BEng Hons Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

At Ulster University, the BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering programme strongly emphasises practical, real-world learning to help students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations.

• Industry-Driven Projects: Throughout the course, students take part in practical design projects and problem-solving challenges that reflect current industry needs. These experiences help build critical skills in teamwork, innovation, and engineering application.

• Placement Year (Optional but Encouraged): In the third year, students have the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement with leading engineering firms across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. These placements provide valuable hands-on experience, enhance employability, and often lead to graduate job offers.

• Internships and Industrial Links: The university maintains strong connections with companies such as Bombardier, Wrightbus, Ryobi Aluminium Casting, Caterpillar, and other local and global engineering employers, helping students secure summer internships and gain a taste of life in professional engineering environments.

• Engineering Competitions and Student Societies: Students can join engineering societies and participate in national and international competitions, including design challenges, robotics events, and manufacturing contests. These experiences encourage creativity, leadership, and peer collaboration.

• Access to Modern Labs and Facilities: Ulster offers access to advanced manufacturing labs, CAD/CAM suites, materials testing labs, and 3D printing and automation equipment, allowing students to get comfortable with the tools used in today’s engineering workplaces.

• Research Opportunities: While undergraduate research isn’t mandatory, students are encouraged to engage with academic research projects, particularly during their final year project. This is a chance to explore a specialist area of interest, often in collaboration with faculty or industry partners.

At Ulster University, students studying BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering receive robust career support and guidance throughout their academic journey. The university’s Careers and Employability Service works closely with engineering students to ensure they are fully prepared for life after graduation. Services include:

• Personalised career advice and goal planning tailored to each student’s ambitions.

• Workshops on crafting professional CVs and compelling cover letters that stand out to employers.

• Interview coaching, including mock interviews to build confidence and presentation skills.

• On-campus career fairs and recruitment events connecting students directly with leading employers in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Employability:

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped with both technical expertise and practical experience, making them highly attractive to employers across a wide range of industries. Alumni have gone on to work in advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, medical devices, and automation sectors, taking up roles such as:

• Mechanical Design Engineer

• Manufacturing Engineer

• Project Manager

• CAD/CAM Engineer

• Quality Control Specialist

• Maintenance and Reliability Engineer

Many Ulster graduates have secured positions at well-known companies like Bombardier, Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar, Seagate, Wrightbus, and Spirit AeroSystems, as well as within the public sector and entrepreneurial ventures.

Further Academic Progression:

Students looking to further specialise or broaden their knowledge often go on to pursue postgraduate study, including:

• Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, Robotics, Renewable Energy, or Sustainable Technologies

• MBA programmes for those looking to move into engineering management or business leadership roles

• Research-based postgraduate routes leading to PhD opportunities in areas like composite materials, automation, smart manufacturing, or advanced thermodynamics

The flexibility of the degree opens doors not just in engineering, but in industries where analytical thinking, design expertise, and problem-solving are highly valued.