30%
Year 5
Written exams
33%
Practical exams
15%
Coursework
52%
What skills will I practise and develop?
This course is accredited via the Engineering Council, meaning the core competencies of UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) are integrated throughout the taught years of the course.
Through lab work you will develop practical skills focused on the application of a range of engineering principles to real-life technological, regulatory and ethical problems encountered in the engineering profession.
You will also:
- Enhance your communication skills, both orally and in writing through a series of reports and assignments
- Develop your knowledge, skills and confidence to solve multidisciplinary problems in a engineering context
- Enhance your team-working skills, ability to exercise original thought and good professional judgement
Careers
Career prospects
In 2015/16, 95% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.
Many graduates work in product design for the automotive, aeronautical, communications and energy industries. Some work in medical engineering, some are travelling the world for the petrochemical industry, while others are involved in development, production and general management.
A few choose to use their degrees as a qualification to enable them to work in other disciplines. Those who have followed this route typically work in the Armed Forces, the financial sector, the legal profession, chartered accountancy or computing.
With such high-calibre and broad opportunities, a career in mechanical engineering is varied, challenging and rewarding.
Graduate careers
- Graduate mechanical engineer
- Project manager
- Civil engineer
