BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: H300
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120-128	BBB-ABB - Maths and either physics or technology or engineering based subjects, excluding general studies/critical thinking	DDM - Extended diploma in engineering (DMM) to include Distinction in further maths	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit	120-128 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above to include HL Maths and Physics

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Clearing entry requirements

We’re committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. Over Clearing, we’ll be taking a flexible approach so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB Mandatory subjects: Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering- based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking	DDM Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include Distinction in Further Mathematics	None	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit	120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

UCAS points

A Level

BTEC

Accepted T Levels

Access Course Tariff

IB requirement

120–128

BBB–ABB

Mandatory subjects:

Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering- based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking

DDM

Mandatory subjects:

Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include Distinction in Further Mathematics

None

Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit

120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB Mandatory subjects: Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering- based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking	DDM Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include Distinction in Further Mathematics	None	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit	120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

UCAS points

A Level

BTEC

Accepted T Levels

Access Course Tariff

IB requirement

120–128

BBB–ABB

Mandatory subjects:

Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering- based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking

DDM

Mandatory subjects:

Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include Distinction in Further Mathematics

None

Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit

120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

The BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering course is accredited by IMechE as meeting the academic requirement, in part, for Chartered Engineer registration for the 2023 cohort intake, up to, and including, the 2025 cohort intake.

Why choose this course?

Study with one of the largest engineering schools in the UK
Build real engineering prototypes in exciting projects
2nd in the East of England for Mechanical Engineering (Complete University Guide, 2024)

The BEng Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire has been highly successful and over the years produced thousands of successful graduates working in all fields of engineering;
You will learn mechanical engineering subjects in core modules that balance laboratory activities with the relevant, supportive theoretical knowledge;
You will operate state-of-the-art laboratory equipment during every year of your academic career as part of your learning experience in the core modules;
You will learn how to apply computer-aided engineering and industrial-standard software;
You may take part in the IMechE challenge in your first year of study, and be able to compete with engineering students from other British universities on exciting mechanical engineering-related projects;
You may decide to spend the third year of your mechanical engineering degree on a year-long work placement;
Students from the School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire have previously completed work placement years at companies including Amazon, Bosch, Network Rail, Transport for London, Tesla Motors (UK), Aston Martin, BMW (UK), Mercedes-Benz (UK), Virgin Atlantic, MBDA;
You may join the automotive students and help design, build and race single-seater race car in the UK Formula Student Competition;
You may join aerospace students on projects involving Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs);
Recent Mechanical Engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including London Energy Ltd, Progressive Technology, Halfords, Fords, Barclays.
We are members of the CDIO Initiative (Conceive Design Implement Operate), a worldwide network of academic professionals, industry representatives and engineering leaders who have a passion for engineering education and engineering leadership. The CDIO framework has been embedded into our undergraduate degree programme, ensuring you’ll put into practice what you learn through “Design and Build” projects during your studies.

What's the course about?

Learn the fundamental skills and knowledge of a modern engineer. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to engineering, giving you the flexibility to work in a broad range of industries. Among the general topics, you’ll study engineering mathematics, materials and electrical science, mechanical science, manufacturing technology, computer-aided engineering and thermodynamics. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to collaborate with other engineering students on some incredible projects, such as designing a hovercraft, a Formula Student racing car and an unmanned aircraft. This course is the first step towards chartered engineer status.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

Learn in our brand-new building, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

What will I study?

The school has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's Canvas web-based facility. Canvas allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world! With a heavy emphasis on Computer-Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The school also operate an open-access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

What you will learn

You will study the fundamental skills and knowledge required by a modern engineer including principles of flight and an introduction to aircraft systems. In particular, you will be introduced to computer packages commonly used in the aerospace industry. You will learn about the design process and will have the opportunity to work on the Class 200 Formula Student car.

First Year

You will study engineering mathematics, engineering applications of mathematics, materials and electrical science, mechanical science, introduction to manufacturing technology, introduction to design, and fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

Second Year

You will study thermofluid mechanics, further engineering mathematics, computer-aided engineering (CAE), structural mechanics, dynamics, data acquisition and control systems, integrated engineering system design and project management and product development.

Third Year

You have the option of taking an integrated one-year professional placement.

Final Year (3rd or 4th)

You will study mechanical engineering design, micro-engineering and micro-technology or manufacturing strategy, mechanics and properties of materials, control systems, thermofluid mechanics and heat transfer, vibration, noise and vehicle dynamics, and an individual major project.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Engineering Fundamentals	15 Credits	Compulsory
This introductory module provides level 4 engineering students with the practical opportunity to become familiar with the basic elements and practices associated with mechanical and manufacturing engineering, providing a foundation upon which subsequent engineering modules will build.
Engineering Mathematics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to explore mathematical techniques commonly used in engineering. Topics covered include functions frequently occurring in engineering applications, their manipulation and application, complex numbers, integration techniques, differentiation of functions of one or more variables, ordinary differential equations, determinants, matrices and vectors. A range of applications will support the mathematical content of the module.
Statics and Dynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module encompasses: 1. Statics (fundamental concept of units, forces, free body diagrams, moments, normal stresses, shear stresses, shear force-bending moment relationships). 2. Dynamics (dynamics concepts, velocity and acceleration, linear & angular motion, moment of inertia, application of free-body diagrams, work and energy principles, impulse-momentum principles and simple harmonic motion).
Applied Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the engineering design process, from brief through to manufacture, to devise a solution to a posed engineering problem. Design activities are accomplished in small teams, thereby developing skills in teamwork, communication and leadership. Project management techniques are addressed and employed with the purpose of effective time and resource management. Students are exposed to the workshop environment, with the aim of constructing their solution. Students will be required to test their build to ensure performance meets the specified design brief.
Electrical Science	15 Credits	Compulsory
Many mechanical systems rely on electrical circuits for power, sensing and actuation. This module introduces the principles of electrical circuits and introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical units and relationships, basic AC and DC circuit theory, digital systems, A/D and D/A conversion, and electro-mechanical principles and devices. You will gain a secure foundation in the fundamental concepts of circuits, devices and systems that underpin all branches of engineering. This will include study of the mathematical operations of AC quantities, including phasors, vectors and complex numbers, some key semiconductor devices and circuits involving diodes and transistors and a fundamental knowledge of the principles and construction of DC and AC machines, transformers and linear actuators.
Programming for Engineers	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will enable the student to understand and appreciate the role of basic programming within engineering disciplines. This will be accomplished through applications of programming language with practical demonstrations to allow students gain insights into the application of their work. Topics for the lectures are given below, and will be accompanied by practical classes where students will write scripts and execute them to control a programmable circuit board. 1. Introduction – Computers, Software, Hardware and microcontrollers including UART Communications 2. Problem solving, structure and pseudocode 3. Variables 4. Operators 5. Conditionals 6. Functions 7. Loops 8. Strings 9. Files 10. Debugging 11. Future Research and Developments
Engineering Professionalism	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be introduced to their individual responsibilities and development to becoming professional engineers. Through relevant application of professionalism as students, they will develop skills and knowledge that will be transferable to industry practice or continued study. Using relevant academic research and industry examples students will learn about codes of conduct, relevant legislation, compliance and ethics as well as working in teams, leadership and management. The learning and assessment will be in conjunction with aligned and concurrent modules to allow this module to support and develop their skills for use in present application. The aim is to develop personal responsibility for their learning and professional development. Through industrial speakers and real case study examples students will be faced with real professional discussions and dilemmas.
Introduction to Mechatronic Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate a low-budget autonomous electromechanical device. Content breakdown by units: 1. Introduction to safety and hazardous substance legislation; 2. Solid body modelling for design implementation (Physical models); 3. Parameter analysis as a conceptual design methodology; 4. Introduction to mathematical modelling and optimisation; 5. CAD tools and prototypes; 6. Detail design; 7. Introduction to design for assembly and manufacture; 8. Sensors and actuators: information processing; 9. Design validation process (Technical Performance Measure); 10. Introduction to the mechanical and physical properties of polymers; 11. Introduction to manufacturing process determination. Alongside the above-mentioned topics, topics relating to project management and employability will be developed.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Fluid Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of fluid flow including hydrostatic thrusts on submerged surfaces, Reynolds number, pipework systems, viscous drag and aerodynamic drag and the principles of fluid machines.
Thermodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and provides a basis for higher-level modules in thermodynamics and heat transfer. Lectures and tutorials are accompanied by laboratory sessions in thermodynamics. Assessment is through laboratory reports, written coursework and an examination.
Materials in Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
Processing-microstructure-property relationships. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys. Forming and shaping methods. Ceramics. Polymers. Composite Materials. Corrosion. Creep, Fracture and fatigue. Non-destructive testing.
Sustainable Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to design & build a structure and/or device supporting the movement of a fluid.
Dynamics & Vibrations	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module Dynamics consists of three parts: Kinematics, concerned with the description of the motion of rigid bodies without considering the forces causing such motion. Kinetics, concerned with the forces causing the motion of rigid bodies. Vibration, concerned with the oscillations of a mechanical system. This module expands on the dynamics part of modules at level 4 and provides practical applications relevant to industrial design and analysis.
Structural Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module includes shear force-bending moment diagrams, beam theory, combined loading conditions, direct stress/strain, shear stress/strain, torsion of shafts, bending stresses in beams with asymmetrical sections.
Introduction and Application of Control Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will introduce the engineering principles of Control Systems engineering by introducing simulation through the use of MATLAB and Simulink software as well as the practical application of simulation work utilising sensors and actuators commonly found in the electro-mechanical discipline. This will be conducted through the following topics: Introduction and Application of Laplace Transform Block Diagrams and Simulink Familiarisation Application of Simulink Control Systems Understanding of First & Second Order Systems Block Manipulation & Unity Feedback Temperature and Pressure Sensors Displacement Gyroscopes, Accelerometers, AC & DC Motors, Motor Drivers Valves, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Actuators (Electric Heaters and Boilers) Sensor selection and analysis.
Industrial Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually. Groups will typically design, manufacture, test and operate a mechanical part or mechanism which is part of a wider mechanical system, using the tools described in section 11b below.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Industrial Placement	0 Credits	Optional
The optional placement year is undertaken in the academic year prior to the final year of study, and must meet University standard requirements for the length of placement to be considered for the conferment of "with Sandwich" upon graduation. Students undertake the placement within an organisation that can provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering or general STEM environment/role. To be eligible for placement, students must normally have achieved sufficient credit at Levels 4 and 5 to be able to enter the final year upon completion of the placement. While the School and University actively support the placements process ultimately it is the placement company that will select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement, a member of School staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Semester Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Semester Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Semester Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Plant Engineering	15 Credits	Optional
This module will introduce fundamental concepts of Plant Engineering, an area which a significant number of Mechanical Engineers make their careers in. The module includes (but is not limited to): An Overview of where a plant engineer fits within the 21st century production sphere Skills for projects, process, environment and energy management in plant engineering; Maintenance management (Plant based equipment maintenance principles); Introduction to standards and policies of equipment installation (manufacturers guidelines, HSE, etc); Overall descriptions and coverage of types of plant-based systems, equipment and processes (example: electrical supply, pressure systems, HVAC, noise, vibration, etc) Safety management with corresponding legal knowledge. Introduction to relevant professional bodies.
Thermal Power Systems	15 Credits	Optional
This module encompasses fundamental concepts of various thermal power cycles/ systems. It covers the analysis of these cycles and the assessment of their performance parameters. The course also examines new developments in power and refrigeration cycles. The developments of Otto, diesel and dual cycles; vapour power and Joule-Brayton cycles; refrigeration and heat pump cycles are introduced and their performance are investigated.
Advanced Controller Design and Stability	15 Credits	Optional
This course will continue to build on the foundations developed in Control Systems from level 5 and 6. It allow students to use the foundations of classic control systems to build an understanding of digital control systems to be able to understand system stability for complex and modern engineering scenarios. This will be conducted through the following topics: Introduction to Root Locus Methods Controller Design using Root Locus Introduction to Digital Control and Digital Time Response Digitisation and Introduction to Digital Root Locus Digital Controller Design Introduction to Non-Linear Systems and Describing Functions Non-Linear Stability
Analysis of Applied Control Systems	15 Credits	Optional
This course will continue to build on the foundations developed in Control Systems from level 5 and allows students to build on the analysis of scenarios presented to them, allowing them the ability to conduct suitable stability modelling through MATLAB and Simulink. This will be conducted through the following topics: Introduction to Frequency Response Introduction to Nyquist Response Analysis & Nyquist Stability Criterion Bode Plot Analysis Nichols Charts Closed Loop Performance Controller Design using Frequency Response
Acoustics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides an introduction to the principles and practice of acoustics and noise control. It begins with the basics of sound, sound sources and human perception. It then explores the relationship between the source of sound and the listener in three different scenarios: source and listener outdoors, source and listener in a room/enclosure and source and listener separated by partition (or in separate rooms). These scenarios provide comprehensive coverage of the principles relevant to a wide variety of practically important systems, such as rooms, enclosures and barriers. Further concepts explored include: control of noise, manipulation of sound propagation and isolation of sound.
Renewable Energy and the Environment	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will enable the student to understand and evaluate forms of renewable energy. This will include; solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cell, nuclear and micro energy sources. You will learn how to calculate the energy a system can generate, how it can be optimised and flaws in the technology. This will require our students to develop their creativity to enhance solutions, giving a taste for research and development job roles. Environmental acts - Climate change - Biodiversity - Triggers and effects Photovoltaics - Angle of Incidence - Chemistry - Stability - Flaws Wind Generation - Offshore - Onshore - Urban - Induction (magnetism) Thermal - Solar reflectors - Optics - Ground surveys - geothermal Hydropower - Dams - Offshore wave generation - Bernoulli s applied Fuel cells - Hydrogen - Hydrocarbon - CO2 storage - Chemistry Nuclear - Fusion and Fission Microgeneration - Piezoelectric - Thermoelectric - Solar Applications to Automotive and mechatronics Future Research and Developments
Advanced Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will extend the students knowledge and understanding of structural & component analysis to meet the design requirements. This module provides an introduction to advanced analytical and numerical techniques for the design and analysis of mechanical/automotive components. Classical stress analysis techniques and finite element method will be introduced and applied. Students will also gain an introduction to more advanced applications of finite element analysis such as design and analysis of composite structures. Topics include plate theory, fracture and fatigue, composite mechanics, and introduction to finite element method. Student learning will be supported by assignments making use of both analytical and numerical techniques for the structural analysis of typical mechanical/automotive components & structures.
Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chains	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will equip students to apply lean manufacturing techniques (a.k.a. The Toyota Production System ) to the manufacturing and other sectors, while also incorporating a systems thinking perspective to operations and in particular through an understanding of the theory of constraints. It will approach the topics initially from a historical perspective discussing the first principles of these practices as developed by Toyota. Students will then progress to applying these philosophies to current industrial and commercial contexts and applications.
BEng Individual Project (Mechanical)	30 Credits	Compulsory
The major individual project occurs in either third or fourth (sandwich awards) year of study can take several forms ranging from design-oriented work to investigative work and research projects and placing their findings in the context of the application of real world engineering. Students are highly encouraged to propose their own topics for investigation. The project title and topic are chosen and moderated to provide an intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study in a specific engineering field. The student is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems through a critical review of a subject area and then plan, organise, and execute a significant individual programme of work related to a chosen field of study through the analysis and synthesis of results. Students should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. Students have previously undertaken placements in organisations such as:
- Rolls Royce Cars
- United Glass
- ATT
- Turner Powertrain Systems
- Xerox
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Abir Ahmed

