Mechanical Engineering BEng Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry BEng
Take the latest scientific discoveries and find ways to put them into action, to solve the most urgent challenges facing our communities, our economies and our planet. This comprehensive three-year bachelor’s degree provides you with the practical, mathematical and computational skills and theories you will need to engineer innovative solutions to complex problems, while managing resources sustainably and helping reduce environmental impacts. This course offers the option of an additional year abroad or in industry.
Key information
Key information
Entry requirements
Students must meet specific academic requirements and obtain approval from the Department of Mechanical Engineering for their chosen placement. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to secure a placement opportunity.
The opportunity for taking a Year in Industry should be understood as an optional and competitive element of the course. Participation is subject to academic eligibility, successful application, availability of placements, and relevant approvals, and cannot be guaranteed by UCL or the department.
- 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 a third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- 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
Contextual offer
- Grades
- A*AB
- 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.
- 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
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Additional entry tests
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
For the 2027 cycle, alongside the UCAS application, UCL will require all applicants to the above programme to sit the TARA (The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) run by University Admissions Tests UK. TARA is a non-subject-specific test designed to assess essential skills required for undergraduate study. There will be an entry fee for the test. More information about the test including deadlines for when to register for the test can be found on University Admissions Tests UK website.The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.
About this course
As a mechanical engineer at UCL, you will develop a deep understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. You’ll then take the principles of mechanical engineering and explore how they can be used to tackle complex challenges, in many different fields of human endeavour.
Whilst studying at UCL, you will 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.
From stem cells and biomedical devices, to alternative fuels and low-carbon shipping, you will gain unique insights into how UCL’s mechanical engineers are applying multidisciplinary approaches, carrying forward the latest ideas and translating research into progress.
With optional modules to choose from across the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, You’ll have the chance to pursue your own interests through individual projects and put your learning into practice through real-world engineering challenges and cross-faculty team projects.
As a mechanical engineer at UCL, you will develop a deep understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. You’ll then take the principles of mechanical engineering and explore how they can be used to tackle complex challenges, in many different fields of human endeavour.
Whilst studying at UCL, you will 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.
From stem cells and biomedical devices, to alternative fuels and low-carbon shipping, you will gain unique insights into how UCL’s mechanical engineers are applying multidisciplinary approaches, carrying forward the latest ideas and translating research into progress.
With optional modules to choose from across the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, You’ll have the chance to pursue your own interests through individual projects and put your learning into practice through real-world engineering challenges and cross-faculty team projects.
Year in Industry
The Year in Industry is an opportunity for some students in year three of this degree (making it a four-year degree). This option enables students to undertake a paid or unpaid placement with a professional organisation, gaining valuable real-world experience and applying academic knowledge in an organisational context.
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.
Course structure
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 course to course and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Year 1 of the course is designed to provide you with a firm foundation in mechanical engineering. It comprises core modules that address all the main strands of the discipline, irrespective of specialisation. These include mechanics (statics and dynamics), materials, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, design and professional skills, and mathematics.
Year 2 comprises more advanced concepts on solid mechanics, materials, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, vibrations and control, manufacturing, design and professional skills, and further mathematics. The year includes the opportunity to choose a minor module in our IEP minor pathway.
Year 3 comprises core content on advanced mechanics of solids and structures, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Options to tailor your course include the continuation of the IEP minor pathway and a selection of specialist modules in the areas of materials, instrumentation, control, vibrations, design and manufacturing, and computational fluid dynamics. It also includes a core individual project.
Course structure
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 course to course and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Year 1 of the course is designed to provide you with a firm foundation in mechanical engineering. It comprises core modules that address all the main strands of the discipline, irrespective of specialisation. These include mechanics (statics and dynamics), materials, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, design and professional skills, and mathematics.
Year 2 comprises more advanced concepts on solid mechanics, materials, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, vibrations and control, manufacturing, design and professional skills, and further mathematics. The year includes the opportunity to choose a minor module in our IEP minor pathway.
Year 3 comprises core content on advanced mechanics of solids and structures, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Options to tailor your course include the continuation of the IEP minor pathway and a selection of specialist modules in the areas of materials, instrumentation, control, vibrations, design and manufacturing, and computational fluid dynamics. It also includes a core individual project.
Modules
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).
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.
