School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
| UCAS tariff |
112 - 128
Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
|
| UCAS course code | H300 |
| Institution code | P60 |
| Duration | 3 years (+ optional placement) |
| Course type | Full-time |
| Study location | Plymouth |
Do you have a passion for technology and design? Primarily problem solvers, mechanical engineers design, create and apply tools and methods across industries, from atomic physics to space exploration. They tackle crucial challenges that impact us all, such as energy security, efficient manufacturing and smart cities. You will learn from enthusiastic staff with strong industry connections, who use laboratory sessions and hands-on demonstrations to reinforce academic concepts.
BPIE115
Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
ENGR103
Engineering Science
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR104
Engineering Mathematics
20 credits
This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR105
Mechanics and Structures
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR106
Engineering Materials
20 credits
This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR107
Engineering Design
20 credits
This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
ENGR108
Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques
20 credits
The experimental basis of this module allows students develop their engineering science knowledge and practical skills using a student-centred, laboratory-based approach to learning. The module will help students develop good quality study skills, teamwork, and competency in technical communication.
70% Practicals
30% Coursework
BPIE215
Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
CONT223
Engineering Mathematics and Control
20 credits
This module provides engineering mathematical techniques and methods (Laplace transform and linear algebra) for the analysis of practical engineering problems and introduces classical control systems theory.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
MATS236
Materials & Structural Integrity
20 credits
This module introduces students to the structural assessment of a range of engineering materials. It includes both a study of the materials themselves as well as their likely failure mechanisms under load. The module will also develop the underpinning mathematical analysis required to quantify these effects in an appropriate manner.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MECH236
Manufacturing Processes
20 credits
The module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to manufacturing. It will cover both the fundamentals of forming, shaping, joining and traditional machining processes in relation to a range of engineering materials and the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties. It will also include hands-on workshop activities to reinforce understanding and to develop additional engineering competences.
100% Coursework
MECH237
Thermo-Fluids
20 credits
This module will introduce key concepts in thermodynamics and fluids mechanics theory pertaining to mechanical engineering. It will also include an introduction to heat transfer and its application in design and performance of heat engines and other applications.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
MECH238
Mechanical Engineering Design & Commercialisation
20 credits
In this module, students develop and apply their engineering science knowledge in a practical design context. They learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis/decision making and commercial awareness. They apply this process to solve a design challenge. They also learn to use parametric calculations to optimise components/systems for specific design constraints.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
MFRG217
Engineering Quality Management
20 credits
This module provides the student with an understanding of the importance of Total Quality to a manufacturer, its measurement and some of the tools available to the designer/manager to ensure it is profitably achieved. It introduces the concept of the World-Class organisation, its culture and management as well as the international (ISO) management systems (quality, environment and H&S) involved.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
BPIE335
Mechanical Engineering Related Placement
0 credits
A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
MECH341
Computer Aided Engineering
20 credits
In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.
100% Tests
CONT318
Control and Intelligent Systems Design
20 credits
This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
PRME310
Engineering Honours Project
40 credits
In this module students will carry out independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.
100% Coursework
THER307
Thermal-Fluids Engineering
20 credits
This module provides further studies in thermal and fluid engineering relating to specific topics relevant to mechanical engineering.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MATS347
Composites Design and Manufacture
20 credits
The module provides an integrated approach to design, materials and processing selection for composite materials. MATS 347, MATS 348, and MFRG300 are the specific components of the Mechanical Engineering with Composites pathway
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MATS348
Composites Engineering
20 credits
This module introduces stress analysis and appropriate numerical methods and integrates the learning from the parallel module MATS347 in a practical assignment to produce a prototype composite component. MATS 347, MATS 348, and MFRG311 are the specific components of the Mechanical Engineering with Composites pathway.
100% Coursework
MECH343
Mechanical Engineering Design and Practice
20 credits
This module further develops a methodical approach to engineering design. Students will create solutions to a complex engineering problem, embodiment designs using CAD tools, validate functionality, optimise technical performance and consider design for excellence targets across the product lifecycle. The module also considers the professional responsibilities of engineers, codes of conduct and typical ethical issues.
100% Coursework
This course has unique rules relating to:
UCAS tariff
112 - 128
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
| 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * | |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
| International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
| Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
*UK Government announcement on tuition fees
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
International progression routes
You may progress onto the MEng course at the end of your second year if you are doing well.
“I spent a year on work placement with Plymouth-based Fine Tubes, a manufacturer of precision tubes for a wide range of industries including aerospace, oil and gas, medical. As a result of my performance, the company sponsored the final year of my degree and offered me a job.”
Breaking, twisting, and snapping metal in our STEAM Material Testing Lab
I chose Plymouth because it offered a tailored composites degree, which very few universities offer. Since finishing my degree, I went straight into a graduate role at the National Composites Centre in Bristol.
Sometimes I have to take a step back to remind myself that at the other end of this antenna I’m controlling a spacecraft around Mars or another spacecraft in deep space, it’s literally out of this world.
I can say with 100 per cent certainty that I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without my placement year. It made a huge difference to not only my CV, but my confidence and general business know-how.
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.
Engineering Council accredited degree
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) accredited degree
Composites pathway: Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3)
Teaching Excellence Framework Gold
Tamar Engineering Project