Mechanical Engineering MEng Mechanical Engineering with Study Abroad MEng Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry MEng
This four-year integrated master’s degree will give you the skills and expertise to turn exciting scientific discoveries into answers for the most urgent challenges we face. You will learn mechanical engineering, mathematical and computational skills, enabling you to design sustainable solutions. You will also master financial management competencies needed to lead large-scale engineering projects, while saving resources and minimising environmental impact.
Key information
Key information
Key information
Entry requirements
Please note that the study options available after enrolment to this course may have additional requirements. Choose a study option for full details.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 7, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order, with no higher level score below 5. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Higher level Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order).
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order, with no higher level score below 5. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Higher level Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order).
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order, with no higher level score below 5. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Higher level Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order).
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, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Higher level Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order).
- 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, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Higher level Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order).
- 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, 6 required in Mathematics and Physics in any order. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Higher level Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order).
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.
If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g. Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance. This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) - UCL's International Foundation Year - are for international students who have completed high school with a qualification UCL does not accept for undergraduate entry.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
Additional requirements for Mechanical Engineering with Study Abroad MEng
To be eligible to apply, students must meet the department’s minimum academic standards based on performance in Years 1 and 2, complete the required application process, and obtain approval from the Year Abroad Tutor to ensure that their proposed modules align appropriately with UCL’s Mechanical Engineering degree requirements.
All exchange opportunities remain subject to institutional agreements, partner capacity, visa and regulatory conditions. These placements are competitive and limited in number.
Please see details of Mechanical Engineering MEng for the entry requirements of the overall course.
Additional requirements for Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry MEng
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.
Please see details of Mechanical Engineering MEng for the entry requirements of the overall course.
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 will then use this understanding to tackle complex challenges in many different fields of human endeavour.
At UCL, one of the greatest research universities in the world, you will be able to draw upon the expertise and innovation of globally-recognised academics and researchers, across a huge variety of disciplines, working on projects that make a real, tangible difference to people’s lives.
Throughout your four years with us, you will be invited to work on interdisciplinary projects tackling real-world engineering challenges. You will also have the opportunity to develop specialist skills, through master’s-level modules in areas that are at the forefront of the mechanical engineering discipline, such as Energy and the Environment, Aerospace Engineering, Business and Finance, Power Systems and Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Maritime Engineering, and Bioengineering.
In your final year, you will be 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.
Here at UCL, we have the facilities, the experts and the innovative spirit you will need to find your own engineering direction and make your individual contribution.
As a mechanical engineer at UCL, you will develop a deep understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. You will then use this understanding to tackle complex challenges in many different fields of human endeavour.
At UCL, one of the greatest research universities in the world, you will be able to draw upon the expertise and innovation of globally-recognised academics and researchers, across a huge variety of disciplines, working on projects that make a real, tangible difference to people’s lives.
Throughout your four years with us, you will be invited to work on interdisciplinary projects tackling real-world engineering challenges. You will also have the opportunity to develop specialist skills, through master’s-level modules in areas that are at the forefront of the mechanical engineering discipline, such as Energy and the Environment, Aerospace Engineering, Business and Finance, Power Systems and Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Maritime Engineering, and Bioengineering.
Students on the four-year MEng course have the exciting opportunity to apply to spend Year 3 studying abroad at one of the partner institutions with which UCL holds an approved exchange agreement. A year abroad can offer valuable academic, professional, and personal development, including exposure to different teaching approaches, cultures, and engineering perspectives.
In your final year, you will be 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.
Here at UCL, we have the facilities, the experts and the innovative spirit you will need to find your own engineering direction and make your individual contribution.
As a mechanical engineer at UCL, you will develop a deep understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. You will then use this understanding to tackle complex challenges in many different fields of human endeavour.
At UCL, one of the greatest research universities in the world, you will be able to draw upon the expertise and innovation of globally-recognised academics and researchers, across a huge variety of disciplines, working on projects that make a real, tangible difference to people’s lives.
Throughout your five years with us, you will be invited to work on interdisciplinary projects tackling real-world engineering challenges. You will also have the opportunity to develop specialist skills, through master’s-level modules in areas that are at the forefront of the mechanical engineering discipline, such as Energy and the Environment, Aerospace Engineering, Business and Finance, Power Systems and Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Maritime Engineering, and Bioengineering.
