Mechanical engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of products and systems that affect us all, with expertise relevant to many organisations. You'll learn general mechanical engineering, gain highly-sought-after simulation skills and an understanding of business and project management. Specialist subjects include applied mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and electronics.
The Automotive pathway focuses on the design, testing and development of vehicles and/or components, from concept to production. They also involve improving vehicles in response to customer feedback.
The MEng course has an extra year, for deeper study of areas such as computer-aided design and mathematics.
Course | Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
---|---|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering MEng | 4 years full time | H303 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering MEng with Professional Placement | 5 years full time including professional placement | H304 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons) | 3 years full time | H300 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons) with Professional Placement | 4 years full time including professional placement | H301 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons) | 4 years full time including foundation year | H308 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering BEng (Automotive Engineering) (Hons) | 4 years full time including foundation year | H322 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) MEng | 4 years full time | H323 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) MEng with Professional Placement | 5 years full time including professional placement | H324 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) BEng(Hons) | 3 years full time | H320 | 2023 |
Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) BEng(Hons) with Professional Placement | 4 years full time including professional placement | H321 | 2023 |
Important: if you are an international student requiring a Student Route visa to study in the UK, you will need an ATAS certificate if you wish to apply for the Mechanical Engineering MEng course. Read further information.
Once you have completed the Mechanical Engineering Foundation Year (UCAS code H308), you can transfer to Mechanical Engineering BEng, dependent on satisfactory grades.
Location | Roehampton Vale |
The MEng fully meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
The BEng(Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC.
The BEng(Hons) will also automatically meet the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Please check the Engineering Council course search for more information.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
MEng and BEng students take the same modules until Year 3 when the routes diverge. The MEng contains an extra year of advanced-level study.
Year 1 provides a solid knowledge of the general technical and non-technical subjects that underpin mechanical engineering practices.
30 credits
The principal aim of this module is to provide you with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic and professional practice needed to attain professional status. The module introduces the key aspects involved in: planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures. The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development. The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.
Some elements of the module are delivered as part of the personal tutor scheme (PTS). This assists your transition into Higher Education encouraging a sense of belonging within the Faculty and within your discipline. The PTS helps you to develop good academic habits and initiates effective team working within a project management and engineering design framework, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance your employability.
30 credits
The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain, etc. are defined and calculated. The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real world structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials. A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratories.
30 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip you with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The module also introduces the use of computing methods in engineering. The mathematics part comprises algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors. The computing part covers the use of software for problem solving, visualisation and data representation. The emphasis is on using mathematical and computational tools to solve engineering problems.
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and engineering science. Taught to mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering students, it will use this broad audience to enhance a collaborative learning environment. The fluid mechanics section will cover the fundamental properties of fluids and the main basic conservation equations used and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement. The engineering science section will consider subject areas relevant to each discipline. For mechanical and aerospace engineering students it will introduce thermodynamics and electrical engineering and for civil engineering students it will consider soil mechanics. The thermodynamics topic covers the key concepts of system, work, heat and the main thermodynamics laws with special reference to their engineering applications. The electrical engineering section covers the basic concepts and electrical quantities such as charge, current, resistance, voltage, power and energy before looking at fundamental electrical components and how they can be incorporated into both AC and DC circuits. The soil mechanics topic will introduce the fundamental properties of soils and their essential aspects.
Year 2 introduces more focused studies, covering specialist subjects such as applied mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics, control and computing. You will have the opportunity to extend your mathematics and project-management abilities.
30 credits
This module builds deals with advanced electronic systems and concepts from classical control, including feedback control systems and analysis of their response and the effects of the feedback loop. The content of this module is informed by the research performed by the teaching team. In order to improve your employability, a range of engineering programming tools are used to model and analyse the performance of engineering systems, enabling learning of the functionality of control analysis and design software.
30 credits
This module deepens the knowledge of the mechanical engineers in design communication to British Standard BS8888, from reading engineering drawing to product design specification and optimisation and validation; supported by the CAD/CAE software in analysing and solving engineering design problems. 3D digital modelling techniques are used.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
30 credits
The module includes principles and commercial practices for the management of engineering projects and related wider business operations. The nature of project engineering and business management is considered in the context of quality, time, risk and sustainability aspects. The module is contextualised for mechanical and automotive professionals to promote and broaden knowledge of how companies and organisations work in the project and business environment. This module continues effective team working as well as developing interpersonal skills.
