BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at University of Kent. Mechanical engineering at Kent centres on designing, building, and applying engineering solutions to real-world problems.
About this course
Design, build, and innovate with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kent. Develop expertise in mechanical design, thermodynamics, and materials science to prepare for a rewarding career in engineering, manufacturing, and technology. Apply now! From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at the University of Kent, based in Canterbury. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Engineering graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% 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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (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.
Stage 1 6 modules
- Mathematics for EngineeringCompulsory
Module details
Mathematics is the fundamental language of engineering, allowing complex ideas to be described, formulated and developed. This module gives you a strong foundation of key mathematical techniques and methods required by most other modules in our engineering courses. Topics covered include complex numbers, calculus, linear algebra, statistics and probability. Throughout the module, you'll tackle real-world engineering problems.
- Electronics For EngineersCompulsory
Module details
Electronics underpins all of modern life, from everyday household items to the most sophisticated supercomputers. It enables devices such as ultra-low power wearable health monitors through to megawatt wind turbines. You'll begin your engineering journey by learning fundamental circuit analysis and fabrication skills.
- Fundamentals of ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
Programming underpins all facets of modern life, from basic software applications to complex artificial intelligence systems. You'll embark on your programming journey here, mastering fundamental coding concepts and development skills. This foundation will empower you to dive into programming projects right from your first year.
- Engineering Materials and DesignCompulsory
Module details
The success of an engineering product relies on the combination of careful mechanical design, strategic material selection, and a deep understanding of mechanics. You'll learn how to develop an engineering drawing of a product using a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system and choose the best materials from a wide range of available engineering materials.
- Design and Manufacturing ProjectCompulsory
Module details
To bring your engineering education to life, you'll do a project in each year of study. In the Stage 1 project, you'll gain hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. You will apply electronic and mechanical design skills and programming/software knowledge to describe and produce a physical solution.
- Mechanics of Materials and StructureCompulsory
Module details
Understanding the mechanics of materials and structures, including the relationship between stress and strain, is fundamental to engineering design. You will learn about the definition of internal loads in a structure which will generate stress and strain in a material.
Stage 2 6 modules
- Mechatronics and MeasurementsCompulsory
Module details
Engineers work in interdisciplinary teams to overcome the challenges of intelligent engineering systems. Smart engineering systems are not simple mechanical or electronic components, but the result of synergistic integration between mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science and control. You'll gain applied knowledge of sensors, actuators, and data acquisition techniques.
- Fluid MechanicsCompulsory
Module details
A comprehensive understanding of fluid mechanics is essential to the discipline of engineering. In this module, you'll be introduced to core concepts such as fluid properties, hydrostatics, mass, momentum and energy conservation principles, viscous flow behaviours, dimensional analysis, and drag/lift forces.
- Dynamics of MachinesCompulsory
Module details
A strong understanding of dynamics and mechanism analysis is essential for crafting mechanical components with dynamic motion. You'll gain essential knowledge of kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies that you'll apply to models and evaluate the velocity, acceleration, forces, and moment of rigid components.
- Advanced Manufacturing TechnologiesCompulsory
Module details
Classical and modern manufacturing technologies play a key role in driving product development and innovation across various industrial sectors. You'll gain knowledge of state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and modern techniques such as additive manufacturing.
- Vibrations and ControlCompulsory
Module details
Vibration is a common mechanical phenomenon and changes in vibration pattern may indicate likely wear, fault or failure of devices. Understanding vibration characteristics and their manipulation is therefore critical to ensuring the stability, safety and optimal operation of modern devices.
- Engineering Team ProjectCompulsory
Module details
Teamwork lies at the heart of this module, seamlessly blending practical group projects with supporting lectures, emphasising the development of technical proficiency, transferable skills, sustainability, and security awareness. You will collaborate in teams to explore mechanical and electronic hardware, software development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices.
Stage 3 1 modules
- Robotics and AICompulsory
Module details
Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are currently the most exciting fields in engineering. We are preparing for a robotics and AI revolu
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 course equips you to develop expertise in mechanical design, thermodynamics, and materials science for careers in engineering, manufacturing, and technology. You'll usually start with engineering foundations: mathematics, mechanics and materials behaviour, and design skills including CAD and workshop practice. In your second year, you'll progress to the core of mechanical engineering, thermodynamics and fluids, alongside engineering analysis, computing and simulation. You'll undertake a team design project against a real specification. In your final year, you'll choose specialist options such as robotics and mechatronics, energy and sustainability, or structures, and complete a substantial individual project. Throughout, the emphasis is on applying theory to practical problems and developing professional engineering practice in safety, ethics and sustainability.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you're curious about how things work and enjoy solving problems with precision. You'll thrive if you're comfortable with mathematics and physics, think methodically, and want to move beyond theory into hands-on design and testing. Studying mechanical engineering here is demanding but rewarding, you'll work through complex concepts, apply them in workshops and labs, and develop the kind of rigorous thinking that engineering careers demand. It appeals to people who want to contribute tangible solutions to manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure challenges.
Careers & job market
Across engineering nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Among those working, 80% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National Graduate Outcomes data show starting salaries in the region of £29,000–£35,000, rising to £33,150–£46,800 after five years. Mechanical engineering graduates move into roles across manufacturing, energy, automotive, aerospace, and technology sectors, as well as into postgraduate study.
University & format
The BEng (Hons) is delivered full-time over 3 years at the University of Kent, a public university in Canterbury. Teaching quality has been recognised with a Silver award in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The degree is a nationally recognised UK award. Instruction is in English.
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.
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.
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 | 65% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| a foundation course | 20% |
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 (code H310). 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Kent →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 | £25,500 – £35,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £35,000 | £29,000 – £40,500 | 80 |
| 5 years after | £43,500 | £33,500 – £55,500 | 80 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% 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: 20; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering worth it?
Yes, for most students BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£165,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 9.5. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
100% 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 9.0 out of 10: NSS 74.3% · in work or study 100% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Kent
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 Canterbury
318 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 University of Kent from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £23,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Kent’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 University of Kent and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
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