BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
About this course
BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme includes a foundation year and an optional industry placement year. A 'with 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/4 or above is required. A level: 32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. From a minimum of 2 A levels and one in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include: applied ICT, applied science, applied business, biology, business studies, chemistry, computing, computer science, DT (product design resistant materials), DT (systems and control technology), DT product design (textiles technology), economics, economics and business, electronics, engineering, environmental science, further mathematics, use of mathematics, core mathematics, pure mathematics, mathematics, ICT, physics, science, statistics, technology and design - must have C at GCSE Mathematics. Excluding general studies. 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma science/technology related subject: PPP 12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma science/technology related subject: MP BTEC National Diploma modules 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 course (preferably from a science/technology subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice. T level: Pass from a Science/Technology pathway. Must have GCSE Maths 4/C. International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 1 subject from science or technology – English and mathematics must be included.
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 67%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 68%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 5 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 75%
- 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: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
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 35 students who started
- A levels: 100%
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
- Principles of Computing and AI
- Foundational Mathematics in STEM
- Physics, Mechanics and Applied Mathematics
- Global Scientific Challenges: Projects and Labs
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
93% 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 with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 81 UCAS points.
Is BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year 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).
How many students continue on BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.