BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Placement Year Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University

In this module you will strengthen your mathematical skills and apply them to important engineering problems. Theory is presented in the context of real engineering scenarios so that both the mathematical technique itself and the engineering concept are both better understood. This includes extending integration into higher dimensions, and introducing linear algebra, including vectors and matrices, which are applied to solving problems on structural mechanics and electronic networks, for example. Methods of approximating and solving non-linear functions are discussed in order to show how hard problems can be simplified. Laplace transforms are introduced which reduce the complexity of differe

This module explores the core principles of engineering science, connecting key concepts to chemical, mechanical, nuclear, and electrical/electronic systems. You will discover how physical principles associated with energy transfer, forces, kinetics, and atomic behaviour shape the function of structures, processes, and components laying the foundation for all engineering disciplines. Topics include atomic and molecular behaviour in materials, charge movement, compound formation, and reaction kinetics. You will also examine forces from electrostatic, electromagnetic, and mechanical interactions, along with their effects on displacement, stress, current flow, and the behaviour of solids and fl

This module will provide you with key practical skills that will allow you to design physical components, structures and systems and create functionality across all engineering disciplines. Whether you are a chemical engineer designing a heat exchanger, or a nuclear engineer designing a reactor, all engineers need to be able to generate and understand engineering drawings. Here you will use industry standard Computer Aided Design software to realise your designs. You will also learn the formal design process so that you can create innovative and robust designs. Using a ‘Design for Manufacture’ focus, you will learn how your designs can be manufactured from a range of subtractive, additive an

This module bridges engineering science with real-world applications, enabling you to design and implement industrially relevant systems. One stream focuses on sensor technology, amplifier design, and "front-end" circuits. You’ll apply electronics theory to build practical circuits and networks, exploring operational amplifiers, key components of analogue systems. You'll also develop an understanding of signals in both the time and frequency domains. Systems within the field of chemical engineering will be explored where essential concepts including batch, semi-batch, and continuous processes, as well as purge and recycle streams are fundamental. You’ll perform material balance and phase equ

This module introduces thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, core principles that drive engineering solutions across all disciplines. Understanding how heat and fluid behave is crucial for engineers tackling real-world challenges, from designing efficient thermal management systems and heat exchangers to optimizing industrial processes. You will explore the fundamental laws governing energy transfer and fluid flow, learning how these principles apply to practical engineering scenarios. In this module theoretical concepts are reinforced through experiments and observations. By directly engaging with real-world examples, you will develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms at p

This module covers key analytical techniques providing a foundation for all engineering programmes. Whether you are already familiar with these concepts or not, this module will bring everyone to the same level and make sure you have the mathematical tools to succeed. Techniques of primary importance to engineering such as complex numbers, differentiation and integration are covered to ensure you can understand and apply all the different methods available and solve real engineering problems during the supported sessions and beyond. This analysis is supported by practical lessons in the use of numerical techniques using tools such as MATLAB. These tools are used not only to show how techniqu

In this module, you will explore the fundamentals of control engineering and apply your knowledge to develop an autonomous robotic system in the laboratory. You will learn about system dynamics, feedback control and block diagram analysis, with a focus on linear, single-degree-of-freedom systems. Concepts will be illustrated through case studies from mechanical, electronic and robotic systems. The syllabus includes mechanistic modelling, first- and second-order systems, time and frequency responses (including Bode diagrams), transfer functions, classical control theory, and industry-standard PID control, incorporating proportional, integral, and derivative actions. You will also work as part

This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering materials, focusing on their structure, properties, and real-world applications. It covers atomic bonding, crystalline structures, defects, deformation mechanisms, and phase transformations, as well as failure analysis under complex loading conditions such as fatigue, creep, and environmental degradation. Students will also explore material characterization techniques, mechanical analysis, and material selection, with an emphasis on sustainability and lifecycle considerations. By studying this module, students will gain critical knowledge and skills to analyse material behaviour, predict failures, and select appropriate materials for eng

