Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

Why choose this course?

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

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You'll obtain a very strong theoretical background and excellent hands-on skills while using state-of-the-art equipment.
  • You'll design, test and develop vehicles from concept through to production.
  • The MEng fully meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The BEng (Hons) meets these requirements in part.
  • The BEng (Hons) also meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
  • Kingston offers the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, such as a 3D design studio, a mechanical engineering workshop and automotive testing facilities.

Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Kingston University

Accreditation

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.

What you will study

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

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 - MEng only

Year 1 provides a solid knowledge of the general technical and non-technical subjects that underpin mechanical engineering practices.

Core modules (both pathways)

Engineering Design and Professional Practice

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.

Engineering Mechanics, Structures & Materials

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.

Engineering Mathematics and Computing Applications

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.

Fluid Mechanics and Engineering Science

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.

Core modules (both pathways)

Electronic Systems, Control and Computing

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.

Engineering Design, Materials and Manufacture 2

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:

  • Produce alternative design concepts to solve a given problem, with analysis validation and carry out detail design to comply with current British Standards.
  • Specify and select appropriate engineering materials for a particular design application.
  • Use appropriate CAD/CAE tools for the design to create an effective mechanical model and system and simulation and analysis
  • Apply DFMA, Bale Engineering and value analysis techniques to optimise design cost.
  • Use appropriate CAM tools to simulate the parts machining time optimisation.
  • Appraise design solutions from the perspectives of cost function, quality and manufacturability.
Engineering Project Management

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.

Core modules specific to Mechanical Engineering pathway

Thermofluid and Mechanical Systems 2

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:

  • Analyse and use power, refrigeration and heat pump cycles, including vapour, air standard and gas cycles.
  • Describe laminar and turbulent boundary layer flows, and calculate associated loss factors and friction losses.
  • Explain heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection and radiation) and combustion processes in the context of their engineering applications.
  • Analyse complex stress problems involving combined bending, shear, torsional and axial loading and apply theories of strength, buckling, asymmetric sections, determinate and indeterminate frameworks to engineering design problems.
  • Derive and solve mathematical models for vibratory systems with one and two degree of freedom.
  • Apply appropriate analytical techniques and methods to the solution of typical thermofluid and mechanical system problems.

Core modules specific to Automotive pathway

Automotive Systems 1

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.

Core modules (both pathways)

Individual Project

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:

  • Propose and plan an individual research, design or experimental project setting realistic project goals and milestones thus illustrating an understanding of a range of issues pertinent to the task.
  • Critically review current literature.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate and defend the planning, methodology and outcome of an individual project through graphical and oral methods including a poster presentation and a short oral presentation of the work demonstrating command of grammar, vocabulary and style appropriate for a professional audience.
  • Structure a report to convey complex information in clear English providing a description of work undertaken, a synthesis of the data collected and present a logical discussion of the processes, results and conclusions, demonstrating throughout a command of grammar and style. Referencing different sources accurately and in line with standard conventions illustrating the links between information, data and the outlined task.
  • Work independently in a professional manner adhering to the University's codes and regulations. You will be able to identify, justify and use methods of analysis, enquiry and production which are appropriate to the project.
Computational Methods in Engineering and Control

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.

Core modules specific to Mechanical Engineering pathway

Thermofluid and Mechanical Systems 3

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.

Core modules specific to Automotive pathway

Business Management and Group Project

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.

Automotive Systems 2

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.

Core modules (both pathways)

Integrated Design 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:

  • Generate an industrially relevant design from initial specification through the detailed design stage, to the optimised solution.
  • Manage and participate in the design process, devising an effective plan of approach with appropriate time scheduling.
  • Participate in meetings as a team member, secretary or chairperson, produce minutes and keep a properly-maintained log book.
  • Effectively defend a technical design via a presentation to an academic audience and industrial audience.
  • Produce a final technical report to a professional standard.

Core modules specific to Mechanical Engineering pathway

Advanced Stress Analysis and Materials

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.

Computational Fluid Dynamics for Engineering Applications

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:

  • Define and analyse simple engineering fluid flow problems using the Navier Stokes equations. Simplify flow problems and solve them.
  • Construct appropriate solid models for CFD analysis, set up the solution domain and generate suitable surface and volume grids via meshing tools.
  • Understand both flow physics and mathematical properties of governing of Navier Stokes equations and define appropriate boundary conditions.
  • Use CFD software to model flow problems of relevance to mechanical engineers. Analyse the results and compare with available data.

Core modules specific to Automotive pathway

Control Systems with Embedded Implementation

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.

Automotive Aerodynamics and Structural Analysis

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.

Foundation year

An Engineering Foundation course with pathways in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical Engineering is available. 

Future Skills

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.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BEng (Hons); 64 for BEng (Hons) including foundation year; 128-144 for MEng.

  • BEng: 112-128 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. A-levels to include Mathematics and a Science subject (Physics or Chemistry). Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DMM).
  • MEng: 128-144 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. A-levels to include Mathematics and two Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics). Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DDM).

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2023

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BEng (Hons); 64 for BEng (Hons) including foundation year; 128-144 for MEng.

  • BEng: 112-128 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. A-levels to include Mathematics and a Science subject (Physics or Chemistry). Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DMM).
  • MEng: 128-144 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. A-levels to include Mathematics and two Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics). Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DDM).

