BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Liverpool John Moores University

Program Overview

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.


Curriculum Breakdown

Foundation Year (Level 3): Building Confidence and Core Skills

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.


Years 1 to 3 (Levels 4 to 6): Deepening Expertise and Practical Application

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.


Accreditation and Professional Recognition

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.


Location & Facilities

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.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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.


Industry-Focused Projects

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.


Placement Year (Optional Sandwich Year)

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.


Get Involved: Student Engineering Teams

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.


Global Opportunities

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.


Explore Research and Innovation

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.

Program Key Stats

£18,250
£ 28
Sept Intake : 15th Jan


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

CCD - CCC
NA
24
70

NA
NA
6.0
78

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Design Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Plant Engineering Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Development Engineer
  • Rail Engineering Technician
  • Trainee Shipbroker
  • Engineering Manager
  • Trainee Maritime Lawyer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  •  

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