BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's degree at Loughborough University
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University. Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough sits at the intersection of theory and real-world problem-solving.
About this course
Our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree is available full-time with an optional placement year in placement or studying abroad. Discover more here. From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at Loughborough University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Mechanical engineering graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (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.
Year 1 6 modules
- Mathematics for Mechanical EngineeringCompulsory
Module details
Equip students with basic mathematical tools useful in engineering. Demonstrate how mathematics can be used in engineering.
- Applied EngineeringCompulsory
Module details
Introduce students to engineering as a professional multi-disciplinary activity through problems and challenges that integrate the new knowledge and understanding which is being taught in other modules. Provide a problem-based learning environment in which students can respond to design briefs and gain ongoing feedback from teaching and technical staff, as well as each other. Provide students with basic project delivery and management skills to develop an engineered solution in a team-based envi
- MechanicsCompulsory
Module details
The primary aim of the study of engineering mechanics is to develop in students a capacity to predict the effects of forces and motion on engineering structures and materials.
- Mechanical DesignCompulsory
Module details
Equip students with a systematic design methodology and the skills to apply design tools to broadly defined problems, with a strong emphasis on adhering to industry standards and professional codes of practice in mechanical engineering.
- Materials and Manufacturing ProcessesCompulsory
Module details
To introduce engineering materials (i.e., alloys, polymers, ceramics and composites) through an understanding of atomic/molecular interactions and their physical properties. To provide an introduction to the technology of manufacturing processes and how these influence materials properties. To practice materials selection for a range of products using a multifunctional viewpoint.
- Thermofluids 1Compulsory
Module details
The aim of the module is to introduce fundamental principles and definitions in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, providing students with the scientific foundations required to understand and analyse systems and fluid behaviour. The module will emphasise practical engineering applications, covering thermodynamics laws, fluid statics, and fluid dynamics, and will equip students with analytical and experimental skills to mechanical design, energy efficiency, and fluid machinery.
Year 2 6 modules
- Mechanics 2Compulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to consolidate and build on the ideas and skills introduced in the first year mechanics module. Students will develop their ability to model dynamic systems with particular reference to vibration analysis, and will carry out strength and deflection analyses for a range of simple load cases and structures. They will also understand the simplifications used in such analyses and appreciate the role of stress evaluation, failure prediction, and vibration behaviour in practi
- Engineering Mathematics and Computation MethodsCompulsory
Module details
To develop students ability to apply advanced mathematical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. To ensure students can formulate, analyse, and solve engineering problems using appropriate analytical and computational approaches. To develop confidence and competence in the use of computational tools for modelling, simulation, and numerical problem-solving in engineering contexts.
- Thermofluids 2Compulsory
Module details
This module aims to deepen and extend students existing knowledge of thermofluids. The module will equip students with the skills to appropriately simplify and analyse thermofluid systems that are commonly encountered in engineering practice.
- Design and Analysis of Structures and ComponentsCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to enable students to gain experience of a consolidated engineering product design cycle through synthesis of a load bearing structure and use of techniques to select common machine elements (components). It will provide concepts, knowledge and techniques necessary for mechanical design appropriate for a range of contexts, including; initial concept generation, component selection, analysis and refinement, through to manufacture and testing.
- Industrial Engineering Design ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is: To develop the fundamental transferable skills and methodologies necessary for creating sound conceptual solutions to real design problems in an industrial context. To build confidence and provide experience through working within a team. To provide experience and engagement with professionals from the industrial, clinical and regulatory sectors.
- Control System DesignCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the modelling, analysis, and control of dynamic systems. The module covers both classical time-domain techniques and frequency-domain methods, culminating in the practical design of PID-type compensators for industrial plant and processes.
Final year 4 modules
- Engineering Systems and ManagementCompulsory
Module details
This module will help students confidently choose and use advanced systems, business and project management methods to tackle real engineering challenges that need creative and innovative thinking. Students will also build a practical understanding of the financial, legal and quality management principles that support the effective operation of engineering organisations.
- Individual ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The aims of this module are for the students to practice an aspect of engineering in a simulated professional situation whereby they: Develop the ability to work individually. Apply knowledge gained in several subject areas in previous years. Exercise initiative, imagination and creativity. Gain experience in project planning, project implementation and communication of outcomes. Demonstrate one or more of the following: analysis and interpretation of data, numerical modelling, use of appropriat
- Computational Mechanics of MaterialsOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are to introduce students the theory, practice and coding of the finite element analysis, including capabilities and limitations of the finite element method, and the practical problems involved in accurate modelling of engineering structures and components subjected to various loading conditions.
- Energy Systems AnalysisOptional
Module details
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, and analytical capability required to make informed and justified decisions about energy systems in the context of contemporary energy challenges and transitions. The module is structured around three interconnected themes. First, it develops a systematic understanding of primary energy sources and conversion technologies, including conventional and renewable resources, and their integration within electricity, hydrogen, stora
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
You'll study mechanical engineering through a foundation-to-specialist progression. In Year 1, you'll develop core competencies in engineering mathematics, mechanics and materials, and design with CAD and workshop skills. Year 2 deepens the discipline core, such as thermodynamics and fluids, alongside engineering analysis, computing and simulation, culminating in a group design project assessed against real industry specifications. Year 3 combines specialisations such as robotics and mechatronics, energy and sustainability, electrical and electronic engineering, or civil and structural engineering, with professional engineering practice (safety, ethics, sustainability and project management) and an individual design or research project as your degree's centrepiece.
Who it's for
You thrive on understanding how things work and why they fail. You're comfortable with mathematics and physics, and you enjoy sketching solutions and building prototypes, not just calculating them on paper. You want a course that balances rigorous engineering principles with genuine industry relevance, and the option to test your knowledge through workplace experience appeals to you. Studying here means joining a cohort focused on practical problem-solving, accessing labs and design facilities, and having exposure to roles spanning automotive, energy, aerospace and manufacturing sectors. You're looking for a degree that employers recognise and that prepares you for either professional practice or postgraduate research.
Careers & job market
Across UK engineering courses, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing. Of those working, 80% are employed in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Starting salaries for engineering graduates nationally range from £29,000 to £35,000; after three years, £26,775 to £37,800; and after five years, £33,150 to £46,800. These figures reflect the whole UK graduate population, not individual university outcomes. Career paths are diverse: some graduates move into engineering design and development, others into project management, energy efficiency, or technical consultancy. A placement year or study abroad can strengthen your network and inform your direction before graduation.
University & format
Loughborough University is a public university founded in 1909, located in Loughborough. The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering is delivered full-time over 3 years, taught in English. The degree is nationally recognised by a UK degree-awarding body and carries a Chartered (CEng) pathway option. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is. An optional placement year or period of study abroad is available.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Access Loughborough Contextual Offer. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
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 | 96% |
| Other | 2% |
| another higher-education qualification | 1% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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 Loughborough 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 | £33,000 | £30,000 – £38,000 | 45 |
| 3 years after | £34,000 | £30,500 – £39,000 | 265 |
| 5 years after | £42,500 | £36,500 – £50,500 | 255 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction ProfessionalsSOC 2020 245 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,972
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: 55; response rate: 50%. 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.
Engineering Surveyor (Machine Control)BAM UK & IrelandEngineering Operations Project ManagerFdo Consulting LimitedEngineering ManagerVerto PeopleEngineering ManagerRobert WaltersEngineering ManagerPremier Technical RecruitmentEngineering ManagerRedline Group LtdIs 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 82.6% · in work or study 85% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Loughborough 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 Loughborough University
1,024 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 Loughborough University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Loughborough 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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Loughborough University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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