Mechanical Engineering BEng

Course description

Passionate about mechanical engineering, and keen to get into the workplace?

Sheffield’s Mechanical Engineering BEng is an excellent alternative to an MEng course – offering the option to graduate, or continue your engineering education with an MSc or switch to a MEng depending upon performance.

In the first two years you'll study the core subjects that you need to be a successful mechanical engineer and we’ll embed that knowledge by applying it to open-ended projects, typical of the engineering industry.

In the third year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree in a way that supports your career aspirations by choosing from a wide selection of engineering modules.

One of the highlights for the third year is the individual research project, chosen from a very wide range of topics and under the supervision of an expert in the chosen field.

Throughout the course, you will be given many opportunities to develop and demonstrate the professional skills, such as written and spoken communication, group working and project management, that employers desire.

Modules

Title: Mechanical Engineering BEng course structure 2026
UCAS code: H302
Years: 2026

First year Second year Third year

First year

Core modules:

Autumn Integrative Project

This module will introduce you to what it means to be a professional engineer by supporting you through the process of tackling a typical, practical, engineering problem. Through a series of structured, timely activities you will integrate the fundamental knowledge, taught in a separate, concurrent module, with the skills and capabilities expected of modern engineers. In conjunction with a similar integrative project in the Spring semester, you will develop a holistic view of mechanical engineering that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, and your subsequent career, giving you the ability and confidence to address open-ended, engineering problems in a proficient and effective manner.

20 credits

Spring Integrative Project

This module will provide you with further insight into what it means to be a professional engineer by supporting you through the process of tackling a typical, practical, engineering problem. Through a series of structured, timely activities you will integrate the fundamental knowledge, taught in a separate, concurrent module, with the skills and capabilities expected of modern engineers, building upon feed forward from a similar integrative project in the Autumn semester. In conjunction with the Autumn project, you will develop a holistic view of mechanical engineering that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, and your subsequent career, giving you the ability and confidence to address open-ended, engineering problems in a proficient and effective manner.

This module also includes a focused, week-long, cross-faculty interdisciplinary design activity aimed at equipping students with essential teamwork, design, problem-solving, and communication skills. Particular attention is paid to employability, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through real-life engineering projects, students are introduced to tackling complex challenges.

40 credits

Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 1

In conjunction with a similar module that runs in the Spring semester, this module will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding that will underpin the rest of your mechanical engineering degree. This module focuses on statics, solid mechanics and manufacturing processes; you will learn about these topics from first principles and observe them as phenomena in the laboratory. You will then have the opportunity to apply them to a practical engineering problem in a separate, concurrent integrative project module.

20 credits

Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 2

In conjunction with a similar module that runs in the Autumn semester, this module will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding that will underpin the rest of your mechanical engineering degree. This module focuses on dynamics, fluids, gases and thermofluids; you will learn about these topics from first principles and observe them as phenomena in the laboratory. You will then have the opportunity to apply them to a practical engineering problem in a separate, concurrent integrative project module.

20 credits

Essential Mathematical Skills & Techniques

This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes.

20 credits

Learning and assessment

At Sheffield, we firmly believe that our research expertise should translate into research-led teaching that inspires future generations of mechanical engineers.

Our learning and teaching vision is to recruit high calibre students and inspire each one to become a self-motivated and adaptable learner.

To achieve this, we provide our students with a challenging curriculum, preparing our graduates to contribute to the diversity of challenges present in global engineering and technology.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work.

Entry requirements

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
A*AA
including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

AAA, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in a relevant EPQ; AAA, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths

International Baccalaureate

38, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology; 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and A in a science-based extended essay

BTEC Extended Diploma

D*DD in Engineering or Applied Science (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) + A in A Level Maths

BTEC Diploma

D*D in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths

T Level

Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths

Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s

AAAAB + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

A + A*A in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Access to HE Diploma

Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 42 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units) and 3 at Merit + A in A Level Maths

Routes for mature students

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including A in Maths and B in at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

AAA, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in a relevant EPQ; AAA, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths

International Baccalaureate

34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and 5 in at least one of Higher Level Physics, Chemistry or Biology

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD in Engineering or Applied Science (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) + A in A Level Maths

BTEC Diploma

DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths

T Level

Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths

Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s

AABBB + AB, including A in Maths and B in either Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Access to HE Diploma

Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units) and 9 at Merit + A in A Level Maths

Routes for mature students

Graduate careers

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

After graduation, the majority of our students remain focused on mechanical engineering, either in industry or research, securing work all over the world, from the UK to Australia. Recent graduates have gone on to work for BAE Systems, Boeing, Dyson, EDF Energy, Jaguar, McLaren Racing, Red Bull, Siemens and The Royal Navy.

As a mechanical engineer from Sheffield, you’ll graduate with a degree that’s relevant to the world today. Our strong industry connections and focus on practical, real-world learning equip you with the skills and experience needed to thrive in your chosen career path.

You’ll be able to solve complex engineering challenges and apply your knowledge and creativity to tackle real-world problems. You’ll lead and innovate using strong leadership and problem-solving skills to drive innovation in your field.

Our mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought-after by top employers in various sectors.

Examples of these sectors and the work you could do:

• Aerospace: designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies.
• Transport: working on the design and development of vehicles, from high-performance cars to electric vehicles.
• Energy: contributing to the development of renewable energy solutions, such as wind turbines and solar power systems.
• Manufacturing: overseeing the production and development of a wide range of products, from consumer goods to industrial machinery.

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

At Sheffield our students learn by doing – connecting engineering theory to practice. This means our courses will not only challenge and engage you but they’ll also help you to develop the skills, knowledge and experience that employers look for. You'll have the chance to manufacture prototypes of your designs, and you’ll be introduced to business and management within an engineering context.

You'll be taught by academics who are experts in their fields, with a wealth of experience and links with industry and research. You'll also have the opportunity to work on real-life projects with our industrial partners – companies like Rolls-Royce, Siemens and Network Rail – giving you experience that will support your employability. And you’ll have an academic personal tutor who will support and guide your progress throughout.

Alongside different engineering project weeks and development programmes, our students are involved in a huge range of extra-curricular activities, from building single-seat racing cars and human powered aircraft, to designing and manufacturing a sustainable wind turbine, energy-efficient vehicles, rockets, and more.

Mechanical Engineering is situated in the Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing. We also have teaching space and labs in the new state-of-the-art Engineering Heartspace. The majority of mechanical engineering undergraduate lectures and labs take place in the Diamond.

Facilities

The Diamond is home to specialist facilities such as our engineering applications workshop, structures and dynamics laboratory, and thermodynamics and mechanics laboratory. This means you'll directly apply what you’ve learnt in lectures to lab sessions, which will help you to put theory into practice. Alongside teaching and study spaces, the Diamond is also home to iForge – the UK's first student-led makerspace.

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

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Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

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School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering