Degrees Offered

• BEng Honours Mechanical Engineering (3 years) (UCAS Code: H300)
• BEng Honours Mechanical Engineering (4-year sandwich) (UCAS Code: H304)
• MEng Honours Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (4 years) (UCAS Code: HH37)
• MEng Honours Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (5-year sandwich) (UCAS Code: HHH7)
• MEng Honours Mechanical Engineering (4 years) (H303)
• MEng Honours Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry (5-year sandwich) (H305)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
The Director of Education
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
T: +44 (0)28 9097 4117
E: mech.aero@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/mechaero

Entrance Requirements

BEng

• A-level
  BBB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology, Further Mathematics or Double Award Applied Science.
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade C in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
  
  
• BTEC Extended Diploma
  A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 10 Distinctions and 8 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
  
  
• Higher National Diploma
  Those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma will be considered on their individual merits for entry to Stage 2.
  
  
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.

MEng

• A-level
  AAB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology or Further Mathematics.
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
  
  
• BTEC Extended Diploma
  A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
   
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.
  

Option to Transfer
Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 1.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including:
International Foundation in Engineering and Science

The Subject

Mechanical Engineering is often associated with machines that move; from motorcycles and Formula 1 cars to aircraft and ships, however, virtually all man-made products have mechanical features that are designed and developed by mechanical engineers. Hence companies that make such diverse products as mobile phones, shoes, musical instruments and tennis rackets employ mechanical engineers. In all cases, they are employed to apply the scientific knowledge, design expertise and problem-solving skills they have acquired at university.

Queen's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has an international reputation for its contributions to the development of engineering education. For example, it is currently playing a leading role in the Conception and Design to Implementation and Operation (CDIO) initiative to enhance engineering education, involving universities from around the world.

Course Content

Stage 1
All students undertake a team-based project-based module in Stage 1, which is designed to introduce the class to the concept of professional engineering practice. This activity is supported by a range of basic mathematics and engineering science subjects, while engineering practice is developed through modules in engineering design and electrical engineering.

Stage 2
Stage 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects including Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Strength of Materials. Mathematics and Computing focuses more on their application to engineering than the basic theory, while further modules cover areas such as electronics, manufacturing and engineering design. Students also encounter the professional aspects of engineering for the first time in a Professional Studies module, which covers areas such as management, accounting, economics and law.

Stage 3
Having covered all the fundamental subject matter in previous years, students begin to focus on their chosen degree subject in Stage 3. BEng students will undertake a range of core modules in engineering science and professional studies. They will also select from a range of optional modules that cover advanced engineering science, business, and engineering design. The MEng students undertake a selection of compulsory modules in engineering science, manufacture and design. All students undertake a major individual project in Stage 3.

Stage 4
The main focus of Stage 4 is the team project and associated professional studies module. Students, working within teams, will conceive, design, build and test a product, while also developing a business plan for the establishment of a hypothetical company to market and sell the product. In addition to the project, students will select from a range of optional modules in advanced engineering topics.

Click here for more information on modules

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable a student to achieve their full academic potential. As a student studying for a MEng in Mechanical Engineering, you are provided with a broad range of learning experiences to enable you to develop as an individual, to engage with subject experts from both academia and industry, and to develop an enquiring mind to enhance your development as an independent, lifelong learner.  Access to industry standard engineering tools, a world class library facility and courses taught by subject experts provides a breadth of opportunity to develop your interests in mechanical engineering, which is supported by formal lectures, tutorials and practical experience.   There are a wide range of learning opportunities, including:

• Lectures:  Formal lectures are timetabled to introduce basic information and concepts about key topics and themes in Mechanical Engineering, and to provide a starting point to guide further self-directed private study.  This provides an invaluable opportunity to both engage with academic subject experts and also to gain feedback and advice.  Throughout your degree course, a number of special invited lectures will also given by practicing professional engineers from industry, to ensure that you have the opportunity to learn and discuss the industrial context of your studies.
• Tutorials:  The majority of lectures are supported through matching tutorial sessions, providing opportunities for discussion about problems posed in accompanying lectures.  Again, tutorials provide valuable opportunities to engage with academic staff to obtain help and feedback outside of the formal lecture environment.
• Practicals:  A key aspect of any engineering degree is the ability to be able to competently transfer engineering scientific principles into practice.  You will be provided with numerous opportunities to develop core technical skills through practical laboratories and design exercises during your degree programme, and you will become proficient in the use of a wide range of industrial standard engineering design and analysis tools. 
• E-Learning technologies:   The Queen’s Online Virtual Learning Environment provides access to a wealth of information and supporting learning information, including additional module resources, reading lists and message boards to communicate with class members. 
• Self-directed study:  This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Work placements:  As part of our MEng sandwich programme, students may elect to take a work-placement after the successful completion of either Stage 2 or Stage 3.   An employability programme provides support on application and CV completion, interviews and what to expect on placement, while our dedicated Placement Officer provides both information on current placement opportunities, and ‘on placement’ support. This significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity is now undertaken by more than 50% of students on the MEng programme.  
• Field trips:  Within a number of course modules opportunities are provided for students to visit local companies to demonstrate module content in a real-life work environment and to provide understanding of the role of practicing Mechanical Engineers in industry.
• Group design projects: As part of stage 3 of your degree, you will undertake a group design project where you will work as part of a team in the development of a design and prototype for a new engineering product. This will provide you with the opportunity to apply your engineering skills within a team environment and it will allow you hone your team-working, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Individual research projects:  As part of stage 4 of your degree, you will undertake a research project in your final year in conjunction with an academic supervisor, looking in detail at a specialist topic in Mechanical Engineering.    This will provide you the opportunity to engage with the state-of-the-art in a mechanical engineering field of your own interest, while embedding core skills in project management, reporting and presentation skills.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor from the academic staff who meets with them regularly during the year to support their academic development. 

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work. 

Careers

A degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions alike.  Our graduates are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and the versatility of Mechanical Engineering graduates makes them well suited for a wide range of future careers, both within engineering and in the wider graduate sector. 

Although the vast majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Mechanical Engineering where the average graduate starting salary is £23,993, a significant number develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.  The following is a list of the major career sectors (and some starting salaries) that have attracted our graduates in recent years:

Employer Links:

Consultations

Queen’s University Belfast has strong links with both local and international engineering employers, and has longstanding relationships with companies such as ExxonMobil, McLaren F1, Lotus, Jaguar Land Rover, Bombardier, Rolls Royce, Caterpillar FG Wilson, Michelin and Ford. 

Placement Employers

Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:

The Prospects websiteprovides further information regarding the types of jobs that attract Engineering Graduates

Further study is also an option open to Mechanical Engineering graduates. Students can choose from a range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics, as show within the School of Mechanical & AerospaceEngineering website.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Accreditation: both the BEng and MEng degrees are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The BEng degree fulfils the educational requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The MEng degree fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Progression: BEng students who perform well during Stage 1 may be invited to transfer to the MEng degree in Stage 2. The BEng in Mechanical Engineering and the BEng in Manufacturing Engineering are common in Stages 1 and 2 and it is possible to transfer from one to the other at any time up to the end of Stage 2.

Placement/Study Abroad: students opting for a sandwich degree spend one year on an industrial placement, normally between Stages 2 and 3. Students may spend a summer vacation working abroad through the School's participation in the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Programme. They may also take their final year at another European university.