Meet ambitious Abir Ahmed who made the most of the support at Herts and is now on a Graduate Programme at Vodafone

Read more stories BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Current job role	Data analyst on Graduate Programme with Vodafone
Year of graduation	2020
Course of study	BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Abir is part of the Technology Discover Graduate Programme at Vodafone which helps explore different roles within Tech over a two year period. He says, ‘My current role is in data analytics with a team which works closely with crowd sourcing data. Day to day I mainly use Python, Google Cloud Platform as well as visualisation packages.'

Why I chose to study at Herts

'I grew up in an estate close to central London and it was challenging to stay motivated, and hard to meet successful individuals who were willing to mentor or support you through your career. I also come from a BAME background so at times I lacked confidence and felt demotivated, especially when reading some of the performance statistics of those who come from similar backgrounds.

I could see Herts was successful in helping students from all backgrounds attain success post studies. From high employment rates to helping students with starting their own business. It was a place full of opportunities where I could get support in any dreams or aspirations I had.'

'Amazing' course

When talking about his course Abir is full of praise, ‘The Mechanical Engineering BEng was amazing and pushed me to explore different paths. I had the opportunity to use different techniques to analyse cases when solving engineering problems. The lectures were always happy to make time for us all and give us key tips and tricks. A shout out to my fluid mechanics and thermodynamics lecturer who was able to give me advice based on her experiences in industry prior to becoming a lecturer!’However, Abir is particularly proud of getting through his degree during the pandemic. 'The pandemic was only just starting in my third and final year, I got very anxious. The University was very supportive and at times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to push through, I was able to benefit from extensions and support online from our lecturers and tutors. It was a proud moment for me getting my job offer as well as completing my dissertation!’

Career support

Abir realised during his studies that it was important to take advantage of all the resources made available to him at Herts. He particularly made sure he used the Careers Team.

‘I spoke to the careers advisers who were an amazing help in supporting me during my job application process. I was given key guidance on how to perform during assessment centres which came in handy, and I was also able to get CV help too.

I made use of the careers website which was regularly updated with job opportunities.The organised careers fairs were great in being able to branch out and make contacts with working professionals.’

Herts memories

Abir looks back at his time at Herts with great fondness and says, ‘I really enjoyed making use of the communal prayer space on the College Lane Campus. It was a place I could reflect and pray as well as meet fantastic friends. Charity events were always fun to attend, bake sales, football tournaments and more. I really liked the maths support in the LRC which helped me with those difficult equations and exam and coursework prep too.’

What the future holds

Abir has his sights firmly set on the future in both the short and long term, ‘My short-term ambitions are to complete my grad programme and find a permanent role which challenges me but also gives me time to learn and develop new skills.’My long-term ambitions and aspirations are to dive further into the world of tech. I mainly enjoy data analytics and visualisation, but have interests in data engineering and data science as well as UX and UI. I’ve also been working on my own projects some of which include developing an AI bot for my local machine!’

What's next for my career?

Professional chartered mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after around the world. Our graduates have an excellent employment record illustrating that this degree gives you the flexibility to work in virtually any manufacturing setting, both in the UK and abroad.
More about the Course
Our students can take the work placement option, spending their Third Year in industry. Some students take the opportunity to study part of their degree abroad through student exchange programmes with other universities in the EU, USA or Canada.
A mechanical engineering degree will provide you with the flexibility to be employed in any engineering company irrespective of their product range. Mechanical engineers are involved in producing innovative designs, using the latest materials and Computer Aided Engineering systems to meet ever-increasing expectations in 21st century living. With our excellent teaching standards and facilities, the University has a strong track record of providing industry with these highly skilled professionals.
In your first year you will study the fundamental skills and knowledge required by a modern engineer including principles of design and manufacture. In particular you will be introduced to computer packages commonly used in engineering.
In your second year the core themes from year 1 are further developed so that they can be applied to solve engineering problems encountered in industrial and commercial environments. You will learn about the design process, through both group design and detail design work, and will have the opportunity to work on extra-curricular projects, such as our Formula Student car, Unmanned Air Vehicle and rocket systems.
In the third year you have the chance to work for an engineering company on placement or study at one of overseas partners.
In the final year, whilst adding to your knowledge of materials and structures, vibration and noise, and control systems, you have the option of covering either manufacturing or the rapidly growing field of micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS). Project work, both in teams on design and individually on a topic of special interest, encourages you to develop valuable practical, interpersonal and communication skills.

Mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after around the world. Our graduates have an excellent employment record; 80.8% of the students taking part in a survey who had completed their BEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire in 2017 were in graduate employment six months after graduation.
View our Alumni profiles

Abir Ahmed

Course fact sheets
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering	Download
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering	Download

Programme specifications
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering	Download
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
21/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
21/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

Apply through Clearing

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BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: H300

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Clearing entry requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

What will I study?

What you will learn

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Final Year (3rd or 4th)

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet ambitious Abir Ahmed who made the most of the support at Herts and is now on a Graduate Programme at Vodafone

Why I chose to study at Herts

'Amazing' course

Career support

Herts memories

What the future holds

More about the Course

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 