BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering · NorthamptonBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's degree at Northampton

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at Northampton covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.

BEng (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
95%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Our Mechanical Engineering degree is available to study full or part-time, with teaching delivered over multiple days. Apply for our BEng/MEng today! From the provider’s course page.

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

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 £52,000. (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.

9.2
/ 10
2 of 3 official measures
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional95

Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional90

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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
  • Introduction to Engineering DesignCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The module introduces students to engineering drawing and the production of engineering models and drawings using computer technology. The selection of materials, engineering components, and the operating principles of simple machines will also be features of the module.

  • Materials ScienceCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to provide Engineering students with a sound background knowledge and understanding of structure, properties, testing and application of engineering materials. Students will gain a broad knowledge of the range of manufacturing processes that can be applied to materials for a variety of manufacturing applications.

  • Engineering Industry PracticeCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to examine key factors which complement technical elements of engineering, understanding of which is regarded essential in todays industrial environment. Analysis of the key areas of quality, standards sustainability, project management and ethics form strong themes throughout the module.

  • Thermo-Fluid and Mechanical PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to provide an overview of fundamental scientific principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems providing a basis for further study in specialist areas of mechanical engineering and to develop analytical problem-solving skills in the context of mechanical engineering

  • Electrical and Electronic PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques to build a firm foundation for the analysis, operation, problem solving and circuit simulation exploring both DC and AC electrical and electronics circuits.

  • Mathematics for EngineersCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study related engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of mathematics and to develop analytical problem-solving skills in the context of engineering and engineering systems.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Engineering DesignCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The module is about the creation and development of an economically viable product that meets defined requirements. The module involves significant intellectual challenges as it requires you to integrate and augment your engineering knowledge and apply it to the solution of design problems.

  • Advanced Mathematics for EngineersCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module enables students to build on the basic mathematical principles studied in the first year and aims to give students the advanced knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study advanced engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of advanced mathematics.

  • Industrial AppreciationCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module has a strong industrial focus. Considering those topics which support the technical elements of engineering, which are vitally important in the modern engineering environment. Students develop skill in research and the application of theoretical knowledge to solve cross-disciplinary problems.

  • Control SystemsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The module applies knowledge gained in the study of Mechanical Principles and Electrical Principles and introduces the basic concepts of instrumentation and control systems. This module provides rigorous analysis of control systems, and studies the design of controllers and the implementation of control algorithms.

  • Solid MechanicsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module is concerned with the mechanics of rigid and deformable solids in a state of equilibrium. It reviews the fundamental principles of rigid body statics extending them to deformable solid bodies. Concepts of stress and strain are introduced as will stress-strain relations describing the static behaviour of elastic bodies.

  • Advanced Thermo-Fluid PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module builds on the basic Thermo-Fluid Principles introduced in the first year. It presents an overview of fundamental scientific principles underpinning the design and operation of advanced mechanical engineering systems. The module aims to develop analytical problem-solving skills in the context of advanced mechanical engineering.

Year 3 5 modules
  • Lean Manufacturing and Quality ApplicationsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module has four key themes, which are vital in supporting technological industries. Focusing on the application of Quality Principles, Manufacturing improvement techniques, project management and personal performance and leadership. Many of the topics are discussed and evaluated using relevant industrial scenarios, applying knowledge gained to solve problems.

  • Machines and MechanismsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module provides students with instruction in the fundamentals of theory of machines. The theory of machines and mechanisms provides the foundation for the study of displacements, velocities, accelerations, and static and dynamic forces required for the proper design of mechanical linkages, cams, and geared systems.

  • Computational Fluid MechanicsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces concepts in finite difference and finite volume methods as applied to various ordinary and partial differential model equations in fluid mechanics; fundamentals of spatial discretization and numerical integration; numerical linear algebra. It further introduces engineering and scientific computing environment. Advanced modelling topics are also covered.

  • Heat TransferCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to build and develop the fundamentals thermodynamics and Fluid mechanics covered at level 4 and advanced thermofluids covered at level 5. Students apply reasonable assumptions and boundary conditions to simplify the differential equations governing the heat transfer and thermodynamics in order to have analytical solution to heat transfer and thermodynamics problems. The concept and use of computational thermofluid mechanics as a numerical technique to solve more complex

  • Engineering ProjectCompulsory40 credits
    Module details

    This module provides the opportunity to apply and develop theoretical knowledge in an individual project and individual report. By completing the module students will gain experience of researching the necessary technical information, of solving cross-disciplinary technical problems. This module could form the assessment for any University approved industrial placement opportunity.

Foundation Year 3 modules
  • Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
  • Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
  • Foundations in EngineeringCompulsory40 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 degree combines broad engineering foundations with mechanical specialisation. Year 1 introduces Engineering Mathematics, Mechanics and Materials, and practical CAD and workshop skills. Year 2 moves into the discipline core, typically Thermodynamics, Fluids and Systems, alongside Engineering Analysis, Computing and a team design project against real industry specifications. In Year 3, you'll choose specialist options such as Robotics and Mechatronics, Energy and Sustainability, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or Civil and Structural Engineering, and complete a substantial individual design or research project. Professional Engineering Practice sits alongside, covering safety, ethics, sustainability and project management.

Who it's for

Most entrants to this course hold another higher-education qualification already; 90% of accepted students came in with prior higher-education study. The part-time structure suits those balancing study with work or other commitments. You'll need to be fluent in English.

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 continuing their studies. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £29,000 to £35,000, rising to £33,150–£46,800 after five years. Check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.

University & format

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering is studied part-time at The University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, with teaching delivered over multiple days. The University is a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding body. The course is taught in English.

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Published entryBBC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

AccreditationIMechE

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysOpen Days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

2026 entryLive availability check

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

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held another higher-education qualification90% of accepted students came in with another higher-education qualification (entrants over recent years).
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
another higher-education qualification90%
a previous degree5%
A-levels or equivalent5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

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.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Home£9,790 / yr
International£18,000 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at Northampton →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
total borrowing, course length not published

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Northampton funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

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Still deciding what to study?

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£52,000£30,000 – £70,00015
3 years after£43,500£39,500 – £53,00020
5 years after£48,000£33,000 – £60,00025

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

95%
in work or further study 15 months on
80%
in highly skilled work or study
90%
continue past their first year
80%
find their work meaningful
75%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£52,000
£29,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£43,500
£26,775 – £37,800
After 5 years LEO
£48,000
£33,150 – £46,800
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £25,000 – £54,000

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.

95 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

90% working5% working and studying0% in further study80% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; 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.

This course £48,000Peer median £38,500Middle 50% £35,500–£42,500
91st percentile

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 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
  • Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% 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: 25; response rate: 75%. 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.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Engineering courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
80%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
88%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Engineering & manufacturing firms
  • Automotive & aerospace
  • Energy & utilities
  • Defence & consultancies

Is 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

95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £52,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.2 out of 10: in work or study 95% · continued 90%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Northampton

All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%

Engineering and technology across the UK

Students176,530
Aged 25+23%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton

2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143

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 Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £18,000 / 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 Northampton’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 Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held another higher-education qualification. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
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 £52,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
The published home tuition is £9,790 per 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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