BEng General Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

Year 1: Laying the Foundations

Your first year gives you a solid grounding across all key areas of engineering. You’ll explore modules like Sustainable Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics with Programming, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer. You’ll also dive into Electrical Engineering and Digital Electronics, learning how circuits, machines, and systems interact. This year builds your confidence in design, problem-solving, and teamwork—all core to your journey as an engineer.

Year 2: Strengthening Your Skills

In second year, you start to connect different areas of engineering through integrated projects and design work. You’ll study Mechatronics, System Dynamics and Control, and Engineering Management, combining mechanical and electrical concepts with business insight. Through modules like Computational Engineering Methods and Business Simulation, you’ll learn how engineers make data-driven, sustainable decisions in real-world contexts. You can also choose optional topics—like Materials and Structures, Fluid Dynamics, or Thermodynamics—to shape your learning around your interests.

Year 3: Specialisation and Independent Project

Your final year brings everything together. You’ll take on an Individual Project, tackling a real engineering problem from concept to completion. Core modules include State Variable Control, Machine Learning for Engineers, and Sustainable Electrical Systems, preparing you for the technologies shaping the future of industry. Optional units such as Finite Element Analysis, Heat Transfer and Energy Systems, or Digital Control and Actuators allow you to focus on the areas that inspire you most.

By the end of your degree, you’ll graduate not just with technical expertise, but also with the project management, innovation, and leadership skills to thrive in any engineering field.

Focus Areas:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, Sustainable Design

Learning Outcomes:

Problem-solving across disciplines, designing sustainable systems, applying advanced computational tools, managing engineering projects, and using creativity to solve complex technical challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the standards for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially fulfilling requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

The University of Leicester is ranked among the Top 30 UK universities for Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025) and known for its strong graduate employability—over 90% of Leicester engineering graduates are in work or further study within six months.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Leicester, the General Engineering BEng is built around real, hands-on learning. From your very first year, you’ll go beyond textbooks — designing, testing, and experimenting in modern labs while tackling real engineering challenges. Whether it’s working on design projects, using advanced tools, or collaborating with industry experts, you’ll graduate with the kind of practical experience employers truly value.

Here’s how Leicester makes your learning experience come alive:

Shared First Year Across Disciplines – study alongside students from aerospace, mechanical, and general engineering. You’ll explore a wide range of topics before choosing your specialism, giving you a solid and versatile foundation.
Team Design Projects – in your second year, you’ll work in groups on real-world engineering design tasks, just like in a professional engineering team. It’s a great way to build collaboration, leadership, and presentation skills.
Hands-On Labs and Experiments – apply theory to practice in Leicester’s well-equipped laboratories, where you’ll analyse data, test designs, and refine your understanding of engineering systems.
Mechatronics and Computational Tools – gain practical experience using modern software and equipment for simulation, control, and automation — key skills for today’s engineers.
Year in Industry or Abroad – choose to spend a year working with major companies such as Rolls-Royce or Jaguar Land Rover, or study overseas to broaden your perspective and professional network.
Final-Year Project – take charge of your own engineering project, often linked to industry challenges. This is your opportunity to showcase your creativity, technical skill, and innovation.
Industry-Connected Teaching – throughout your studies, you’ll learn from guest engineers, work on industry-led case studies, and get feedback from professionals who know what’s in demand in the field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate Outcomes (summary):
Graduates from Leicester’s General Engineering BEng are known for being adaptable problem-solvers — exactly what modern industries look for. Thanks to the course’s broad foundation across mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering, you’ll be ready to step into a wide range of exciting roles in sectors like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Many students even secure placements or job offers before they graduate.

Typical job roles include:

Graduate Design Engineer
Electrical or Systems Engineer
Manufacturing or Project Engineer
Software or Control Systems Engineer

What gives Leicester graduates their edge:

Hands-on experience and real industry input: You’ll work on design projects co-developed with leading engineering companies, gaining real-world insight into how engineering challenges are tackled in practice.
Strong industry connections: Leicester maintains partnerships with major employers such as Rolls-Royce, Intel, Jaguar Land Rover, and Ford, offering placement and networking opportunities that open doors to graduate employment.
Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) — giving you a head start toward achieving Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
Career support for life: The university’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service helps you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers — and continues to support you even after graduation.
Graduate success: Leicester engineers go on to work in world-leading companies across aerospace, energy, technology, and consultancy sectors, building impactful careers both in the UK and overseas.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re keen to take your studies further, there are several exciting routes open to you:

Move up to the MEng: Continue for an additional year to deepen your technical expertise and meet the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Postgraduate study (MSc or PhD): Focus on advanced topics like renewable energy, mechatronics, robotics, or data-driven engineering.
Business and leadership pathways: Combine your technical knowledge with management skills through postgraduate courses in engineering management or innovation.
Professional qualifications: Use your accredited degree to pursue professional registration and certification through the IET or IMechE — a valuable boost for your long-term career growth.