5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year at LJMU is a comprehensive four-year full-time programme (five years with an optional placement year), designed to support students from all backgrounds in pursuing a rewarding career in engineering. Whether you’re returning to education or don’t meet the standard entry requirements, the foundation year acts as a strong stepping stone into a professionally accredited degree pathway.
The foundation year provides students with essential academic preparation and practical insight into the world of engineering. Modules include:
Engineering and Technology Practice
Programming for Engineers
Algorithms and Computing
Introductory and Additional Foundation Physics
This year is all about bridging the gap—helping students gain the knowledge, study habits, and confidence needed to succeed at degree level.
After the foundation year, students move into the core of the Mechanical Engineering programme, covering a wide range of topics:
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Dynamics and Control Systems
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Project Management and Engineering Ethics
The course is designed to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge, technical skill, and real-world relevance. It all leads up to a capstone final year project, where students apply everything they’ve learned to tackle a real engineering challenge—often in collaboration with industry.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), meaning it meets the rigorous standards of the profession and contributes toward the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This gives graduates a strong advantage in the job market and a clear path to professional development.
Students are based at LJMU’s Byrom Street campus in the heart of Liverpool—a city known for its innovation, culture, and engineering heritage.
You’ll benefit from:
Modern labs and workshops
Cutting-edge computing suites
Access to LJMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, a vibrant academic community with strong links to industry
The campus is well-equipped for learning and experimentation, supporting students through every stage of their engineering journey.
At Liverpool John Moores University, the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year course is more than just textbooks and lectures — it’s about learning by doing. LJMU strongly believes in giving students real-world experience alongside their academic studies to help them grow into confident, capable engineers.
Industry-Focused Projects: Throughout your time on the course, you’ll work on practical design and engineering projects, including a final-year group project that brings together everything you've learned. These projects often mirror real challenges faced by industry, encouraging you to think critically and creatively.
Placement Opportunities: Students are encouraged to take up an optional sandwich year between Year 2 and 3, where they can complete a year-long industrial placement. These placements give you the chance to work with leading companies in engineering and manufacturing, gaining valuable hands-on experience that employers love.
Student Engineering Teams: LJMU has a vibrant student community with opportunities to join engineering societies and competition teams, such as Formula Student, where you can help design, build, and race a single-seater car. It’s a great way to develop teamwork, leadership, and technical skills — and it’s a lot of fun too!
Global Opportunities: Through LJMU’s Go Global scheme and study abroad programs, students can experience international academic exchanges, work placements, or volunteering opportunities — helping you develop a broader perspective and stand out in the global job market.
Research and Innovation: As you progress, there are opportunities to get involved in faculty-led research, especially in areas like sustainable energy, robotics, and materials engineering. This allows you to explore topics that inspire you while working alongside experienced researchers.
At LJMU, mechanical engineering isn’t just something you learn—it’s something you do. This programme puts a strong focus on hands-on learning, ensuring students graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and the real-world experience that sets them apart.
From day one, students are immersed in practical design and engineering challenges. You’ll take part in a range of projects across your studies, culminating in a final-year group project that pulls together everything you’ve learned. These projects often reflect real industry scenarios, helping you develop the creative thinking and problem-solving skills employers value.
Between Year 2 and Year 3, students have the opportunity to take on a year-long industrial placement. This is your chance to:
Work with leading companies in engineering and manufacturing
Gain first-hand industry experience
Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings
Build your CV and stand out in the job market
These placements often open doors to graduate roles and professional networks that last well beyond university.
LJMU has a lively student engineering community, offering opportunities to join societies and competition teams like Formula Student. In this exciting project, you’ll help design, build, and race a single-seater car—learning everything from technical design to project coordination. It’s not only a fun and challenging experience but also a great way to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Through LJMU’s Go Global initiative and international exchange programmes, you can:
Study abroad
Complete a placement overseas
Volunteer internationally
These experiences help you develop a global perspective, expand your horizons, and stand out in an increasingly international engineering landscape.
As you progress through your studies, you’ll also have the chance to get involved in faculty-led research projects. Areas of focus include:
Sustainable energy systems
Advanced materials and manufacturing
Robotics and automation
Working alongside experienced academics, you can explore topics that truly interest you while gaining valuable exposure to engineering research and innovation.
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