BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering

At the University of Bradford, hands-on learning is a core part of the BEng Mechanical Engineering experience. Students benefit from a practical, industry-informed approach that complements academic study with real-world engineering applications.

Key Practical Opportunities:

• Industry-Focused Projects:
  Throughout the course, students work on design and development projects that reflect real industry challenges. These are often delivered in collaboration with academic staff and external partners, giving students insight into current engineering practices.

• Internships and Placement Year:
  A sandwich placement year between the second and final year is highly encouraged. With strong industry links to companies like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Cummins, JCB, and Jaguar Land Rover, students gain invaluable hands-on experience and a strong competitive edge in the job market.

• Research Engagement:
  Final-year students can engage in research through Bradford’s Advanced Automotive and Sustainable Engineering Research Centre. These projects expose students to emerging technologies and offer a taste of professional research and development environments.

• Student Societies and Competitions:
  Outside the classroom, students can join the Mechanical Engineering Society, Robotics Club, and other interest-based groups. Participation in national and international competitions like Formula Student promotes teamwork, innovation, and applied technical excellence.

• Global Opportunities:
  Through the Bradford Global Opportunities Team, students can take part in international exchanges or short-term overseas study projects, broadening their global outlook and enhancing their readiness for an international engineering career.

The University of Bradford’s Career and Employability Services provides dedicated support to mechanical engineering students, helping them prepare for successful and fulfilling careers. From personalised guidance to employer connections, the university ensures students are career-ready by the time they graduate.

Career Support Services Include:

• Career Counselling and Planning:
  One-to-one sessions help students explore career paths, build professional goals, and plan for long-term development.

• CV and Cover Letter Workshops:
  Regular workshops guide students in creating impactful, sector-specific job applications tailored to engineering roles.

• Mock Interviews and Preparation:
  Students can take part in practice interviews with real-time feedback, helping them gain confidence and sharpen their interview techniques.

• Recruitment Fairs and Employer Networking Events:
  The university hosts career fairs and employer-led events on campus, connecting students with recruiters from top companies such as Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Airbus, and Network Rail.

Employability:

Bradford Mechanical Engineering graduates are highly employable, with the program’s curriculum built in collaboration with industry partners. Students develop in-demand skills in design, analysis, project management, and problem-solving—qualities that are sought after across multiple sectors.

Typical career destinations include:

• Automotive and Aerospace

• Renewable Energy

• Oil and Gas

• Manufacturing and Robotics

• Defence and Transport Systems

Many graduates go on to secure positions with multinational engineering firms, government bodies, or start their own ventures.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates who wish to continue their education have several options for postgraduate study, including:

• MSc Programs in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Energy Engineering, or Robotics and AI

• PhD Programs in mechanical or multidisciplinary engineering fields

• MBA in Engineering Management for those looking to combine technical knowledge with business leadership

• Integrated MEng Pathways available for students who want to extend their undergraduate studies and deepen technical expertise