BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University
BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering with foundation year at Coventry University. Manufacturing engineers design, build and improve the systems and equipment that produce everything from vehicles to medical devices.
About this course
CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Engineering graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 145. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 73% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation year 1 modules
- Essential Science and Mathematics for EngineersCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Build a strong foundation in the mechanical science and mathematical methods that drive modern engineering. Explore key topics in solid mechanics, thermal analysis, alongside mathematical concepts relevant to electrical engineering. Develop the ability to analyse real world problems using mathematical formulations, and apply a range of tools and techniques to solve them with confidence.
Year one 3 modules
- Materials Science for ManufacturingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Discover how the right materials and manufacturing processes turn great ideas into products. Explore the four main classes of engineering materials: polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites and learn how they are used across industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Get to grips with common manufacturing techniques, including innovative processes like additive manufacturing (3D Printing), and understand how material behaviour influences production. Develop skills in material and
- Sustainable Engineering Design PrinciplesCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Sustainable Engineering design is where creativity and design meet responsibility, turning great ideas into products and processes that meet real needs while protecting the environment and being socially responsible. Learn how to solve complex problems through a structured design approach, blending technical knowledge with practical skills. Explore how to create sustainable, real world solutions using industry standard tools, software and modelling techniques. Key themes include sustainability,
- Quality Metrology and Lean ManufacturingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn how engineers check and improve the quality of products by using measurement, statistics and lean manufacturing techniques. Explore why accuracy and process control are so important in modern manufacturing. Look at how errors can affect performance and discover ways to manage uncertainty in design and production. To put this into practice, work with a small group on a hands-on assembly project where you'll redesign processes to reduce waste and improve quality. Along the way, build skills
Year two 4 modules
- Engineering Materials and Manufacturing TechnologyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Build on your earlier studies to explore how engineering materials are designed, behave and perform in real products. See how materials are chosen and used in manufacturing and how these decisions affect how components work in service. Learn to analyse products, processes and systems using industry tools, identifying ways to make improvements. Along the way, explore the balance between performance, reliability, cost and environmental impact when selecting materials and technologies. Discuss indu
- Automation and RoboticsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Get hands-on with automation and robotics in modern manufacturing. Learn the mathematical foundations and control principles that underpin these systems, giving you a strong understanding of how automation works in real industrial settings. Explore technology and electrical science, including key components such as sensors, actuators, instrumentation and transfer mechanisms. Cover essential electrical concepts, like circuit analysis and electromagnetic machines, to see how they support automated
- Design for Sustainable ManufacturingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn the tools and techniques used to support innovation in product design for manufacturing. Explore how these tools can be used sustainably within a manufacturing environment. This includes working on a project that takes you through the key stages of the design process, from an initial brief to delivering a viable solution, and presenting your findings according to industry standards. Evaluate product portfolios at different stages of the product life cycle. Examine how the concept of a prod
- Advanced Manufacturing SystemsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamentals of digital twins and discover how they can improve manufacturing processes through real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and asset optimisation. Explore how digital twins are created and securely implemented. Additionally, gain a broader understanding of how digital twins, Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 contribute to more effective and efficient manufacturing.