This module introduces the foundations of engineering mechanics, equipping you with the skills to analyse and design advanced mechanical systems subjected to general loads. It focuses on the foundations of statics and dynamics, with principles of structural mechanics; it covers system equilibrium for statically determinate and statically indeterminate structures, stress and deformations and buckling, along with kinematics and dynamics of material points and rigid bodies. You will develop an understanding of the physical behaviour of structural and mechanical systems and their design, fulfilling stress, deformation and stability constraints, while gaining proficiency in mathematical and physi

Understanding how fluids move and how mass is transported is essential in engineering as these principles are applied across various industries, from energy production and manufacturing design to chemical and nuclear plants. In this module, you will explore the nature of fluids and their fundamental properties. You will develop a solid understanding of how fluids behave at rest (fluid mechanics) and in motion (fluid dynamics), and you will test your understanding in the lab. You will also gain insight into mass transfer principles, including molecular diffusion, convective mass transfer, and interfacial transport. These concepts are crucial for designing efficient separation processes, optim

Many things in engineering move from a simple door hinge through to the complex interactions found within an automotive transmission system. Mechanisms that move all have fundamental components that allow them to perform their task. This module introduces the underlying components and the scientific understanding behind their design to allow you to design machines that move better and more sustainably. Topics covered include bearings, gears, shafts, couplings and threaded fasteners along with power transmission, efficiency and the importance of component tolerance. The latest science understanding behind contact stress, tribology friction and wear, will lead you to safer and more effective,

The module provides an integrated understanding of energy exchange mechanisms in engineering systems, focusing on heat and work transfer across different states and phases of matter. The module emphasises analysing gas and steam systems, refrigeration cycles, heat pump technologies, and reciprocating engines, enabling a competitive edge in shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions. You will understand how to measure and calculate thermodynamic properties for ideal and real fluids, analyse gas and steam systems, evaluate refrigeration and heat pump cycles and master the methods for heat transfer analysis, optimisation of energy processes and systems in consideration of heat transfer,

You will spend this year working in a graduate-level placement role. This is an ideal opportunity to gain experience in an industry or sector that you might be considering working in once you graduate. Although it's up to you to find your placement we'll support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

This hands-on, lab-based module immerses students in the practical application of numerical methods, specifically Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to support informed engineering design decisions. Lectures provide essential context, exploring how simulations fit into the design process and equipping students with the theoretical knowledge needed to develop, justify, and assess effective simulation strategies. Through computer-based labs, students will gain experience using industry-standard commercial software to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. Key skills include meshing techniques, applying boundary conditions, extracting critical data, and

This module provides you with practical competences in dynamics and industrial mechatronic design. It focuses on the dynamic modelling of mechanical and mechatronic systems in the time and frequency domain using a range of mathematical techniques. It will explore the fundamental principles and practical applications of dynamic analyses in engineering system, including vibration of multiple degree of freedom systems, impact, concepts of precision location and guidance of moving parts; design with flexural elements; kinematic design; and causes of errors in machine systems. The module emphasizes both analytical and computational approaches that will help you to identify, model and mitigate vib

In this module, you will gain essential skills in engineering management, covering key areas such as scheduling, project risk management, quality management, and cost and resource management. You will also explore entrepreneurial topics, including business model generation, market segmentation, and effective communication of business proposals. At the heart of the module is a group business proposal, where you will apply management theory from lectures and entrepreneurial workshops. Through presentations, pitches, and valuable insights from industry experts, you will develop your business ideas with creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on idea generation, start-ups

In this individual project, you will deepen your understanding of a specific engineering topic of your choice. You will conduct a detailed review of the topic, which will serve as a foundation for enhancing the technical content of your project. Depending on the nature of your work, you may need to perform computer simulations, mathematical analyses, and/or practical experiments. You will be assigned a project supervisor who is an expert in your chosen field and will provide guidance on both the technical aspects and project management. Additionally, you will receive support from academic staff, postgraduate students, and technical personnel.

Human nature is to immediately think of solutions to a problem and having an answer quickly is often considered good practice. Complex systems mean this approach rarely works, systems engineering and associated structured tools are the only viable approach to handling complex systems. This module will develop your skills for eliciting, capturing and analysing customer requirements, improve your creative thinking, introduce you to tools and functional modelling methods to generate and select conceptual system design solutions which include user centred design and are applicable regardless of the complexity, discipline or problem. You will learn about the role of quality management principles