30 credits
This module goes into greater depth to the first year's module, to extend the knowledge of thermofluids and mechanical principles as well as identify and develop the skills required in analysis and problem solving relating to the design of thermofluid systems and mechanical components.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
30 credits
The module introduces basic automotive systems of modern vehicles and race cars. It is delivered through a project-based approach, including lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. It also introduces elements of design and structural analysis of a chassis, while it discusses the current trends in vehicle manufacturing, as well as in emerging electric, hybrid and alternative fuels vehicle technology. Similar systems found in high performance cars are also examined.
Year 3 comprises core engineering topics and advanced mechanical engineering modules, plus a strong focus on independent and group project work. You will gain an understanding of the business world. MEng students will continue to deepen their knowledge in areas such as computer-aided design and mathematics.
30 credits
This module is a core module in the MEng and BEng Mechanical Engineering programmes and forms a capstone experience for the course. This major project is undertaken throughout the final year of the BEng programme and Stage three of the MEng programme, allowing you to research and study in depth a topic in mechanical engineering which is of personal interest. The module will involve analysis and evaluation and for the student to demonstrate organisational capability and communication.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
30 credits
This core module combines elements of analytical techniques and computational methods used in solving engineering problems. The analytical techniques concern Structural Mechanics, Thermofluids, Multidegree of Freedom Vibrating Systems and Multivariable Control Engineering. The computational methods concern the analysis of a structure using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the analysis of internal and external flows, as well as heat transfer, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), modelling and simulation of multidegree of freedom vibrating systems using MATLAB/SIMULINK, and the analysis of multivariable control engineering for mechanical/electromechanical systems using Experience Controls App and MATLAB/SIMULINK. To this end, this core module also includes the use of industry-standard software and High Performance Computing (HPC) for the analysis of basic engineering systems.
30 credits
This core module is designed to extend your knowledge of the analytical techniques of fracture mechanics, stress analysis and thermofluid to analyse and design engineering structures and systems.
This module builds on the knowledge gained in the second year Thermofluids & Mechanical Systems 2 module to extend your knowledge and skills in structural analysis based on fracture mechanics and fatigue. Simulation will be used to give a practical introduction to the finite element analysis (FEA) method for structural analysis. Thermofluids mechanics aspects involving conversion and transfer of energy such as turbomachines (pumps, turbines...) and heat exchangers will be discussed. The module also provides a further understanding of numerical methods employed in fluid flow and heat transfer analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorials. Course materials are available via Canvas where appropriate.
30 credits
This module gives you an opportunity to work as a member of a design team on an Aerospace/Mechanical/Civil design project. It also further develops your broader understanding of the business context of engineering activities. It will develop a set of skills and techniques which will prepare you for employment.
30 credits
This module introduces industry standard software for structural and flow simulations, related to the design of typical commercial vehicles and race cars, as well as to the optimised design of automotive systems and/or motorsport components.
The final year of the MEng course will continue to deepen and broaden expertise. A strong emphasis is again on independent learning, as well as an industrially focused group project.
60 credits
This core module, undertaken throughout the final year of the course, provides a capstone element. It gives students the opportunity to work on a major engineering design problem, in a team, in a way which closely parallels a real-world project. It also provides an opportunity for students to further develop academic skills gained earlier in the programme.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
30 credits
This module is designed as an advanced option to extend your knowledge of the analytical techniques of stress analysis, plasticity theory and some of the more advanced theories behind finite element analysis.
The module also investigates properties of a range of modern materials and associated advanced manufacturing processes with a view to broaden your knowledge and skills when selecting a material for a complex engineering application. Use of case studies from extensive research activities of the academic staff is a main feature of this module, introducing you to career opportunities in industrial research and development.
30 credits
This option module is designed for students in mechanical engineering and allied subject areas to be able to extend existing knowledge and skills of relevant computational techniques and advanced mathematics developed at undergraduate level. Emphasis is placed on the solution to fluids problems in a realistic mechanical engineering context.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
30 credits
This module encompasses a range of related fields, such as control and embedded implementation. It introduces classical design and tools for analysis of control systems. Time domain design methods are followed by frequency domain design methods. Although the module mainly deals with continuous-time systems, the discrete-time systems are also discussed. This is followed on by implementation, where sensors and actuators are introduced.
The learning is supported by practical exercises where students design and implement embedded control systems using computer-aided design tools and embedded microcontroller-based systems including real-time industrial computers. In addition to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on implementation, providing students with a set of skills that will enhance their employability. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the School.
