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.

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.

• Have the opportunity to receive a scholarship through BAE Systems. Upon successful application, you may receive up to £8,000 to support the cost of your studies, along with 12 week paid work experience and guaranteed interview with BAE Systems (Barrow) at the end of your degree.

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
• Integrated Engineering
• Mathematics and Computing
• Principles of Materials and Manufacturing
• Mechatronic Principles – Electrical
• Mechatronic Principles – Mechanical

Year Three:

• Applied Materials and Manufacturing
• Applied Mechatronics – Electrical
• Applied Mechatronics – Mechanical
• Digital Manufacture
• Integrated Engineering 2
• Mathematics and Modelling
• Year in Industry (Optional)

Year Four:

• Advanced Manufacturing Systems
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
• Advanced Instrumentation and Control
• Integrated Engineering Project
• Operations Management

In this program, assessments come in two forms: formative and summative.

• Formative assessments are ongoing, giving you feedback on your progress as you work through the course, helping you improve along the way.
• Summative assessments happen at the end of a project or module and count towards your grade.

To suit different learning styles, assessments use various formats like coursework, presentations, and exams, and deadlines are spread throughout the year to help manage your workload.

• Coursework could be writing reports, creating presentations, or completing computer-based assignments that reflect real-world tasks.
• Exams are usually unseen, done in a timed setting, and can include multiple-choice, problem-solving, or essay questions.

Your tutor will explain how each assessment works and provide a marking guide so you know what to aim for. Generally, plan to spend about 20% of your time on assessment prep.