Course description
Course description
The first year of the programme provides the basic knowledge and skills which are applicable to all engineering, such as mechanics, thermo-fluids, materials, mechatronics, communications, design and mathematics, in a novel and challenging active learning environment. You will also study a language in the first year of the programme. A range of languages will be available, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, at levels appropriate to individual prior learning. In the second year, in addition to course units in design, professional studies and management, you will begin to study the core material that provides the basic technical knowledge required by mechanical engineers. This includes such subjects as thermodynamics, fluids, materials and structures, dynamics, and control. All these topics are taught in an innovative application-driven environment. For example, a typical design challenge might be a transmission system for a racing car, choosing the gear ratios to maximise acceleration. All the design challenges produce practical results. You will continue your language studies. In the third year you will study at a top European institution. The programme will take on a different character from that of the earlier years as you adapt to the culture abroad on a specialist mechanical engineering programme. You will be supported in your studies abroad by a local tutor as well as by our support network, which will ensure that you are visited while you are away. When you return to Manchester for your fourth year, you will undertake a group project and complete your formal studies with a selection of options. The core material expands to include such topics as manufacturing and project management. There is a wide range of options which may include machine tools, management, manufacturing, materials, processes, mathematics, micro-mechanics, modelling & simulation, plant monitoring, power plant, environment and many others.
Special features
There is the opportunity to specialise in the fourth year of the programme.
This course includes a year of study abroad.
Career opportunities
Mechanical engineering is the most fundamental of all the engineering disciplines. Professional mechanical engineers can work in a whole range of industries: aerospace, automobile, civil, electronics, manufacturing and the process industries. A language is a valuable asset whether you work in the UK or abroad. The demand for professional mechanical engineers is high and relatively stable, because it is less affected by recession in any single industry. Mechanical engineers also find many employment opportunities in other branches of engineering where their key skills play important roles. Transferable skills such as simulation, problem solving, design, management and modelling, enable a significant proportion of graduates to follow alternative careers in high level technology. Our graduates are increasingly sought after for positions in the business, management and financial arenas.