30 credits
This module gives students an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics. Emphasis is placed on the use of industry-standard software tools to help with the analysis of whole vehicle dynamic behaviour and aerodynamics. The research and professional practice undertaken by the academic staff involved in the delivery is a strong feature of this module. In additional to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on empirical, hands-on learning, providing you with a set of skills that will enhance your employability. The learning is supported by practical exercises in the wind tunnel where your empirical methods used for quantifying air flows, both internally and externally and the software simulation approach. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.
An Engineering Foundation course with pathways in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical Engineering is available.
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions, backed up by design classes, workshops and site visits.
Assessment methods are usually split between exam and continuous assessment coursework (e.g. reports, computer exercises, laboratories and essays). Some modules are assessed by coursework only.
The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry-informed, ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.
The Department has strong links with industry leaders, including Delphi, Lotus Engineering, MAN and Thales. Many of our innovative, hands-on projects involve students as well as academics and receive national and global coverage.
Our applied approach to teaching is supported by dedicated laboratories for mechanical, automotive and motorsport engineering, including wind tunnels, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and manufacturing machinery, a fully-equipped materials lab, engine test cells, an automotive diagnostics lab featuring the latest industrial software packages, and a modern electronics/robotics lab with the recent addition of a robot and electronic equipment from National Instruments.
Students' learning experience is enhanced through the participation in competitions such as the IMechE Formula Student project, the IMechE Design Challenge competitions for Years 1 and 2 students, the Isle of Man TT-Bike race and the Caterham Academy Championship.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
The recently enlarged library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
You'll graduate ready for a successful career in industry, having gained hands-on experience, practical, professional and technical skills.
Graduate destinations include Rolls-Royce, Atkins, Alstom, Formula 1, Lockheed Martin, British Aerospace, British Airways, McLaren and Subsea 7.
Join this course at Kingston and you too could join the KU e-Racing team and help them drive for success in Formula Student year after year. It's a great chance to apply theory to a real workplace project. Enjoy the thrills of appearing at a major racing circuit and have something amazing to add to your CV.
IMechE's Formula Student is the largest annual student motorsport event in the world and is delivered in partnership with key industry players including Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Shell, National Instruments and Mercedes AMG Petronas. Ross Brawn OBE (Team Principal, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team) is the patron and the event is entered by 141 university teams from 34 countries.
With its real-world bias, Formula Student is viewed by the motor industry as the standard for engineering graduates to meet. In fact, many high-profile motorsports engineers have participated in Formula Student whilst at university, including Andrew Shovlin, chief race engineer of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team and James Painter, engineering lead of vehicle integration working on the BLOODHOUND land speed record.
The week after the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel raced at the British Grand Prix, students from around the world competed in their own motorsport event at Silverstone in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' Formula Student competition. Kingston University's KU e-Racing proved to be the only UK team with a viable electric vehicle.
Read here how the KU team got on.
You can also see the KU e-Racing car being assembled, the chassis being constructed and the car being transported to Silverstone, as well as glimpses of the business presentation made as part of the University's entry. Produced by students Karam Rajaby and Joseph Bannister (Television and Video Technology BSc(Hons)), Amy Nicole Tinker (Media Technology BSc (Hons)); and Luka Stokic (Automotive Engineering BSc(Hons)).
Watch out for their full-length documentary on Formula Student.
Students on this course can also get involved with the successful Kingston University motorsport team.
Why take a placement? Work placements:
help you to select your final-year project.
"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..."
Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky
"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills."
Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd
Many employers offer a graduate job to their successful placement students.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (eg a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
For further information please contact the Placements Team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk.
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
Construction-based placement employers |
Construction-based placement roles |
---|---|
RG Group |
Assistant site manager |
Science-based placement employers |
Science-based placement roles |
Reckitt and Benckiser |
Bioanalytical sciences |
Engineering-based placement employers |
Engineering-based placement roles |
Airbus |
Analysis of aircraft structure |
Computing and IS based placement employers |
Computing and IS based placement roles |
Disney |
Database co-ordinator |
Mathematics-based placement employers |
Mathematics-based placement roles |
Lloyds Banking Group |
Analyst |
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Up until 31 July 2022, this course was taught in the Faculty of Science Engineering and Computing. For students enrolling from September 2022, the course will be delivered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and the Environment. There will be no impact on the teaching or the award of the degree.
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.