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Mechanical Engineering facilities

Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Full-time)

Summary

One of the most recognised engineering disciplines, mechanical engineers focus on the design, development, manufacture, installation and maintenance of systems and devices which support the activities of multiple industry sectors, including automotive, aerospace and healthcare. A current shortfall in the number of skilled mechanical engineers means that there are excellent career opportunities so if you are interested in how things are designed, manufactured and made to work, this course could be for you.

Our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree starts at Level 4 with a series of modules covering the core principles of engineering before moving on to subject specialisms at Levels 5 and 6, Candidates who already have a relevant Level 4 qualification are invited to join the programme at Level 5 and can complete the degree in just two years rather than the usual three.

Opportunities to explore software and practical subject areas such as computer aided design, controls and simulation and computational fluid dynamics are embedded within the modules to enable a blend of practical and theoretical experiences to enhance employability.

Many of our graduates are now employed by major companies such as EDF Energy, Westinghouse Springfields, Airbus, NIC, GCE and Ford Motor Company as mechanical design, production, project or research and development engineers.

Industry Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

  • Course code ET1HE606
  • UCAS code H300
  • Duration 3 Years
  • Day/s of week Monday to Wednesday
  • Time 09:00 - 17:15

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
3 Years

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £36,400 Average annual salary in this sector
  • STEM assured status
  • £10.5M Advanced Technology Centre
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Student case study - Marvyn Atkinson

Why did you choose B&FC?
I originally wanted to study at Lancaster University, then I discovered I could get exactly the same degree 5 minutes down the road. I came to an Open Event here and was so impressed with the facilities and the teaching staff, it was a no-brainer.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
The tutors have been amazing - every one of them took the time to tell me how I could improve so I've graduated with a first-class honours having started off with a predictive grade of a 2:2.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The UK has a significant shortfall of suitably skilled and qualified engineers. We have well-developed working relationships with a wide range of Engineering employers, through which we help and support learners into sustainable employment. Some of our previous graduates work at companies such as EDF Energy, Westinghouse (Springfields Fuels Ltd), BAE Systems and Airbus.

 

Next steps at B&FC

There are no Masters programmes or research opportunities at B&FC, but you may have been inspired to pass on your knowledge to the next generation of mechanical engineers in which case our Post Graduation Certificate of Education (PGCE) could be your next step. The PGCE will enable you to teach at secondary level and beyond and could offer you a highly rewarding career pathway in education.

Other study options

If you are aiming to reach a senior position in the mechanical engineering sector, you would do well to consider further study at Masters or research level. This programme of study leads perfectly to such courses, which, though challenging, are rewarded through a wealth of personal and professional development opportunities. There are numerous respected Masters programmes and research degrees offered at universities throughout the North West including Lancaster University with whom we are formally associated.

Employment Opportunities

Excellent graduate opportunities existing in mechanical engineering at a local, regional and national level with the chance to work internationally too. The breadth of organisations employing mechanical engineers means that you can choose to work in in a variety of industry sectors and for organisations both large and small.

Starting salaries tend to be above the graduate average but are, of course, company and location dependent. Progression can be rapid for those with a willingness to develop their professional skills and the ambition to succeed.

Career Options and Progression

The UK has a significant shortfall of suitably skilled and qualified engineers. We have well-developed working relationships with a wide range of Engineering employers, through which we help and support learners into sustainable employment. Some of our previous graduates work at companies such as EDF Energy, Westinghouse (Springfields Fuels Ltd), BAE Systems and Airbus.

Successful students may also wish to continue their studies by undertaking a relevant postgraduate degree at another University Institution, leading to even greater career opportunities.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • DD from A levels to include mathematics and a technology, engineering or science-based subject
  • PPP from Extended Diploma, MP from Diploma, MM from 90 Credit Diploma in a science or technology-based subject, including passes in mathematics

The entry criteria for direct entry onto Level 5 of the programme are:

  • HNC or HND with an overall merit grade in: Mechanical, General or Aeronautical Engineering or an appropriate Engineering discipline

GCSE Requirements - English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent qualifications, such as Functional Skills at Level 2).

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.


Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

BEng (Hons) Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need your own scientific calculator, we recommend the Casio FFX-91ES (costs start from around £15).

Books, Journals and electronic resources can be accessed via the College Learning Resources facility.

There may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

It is highly recommended (but not mandated) that at the start of your programme, you apply for student membership through a professional organisation such as IMechE or IET. Some organisations provide discounted student membership whilst for others there is no charge.

*Correct as at February 2024

  • IMechE - Affiliate Member*: No charge for an apprentice or studying engineering at college or an undergraduate student studying a STEM degree.
  • IET* - Students and apprentices membership fees (duration of the course or up to five years) £35.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Managing Professional Engineering Project ET4MD246 15 No
    Professional and Academic Skills Stem ET4MD290 20 No
    Workshop ET4MD291 10 No
    Engineering Mathematics ET4MD292 15 No
    Engineering Design ET4MD293 15 No
    Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines ET4MD297 15 No
    Mechanical Principles ET4MD298 15 No
    Fluid Mechanics ET4MD299 15 No

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Research Project ET5MD238 20 No
    Professional Engineering Management ET5MD239 20 No
    Further Engineering Mathematics ET5MD240 20 No
    Materials Properties and Testing ET5MD246 20 No
    Advanced Mechanical Principles ET5MD251 20 No
    Propulsion ET5MD253 20 No

  • Modules at level 6

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Major Project ET6MD211 40 No
    Professional Engineer ET6MD212 20 No
    Control and Simulation ET6MD213 20 No
    Composite Materials ET6MD217 20 No
    Manufacturing Systems Engineering ET6MD218 20 No
    Thermofluids ET6MD221 20 Yes

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

An engineering student in safety glasses practices techniques with machinery in a factory setting.
A close-up of machinery for mechanical engineering, showcasing a practical learning environment.
Students practice mechanical engineering techniques on machinery in a factory.
An engineering student in safety glasses practices techniques with machinery in a factory setting. A close-up of machinery for mechanical engineering, showcasing a practical learning environment. Students practice mechanical engineering techniques on machinery in a factory.
An engineering student in safety glasses practices techniques with machinery in a factory setting.
A close-up of machinery for mechanical engineering, showcasing a practical learning environment.
Students practice mechanical engineering techniques on machinery in a factory.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 481 322 415
Independent 719 878 742
Placement 0 0 243
Total 1200 1200 1400
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 74% 79% 62%
Exam 8% 20% 16%
Practical 22% 1% 15%