Compulsory modules
- Engineering Challenges (ENGF0001)
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis 1 (ENGF0003)
- Design and Professional Skills I (Mechanical Engineering) (ENGF0033)
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (MECH0003)
- Mechanical Engineering Practical Skills (MECH0004)
- Thermofluids I (MECH0109)
- Engineering Dynamics (MECH0006)
- Fundamentals of Materials (MECH0007)
Compulsory modules
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis II (ENGF0004)
- Mechanics of Solids and Structures (MECH0013)
- Engineering Materials: Failures and Design (MECH0015)
- Manufacturing, Design and Professional Skills (MECH0110)
- Vibrations and Control (MECH0111)
- Thermofluids II (MECH0112)
Optional modules
- Manufacturing Regenerative Medicines: from Lab Bench to Industry (BENG0011)
- Engineering Mathematics in Finance (BENG0019)
- Tech Journalism: Writing, Researching, and Reporting News in Technology, Science, and Engineering (BENG0026)
- Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CEGE0010)
- Inorganic Chemistry for Engineers (CENG0014)
- Intelligent Systems (COMP0014)
- Introduction to Programming (COMP0015)
- Connected Systems (ELEC0017)
- Introduction to Nanotechnology (ELEC0018)
- Introduction to Robotics (ELEC0129)
Compulsory modules
- Undergraduate Individual Project (MECH0020)
- Thermofluids III (MECH0113)
- Advanced Mechanics of Solids and Structures (MECH0115)
Optional modules
- Instrumentation and Control (MECH0114)
- Advanced Design and Manufacturing (MECH0116)
- Structural Dynamics and Vibrations (MECH0117)
- Non-Metallic Materials (MECH0118)
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (MECH0119)
Compulsory modules
- Engineering Challenges (ENGF0001)
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis 1 (ENGF0003)
- Design and Professional Skills I (Mechanical Engineering) (ENGF0033)
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (MECH0003)
- Mechanical Engineering Practical Skills (MECH0004)
- Thermofluids I (MECH0109)
- Engineering Dynamics (MECH0006)
- Fundamentals of Materials (MECH0007)
Compulsory modules
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis II (ENGF0004)
- Mechanics of Solids and Structures (MECH0013)
- Engineering Materials: Failures and Design (MECH0015)
- Manufacturing, Design and Professional Skills (MECH0110)
- Vibrations and Control (MECH0111)
- Thermofluids II (MECH0112)
Optional modules
- Manufacturing Regenerative Medicines: from Lab Bench to Industry (BENG0011)
- Engineering Mathematics in Finance (BENG0019)
- Tech Journalism: Writing, Researching, and Reporting News in Technology, Science, and Engineering (BENG0026)
- Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CEGE0010)
- Inorganic Chemistry for Engineers (CENG0014)
- Intelligent Systems (COMP0014)
- Introduction to Programming (COMP0015)
- Connected Systems (ELEC0017)
- Introduction to Nanotechnology (ELEC0018)
- Introduction to Robotics (ELEC0129)
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
- Undergraduate Individual Project (MECH0020)
- Thermofluids III (MECH0113)
- Advanced Mechanics of Solids and Structures (MECH0115)
Optional modules
- Instrumentation and Control (MECH0114)
- Advanced Design and Manufacturing (MECH0116)
- Structural Dynamics and Vibrations (MECH0117)
- Non-Metallic Materials (MECH0118)
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (MECH0119)
You’ll build your knowledge and skills through a varied range of teaching, including lectures, example sessions, computer workshops and project work. In addition to the manufacturing, design, and project facilities at our MechSpace teaching lab, 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 research and teaching laboratories including our state-of-the-art facilities at UCL East.
The course includes an optional additional placement year in industry.
The course includes an optional additional placement year in industry, where eligible students spend a year working on site with an approved industry partner organisation. Complementarily, the final individual research project may be carried out in collaboration with an approved industry partner. The latter is sometimes resourced through the Departmental Industry Tutor, and other times this collaboration is initiated by the student. Eligible students will work closely with their industry partner throughout, gaining real world work experience in a field relevant to their field of study; always co-supervised by an academic staff member to ensure students’ academic interests are covered.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways across this course including exams, individual and group coursework, presentations, design scenarios and practical lab work. In your third year you will undertake an individual project. Assessed outputs from this project include a written report and in-person presentation.
You will need to meet or exceed a range of academic criteria throughout the course. Assessment methods used may vary, depending on the optional and elective modules you choose.
Contact time across your course can take a variety of forms, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- question and answer sessions
- project supervision
- demonstrations
- practical classes and workshops
- visits
- placements
- Student hours where staff are available for consultation
- interaction by email or other media and
- situations where feedback on assessed work is given one-to-one or in a group .
The following are estimates for the number of contact hours you can expect in each year of study for the compulsory modules based on recent planning. These figures are published a long time in advance and are subject to change .
