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BEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering (With Integrated Foundation Year)

Unlock your potential with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year. From designing cutting-edge technology to solving real-world problems, this versatile field offers endless opportunities.

Our Integrated Foundation Year degree offers an invaluable extra year of academic preparation, ensuring you're fully ready for degree-level study. By completing the foundation year, you'll strengthen your foundational knowledge of the subject, sharpen essential learning techniques, and boost your confidence. It’s the perfect stepping stone to ease your transition into university life and equip you with the skills needed to excel in your chosen field.

Throughout this programme, you will explore exciting themes while enhancing your problem-solving abilities, fostering creativity through innovation and engaging in hands-on practice with real-world scenarios.

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Mechanical Engineering (With Integrated Foundation Year)  cover image

Course Overview

Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress directly onto the Mechanical Engineering, BEng (Hons).

This degree was designed in collaboration with BAE Systems, to study a broad range of topics that lay the foundation for a successful engineering career. Core areas include mechanics, where you'll explore the principles of motion, forces, and energy, and thermodynamics, which explores heat transfer and energy systems. You'll also study materials science, learning how different materials behave and how they can be used in design. Fluid mechanics and control systems are essential for understanding how machines interact with fluids and automated processes. The programme covers advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and robotics, alongside computer-aided design (CAD) for creating precise technical drawings and prototypes.

Additionally, you'll develop your skills in mathematics and engineering analysis, equipping you to solve complex technical problems. In between years two and three of this degree, you will have the option of taking a 12 week paid internship with BAE Systems (Barrow), as part of the BAE Systems Scholarship. If chosen, this is an excellent opportunity to apply your learning to the world of work, gain industrial training and develop connections within the industry.

On this course you will...

  • Study in a brand-new purpose built facility that has been designed to include all of the modern equipment and resources you need to make a success of your course.
  • Benefit from engaging with stakeholders from local and national employers.
  • Study a degree that was designed in collaboration with BAE so that you can be equipped with all of the knowledge and skills that employers really need.
  • Apply for the BAE Systems scholarship. The scholarship includes a bursary of up to £8,000 to support the cost of your studies, along with 12 week paid placement* and guaranteed interview* with BAE Systems (Barrow) at the end of your degree. (*subject to security clearance and criteria)
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Course Structure

What you will learn

Throughout the four year degree programme you will study 6 compulsory modules per year (5 in year 3).

Year one

Foundation Year

  • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
  • Essential Study Skills for Engineering
  • Foundation Engineering Principles
  • Digital Skills and Technologies for Engineering
  • Foundation Engineering Mathematics and Problem Solving
  • Foundation Engineering Design
Year two
  • Engineering Design
    In this module you will explore the tools and techniques of engineering design. You will be introduced to visual communication, the principles of metrology, and be trained in the safe use of a manufacturing workshop. You will put your new skills to use in the design, manufacture, and testing.
  • Integrated Engineering
    This module will give you practical experience of delivering engineering design projects via problem-based learning and will support your transition to university life and studies. You'll be introduced to the broader context of engineering, including the social, ethical and environmental aspects.
  • Mathematics and Computing
    As an engineer, you will describe real-world systems using mathematics and analyse problems using computer simulation and modelling. In this module, you will begin your exploration of these subjects to understand how and why mathematics is essential in manufacturing engineering.
  • Principles of Materials and Manufacturing
    This module will introduce the fundamental properties of engineering materials, how they are manufactured, and how both aspects affect each other. In learning about these issues, you will gain confidence in making and justifying an engineering decision when no single correct answer exists.
  • Mechatronic Principles – Electrical
    You will develop your knowledge and understanding of electrical principles and analyse signals, circuits and simple devices using various techniques.
  • Mechatronic Principles – Mechanical
    This module will introduce you to mechanical concepts which deal with machine construction, design, and use. You will develop a fundamental understanding of aspects of mechanical engineering in statics, kinematics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials.
Year three
  • Applied Materials and Manufacturing
    This module builds upon your knowledge of materials properties and demonstrates how materials selection influences the design and manufacturing process. You will learn about the planning of standard manufacturing processes, which includes the use of computer-controlled machines.
  • Applied Mechatronics – Electrical
    You will broaden your knowledge of electrical power supply and the electrical machines that are relevant to manufacturing environments. You will also be introduced to the principles of classic and industrial control.
  • Applied Mechatronics – Mechanical
    You will build upon your previous learning in statics, mechanics and dynamics and apply this knowledge to the automated machines used in advanced manufacturing environments. You will also learn about industrial control. This will enable you to study more advanced real-world systems in year three.
  • Digital Manufacture
    This module explores current and future practices in manufacturing engineering organisations. You will be introduced to the organisation of engineering business, the core technologies of digital manufacturing and potential future trends, as well as add to your knowledge of formal project management.
  • Integrated Engineering 2
    This module allows you to integrate your learning from across level 5 in a simulated professional environment. You will engage in two substantial projects as part of a team to solve real-world manufacturing engineering problems where no single solution exists.
  • Mathematics and Modelling
    You will develop your ability to apply more advanced mathematical techniques in a range of realistic engineering problems. You will also develop an understanding of numerical techniques and use them in modelling and simulation real-world problems.
  • Year in Industry (Optional)
    This module relates to one of the most exciting parts of your degree, your sandwich year work placement. This is a year-long, optional period of paid industrial training which gives you the opportunity to apply all the knowledge you have developed during your studies and discover the working world.
Year four
  • Advanced Manufacturing Systems
    You will expand your knowledge of contemporary manufacturing technology, which includes state-of-the-art computing. You will develop the analytical ability and technical skills to integrate manufacturing software, hardware, and controls into modern manufacturing systems.
  • Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
    You will explore leading-edge technologies involved in manufacturing processes, including contemporary issues in manufacturing engineering research. This includes advanced topics in metrology, additive layer manufacturing, and applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes.
  • Advanced Instrumentation and Control
    You will gain in-depth knowledge of the requirements and challenges of integration of automated systems, and how to control their operations within the manufacturing environment. This will include mathematical modelling to represent electro-mechanical systems within the overall manufacturing system.
  • Integrated Engineering Project
    You will undertake a substantial and independent piece of research into a topic of your choice. This project will enable you to integrate the knowledge you have gained throughout your degree in a creative way to solve a real engineering problem, and enhance your employability skills.
  • Operations Management
    You will build upon your previous learning in Digital Manufacturing by exploring the theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches to managing manufacturing operations. In addition, you will learn how to apply your knowledge towards improving and transforming business operations.

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams.
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