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Engineering subject which has been passed with 112 UCAS points (BEng) or 128 UCAS points (MEng).

Applications from those that have undertaken an Engineering foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

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.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 392 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 823 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 431 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 769 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 298 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 929 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 50%
  • Practical: 5%
  • Exams: 45%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 52%
  • Exams: 48%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 46%
  • Exams: 54%

 

Year 4

Coursework: 68%
Practical exam: 2%
Written exam 30%

 

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 90 students and lecture sizes are normally 80­-100­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course

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.

Facilities

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:

  • 3D design studio and workshop
  • mechanical engineering workshop
  • rolling roads
  • automotive testing facilities
  • a Lotus Exige
  • cars and motorcycles built by engineering students.

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.

Three engineering students working on a Formula Student car.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250**
International Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* If your course involves a foundation year, the fee for that year for Home (UK) students will be £9,250 in 2024/25. The fees shown above apply for Year 1 of the degree from 2024/25 onwards (fees may rise in line with inflation for future academic years). For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

** Foundation fees are awaiting the outcomes of the Government's 'Higher education policy statement and reform consultation'.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: TBA**
International Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* If your course involves a foundation year, the fee for that year for Home (UK) students will be £9,250 in 2023/24. The fees shown above apply for Year 1 of the degree from 2023/24 onwards (fees may rise in line with inflation for future academic years). For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

** Foundation fees are awaiting the outcomes of the Government's 'Higher education policy statement and reform consultation'.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

International students

Important: if you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you will need an ATAS certificate if you wish to apply for the Mechanical Engineering MEng course. Once you have completed the Mechanical Engineering Foundation Year (UCAS code H308), you can transfer to Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons)/BSc(Hons), dependent on satisfactory grades. 

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

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.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Materials

The University supports the expenses incurred for projects (up to £50); however there might be instances where you would like to spend more.

Field trips

All compulsory industrial site visits are paid for by the University; optional ones are not included. There may be some cases in which a student is required to pay a small travel cost – this can range from £0 to £100 depending on where you are travelling from.

3D printing

It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.

What our students say

The best part of the course is the design modules where you learn a lot about what actually goes into the designing of everything we use regularly. It also gives you the experience of the industry since all the programs are used in the industry, so this helps you familiarise with the standards and gives a head start for job hunting in the future.

The University itself has some amazing and one-of-a-kind machines and they keep pace with while they emphasise strongly on preparing you for the industry.

Soteris Eliades, Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons)

I especially enjoyed working on my group project work; involving the design, fabrication and testing of a concentrating parabolic solar collector; the entire experience was a big step in my transition from student to engineer.

I was impressed with the availability of comprehensive libraries, online resources and knowledgeable and accommodating lecturers and staff. I often spent entire days and many late nights in the silent study areas of the libraries which was the ideal environment for me.

The advice I would give to new students would be to make learning and skills development your top priority, be positive about the entire experience and you'll get more value from it than you thought possible.

Kanishka Goonesekera, Mechanical Engineering Design BEng

After you graduate

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.

Examples of recent graduate destinations

Types of jobs

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Applications technical engineer (engineering estimator)
  • Reliability engineer
  • Senior interior project engineer
  • Automotive technician
  • Design engineer
  • Project manager

Employers

  • Mitsubishi
  • Thales
  • Eurostar
  • BAE Systems
  • Laing O'Rourke
  • Thermo Plastiki
  • Denso Manufacturing

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10% discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

Formula Student and motorsport

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.

About Formula Student

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.

KU e-Racing shines at Silverstone

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.

Kingston motorsport

Students on this course can also get involved with the successful Kingston University motorsport team.

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Why take a placement? Work placements: 

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career; 
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree; 
  • enhance your CV; 
  • lead to a graduate job;  
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid); and 
  • 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

  • 81% placement students and 34% non-placement students got a first or 2.1 (Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics, 2008). 
  • 100% of placement students during 2008 recommend doing a placement (Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics, 2008). 
  • 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

Examples of placements  

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 
Multiplex 
Costain 
Willmott Dixon  
Fluor 

Assistant site manager 
Assistant trades package manager 
Assistant logistics manager 
Health and safety officer 
Construction engineer

Science-based placement employers 

Science-based placement roles 

Reckitt and Benckiser 
GSK 
Drug Control Centre 
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd  
Various local and international hospitals 

Bioanalytical sciences 
Lab assistant 
Pharmacy assistant 
Sports coach 

Engineering-based placement employers 

Engineering-based placement roles 

Airbus 
BAM Nuttall 
Nissan 
Bosch 
Wozair

Analysis of aircraft structure 
Construction resources specialist 
Site engineer assistant

Computing and IS based placement employers 

Computing and IS based placement roles 

Disney 
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe 
IBM 
McKinsey 
Intel

Database co-ordinator 
Software developer 
Website developer 
App developer

Mathematics-based placement employers 

Mathematics-based placement roles 

Lloyds Banking Group 
AXA 
Allianz 
PAU Education, Spain

Analyst 
Investment solutions 
Research analyst 
Accounts assistant

Key information set

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).

Changes from 1 August 2022

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.

Course changes and regulations

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.