Mechanical Engineering MEng
London, Bloomsbury
This four-year integrated Mechanical Engineering MEng programme will give you the skills and expertise to turn exciting scientific discoveries into answers for the most urgent challenges we face. You’ll learn mechanical engineering, mathematical and computational skills, enabling you to design sustainable solutions that will help you master the management competencies needed to lead large-scale engineering projects, while saving resources and minimising environmental impact.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
Programme starts
September 2026Application deadline
14 Jan 2026UCAS 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
- Grades
- A*AB more about contextual offers
- 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 a third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
- 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
- Points
- 38 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics, with no higher level score below 5. Higher Level 7 required in Mathematics or Physics. 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.
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.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
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.
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. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.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
As a mechanical engineer at UCL, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. You’ll then use this understanding to tackle complex challenges in many different fields of human endeavour.
Whilst studying at UCL, you’ll be able to draw upon the expertise and innovation of globally-recognised academics and researchers across a huge variety of disciplines to find ways to make a tangible difference to people's lives.
Throughout your four years with us, you’ll be invited to work on interdisciplinary projects tackling real-world engineering challenges. You’ll also develop specialist skills through optional master’s-level modules in areas such as engineering in extreme environments or renewable energy systems.
You’ll spend year 4 working on an intensive capstone project - working as part of a team, in environments and situations that mirror the conditions of real-life engineering projects.
What this course will give you
You will build sought-after practical, analytical and computational skills in areas like thermodynamics, mechanics, mathematical modelling, and manufacturing and design and have access to industry-standard lab facilities for nanoengineering, materials testing and characterisation, engine cells, wave tanks and much more.
Studying at UCL's Bloomsbury Campus, in the heart of a historic London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions, you have the opportunity to design and develop your own mechanical engineering prototypes at MechSpace, UCL Mechanical Engineering's dedicated student facility for both assessed and extracurricular projects.
Develop industry-relevant skills and a strong working knowledge of engineering project management and commercial contexts, through the year-long MEng capstone group design project.
Develop an understanding of the ways in which engineering impacts the environment and society, and master the skills needed to build more sustainable and equitable technologies, systems and practices.
Pursue your chosen specialism and secure your expertise, with a wide range of optional master’s-level modules in areas such as new and renewable energy systems, medical imaging and ship dynamics. You can also customise your degree, joining interdisciplinary group design projects and adding modules chosen from across the UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences, with the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP).
There is the option to apply to study abroad, with global opportunities to spend year 3 studying overseas with one of our partner institutions, as part of UCL's Go Abroad programme.
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 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng (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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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).
Optional modules
Your learning
You’ll build your knowledge and skills through a varied range of teaching, including lectures, example sessions, computer workshops and project work. Along with MechSpace, you’ll enjoy access to extensive computing facilities, software and other resources.
Your laboratory classes and research-based project work will take place in our main research laboratories (including our state-of-the-art facilities at UCL East).
Years 1 and 2
- 8-14 hours of lectures (per week)
- 4-6 hours of problem classes/tutorials/ seminars (per week)
- 22-40 hours of labs/project work (per year)
Year 3
- 11-14 hours of lectures (per week)
- 1-3 hours of problem classes/tutorials/ seminars (per week)
- 4 hours of labs (per year)
- 0.5 hours of project supervision (per week)
Year 4
- 8-12 hours of lectures/problem classes/tutorials/ seminars (per week)
- 1-2 hours of labs (per year)
- 20 hours of project work (per week)
- 1 hour of project supervision (per week).
Contact hours will vary depending on your optional and elective module selections. You’ll be able to review each module’s indicative timetable in advance of making and confirming your module selections for each year.
Your design and project modules may also deviate from the hours listed above, depending on the learning objectives you agree with your project supervisor.
Overall, full-time study is equivalent to a 35-hour working week, which means you are expected to engage in up to 15-17 hours of self-directed study in an average week. This may involve additional reading or preparing for assessments.
Contact time across your programme can take a variety of forms, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, question and answers, project supervision, placements and practical classes and workshops.
Assessment
You will be assessed in a variety of ways across this programme including exams, individual and group coursework, presentations, design scenarios and practical lab work. In your third year you undertake an individual project. Assessed outputs from this project include a written dissertation and in-person presentation. In the fourth year you will have a 60 credit group design project module, with an assessed research project and group presentations.
You’ll need to meet (or exceed) a range of academic criteria throughout the programme. Assessment methods used may vary, depending on the optional and elective modules you choose.
Accessibility
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
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Mechanical Engineering information video
Watch this video to find out more about Mechanical Engineering at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.
The foundation of your career
According to the most recent UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey data (2017-2021), our mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after by a variety of industries, with 86% of our graduates in highly skilled work or postgraduate study fifteen months after graduating. Popular career paths for our graduates include accountancy and financial services (28%), manufacturing (23%), IT, technology and communications (18%), construction, built environment and property (8%) and consultancy (5%).
Employers include Deloitte LLP, EY, Rolls-Royce PLC , Red Bull Racing, Atkins PLC , Jaguar Land Rover.
Employability
As a graduate of this programme, you’ll possess master’s-level practical and analytical skills in mathematics, engineering and design.
Through the year-long capstone group design project, you’ll work as part of a design team, taking responsibility for the delivery of your own sub-project within the larger main project context. This project is designed to mirror as closely as possible the real-life experience of working on a major engineering project.
You’ll also develop transferable professional skills on a programme designed to get you workplace-ready for the best possible start to your engineering career. You’ll benefit from the support of our dedicated Careers tutor, along with our extensive links with industry and internship opportunities.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The accredited MEng fully meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £9,790 |
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
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
Additional costs may include purchasing of books or stationary, printing, thesis binding or photocopying. Indicative prices for printing can be found here.
For some project work and training activities, there might be minor expenses incurred – the department can reimburse you if you submit an approved claim.
This programme is based at UCL's Bloomsbury campus, however some of the programme activities may take place at UCL East in Stratford (approximately 40 minutes away via public transport). You’ll be expected to cover your own costs when travelling between different UCL sites. The cost of a single TFL journey between campuses is £3.40, as of January 2025.
For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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’re seeking applicants who have a strong desire to create positive societal change and tackle complex problems. You’ll be expected to embed sustainability in the solutions you design, continually assessing their impact on society, the environment and the planet.
You’ll possess an innate curiosity about the world around you. You’ll need strong mathematical skills, but from day one, you should also be ready to acquire a wide range of new technical and professional skills.
Your application must show how you’ve developed your interest in engineering, and the steps you’ve already taken towards exploring your interests in mechanical engineering.
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’re offered a place on the programme, you’ll have the chance to visit our department (or participate in a virtual offer holder day) before accepting your offer.
You can apply at any age or stage in your educational journey, and we welcome candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
It is possible to defer entry by an academic year.
Got questions? Get in touch
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