The Year in Industry is an opportunity for some students in year 4 of this five-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.
In your final year, you will be 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.
Here at UCL, we have the facilities, the experts and the innovative spirit you will need to find your own engineering direction and make your individual contribution.
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).
Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering.
Year One 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 Two 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 Three comprises core content on advanced mechanics of solids and structures, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Options to tailor your course includes 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.
Year Four culminates with your capstone group design project, which is part of the set of core modules, along with financial aspects of project engineering. The optional element of your final year includes advanced modules from streams that represent cutting-edge advancements in the profession. These are:
- aerospace engineering
- bioengineering
- business and finance
- energy and the environment
- maritime engineering
- materials, structures and manufacturing
- power systems and automation
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).
Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering.
Year One 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 Two 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 Three You’ll enjoy your Year Abroad; module options will depend on those available at the host institution.
Year Four culminates with your capstone group design project, which is part of the set of core modules, along with financial aspects of project engineering. The optional element of your final year includes advanced modules from streams that represent cutting-edge advancements in the profession. These are:
- aerospace engineering
- bioengineering
- business and finance
- energy and the environment
- maritime engineering
- materials, structures and manufacturing
- power systems and automation
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).
Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering.
Year One 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 Two 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 Three comprises core content on advanced mechanics of solids and structures, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Options to tailor your course includes 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.
Year Four You will undertake a paid or unpaid placement with a professional organisation as part of your Year in Industry.
Year Five culminates with your capstone group design project, which is part of the set of core modules, along with financial aspects of project engineering. The optional element of your final year includes advanced modules from streams that represent cutting-edge advancements in the profession. These are:
- aerospace engineering
- bioengineering
- business and finance
- energy and the environment
- maritime engineering
- materials, structures and manufacturing
- power systems and automation
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 compulsory modules given here is indicative. Up to 10 optional modules per year are displayed for this course: this may not be the full range of optional modules available for selection. 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. For more detail regarding module availability, please contact the department.
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)
- Engineering Dynamics (MECH0006)
- Fundamentals of Materials (MECH0007)
- Thermofluids I (MECH0109)
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
Optional modules
- Data-Driven Methods for Engineers (MECH0107)
- Autonomous Vehicles (MECH0120)
- Aerospace Structures (MECH0121)
- Entrepreneurial Finance (MSIN0047)
- Competitive Strategy (MSIN0049)
- New and Renewable Energy Systems (MECH0032)
- Biofluids and Medical Devices (MECH0036)
- Biomechanics and Biostructures (MECH0038)
- Applications of Biomedical Engineering (MECH0040)
- Medical Imaging (MECH0047)
The modules shown below are an indicative list of those currently available as part of the full degree. This includes modules that may be available before selecting a study option and those that may be available after a student moves onto the study option.
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)
- Engineering Dynamics (MECH0006)
- Fundamentals of Materials (MECH0007)
- Thermofluids I (MECH0109)
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
Optional modules
- New and Renewable Energy Systems (MECH0032)
- Biofluids and Medical Devices (MECH0036)
- Biomechanics and Biostructures (MECH0038)
- Applications of Biomedical Engineering (MECH0040)
- Medical Imaging (MECH0047)
- Applied Thermodynamics and Turbomachinery (MECH0051)
- Materials and Fatigue (MECH0055)
- Electrical Machines and Power Electronic Drives (MECH0062)
- Electrical Power Systems and Electrical Propulsion (MECH0071)
- Engineering in Extreme Environments (MECH0074)
The modules shown below are an indicative list of those currently available as part of the full degree. This includes modules that may be available before selecting a study option and those that may be available after a student moves onto the study option.
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)
- Engineering Dynamics (MECH0006)
- Fundamentals of Materials (MECH0007)
- Thermofluids I (MECH0109)
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
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- New and Renewable Energy Systems (MECH0032)
- Applications of Biomedical Engineering (MECH0040)
- Medical Imaging (MECH0047)
- Applied Thermodynamics and Turbomachinery (MECH0051)
- Materials and Fatigue (MECH0055)
- Electrical Machines and Power Electronic Drives (MECH0062)
- Electrical Power Systems and Electrical Propulsion (MECH0071)
- Engineering in Extreme Environments (MECH0074)
- Health Assessment of Engineered Structures (MECH0075)
- Control and Robotics (MECH0089)
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.
