Undergraduate

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering student, Nikolaos Aronis, works on a racing car in the workshop.
Hull student, Charlotte Urwin, in goggles and overalls in the mechanical engineering workshop.
A student racing the Hull Electric Racing Team F1 simulator at the University of Hull.
Three Hull students and one lecturer use the giant touch screen in the FabLab, with 3D printers in the background.

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Gain the core theoretical and practical skills in CAD, programming and control, thermo fluids, engineering applications, and much more.
Our degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and can put you on the pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer.²
Join our Hull Electric Racing Team (HERT) and help to build a single seater racing car to compete against other students at Silverstone.
Design, build and test your models and prototypes with the 3D printers, laser scanners, and CNC machines in our fully-equipped FabLab.
At Hull, you’re a trainee engineer from day one. We’ll teach you how to safely use machinery in our fully equipped Mechanical Engineering Workshop.
Boost your CV with our extra-curricular activities including the chance to become a member of the Hull Electric Racing Team.
Mechanical Engineering student, Nikolaos Aronis, works on a racing car in the workshop.
Hull student, Charlotte Urwin, in goggles and overalls in the mechanical engineering workshop.
A student racing the Hull Electric Racing Team F1 simulator at the University of Hull.
Three Hull students and one lecturer use the giant touch screen in the FabLab, with 3D printers in the background.
Mechanics Workshop
Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

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Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year
  • With a placement year
  • Integrated masters
  • Integrated masters with a placement year

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Gain the skills to unlock solutions that make people’s lives better. From manufacturing and the medical sector, to the automotive, aerospace and construction industry.

From day one, we treat you as a trainee engineer. The modules you’ll study encourage project-based learning. And you’ll get the chance to plan, build and test your own prototypes.

You can even spend a whole year on placement in industry. Past students have worked with the likes of Reckitt, Airbus, Virgin Media, Howdens, IBM, BMW Group, Siemens, Microsoft, and Smith & Nephew.

  • 94.4% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • Boost your CV

    with a placement year

  • Ranked 9th in the UK

    for Added Value 2

  • Build a racing car

    with Hull Electric Racing Team

  • Direct route

    to Chartered Engineer status 3

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

As well as our three-year course, we offer four- and five-year options. Choose from a built-in placement year in industry or an integrated Masters (MEng) – or both. Imagine it. A whole year working for one of the biggest names in the technology, manufacturing or automotive industries. And like all our engineering courses, Mechanical Engineering shares a common first year. That means you can switch degrees in second year if you want to choose a different pathway.

Ranked joint 8th out of 75 institutions for graduate prospects4, Hull provides you with everything you need to excel after graduating. In your first year, you’ll gain the core theoretical and practical skills you need throughout your time here and beyond. CAD, programming and control and thermo fluids are just a few of the areas you’ll cover. The mathematics module is specifically geared towards engineering applications. You’ll also take part in Global Challenge, where you’ll work in a team to tackle a design and build project.

But it’s not all study and work. There are lots of extra-curricular activities for you to get involved with as well. Join our thriving Robotics Society, and become part of our Hull Electric Racing Team (HERT). As a member of HERT, you’ll help to build a single seater racing car and compete against other students at Silverstone.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Core•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics B

This module extends the knowledge gained in the Foundation Mathematics A - pure mathematics topics. You will also study functions and vectors. The applied topic is mechanics.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Physics 1

This is the first of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of mechanics, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Physics 2

This is the second of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of oscillations, waves, and quantum and nuclear physics.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Engineering and Technology)

Address one of the 21 key global challenges in engineering set out by the United Nations. Work in teams to identify key stakeholders, end users and potential funding sources, as well as producing an engineering solution for topics such as clean water, reusable energy, access to medical treatment and cleaner cities.

Compulsory•20 credits

The foundation year is designed for students who have little or no background in the sciences or mathematics, but would still like to study engineering. It provides a solid grounding in the theory and expertise you need to advance to Year 1 of BEng study.
6 Modules

Engineering Design Challenge

Develop and enhance a range of professional skills as a basis for professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. 

Compulsory• credits

Fundamentals of Engineering

Introducing the key principles and concepts of mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering; ranging from digital electronics to basic stress analysis concepts.

Compulsory•20 credits

Mathematics for Engineers

Gain knowledge of the characteristics of a range of functions and techniques appropriate to engineering, developing expertise in analysis, interpretation and problem solving.

Compulsory•20 credits

Practical Skills for Engineers

An introduction to key experiments and construction skills required for electrical and electronic engineers, as well as hands-on experience in the mechanical engineering manufacturing workshop.

Compulsory•20 credits

Programming and Control

Communication of mathematical problems and solutions, as well as logic simulation and C programming results for academic, specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Compulsory•20 credits

Thermofluids

Gain knowledge, comprehension and hands-on experience of using a range of mathematical functions and techniques appropriate to the application of Engineering Thermofluids to engineering processes.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Control Engineering

You'll focus on advanced mathematical used to model and control dynamical systems. You'll also be introduced to Laplace and Fourier transform techniques.

Compulsory• credits

Stress Analysis and Dynamics of Mechanical Systems

Develop your understanding of fundamental theories and techniques relevant to the mechanical engineering problems in stress analysis and dynamics. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Mathematics and Fluid Mechanics for Mechanical Engineers

Gain knowledge and hands-on experience of using a range of mathematical functions and techniques to solve engineering problems. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Materials and Manufacture

Explore the reasons engineering structures can fail, sometimes unexpectedly, through fatigue and fast fracture, corrosion and creep, as well as processes to reduce such problems. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Business Management and Societal Engagement for Engineers

Develop and enhance a range of professional skills as a basis for professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. 