Years 1 to 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
- 8 hours of project work
- 0.5 hours 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 course can take a variety of forms, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- question and answer sessions
- project supervision
- demonstrations
- practical classes and workshops
- visits
- placements
- Student hours where staff are available for consultation
- interaction by email or other media and
- situations where feedback on assessed work is given one-to-one or in a group .
The following are estimates for the number of contact hours you can expect in each year of study for the compulsory modules based on recent planning. These figures are published a long time in advance and are subject to change .
Years 1 to 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
The hours in your Year in Industry will be determined by your placement.
Year 4
- 11–14 hours of lectures per week
- 1–3 hours of problem classes/tutorials/ seminars per week
- 4 hours of labs
- 8 hours of project work
- 0.5 hours 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.
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 are 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.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £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. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
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.
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
UCL does have computing facilities available, including computer clusters within the Department of Mechanical Engineering providing access to specialist software. Students may prefer to purchase their own laptop or desktop computer, which will require additional costs, however this is not a requirement to study or complete assignments on our undergraduate courses.
For some project work and training activities, students might incur minor expenses, which can be reimbursed by the department if an approved expenses claim is submitted.
There are no mandatory field trips on our undergraduate degree courses. However, purely optional industry or other enrichment visits, organised either by the department directly, or by our departmental student societies, may sometimes incur additional costs. On the occasions when such trips incur expenses, those costs will be dependent on the location and the mode of travel.
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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).
Additional costs
Students who wish to explore the opportunities to undertake a year in industry should note that these may incur additional costs. The cost of a year in industry can be difficult to predict as it will depend on the students own priorities and choices, as well as the location of the organisation they wish to use for the placement. Associated costs may be in relation to travel costs and accommodation.
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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).
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.
Why study this course at UCL?
- Build sought-after practical, analytical and computational skills in areas like thermodynamics, mechanics, mathematical modelling, manufacturing, and design.
- Access industry-standard lab facilities for nanoengineering, materials testing and characterisation, engine cells, wave tanks and much more.
- Design and develop your own mechanical engineering prototypes at MechSpace, UCL Mechanical Engineering’s dedicated student facility for both assessed and extracurricular projects.
- 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.
- Customise your degree, joining interdisciplinary group design projects and adding modules chosen from across the UCL Faculty of Engineering, with the Integrated Engineering Programme.
- Further tailor your degree in your final year by selecting optional specialist modules in the areas of materials, instrumentation, control, vibrations, design and manufacturing, and computational fluid dynamics.
- Graduate with a prestigious degree from England’s first mechanical engineering department, established here at UCL in 1847.
- Learn from leading academics and absorb perspectives from globally-recognised research groups at UCL.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
This course places great emphasis on the development of fundamental analytical, design, practical and professional skills. This emphasis provides students with valuable evidence of the aptitude and knowledge needed to become a professional mechanical engineer in their chosen field of employment, whether in industry or in a consulting/research organisation.
Your career options can be in a variety of fields including aerospace, automotive, innovation R&D, manufacturing and medical engineering. The course also equips students with the necessary skills to work in commerce, banking and management consultancy.
To support the industry readiness of our graduates, this course supports the Year in Industry scheme, which offers students the opportunity to spend a year away from formal study, gaining key skills and experience. Our students benefit from a dedicated careers tutor and our strong links with industry, which help them explore internship opportunities and kick-start their career.
According to the most recent UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts, our mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after by a variety of industries, with 79% 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 (17%), manufacturing (15%), IT, technology and communications (11%), engineering (10%) construction, built environment and property (8%) and consultancy (5%).
Employers include Deloitte LLP, EY, SpaceX, Rolls-Royce PLC, Red Bull Racing, Atkins PLC, Jaguar Land Rover.
- Energy, natural resources and the environment
- Scientific research, development and analysis
- Banking and investment
- Manufacturing
- IT, technology and telecommunications
- Security and intelligence
- Academic research and HE
- Logistics an distribution
- Consultancy
- Accountancy and financial services
- Other professional, scientific and technical activities
- Construction, built environment and property
Professional accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the engineering council.
The accredited BEng Hons will meet in part the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. For full accreditation, you’ll 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).
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Register nowHow 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.
If you are offered a place on this course, you will be invited to visit our department, UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus and our teaching lab MechSpace, or to 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’s possible to defer your entry by an academic year.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Mechanical Engineering BEng course. Please note that the course options presented as post-enrolment specialisms will be available for you to choose once your enrolment is confirmed. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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Mechanical Engineering
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