Mechanical Engineering
  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Mechanical Engineering

Develop your creative, practical and transferable skills through a broad mechanical engineering curriculum.

  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Mechanical Engineering with a Year Abroad

Develop your creative, practical and transferable skills through a broad mechanical engineering curriculum with the opportunity to study abroad.

  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry

Develop your creative, practical and transferable skills through a broad mechanical engineering curriculum with the opportunity to apply your skills to real-life problems through an industrial placement.

  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry and a Year Abroad

Develop your creative, practical and transferable skills through a broad mechanical engineering curriculum with the opportunity to apply your skills to real-life problems through an industrial placement and study abroad.

Gain a thorough understanding of a wide range of engineering disciplines

Use industry equipment in laboratory sessions and build the practical experience needed for a range of engineering careers

Gain design and prototype skills through practical projects and learn from experts in their fields

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    H301

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    12 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)

  • 40 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to H301

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    12 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)

  • 40 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    5 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to H301

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    12 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)

  • 40 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    5 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to H301

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    12 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)

  • 40 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Study option:

Course overview

Mechanical engineers play a key role in solving key global challenges, from developing sustainable energy sources to improving the lifespan of battery technology.

This course will suit you if you want to develop your mathematical, physics and computational skills to tackle tomorrow's engineering issues.

Through lectures, labs and tutorials, you'll build a solid understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, thermofluids and mechatronics. You'll also learn how to use technical drawings and specialist software to produce your own blueprints.

Hands-on workshop sessions will develop your manufacturing skills, while you'll also hone your design expertise on a group project.

You can broaden your learning further by taking modules from other engineering disciplines and applying mechanical engineering principles to their key challenges.

At the end of the course, you'll complete a research project in an area of your interest.

Throughout your studies, you'll develop the skills needed to undertake more advanced research, or pursue career opportunities in industries including the automotive and commercial sectors.

Mechanical engineers play a key role in solving key global challenges, from developing sustainable energy sources to improving the lifespan of battery technology.

This course will suit you if you want to develop your mathematical, physics and computational skills to tackle tomorrow's engineering issues.

Through lectures, labs and tutorials, you'll build a solid understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, thermofluids and mechatronics. You'll also learn how to use technical drawings and specialist software to produce your own blueprints.

Hands-on workshop sessions will develop your manufacturing skills, while you'll also hone your design expertise on a group project.

In your final year, you'll enrich your learning experience further by studying at one of our partner universities abroad – conditional on academic criteria.

Throughout your studies, you'll develop the skills needed to undertake more advanced research, or pursue career opportunities in industries including the automotive and commercial sectors.

Mechanical engineers play a key role in solving key global challenges, from developing sustainable energy sources to improving the lifespan of battery technology.

This course will suit you if you want to develop your mathematical, physics and computational skills to tackle tomorrow's engineering issues.

Through lectures, labs and tutorials, you'll build a solid understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, thermofluids and mechatronics. You'll also learn how to use technical drawings and specialist software to produce your own blueprints.

Hands-on workshop sessions will develop your manufacturing skills, while you'll also hone your design expertise on a group project. 

You can broaden your learning further by taking modules from other engineering disciplines and applying mechanical engineering principles to their key challenges.

In your third year, you'll apply the knowledge and skills from your course to industry by undertaking a paid placement, gaining valuable employment skills.

Towards the end of the course, you'll consolidate your knowledge and skills by completing a research project in an area of your interest.

Throughout your studies, you'll develop the skills needed to undertake more advanced research, or pursue career opportunities in industries including the automotive and commercial sectors.

Mechanical engineers play a key role in solving key global challenges, from developing sustainable energy sources to improving the lifespan of battery technology.

This course will suit you if you want to develop your mathematical, physics and computational skills to tackle tomorrow's engineering issues.

Through lectures, labs and tutorials, you'll build a solid understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, thermofluids and mechatronics. You'll also learn how to use technical drawings and specialist software to produce your own blueprints.

Hands-on workshop sessions will develop your manufacturing skills, while you'll also hone your design expertise on a group project.

You can broaden your learning further by taking modules from other engineering disciplines and applying mechanical engineering principles to their key challenges.

You'll strengthen your practical skills and enrich your learning experience by undertaking a paid placement in industry, and by studying at one of our partner universities abroad – conditional on academic criteria.

Throughout your studies, you'll develop the skills needed to undertake more advanced research, or pursue career opportunities in industries including the automotive and commercial sectors.

Study option:

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study all core modules. 

You'll also take both modules from either Group A, B or C. 

You'll then pick a further three optional modules from Groups A-D.

Please note, module availability may vary.

Core modules

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

Optional modules – Group D

You’ll carry out an individual research project and choose one optional module from Group A. 

You’ll also choose another five optional modules in total from Groups B and C.

Only two can be Inter Departmental Exchange modules (Group C). 

If you have taken a level six version of a module (variant A) you cannot take the level 7 version (variant B) for credit.

Please note, module availability may vary.

 

Core modules

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study all core modules. 

You'll also take both modules from either Group A, B or C. 

You'll then pick a further three optional modules from Groups A-D.

Please note, module availability may vary.

Core modules

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

Optional modules – Group D

You’ll study at one of our partner universities abroad.

We currently have exchange agreements with universities in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the USA, however these are subject to change.

This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

 

We currently have exchange agreements with:

  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • University of Sydney, Australia
  • Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France
  • Centrale Supelec, France
  • RWTH Aachen, Germany
  • Technical University of Delft, Netherlands
  • National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • University of California, USA

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll spend this year on a paid industrial placement.

This year will enable you to put the skills you have learned into practice, and may contribute to the professional development requirement of gaining Chartered Engineer status.

You will be expected to help the Department organise your placement, however, you will have the support of the Year in Industry Coordinator.

Securing a placement is competitive, so you may need to apply to multiple employers and take part in recruitment activities such as interviews.

Students have previously completed placements with:
Red Bull Technology Limited

  • Red Bull Technology Limited
  • McLaren
  • Mercedes

The employer can often be in a location of your choice – including outside the UK – as long as you are successful in obtaining a position there and the placement is approved by the Department.

You’ll study all core modules. 

You'll also take both modules from either Group A, B or C. 

You'll then pick a further three optional modules from Groups A-D.

Please note, module availability may vary.

Core modules

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

Optional modules – Group D

You’ll carry out an individual research project and choose one optional module from Group A. 

You’ll also choose another five optional modules in total from Groups B and C.

Only two can be Inter Departmental Exchange modules (Group C). 

If you have taken a level six version of a module (variant A) you cannot take the level 7 version (variant B) for credit.

Please note, module availability may vary.



Core modules

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll spend this year on a paid industrial placement.

This year will enable you to put the skills you have learned into practice, and may contribute to the professional development requirement of gaining Chartered Engineer status.

You will be expected to help the Department organise your placement, however, you will have the support of the Year in Industry Coordinator.

Securing a placement is competitive, so you may need to apply to multiple employers and take part in recruitment activities such as interviews.

Students have previously completed placements with:
Red Bull Technology Limited

  • Red Bull Technology Limited
  • McLaren
  • Mercedes

The employer can often be in a location of your choice – including outside the UK – as long as you are successful in obtaining a position there and the placement is approved by the Department.

 

You’ll study all core modules. 

You'll also take both modules from either Group A, B or C. 

You'll then pick a further three optional modules from Groups A-D.

Please note, module availability may vary.

Core modules

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Optional modules – Group C

Optional modules – Group D

You’ll study at one of our partner universities abroad.

We currently have exchange agreements with universities in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the USA, however these are subject to change.

This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

 

We currently have exchange agreements with:

  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • University of Sydney, Australia
  • Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France
  • Centrale Supelec, France
  • RWTH Aachen, Germany
  • Technical University of Delft, Netherlands
  • National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • University of California, USA

Professional accreditation

The following MEng degrees are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry
  • Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering and a Year in Industry

Please note that the following year-abroad degrees are not accredited:

  • Mechanical Engineering with a Year Abroad
  • Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry and Abroad

With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.