Compulsory• credits

Mechanical Engineering Design and Finite Element Analysis

Explore and develop complex engineering design, integrating form, function, and mechanical solutions in reference to engineering design process. Computerised tools such as CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be adopted to address the practicality and feasibility of a proposed product addressing client demands, resource constraints, and manufacturability, before technical drawings can be issued.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Individual Project (Mechanical Engineering)

Apply and extend your engineering knowledge and professional skills by working on a substantial individual project throughout the academic year.

Core•40 credits

Stress Analysis and Advanced Finite Element Analysis

Examine advanced theories and techniques for stress-analysis problems. The advanced theory and application of finite element analysis is also covered with industry-standard commercial software to tackle complex engineering problems.

Compulsory• credits

Thermofluids and Acoustics

Explore the formal derivation of thermofluids formulae and wave equations. You'll examine the applications of thermofluids theory and noise reduction in the environment. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Computer Aided Analysis and CADCAM

Understand and apply advanced computational techniques for problem solving, familiarise yourself with computer aided design (CAD) packages, and take your designs from the virtual domain to the physical, with computer aided manufacturing (CAM). 

Compulsory•20 credits

Materials Processing, Selection and the Environment

Examine the techniques for assessing the optimal material in specific engineering design scenarios, as well as exploring  the major issues facing contemporary industrialised society.

Compulsory• credits
5 Modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services such as the Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.

Group Project (Mechanical Engineering)

Apply and extend your engineering knowledge and professional skills by working in a team on a substantial project throughout the academic year, supported by an academic project supervisor. Activities include project management, research, engineering design, development, reporting and presentation.

Core•40 credits

Sustainable Engineering Systems

Through an individual case study, you’ll focus on a specific engineered system or technological opportunity.

Compulsory•20 credits

Statistical Methods and Reliability Engineering

Explore the methods used in statistical process control (variables and attributes), followed by the statistically-based methods used in reliability engineering.

Compulsory•20 credits

Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer

Get hands-on experience with a major commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics package and demonstrate your skills for a practical engineering application. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Advanced Materials and Processing

Learn to understand the atomic, nanometre and micrometre scale structures of metals, ceramics, polymers and other advanced materials. 

Optional•20 credits

Offshore Wind Energy

You'll be introduced to the offshore wind industry across a range of disciplines. You'll explore the trade-offs between different pressures and requirements within current industry practice.

Optional•20 credits

The Masters year allows you to further develop your confidence as a mechanical engineer. MEng graduates are distinguished by their depth of knowledge across a broader base, along with the ability to solve complex multi-threaded problems through teamwork. This year includes a team research project enabling you to apply your talents and passion in a specific area of mechanical engineering.
6 Modules

This course is accredited by

Playlist

Dr Mark Walker

Course Overview 2 mins

Engineering facilities

Course highlight 1 min

Formula Student simulator

Course highlight 2 mins

Nikolaos Aronis

Student story 1 min

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Hull has an excellent reputation for teaching mechanical engineering, with lecturers and academics who have extensive links to industry across the country.

You’ll be studying with practising engineers whose research feeds directly into our course.

See more academics for this subject
Dr Mark Walker
Featured academic

Dr Mark Walker

Mark’s research supports the development of low-carbon energy, industrial and agricultural systems, especially those related to the circular economies in areas such as bioprocessing, bio-based production systems, and environmental biotechnology.

Take a look at our facilities

FabLab

Equipped with the latest 3D printers, laser scanners and cutters, and CNC machines. This is where you’ll digitally fabricate models and prototypes. Then test them.

HERT simulators

As a member of our Hull Electric Racing Team (HERT), you’ll have exclusive access to our state-of-the-art F1 simulators to develop your car, and hone your engineering and driving skills.

Mechanical Engineering Workshop

Our workshop gives you the means to safely learn how to use machinery such as lathes, milling machines, pillar drills, CNC machines, as well as a variety of hand tools.

Robotics Lab

Get hands-on and interact with our DJI Drones, Turtlebot3 mobile robots and humanoids like Baxter, Nao and Pepper in our specialist Robotics Lab.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Hull Electric Racing Team F1 Simulator

Look around

Look around

FabLab
Hull Electric Racing Team F1 Simulator
Robert Blackburn Mechanical Engineering Teaching Workshop
Robotics Laboratory
Engineering student, Tom Russon, takes a close look at a piece of machinery while on an internship at Howdens Joinery.

Future prospects

Mechanical engineers are involved in almost everything we use. From nanotechnology to healthcare equipment to planes, windfarms and even spacecraft.

Your transferable skills will open up careers across a range of industries. And with a national shortage of engineers, you're likely to be in high demand. Our graduates have gone on to work with BAE Systems, British Energy, the Royal Navy, Williams F1, Rolls-Royce, and more.

Our course is fully accredited. This shows employers you’ve studied a degree that meets globally recognised standards. It also puts you on the pathway to Chartered Engineer status. We’re also in the process of becoming accredited by the Women in Engineering Society.

Watch

A year in industry
University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. 94.4% employability (Mechanical Engineering) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

2. Mechanical Engineering is ranked 9th in the UK for Added Value. The Guardian 2025

3. Our degrees are fully accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Our BEng courses fully meet the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, and partly for Chartered Engineer. Our MEng degrees fully meet the academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer.

4. Ranked joint 8th out of 75 institutions for Graduate Prospects. Complete University Guide 2025

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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