Overview
Mechanical engineers design, manufacture, repair or operate the things we need in everyday life. Learn in one of the most advanced engineering laboratories in any UK university. Our course is rated in the top 7 of the Guardian university league table 2017. This course is accredited by the IET and IMechE and has been validated to include an optional placement year in industry.
For more information about placement opportunities, please contact the Placements Team.
Careers
There is strong international demand for qualified mechanical engineers. Employment levels are high and jobs are well-paid. The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in the UK is £29,986* per year with the ability to earn well over £40,000 per year in senior design and project management roles. *Payscale.com
Our degree will also open up a huge variety of non-engineering jobs. Many employers in IT, finance, business and education welcome mechanical engineering graduates because of their high-level numerical and problem-solving skills.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies and develop additional skills we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses including Masters in Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering and Additive Manufacturing (3D printing).
Modules & assessment
Year one, core modules
-
Introduction to Engineering Materials
We will introduce you to the structure and properties of a range of engineering materials. This includes a review of typical load extension curves and their interpretation and you will carry out tensile tests on engineering materials to support and extend the classroom teaching. You will be introduced to the atomic structure of metals and non-metals as a lead into an understanding of the factors that influence the physical properties of materials. Alloying of metals will be explored via equilibrium diagrams and structure will be determined from given information. You will develop your skills in gathering and interpreting scientific information via a series of laboratory experiments. This will involve the use of metallurgical inspection equipment as well as common testing equipment. Our module is supported by a well-equipped metallurgical laboratory serviced by technical staff. -
IT, Communications and Research Skills
This module is designed to develop fundamental skills required by Civil Engineering professionals in these major areas - CAD, Information & Communication Technology and Research. The use of commercial software packages allows you both to develop your own and to gain an appreciation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for research, information management and presentation purposes. It encourages you to use contemporary ICT methods for research and for the production and presentation of reports, in a style suitable both for your university coursework requirements and in a commercial environment. You will be introduced to workstation based 2D drafting techniques using a powerful set of tools. You will also be introduced to the use of Autodesk's AutoCAD software series which is currently in the forefront of commercially available drafting software. Skills in this medium are highly sought after in the construction industry. You will undertake two pieces of coursework, one is a reflective report which introduces research skills learnt in the module, the other is a CAD drawing. -
Introduction to Mechatronics
This module covers the components of a Mechatronics system that include sensors, electrical as well as mechanical systems integrated together via computer programming. It is intended to build a solid foundation through theoretical concepts (in-class lectures) and their practical applications (laboratory sessions). Microcontroller and microprocessors will be introduced along with different types of sensors (such as proximity, distance, force and temperature) and their usage in the real world. This aspect will then be integrated by introducing the fundamentals of electrical actuation systems such as relays, solenoids and motors (stepper, DC, AC etc). -
Electronic Principles for Robotics
A wide range of electronic components in analogue or digital applications are covered such as filters, operational amplifiers, Schmidt triggers, comparators, counters, flip flops and all digital gates. An assembly of these components towards a robotic control system are explained and demonstrated. The module also covers fundamentals of DC and AC electronic circuit analysis. -
Mathematics for Engineering 1
You will gain a solid background in mathematical techniques and analysis in order to pursue a degree course in technology or engineering studies. The module will help you to assess your existing mathematical skills and develop the core mathematical skills, knowledge and techniques needed in order that elementary scientific and engineering problems may be solved. Matrices and determinants, and their use in solving simultaneous equations are introduced. Problems involving elementary probability theory are solved. In the complex plane, de Moivre's theorem is introduced and used to find powers and roots. The techniques of calculus - differentiation and integration - and their applications are introduced. Numerical integration is explored. -
Manufacturing
This module provides you with a basic understanding of manufacturing and joining processes. It gives the insight to the need of selecting the most appropriate manufacturing process in terms of technological feasibility and cost for a component. It explores the necessity to ensure, where possible, that the component design can be manufactured most efficiently and economically by a chosen technology. You will be introduced to modern equipment such as CNC machine and will have the opportunity to plan and make a component or product. Typical machine processes such as milling and turning will be introduced. You will conform to the regulations relating to safe workshop practice. About fifty per cent of the module will be based on practical design, plan and manufacture of a component or product. On the practical side, you can work either as a group or individually depending on the complexity of the product you make. But the final report is to be an individual work and includes critical evaluation of the product design, generation of alternative manufacturing processes and final recommendations. -
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
Supported by hands-on laboratory work you will explore the core mechanical engineering concepts and its wider applications in day to day life as well as in engineering. This will include the notion of vector and definition of main concepts and international system of units in mechanical engineering including concepts of particle, rigid body, and dimensions. You will also learn the fundamental concepts of Newton’s laws and its relation between statics and dynamics and cover concepts in statics such as equilibrium, force decomposition, and free body diagrams in two dimensions.
Year two, core modules
-
Dynamics and Fluid Mechanics
This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering principles, encompassing solid and fluid mechanics. It is intended to provide a sound theoretical basis for the analysis and synthesis of mechanical engineering systems. The module will review fundamentals of mechanical dynamics, fluid mechanics, and basic heat transfer. Dynamics relating to Newton's laws of motion are also discussed and applied. Fundamental understanding and applications of fluid mechanics, fluid statics, and Bernoulli’s equation are introduced as well as various classifications of fluid flow and concept of laminar and turbulent flow. -
Mathematics for Engineers 2
You will be introduced to the techniques that lie behind the solution of engineering problems. The methods tend to be hidden within software, you will gain an insight into the techniques, their application and their limitations so that you can make informed judgements on reliability of software solutions. Calculus is extended to partial differentiation and its applications and Laplace transforms and matrices are considered in depth. A statistics section is also included applied to the numerous areas of civil engineering which use these techniques. You will be prepared to undertake appropriate analysis in areas such as hydraulics, geotechnics, structural analysis and design. -
Statistics and Process Quality Assurance
Gain the knowledge and confidence to use statistical techniques in industrial applications for process control and problem solving. You will focus on quality management systems and standards as well as quality improvement techniques, including Pareto, cause effect diagrams, Shewhart cycles. You will consider constructs and interprets statistical process control (SPC) charts and learn how to selects the appropriate chart for a given application. Finally, you will build confidence in probability and statistics and improve your skills in sampling, graphical representation of data, binomial and Poison and normal distributions, measures of location and spread and expected values. Overall, you will get an appreciation of the wider aspects of quality management that are vital to the survival of all organisations. -
Applied Mechanics
This module will give you a fundamental understanding of applied mechanics, focusing on its application. We will study the static and dynamic of particles and rigid bodies under the influence of forces. Worked examples will enable you to become familiar with, and to grasp important concepts and principles, including pin-jointed frames and beams with various support systems, frictional motion on dry plain and inclined surfaces, and concept of shear force and bending moment diagram. -
Materials and Processes
You will develop on the learning outcomes covered in our Introduction to Engineering Materials module and review the use of equilibrium diagrams as an aid in predicting the structures of binary alloys under equilibrium cooling conditions. The module includes the atomic structure of engineering materials in predicting their behaviour in terms of physical and mechanical properties. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium structure of metals will be investigated in the laboratory in order to predict long term behaviour. The use of metals and non-metals under repeated loading cycles, the fracture toughness and creep resistance is explored in order to design components able to withstand a variety of service requirements. The economics of manufacture will cover the most optimum method of manufacturing with engineering materials and the effect of the processing on its structure. You will conduct laboratory experiments where you will be using a variety of test equipment and will be expected to complete full technical reports as part of your assessment. A technical visit will also form part of the module in order to witness industrial design processes and testing procedures. -
Engineering Design
This module is designed to develop the students’ ability to establish a need and design a product and processes working as part of a design team. Students consider marketing elements, cost and payback period, technological obstacles, ethical, regulatory and legal elements of the product and processes and the end user needs to develop a design thinking framework and produce product design and process brief. The product design and development stages such as concept generation and selection as well as feasibility studies are performed by students within groups. Detailed design methods and design for manufacture and assembly are taught and experienced by students. While the advanced use of 3D design software is vital, areas such as design strategies for 3D printing are explored, in some cases leading to rapid prototyping of the final product. Product lifecycle management, sustainability and environmental issues, adaptability to market change, intellectual property, and innovation management are part of materials covered in this module. -
Computer-Aided Solid Modelling
You will build on your previous CAD experience to create more complex solid part models and consider advanced aspects of CAD in this module. We will look at assemblies made up of a number of parts and sub-assemblies, and use the feature-based parametric modelling technique which automates the design and revision procedures by the use of parameters. You will be introduced to the methods for modelling sculptured surfaces that are seen in plastic mouldings and transition elements, checking moving parts in an assembly, and analysing animation and their mechanisms.
Year three, core modules
-
Project Management for Technologists
Immerse yourself in the planning, operations research techniques, scheduling, quality, people and management skills involved in projects. You will think about the variety of techniques available that could be used for the control of projects and gain insight to the theoretical underpinning concepts of these techniques. You will reflect on just what these issues are and what future developments might be envisaged, both in specific work place context and in a general professional development context. -
Research Methods and Individual Project (Civil and Mechanical Engineering)
Carry out an individual piece of research in civil or mechanical engineering. You will write a literature review of current knowledge in your chosen topic area, formulate a research question and collect data. You will get the support of our specialist academics via supervision, tutorials and classroom sessions. You will also spend time identifying your achievements and skills and create a plan for progression with the production of a CV and exit plan. -
Stress and Dynamics
Understand the theory and applications of engineering mechanics and build on the knowledge you gained in the Applied Mechanics module. Firstly, you’ll cover statics and apply principles to more complicated situations. You could analyse forces acting on particles and rigid bodies in static equilibrium, equivalent systems of forces or centroids and moments of inertia. Next, you’ll focus on kinematics of particles, followed by the discussion of particle kinetics and equation of motion. You’ll then cover the concept of particle dynamics and you’ll solve a real-life problem examples. Finally, you’ll analyse particle and rigid body dynamics in two dimension, dynamic equilibrium concepts and techniques of solution, including energy methods and vibrations. -
Control and Vibration
Mechanical engineering systems, structural or machinery, often experience problems associated with vibration which may lead to failure of design and product. Part of this module will provide you with a fundamental understanding of problem of vibration and analytical tools necessary to model the problem in an engineering system. This will include classifications of vibration and analytical analysis of free and forced vibration in single degree of freedom systems. You will discuss the methods of vibration control as well as vibration measurements with emphasise on applied engineering. The second part of the module will provide you with fundamentals and classifications of control systems, including feedforward vs feedback and open vs closed loop controls as well as use of Laplace transform methods to analyse linear control systems. -
Computer-Aided Engineering
Get 'hands on' experience with the latest industry-standard software. This module will introduce you to computer aided engineering as applied in industry, with emphasis on the analysis, manufacture and testing of a simple component. -
Modelling and Simulation for Operations Management
You will gain the tools and techniques to analyse the supply chain, using a computer simulation system. You will cover the need for advanced analysis tools in the manufacturing industry as the pace of change is accelerating and the competition is getting tougher. You will compare common supply chain decision support systems that include back of the envelope calculation, use of spreadsheets, queuing theory and simulation. The ability of simulation to represent systems with stochastic nature and its ability to see the system as a whole, considering the relationships and interactions between elements and the embedded logic is discussed. Simulation software is used to build valid shop floor models which may be subjected to varying influencing parameters. The output from the simulation models is used to assess performance. The performance of a supply chain can then be predicted and optimum operating conditions determined. -
Thermofluids
In this module methods will be proposed for predicting how much energy in the form of work and heat is available in the components that make up common thermal systems. In this module worked examples enable the students to become familiar with, and to grasp important concepts and principles in fluid mechanics such as mass, energy and momentum. The mathematical approach is simple for anyone with prior knowledge of basic maths and physics. Initially incompressible Newtonian fluids and single phase is considered followed by compressible and non-Newtonian fluids with introduction to mass transfer and computational Fluid Dynamics method (CFD). Analysis of mass and mass transfer, work transfer in non-flow process, heat transfer in non-flow process, special characteristics of work and heat transfer in flow and non-flow process are some of the thermofluid studies that will be covered.
Assessment
We’ll use a range of assessment methods to check your academic and practical progress throughout the course. These include exams, essays and reports, work relating to practical classes and demonstrations, log books, presentations and posters.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Technology is one of the largest of five faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full- or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, to a BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science and technology fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Chelmsford
Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.
Additional study information
Placements
This course gives you the opportunity to take a work placement year between years 2 and 3 of your studies. You’ll get experience of seeking and securing a job and working in an industry relating to your course. You’ll also get the practical experience and industry contacts to benefit your studies and enhance your long-term career prospects.
Although they can’t be guaranteed, we can work with you to find a placement using our contacts with a large number of employers. You’ll have regular contact with one of our course tutors and be supported by a supervisor from your placement company. Together they’ll monitor your performance and give you feedback.
To find out more about placement opportunities, email us at FST-Placements@anglia.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK & EU students, 2018/19 (per year)
£9,250
International students, 2018/19 (per year)
£12,500
Placement year (UK, EU, international students)
£1,250
Fee information
For more information about tuition fees, including the UK Government's commitment to EU students, please see our UK/EU funding pages
Additional costs
Safety footwear (steel toe and midsole) - £40
General stationary and calculator - £100
How do I pay my fees?
Tuition fee loan
Most English undergraduates take out a tuition fee loan with Student Finance England. The fees are then paid directly to us. The amount you repay each month is linked to your salary and repayments start in April after you graduate.
How to apply for a tuition fee loan
Paying upfront
If you choose not to take out a loan you can pay your fees directly to us. There are two ways to do this: either pay in full, or through a three- or six-month instalment plan starting at registration.
International students
You must pay your fees up-front, in full or in instalments. You will also be asked for a deposit or sponsorship letter for undergraduate courses. Details will be in your offer letter.
Paying your feesFunding for UK & EU students
Most new undergraduate students can apply for government funding to support their studies and university life. This includes Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. There are additional grants available for specific groups of students, such as those with disabilities or dependants.
We also offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
From September 2018, EU students starting an undergraduate degree with us can access an £800 bursary.
Meanwhile, our £400 Books Plus scheme helps with the costs of study. There's no need to apply for this: if you're eligible you can simply collect a Books Plus card when you start your course.
Funding for international students
We offer a number of scholarships, as well as an early payment discount. Explore your options:
Entry requirements
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@anglia.ac.uk for further information.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for undergraduate courses.
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry onto a degree course.
We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.
Suggested courses that may interest you
Medical Engineering
Full-time, sandwich-thick undergraduate (3 years, 4 years with placement)
September 2018
