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5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of BrightonIf you’re passionate about engineering but don’t have a traditional background in science or maths, the University of Brighton’s Integrated Foundation Year is your gateway into mechanical engineering. This five-year course is designed to help you build the core skills and confidence you need to succeed—starting from the basics and growing into a full professional qualification.
The Integrated Foundation Year is a launchpad for students who are ready to pursue engineering but need a boost in areas like maths, physics, and academic study skills. You’ll get hands-on experience early on, working with tools and technology while developing the knowledge needed to hit the ground running in Year 1 of the full degree.
Once you move into the core of the degree, you’ll explore a wide range of subjects designed to prepare you for a versatile and exciting career in engineering:
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Mechanical Design and CAD
Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
Dynamics and Control Systems
Engineering Mathematics and Analytical Methods
You’ll also tackle real-world problems through applied projects, group work, and practical challenges.
Brighton’s course is heavily focused on hands-on learning, with opportunities to bring your ideas to life. You’ll work on projects like:
Fighting robots
Rocket cars
The International Engineering Without Borders challenge
These activities foster teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, helping you graduate with the kind of experience employers value.
Students have access to state-of-the-art engineering spaces, including:
Flight and car simulators
Wind tunnels
Prototyping labs and CNC machines
Robotics and virtual reality labs
These facilities give you the freedom to test your theories, build your designs, and experiment with cutting-edge tools.
This course is accredited by both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), putting you on the pathway to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This means your degree meets the high standards required by industry, both in the UK and internationally.
You’ll be based at the Moulsecoomb campus, just two miles from Brighton’s famous seafront. As part of a vibrant student community, you’ll have access to:
A brand-new Students’ Union and events venue
Sports and fitness centres
Modern accommodation
Social and collaborative learning spaces
It’s a place where creativity meets community—and where your engineering journey truly begins.
At Brighton, engineering isn’t just something you study—it’s something you do. The Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year course is designed to take you from the basics to industry-level confidence through immersive, hands-on learning every step of the way.
Your first year is about more than catching up—it's about laying a strong foundation. You’ll dive into:
Practical lab sessions
Project-based assignments
Core subjects like maths, physics, and introductory engineering
This year helps you build essential skills while getting comfortable with the tools, techniques, and mindset of a professional engineer.
As you progress, Brighton gives you the chance to gain on-the-job experience through industry-embedded internships and placements. Students have worked with companies like:
BAE Systems
Ricardo
Network Rail
EDF Energy
These placements are more than just CV-builders—they’re opportunities to solve real engineering problems, apply your skills in high-pressure settings, and make valuable industry connections.
From early in the course, you’ll work on live projects and team-based design challenges. Whether it’s building a prototype, testing a mechanical solution, or presenting ideas to industry professionals, you’ll learn how to:
Collaborate effectively
Think critically and creatively
Deliver solutions that are functional, innovative, and industry-ready
There’s plenty going on outside of lectures too. You can:
Join the Engineering Society
Compete in national design and innovation competitions
Collaborate on passion projects and engineering builds
These experiences help develop the teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that set great engineers apart.
Brighton encourages you to look at engineering on a global scale. With options for international study, exchange programs, and global projects, you’ll have the chance to:
Expand your horizons
Tackle cross-cultural challenges
Build a portfolio that reflects real-world, international impact
At Brighton, the support you receive doesn’t stop in the lab or lecture hall. The university is committed to helping you take the next step—whether that’s launching your engineering career, pursuing further study, or exploring new industries. With personalised guidance and a strong focus on employability, you’ll be prepared to take your future into your own hands.
Brighton’s Careers and Employability Team is on hand to help you plan your next move, offering:
1-to-1 career counselling
CV and cover letter reviews tailored to engineering roles
Mock interviews and feedback sessions
Specialist workshops on job searching, applications, and transitioning into industry
Whether you’re polishing your LinkedIn profile or preparing for a graduate scheme interview, the support is there when you need it.
The university hosts regular employer events and career fairs, giving you the chance to:
Network with professionals from companies across the automotive, aerospace, energy, product design, and manufacturing sectors
Explore internship, placement, and graduate opportunities
Learn what employers are looking for in real-time
It’s a great way to get your foot in the door—and often leads to job offers before graduation.
Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering course are known for their blend of hands-on experience, creative problem-solving, and technical know-how. It’s no surprise they’ve landed roles with top employers, including:
Rolls-Royce
Siemens
British Gas
Ricardo
Network Rail
Jaguar Land Rover
Others go on to work in consulting, engineering R&D, or project management, both in the UK and internationally.
If you’re interested in continuing your academic journey, Brighton gives you a strong platform to pursue:
MSc in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering
MSc in Sustainable Energy Technology
MBA in Engineering Management
Specialist pathways in Robotics, AI, or Data Analytics
Some students even go on to PhD-level research, often building on capstone projects or industry collaborations they completed during the course.
IB - 24 points, with two subjects at Higher level.A Level - DDD with maths and physics. CCC without maths and physics.IELTS - IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.CBSE - We require a Higher Secondary School Certificate/Standard XII with an overall average of 60–65% to include a minimum of five subjects at 40% or higher.Supporting Documents - 10th-grade transcript and 12th-grade predicted grades from your school counsellor, an official English language proficiency test certificate (if applicable), a UCAS personal statement up to 600 words, one teacher’s letter of recommendation, and an educational resume highlighting extracurricular activities, internships, and projects, as well as evidence of academic progression such as intent to pursue MS in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Robotics, or MBA in Engineering Management.Mechanical engineerdesign engineerautomotive engineeraerospace engineermanufacturing engineermaintenance engineerproject engineerrobotics engineerenergy systems engineerresearch and development (R&D) engineerquality assurance engineerthermal engineerCAD technicianHVAC engineerproduct development engineermaterials engineermechatronics engineernuclear engineerrenewable energy engineer 
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