No fieldwork elements are present or necessary for the MEng students, given the provision of suitable facilities for acquiring practical and professional training within our undergraduate teaching workshops at MechSpace, as well as access to our labs in Bloomsbury Campus and UCL East.
No fieldwork elements are present or necessary for the MEng students, given the provision of suitable facilities for acquiring practical and professional training within our undergraduate teaching workshops at MechSpace, as well as access to our labs in Bloomsbury Campus and UCL East.
No fieldwork elements are present or necessary for the MEng students, given the provision of suitable facilities for acquiring practical and professional training within our undergraduate teaching workshops at MechSpace, as well as access to our labs in Bloomsbury Campus and UCL East.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways across your degree 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 report and in-person presentation.
In the fourth year you will have a 60-credit group design project module, with an assessed written dissertation, practical examination and group presentation.
You’ll 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 One and Two
- 8-14 hours of lectures per week
- 4-6 hours of problem classes/tutorials/ seminars per week
- 22-40 hours of labs/project work
Year Three
- 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 per week
- 0.5 hours of project supervision per week
Year 4, depends on modules selected, on average :
- 8-12 hours of lectures/problem classes/tutorials/ seminars per week
- 1-2 hours of labs
- 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 will 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 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
Year 3
The hours in your study abroad year will be determined by your host institution.
Year 4 – depends on modules selected, on average:
- 8–12 hours of lectures/problem classes/tutorials/ seminars per week
- 1–2 hours of labs
- 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 will 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 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
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 per week
- 0.5 hours of project supervision per week
Year 4 – Year in Industry
The hours in your Year in Industry will be determined by your placement.
Year 5 – depends on modules selected, on average:
- 8–12 hours of lectures/problem classes/tutorials/ seminars per week
- 1–2 hours of labs
- 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 will 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 department study spaces, however, students may prefer to purchase their own laptop, which will require additional costs. 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.
This course is based at UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus, however, some programme activities may take place at the UCL East campus in Stratford (approximately 40 minutes away via public transport). Students will be expected to cover their own costs when travelling between different UCL sites. Optional industry visits (field trips) are offered that may incur additional costs. The exact cost of each field trip 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 for Mechanical Engineering with Study Abroad MEng
Please note that if you undertake study abroad or extra-mural year in industry opportunities, these are likely to incur additional costs and students are expected to cover these themselves. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month, depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website.
Although not an exhaustive list, there are a number of key costs that you will be required to cover yourself before and during a study abroad year or placement. These include:
- Visa costs
- Travel to and from your host country
- Accommodation whilst abroad
- Day-to-day living costs, including food, academic materials, and travel within your host country
Please see Mechanical Engineering MEng for details of additional costs for the overall course.
Additional costs for Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry MEng
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 student’s own priorities and choices, as well as the location of the organisation they wish to use for the placement. Associated costs may include travel and accommodation.
Please see Mechanical Engineering MEng for details of additional costs for the overall course.
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?
Studying this course at UCL you will be able to:
- Build sought-after practical, analytical and computational skills in areas like thermodynamics, mechanics, mathematical modelling, manufacturing, and design.
- 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.
- Pursue your chosen specialism and secure your expertise, with a wide range of optional master’s-level modules in areas such as Energy and the Environment, Aerospace Engineering, Business and Finance, Power Systems and Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Maritime Engineering, and Bioengineering.
- 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.
- Option to apply to study abroad, with global opportunities to spend your third year studying overseas with one of our partner institutions, as part of UCL’s Go Abroad programme.
- 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, whether in industry or in a consulting/research organisation.
Your career options can be in a variety of fields including aerospace, automotive, research and development, 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 data (2017-2023), 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
What our alumni say
My gratitude goes to the amazing Teaching and Learning Team at UCL Mechanical Engineering for having provided a safe environment to grow and feel empowered to shape our own path.
Professional accreditation
Our MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer CEng.
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Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.
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 the course, you will have the chance to visit our department, UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus, and 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 MEng course. Please note that the study 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.
Apply for Mechanical Engineering MEng to access this study option. Please note that you will need to meet any additional requirements for this study option to be considered.
Apply for Mechanical Engineering MEng to access this study option. Please note that you will need to meet any additional requirements for this study option to be considered.
Got questions? Get in touch
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Mechanical Engineering
Click to email. ugadmissions@meng.ucl.ac.ukUCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