With an accredited and integrated Master’s degree, you’ll fully meet the educational requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Becoming a Chartered Engineer can further enhance your career prospects and earning potential. It demonstrates your competencies and commitment to lifelong learning – providing you with recognition in your field and greater influence and opportunities.

Our accreditation agreement with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers was renewed in 2023-24.

Associateship

In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Study option:

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study
  • Project work

Year 1

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 2

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 3

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Year 4

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • In-class quiz
    Problem sheets
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Laboratory work
  • Group practical exercises
  • Individual research project
    Research projects
  • Design project blueprints
    Group design project
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Exam

Year 1

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 2

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 3

  • 40% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 55% Exam

Year 4

  • 45% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 50% Exam

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Progress tests
  • Report writing
  • Online assignments, quizzes and tests
  • Person giving feedback
    Peer assessment
  • Laboratory/workshop practicals
  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming tests
  • Person engaging with a business simulation activity
    CAD & simulation tool tests
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Group presentations
  • Design project blueprints
    Design exhibitions

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study
  • Project work

Year 1

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 2

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 3

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Year 4

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • In-class quiz
    Problem sheets
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Laboratory work
  • Group practical exercises
  • Individual research project
    Research projects
  • Design project blueprints
    Group design project
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Exam

Year 1

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 2

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 3

  • 40% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 55% Exam

Year 4

  • 45% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 50% Exam

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Progress tests
  • Report writing
  • Online assignments, quizzes and tests
  • Person giving feedback
    Peer assessment
  • Laboratory/workshop practicals
  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming tests
  • Person engaging with a business simulation activity
    CAD & simulation tool tests
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Group presentations
  • Design project blueprints
    Design exhibitions

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study
  • Project work

Year 1

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 2

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 4

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Year 5

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • In-class quiz
    Problem sheets
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Laboratory work
  • Group practical exercises
  • Individual research project
    Research projects
  • Design project blueprints
    Group design project
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Exam

Year 1

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 2

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 3

  • 100% Coursework
  • 0% Practical
  • 0% Exam

Year 4

  • 40% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 55% Exam

Year 5

  • 45% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 50% Exam

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Progress tests
  • Report writing
  • Online assignments, quizzes and tests
  • Person giving feedback
    Peer assessment
  • Laboratory/workshop practicals
  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming tests
  • Person engaging with a business simulation activity
    CAD & simulation tool tests
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Group presentations
  • Design project blueprints
    Design exhibitions

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study
  • Project work

Year 1

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 2

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 80% Independent study
  • 0% Project work

Year 4

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Year 5

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 40% Independent study
  • 40% Project work

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • In-class quiz
    Problem sheets
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Laboratory work
  • Group practical exercises
  • Individual research project
    Research projects
  • Design project blueprints
    Group design project
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Exam

Year 1

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 2

  • 20% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 75% Exam

Year 3

  • 100% Coursework
  • 0% Practical
  • 0% Exam

Year 4

  • 40% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 55% Exam

Year 5

  • 45% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 50% Exam

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Progress tests
  • Report writing
  • Online assignments, quizzes and tests
  • Person giving feedback
    Peer assessment
  • Laboratory/workshop practicals
  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming tests
  • Person engaging with a business simulation activity
    CAD & simulation tool tests
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Group presentations
  • Design project blueprints
    Design exhibitions

Study option:

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Study option:

How to apply

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Year abroad

£1,385 for that year

Year in industry

2024 entry

£925 for that year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,940 per year

Year abroad

2024 entry

100% of the fee for that year

Year in industry

10% of the fee for that year

Your future career

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in mechanical engineering.

Laptop displays finance statistics

Develop skills that are highly valuable in finance, consulting, and project management.

Lightbulb with graduate cap inside

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Auto racing flags

Many of our graduates pursue careers in Formula One and related industries.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other career prospects include the European Space Agency, nuclear engineering, simulation engineering, wind engineering, and the medical industry.

Course data

Compare this course

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications