BEng Mechanical Engineering
About this course
BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. Core topics include Systems Design, Control Systems, Laboratory Techniques, and Engineering Design. The programme offers an optional industrial placement year and includes a supervised honours project in the final year. A specialist composites pathway is also available.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics and English at grade C or above is required. A level: 112 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. To include grade C in A level mathematics and grade E from a second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include applied ICT, applied science, applied science (DA), biology, chemistry, computing/computer science, DT (product design resistant materials), DT (systems and control tech) DT product design (textiles tech), electronics, engineering, environmental science, geography, geology, further maths/use of, statistics, music technology, physics, technology and design. International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include 5 in Higher Level Maths 3 in a second relevant Higher Level subject. 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM in a relevant science subject to include Merit in a Maths module. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. All Access courses: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction, including 12 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 12 Level 3 credits at Merit in a second relevant subject. Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 points, including H4 in Maths and H5 in a second relevant Higher Level subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within. SQA Advanced Higher: 112 points, including grade C in Advanced Higher Maths and Grade E in a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 58%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 5 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 70%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Teaching Professionals: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Sports and fitness occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 6%
- South East: 12%
- South West: 55%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UKSPEC. The accredited BEng (Hons) will also automatically meet in full, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Mechanical Engineering Related Placement
- Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation
- Engineering Science
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanics and Structures
- Engineering Materials
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques
- Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation
- Engineering Mathematics and Control
- Materials & Structural Integrity
- Manufacturing Processes
- Thermo-Fluids
- Mechanical Engineering Design & Commercialisation
- Engineering Quality Management
- Computer Aided Engineering
- Control and Intelligent Systems Design
- Engineering Honours Project
- Thermal-Fluids Engineering
- Composites Design and Manufacture
- Composites Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Design and Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £46,500. The £38,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Mechanical engineering.
What do graduates of BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 117 UCAS points.
Is BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UKSPEC. The accredited BEng (Hons) will also automatically meet in full, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Does BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of Plymouth?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.