Placement year 2 modules
- UK work placementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- International study/work placementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
Final year 8 modules
- Strategic InnovationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Work in a team to create an innovative solution for a new or existing product. Develop an operational system that connects the internal and external organisational environment and aligns with strategic goals. Gain experience working with diverse teams, learning the contributions needed for effective project delivery. Throughout the module, explore topics such as analysing global business strategy, evaluating the impact of innovation and new product or service strategies, and demonstrating profic
- Production Systems OptimisationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn how to plan and control a competitive manufacturing system and optimise production. Develop the skills and techniques needed to design improved manufacturing systems that balance efficiency and flexibility for different contexts. Explore production planning and control methods that help coordinate inputs from sales, marketing, supply chains and manufacturing to create effective schedules and meet customer needs. Use simulation modelling to test and demonstrate how well your proposed system
- Emerging Manufacturing TechnologiesCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Work alongside researchers at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) on cutting-edge topics, selected each year using the Gartner Hype Cycle. These may include: metrology, digital manufacturing, structural integrity, functional materials, laser processing and joining, sustainable manufacturing, and technology and innovation management. Through lectures, seminars, hands-on work with researchers and self-guided study, gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact these t
- Individual Manufacturing ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn how to plan and carry out a research project, usually within an industrial context. Define a clear research question or aim, gather and evaluate results and consider any limitations, as well as make recommendations for future work. You'll be guided through defining the problem, reviewing relevant literature and designing your research approach. This includes choosing suitable data collection methods and using project management tools to plan and organise your work effectively. Work closely
- Advanced Manufacturing SimulationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Explore computer-based manufacturing simulation, using software to model and analyse the behaviour of manufacturing systems. Learn to identify system components and characteristics, develop computer-based models and use the resulting data to support decision-making. Discover the principles of mathematical optimisation and how to apply them to production and manufacturing problems. By working with specialist software, gain skills that can be transferred to other software, models, and real-world c
- Smart Vision and Sensor TechnologiesCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Develop an advanced understanding of vision smart systems and sensors used in manufacturing quality control. Learn to critically analyse and evaluate automated inspection techniques and enhance your ability to design, implement and optimise quality control systems using modern vision and sensing technologies. Cover key topics including fundamentals of vision systems, object recognition, pose estimation, inspection and measurement, 2D and 3D machine vision, sensor technologies, machine learning a
- Industrial Group Project InitiationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Develop an applied or research-based project proposal to create an innovative solution for a new or existing product or process. Your proposal will include an analysis of the external environment and consider the sustainability impacts of your ideas. Explore topics such as the social, environmental and economic impacts of engineering and business practices, critically appraise concepts and theories, and understand the importance of innovation in a business context. Learn about life cycle assessm
- Industrial Group Project ExecutionCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Solve real-world manufacturing and engineering problems.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This manufacturing-focused engineering degree emphasises design, simulation and practical problem-solving from the start. You'll usually begin with engineering mathematics, mechanics and materials science, alongside hands-on CAD and workshop practice. In your second year, you'll progress to core topics such as thermodynamics, circuits or systems analysis, and engineering computing, working in teams on a real-world design project. By year 3, you'll choose specialisations such as mechanical, electrical and electronic, civil and structural, robotics and mechatronics, energy and sustainability, or a Chartered (CEng) pathway, whilst undertaking a substantial individual project, professional practice modules covering safety, ethics and sustainability, and advanced options in your chosen area. The foundation year provides essential grounding if your prior qualifications require it.
Who it's for
You're methodical, curious about how things work and drawn to solving real-world problems. You enjoy maths and science, and you want a structured path into engineering rather than jumping straight in. The foundation year suits you if you'd benefit from consolidating your grasp of core concepts before tackling degree-level material. You're looking for hands-on learning combined with theory, and you're ready to commit to a four-year programme that blends classroom study with practical project work. You want a clear route into a skilled engineering career.
Careers & job market
Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Among those working, 80% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further qualifications. Graduate earnings data shows typical starting salaries (at 15 months) of £29,000–£35,000, rising to £33,150–£46,800 by five years post-graduation. These are national figures for engineering graduates, not specific to this university. Your career prospects depend on your specialisation, placements and how you develop practical skills during the course.
University & format
This 4-year full-time degree is studied at Coventry University, a university located in Coventry, England. Instruction is in English. The course leads to a BEng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering with foundation year. Coventry University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this degree is nationally recognised. The university holds a Gold award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 91% |
| another higher-education qualification | 9% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £27,000 – £34,000 | 145 |
| 3 years after | £30,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 | 420 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £30,500 – £44,500 | 460 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 145. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 145. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 80; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.0 out of 10: NSS 72.7% · in work or study 95% · continued 73%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Coventry
2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering with foundation year
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

