BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Design Bachelor's degree at Oxford Brookes University
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Design at OBU. You'll study core theory, research methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project and professional skills.
About this course
Mechanical Engineering Design BEng degree course School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at Oxford Brookes University From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Design is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at OBU, based in Oxford Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Engineering and technology graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2021-23; 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
- Engineering Design and Practice ICompulsory30 credits
Module details
Through a subject-specific engineering product as a case study, you will delve into technical drawing, CAD/CAE, modelling, management, and machining, gaining a holistic understanding of the engineering design process. Additionally, this module introduces you to electrical and electronic circuits, laboratory testing, and experimentation, providing invaluable hands-on experience. You will develop mathematical proficiency to solve complex engineering problems, master the design and analysis of elec
- IEng Mathematics and ModellingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
A solid foundation in mathematics is essential for budding engineers. This module sets the stage by providing the necessary mathematical tools to support the analytical aspects of year one engineering courses. You will delve into fundamental algebraic and trigonometric principles, explore the applications of differential and integral calculus, and develop skills in using related functions. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience with mathematical models, applying them to real engineering
- Basic Electrical EngineeringCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This foundational module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of electrical engineering. You will cover essential electrical quantities, parameters, and the operation of electronic components and circuits that are crucial for your journey as an engineering student. By completing this module, you will develop crucial skills in problem-solving, circuit design, research, project execution, and effective communication. Moreover, you'll gain a solid
- Basic DynamicsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the foundational principles essential for assessing mechanical engineering designs concerning equilibrium and motion. These principles are applicable across a spectrum of primary mechanical and automotive parts, devices, and systems. On successful completion of this module, you will be competent in recognizing the different forces at play on typical engineering parts and devices under the influence of uncomplicated static loads. Additionally, y
- Basic Stress AnalysisCompulsory15 credits
Module details
In this module, you will be introduced to the principles used in the analysis and design of mechanical engineering systems. This module will cover the fundamentals of engineering materials and their properties, which are crucial in the design phase. You will learn how to assess the influence of material structure on the mechanical behaviour of components, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding material selection for engineering applications. By the end of this module, you will be able
- Basic ThermodynamicsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
In this module, you'll explore the foundations of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Discover how these principles apply to real-world engineering scenarios, determining system characteristics and performance. Critically assess heat and work transfers, along with internal and external fluid flows. Evaluate the behaviour of gases and vapours as working fluids. You'll also gain knowledge of flow measurement techniques and characteristics of internal and external flows. Understand the importance o
Year 2 3 modules
- Design and Practice II (double)Compulsory30 credits
Module details
This module places a strong emphasis on utilising modern computer technology, including computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages, to create solid models, conduct simulation analyses, and ensure designs are fit for purpose. By actively engaging with the integrated design environment and collaborating with peers, you will acquire invaluable skills in engineering design, problem-solving, and effective communication. As you progress through this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding o
- Stress AnalysisCompulsory15 credits
Module details
In this module, you'll delve into the intricacies of static stress analysis using closed-form solutions derived from fundamental principles. You'll also explore how this understanding relates to failure criteria and the material properties of the component. Practical application of theories will be facilitated through a hands-on laboratory session, offering a real-world context to the learned concepts. Through this module, you'll gain a profound ability to calculate stresses, strains, and deflec
- Electronics and Control Engineering 1Compulsory15 credits
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 BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering Design is taught by the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at Oxford Brookes University. A course like this typically begins with engineering fundamentals, mathematics, mechanics, materials and design skills including CAD, before moving into specialist core content such as thermodynamics and fluids, or circuits and systems. Year 2 usually includes engineering analysis, computing and a group design project completed to industry standards. In Year 3, you'll usually choose specialist options such as robotics and mechatronics, energy and sustainability, civil and structural, or electrical and electronic engineering, alongside professional practice covering safety, ethics and project management. The degree culminates in a substantial individual project, the centrepiece of the final year.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking flexible, part-time study in mechanical engineering design. It's designed for students who want to balance academic learning with work or other commitments, whilst developing both theoretical knowledge and practical engineering skills across a range of specialised areas.
Careers & job market
Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 80% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £29,000–£35,000 at 15 months; after three years, £26,775–£37,800; and after five years, £33,150–£46,800. These figures reflect national outcomes across the engineering sector, not a guarantee for individual graduates.
University & format
This course is studied at Oxford Brookes University, a public university in Oxford. It is taught part-time and delivered in English. The BEng (Hons) award is a recognised UK degree-awarding body degree, nationally recognised. The university holds a Bronze 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.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
What is a 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.
Paid work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
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.
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 (code 5Y12). 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 Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. 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 OBU →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 | £32,000 | £24,000 – £36,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £35,000 | £28,500 – £42,500 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £35,500 | £27,500 – £47,500 | 40 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 · 60% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
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: 25; response rate: 65%. 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 £32,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.4 out of 10: NSS 63.7% · in work or study 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Oxford Brookes 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 Oxford Campus
900 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 OBU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by OBU; 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 OBU’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 OBU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at OBU
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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