Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Our degree in Mechanical Engineering is designed to build your confidence and skills base and will equip you with an awareness of engineering in the wider social, ethical, sustainable, and economic context. You will gain the practical skills and expertise to become a successful practising engineer, with the full educational basis to facilitate progression to engineering management roles.
The BEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to meet the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineering (IEng), and partially meet the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
The first year of the programme provides a foundational grounding in engineering. You’ll then study more advanced principles of mechanics, manufacturing technology, energy systems and engineering design, potentially working on projects with companies such as Nissan, BAE Systems and Rolls Royce.
At Northumbria, our Mechanical Engineering BEng is a three long degree. You will also have the option of taking a placement or study abroad sandwich year and increasing your study time to four years. The programme also allows you to explore contemporary mechanical engineering and undertaking an interdisciplinary project at Level 7 to progress onto a Master MEng qualification.
Upon graduation, you will be in an excellent position to become a practising engineer with the skills for progression into both technical and engineering management roles. The BEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to meet the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineering (IEng), and partially meet the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). If you wish to undertake further study at postgraduate level, it is possible to transfer to our MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering or continue onto one of our MSc degrees. The MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to meet the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Northumbria University is ranked Top 35 in the UK for Mechanical Engineering (Complete University Guide, Subject League Table 2025).
Engineering is ranked 25th for research power in the UK out of 89 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 8 places compared to 2014.
UCAS Code
H310
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
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Here what it is really like to study our Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) from our current students.
When it comes to making sure you learn from the best, our Mechanical Engineering staff are second to none.
Dr Martin Birkett
Professor Birkett currently leads the Engineering Materials and Mechanics Group (EM2G) and mainly teaches on the Mechanical Engineering degree programmes.
Read More
Dr Brabha Nagaratnam
Dr Christopher Connor
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has modern laboratory and computing resources for learning, teaching, research, innovation and business engagement.
Facilities
The practical part is the best thing on my course. Northumbria has top end lab equipment for those that like practical work more than theory.
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We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
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112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need A-level Mathematics and another analytical science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Physics or Technology), or recognised equivalents.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535
* You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments)
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Optional field trips - approximate costs up to £200.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
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Engineering Analytics (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn to use a range of mathematical tools and techniques that you can apply to a wide variety of engineering activities. These skills and practices also underpin the use of more advanced engineering design and analysis tools, so gaining a good understanding of the basic principles now will help as your progress through this programme and enter the world of engineering. You will become familiar in working with formulae so that you can apply these skills within the engineering disciplines. You will learn techniques in algebra and trigonometry, such as those used by engineers to determine the shape, size, slope, mass etc. of objects and spaces as well as when and how objects will move or interact. These techniques are important to determine the unknown components in systems and are also applied to the solution of design and analysis problems. You will learn and apply the techniques of calculus, for example, those that enable you to determine how properties are changing in relation to time, as a result of changes in forces, or to calculate the quantity of work being done during a process. You will develop foundations in the skills required to apply these techniques using software tools as you progress towards more independent and complex engineering activities and prepare for entering an engineering workplace on graduation.
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Materials & Manufacturing (Core,20 Credits)
This module introduces you to the subjects of materials and manufacturing within the programme. You will be introduced to how different types of materials are structured and their composition and ultimately how this influences their properties and behaviour. You will also explore how to make things using our practical workshop facilities using different methods and link appropriate manufacturing techniques to different types of materials. You will examine and consider the environmental and societal impact of material selection and different manufacturing approaches.
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Applied Engineering Approaches 1 (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will be presented with authentic engineering problems that have been derived and adapted from industrial problems to give you opportunities to explore ways to advance solutions as a developing professional engineer. It will, within the supportive environment offered by staff and your peers, allow you to develop your approach to resolving engineering problems that may involve research, experimentation, creativity and the acquisition and utilisation of new engineering skills. Well bounded problem definition will allow you to develop confidence in resolving problems with well-defined information and produce answers that might be considered appropriate based upon engineering judgement and perception associated with the problem. The problems encountered may be focussed within a specific subject theme but may still to some degree require the linking together of knowledge in several topics to derive acceptable solutions and valid resolutions from an engineering perspective.
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Statics & Dynamics (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the topics of statics and dynamics and introduces you to the fundamental concepts associated with the mechanics subject within the programme. Statics and dynamics describes and characterises how physical bodies behave, move and interact due to external influences. Everyday engineering phenomena will be contextualised through the constraints of fundamental physical laws and relationships. These concepts, such as kinematics, kinetics, structural members and different types of loading, and stress and strain will be applied to solve well-defined engineering problems using appropriate and conventional approaches. You will also learn how to select and apply appropriate experimental methods, analytical tools and computational techniques to characterise and model well-defined static and dynamic problems.
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Thermodynamics (Core,20 Credits)
This module introduces you to the subject of fluids and energy within the programme and covers the topic of thermodynamics. You will apply knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology to solve well-defined thermodynamics problems. You will explore the fundamental concepts of heat, work, and temperature and their relationships with energy, radiation, and physical properties. Analytical and computational tools will be used to model well-defined thermodynamics problems, and you will be encouraged to show creativity during problem-solving activities.
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Applied Engineering Approaches 2 (Core,20 Credits)
The inclusion of this application focussed module in your studies will build on Applied Engineering Approaches I by allowing you to expand the areas of investigation and further develop your problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. In this module, you will be presented with authentic engineering problems that have been derived and adapted from industrial problems to give you opportunities to explore ways to advance solutions as a developing professional engineer. It will, within the supportive environment offered by staff and your peers, allow you to develop your approach to resolving engineering problems that may involve research, experimentation, creativity and the acquisition and utilisation of new engineering skills. Well bounded problem definition will allow you to develop confidence in resolving problems with well-defined information and produce answers that might be considered appropriate based upon engineering judgement and perception associated with the problem. The problems encountered may be focussed within a specific subject theme but may still to some degree require the linking together of knowledge in several topics to derive acceptable solutions and valid resolutions from an engineering perspective.
More informationKB5031 -
Academic Language Skills for Mechanical and Construction Engineering (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
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Preparing for Placement (Optional,0 Credits)
You will learn to apply for a 12 month placement in a construction engineering company. You will do this through developing and improving your skills in the following areas:
1. Communication
2. CVs
3. Interviews
4. H&S within the workplace
5. Professional conduct
6. Teams
7. Constructing a Learning Plan
8. Evidencing your learning
9. Reflection in the workplace
10. Networking
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Academic Language Skills for Mechanical and Construction Engineering (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
KB5034 -
Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides the opportunity to build on fundamental statics and materials knowledge and further examine applied mechanics with a focus on the development of more in-depth modelling approaches that provide more detail and insight into the behaviour of materials. You will analyse mechanics concepts such as stress and strain transformations, shear stresses in beams and thin-walled structures to the solution of more broadly defined problems where there is some degree of uncertainty in their definition. Finite element analysis, a computational technique, will be used in the analysis and design of mechanical structures, components and systems and compared to complementary experimental and analytical approaches that can be used to underpin, verify and interpret simulation results.
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Mechanical Engineering Design (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn about the application of engineering design methodologies and their selection, characterisation and use within the context of engineering design problems. This will include the appropriate use of engineering tools and analytical approaches to the solution of engineering design issues whilst ensuring that issues relating to customer needs and aspects such as the sustainability and societal impact of engineering activity are considered to a suitable degree as would be expected of a professional engineer.
More informationKB5036 -
Integrative Engineering Approaches 1 (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will be presented with authentic engineering problems that have been derived and adapted from industrial examples to give you opportunities to explore ways to advance solutions as a developing professional engineer. It will, within the supportive environment offered by staff and your peers, allow you to develop your approach to resolving engineering problems that may involve research, experimentation, creativity and the acquisition and utilisation of new engineering skills. The incorporation of a greater degree of uncertainty in the problem definition will allow you to develop confidence in resolving problems with incomplete information and several solutions that might be considered appropriate based upon engineering judgement and perception associated with the problem. The problems encountered may span several subject areas and require the linking together of knowledge in these topics to derive acceptable solutions and valid resolutions from an engineering perspective.
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Engineering Project Management (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn about project management methodologies and their selection, application and use within the context of mechanical engineering projects. This will include the appropriate use of project management tools and software systems to gain insight into how an engineering project might be approached and managed concerning the attainment of successful completion of objectives including the utilisation of resources and other commercial considerations. Other relevant and important factors such as ethical, sustainable, societal and professional responsibilities that are pertinent to project management activity within the field of mechanical engineering will also be explored in the module.
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Fluids and Energy (Core,20 Credits)
This module gives you opportunities to build on fundamental thermodynamic knowledge and examine practical and applied fluid flow and energy systems, including the areas associated with different types of flow and how they may influence engineering considerations, as well as energy conversion systems. The application of governing equations relating to fluid motion and the influence they have upon the specification and performance of engineering equipment and systems will be explored. Based on the application of mathematical and engineering principles, you will use analytical and computational techniques to solve problems in fluids and energy that have some degree of uncertainty in their definition. By addressing such issues using an informed and skilled engineering approach incorporating creativity and curiosity, you will be able to derive substantiated conclusions as a result of your investigations.
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Integrative Engineering Approaches 2 (Core,20 Credits)
The inclusion of this application focussed module in your studies will build on Integrative Engineering Approaches I by allowing you to expand the areas of investigation and further develop your problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.
In this module, you will be presented with authentic engineering problems that have been derived and adapted from industrial scenarios to
give you opportunities to explore ways to advance solutions as a developing professional engineer. It will, within the supportive environment offered by staff and your peers, allow you to develop your approach to resolving engineering problems that may involve research, experimentation, creativity and the acquisition and utilisation of new engineering skills. The incorporation of a greater degree of uncertainty in the problem definition will allow you to develop confidence in resolving problems with incomplete information and several solutions that might be considered appropriate based upon engineering judgement and perception associated with the problem. The problems encountered may span several subject areas and require the linking together of knowledge in these topics to derive acceptable solutions and valid resolutions from an engineering perspective.
KB5031 -
Academic Language Skills for Mechanical and Construction Engineering (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
KB5048 -
Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
You will learn lifelong technical and communication skills in a commercial work environment enabling you to practice your engineering skills in a nurturing and supportive environment. None technical skills such as team working, clear and precise communication, responsibility and creative thinking will be developed alongside technical and commercial knowledge of your chosen field to generate creative, sustainable solutions.
You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your value attributes, relevant to your programme of study. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.
This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised both in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.
Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 40 weeks.
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Study abroad year (Optional,120 Credits)
This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one full year as part of your programme.
This is a 120 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).
Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.
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Academic Language Skills for Mechanical and Construction Engineering (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
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Professional Engineering Futures (Core,20 Credits)
This module will allow you to explore what it means to be a professional engineer and the various options and opportunities open to you as a developing professional who may be contributing to the furtherment of mechanical engineering in the very near future. Exploring aspects such as the various subject areas and developing themes within mechanical engineering that may allow you to tailor your career aspirations as you graduate, as well as looking at alternative career options, this module will assist you to reflect upon your development to date and consider where you may ultimately wish to direct your career and some of the things that you might do to try and get there. Consideration will be given to the nature, types and sizes of organisations, their various stakeholders, and the different roles engineering has within different organisations. Through contemplation of prospective roles within such organisations and how you may direct your individual professional development, you will develop a roadmap to help you progress your future career based upon the development of core professional values and competencies.
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Vibration & Control (Core,20 Credits)
Vibration and control will combine and build upon knowledge, understanding, and practical application within the subject of dynamics to tackle complex engineering problems. You will investigate how the field of control theory is used to measure and regulate vibrating mechanical systems through the selection and application of appropriate equipment. Advanced techniques and tools will be blended with the methodologies practised in previous years of your programme to facilitate investigation into complex mechanics-based problems where independence and creativity are encouraged to explore and critically evaluate potential solutions to more open-ended challenges. Analytical, computational, and experimental techniques will also be considered and applied to reach substantiated conclusions.
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Mechanics of Continuous Systems (Optional,20 Credits)
The mechanics of continuous systems will unify your knowledge, understanding, and practical abilities within the subject of mechanics to tackle complex engineering problems. Advanced techniques and tools will be blended with the methodologies practised at previous levels to facilitate investigation into complex mechanics-based problems where independence and creativity is essential to explore and critically evaluate potential solutions to more open-ended challenges. Analytical, computational, and experimental techniques will be considered, applied and judged to reach substantiated conclusions related to increasingly complex problems including greater degrees of freedom and integration of multiple system components.
More informationKB6057 -
Sustainable Energy Systems (Optional,20 Credits)
This module allows you to develop and evaluate approaches to the application of fundamental engineering principles associated with fluids and energy in the context of real-world systems that include an environmental perspective. The module will investigate global concerns relating to the availability of energy sources, their sustainability and use, and how technologies relating to these aspects may be utilised and integrated into solutions that may be more acceptable and efficient in terms of societal impact and use of resources. Conventional energy systems and emerging technologies will be used to form the basis of discussion and exploration within the module supported by practical applied investigations associated with the performance of these systems.
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Automation and Mechatronics (Optional,20 Credits)
This module introduces and explores the various aspects and technologies of industrial automation systems, such as robotic devices, and the appropriate mechanical engineering considerations associated with their design, selection and use. The module will establish competence in the application of automation systems and component selection and their integration that is integral to the specification and operation of such systems in a range of different scenarios. The module will develop the ability to select and use such systems safely and in ways that may be related to organisational aims such as quality, efficiency and output and consider relevant technical areas such as fixed and flexible automation systems, machine control (including programming) and sensor characterisation, selection and integration.
More informationKB6059 -
Global Design Challenges (Optional,20 Credits)
This module allows you to develop your design skills and knowledge through their application to addressing acknowledged global design challenges and problems. It will involve the consideration, selection and application of suitable design methodologies, approaches and techniques that are appropriate to the design problem posed. Problems within the module will be identified as having a significant impact on society (in a global context) that would benefit from the derivation of engineering design solutions within the remit of mechanical engineering subject areas. Key activities based upon design thinking and approaches, sound problem research and its translation into design requirements, through the implementation of scientific and engineering principles will be used to solve complex design problems within an environment that represents an authentic engineering design team and communication of the design results. Professional engineering considerations, such as sustainability and economics, will be some of the factors integral to the process of deriving a solution. They will necessitate a systematic and considered approach to the problem which will be supported by evidenced practical demonstration of design outcome suitability.
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Investigative Project (40 Credits)
You will learn about and demonstrate how to apply the knowledge and skills developed earlier and concurrently in your degree programme whilst also extending your independent learning through a deep investigation of a topic, which may be of your own choice. You will develop your ability to plan, direct, progress and take responsibility for your large scale investigative project. You may be involved in the choice of the topic of your investigation and be able to lead the direction of the investigation under the guidance of a supervisor. Your investigation will be technical in nature, draw upon a broad range of existing engineering knowledge and practice, apply advanced engineering techniques and analysis, draw your verifiable conclusions supported by your findings and enable you to communicate your outcomes and conclusions in a professional manner.
More informationTo start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
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