MEng Mechanical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MEng Mechanical Engineering at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and problem-solving ability needed to tackle real engineering challenges in industries such as energy, manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and advanced materials. You'll build a strong foundation in engineering before specialising in mechanical engineering, studying areas including mechatronics, thermodynamics, structural dynamics, additive manufacturing, and materials through hands-on projects, including the opportunity to work on the Exeter Formula Student car. Students can also choose the MEng Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Experience pathway, which includes a paid Year in Industry between Years 3 and 4, giving valuable professional experience before graduation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year provides a broad introduction to engineering, allowing you to build core scientific and mathematical knowledge while developing practical teamwork and design skills. You'll study modules including Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, and Fundamentals of Mechanics, alongside subjects such as Fundamentals of Materials, Fundamentals of Electronics, and Fundamentals of Engineering.

Year 2
In the second year, you'll begin specialising in mechanical engineering through more advanced analytical and design-focused study. Key modules include Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Behaviour, Control Engineering, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, and the Sustainable Design Challenge Project, helping you apply engineering principles to real-world sustainability challenges.

Year 3
The third year focuses on strengthening your core mechanical engineering expertise while giving you flexibility to explore specialist interests. You'll complete advanced modules and choose options such as Advanced CFD, Additive Manufacturing, Robotics and Automation, Composite Materials, or Data-Centric Engineering, while undertaking substantial engineering design and investigative work.

Year in Industry (Optional – Industrial Experience pathway)
Students who choose the MEng Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Experience pathway spend a paid year working in industry between Years 3 and 4. This placement allows you to apply your academic knowledge in a professional engineering environment, develop industry-relevant skills, and build valuable experience and employer connections before returning for your final year.

Year 4
Your final year allows you to deepen your expertise through independent research and advanced technical study. A major feature is the MEng Individual Investigative Project, supported by specialist option modules such as Sustainable Manufacturing, Metamaterials, Nonlinear Control, and Advanced Finite Element Analysis, enabling you to develop knowledge in an area aligned with your career ambitions.

Focus Areas

Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Structural Dynamics, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Materials Engineering, Control Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, Sustainable Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Robotics and Automation, Computational Engineering, Finite Element Analysis, Product Design, Engineering Innovation, Research and Project-Based Learning

Learning Outcomes

Apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to complex engineering problems, analyse and design mechanical systems, develop innovative engineering solutions using modern technologies, evaluate materials and manufacturing processes, integrate control and automation into engineering applications, conduct independent research, manage engineering projects effectively, communicate technical ideas professionally, collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, prepare for Chartered Engineer status and professional engineering practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and fully satisfies the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 15 in the UK for Mechanical Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2026).
Engineering graduates from Exeter are highly regarded by employers and progress into careers across manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive, robotics, and other engineering sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Exeter, the MEng Mechanical Engineering programme combines academic learning with hands-on experience to prepare you for a successful engineering career. From your first year, you'll put theory into practice through specialist laboratories, workshops, and design projects while learning from researchers working on real engineering challenges in areas such as advanced materials, robotics, thermodynamics, and sustainable engineering. Throughout the course, you'll develop practical skills by designing, building, testing, and refining engineering solutions. You can also gain valuable industry experience through summer placements or by choosing the optional Year in Industry, helping you build the confidence and professional skills employers look for:

Learn in modern engineering workshops and teaching laboratories supported by a £6.5 million investment in specialist equipment and facilities.
Take part in project-based learning, including designing and building the Exeter Formula Student racing car.
Complete a major design-and-build project in Year 3, where you'll develop, prototype, and evaluate a solution to a real mechanical engineering challenge.
Undertake an MEng Individual Investigative Project in your final year, carrying out independent research under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Gain professional experience through summer placements or the optional Year in Industry, working with employers before returning to complete your degree.
Access specialist laboratories for Fabrication, Materials, Electronics, Structures, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Dynamics to support practical learning and research.
Use dedicated engineering workshops and student maker spaces for manufacturing, prototyping, testing, and experimental work.
Work on industry-inspired group projects that develop teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Use professional engineering software including MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL, and SolidWorks for modelling, simulation, design, and engineering analysis.
Benefit from the University Library and extensive digital engineering resources to support coursework, projects, and independent research.
Study in a research-led environment, learning alongside internationally recognised academics and contributing to cutting-edge engineering developments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

An MEng Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Exeter prepares you for a broad range of engineering and technology careers by combining advanced technical knowledge with hands-on industry experience. Graduates are well suited for roles such as Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Project Engineer, and Engineering Project Manager, while many also move into software, technology, consultancy, and other professional sectors. With strong employer connections, industry-focused projects, and an accredited qualification, you'll graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in a competitive job market:

Benefit from the University's Career Zone, which offers one-to-one career guidance, CV and application support, mock interviews, careers fairs, employer networking events, and employability workshops.
Students choosing the Year in Industry pathway receive dedicated preparation through the Employability and Placement Preparation for Engineers module, along with support in securing and completing their placement.
Take part in industry-inspired projects, many of which are linked to current engineering research and developed in collaboration with industrial partners.
Meet engineering employers through guest lectures, networking events, and recruitment activities that provide valuable insight into the profession.
Graduate with a degree accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which fully satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Engineering graduates from Exeter are highly regarded by employers and progress into careers across manufacturing, aerospace, energy, technology, automotive, consultancy, and other engineering sectors.
The University states that engineering graduates typically enjoy higher earning potential than the average graduate, reflecting the strong demand for qualified engineers.
Recent graduates have gone on to become Mechanical Engineers, Aerospace Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electronics Engineers, Engineering Project Managers, Project Engineers, Software Developers, IT Professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MEng Mechanical Engineering programme, you can continue into doctoral study through a PhD or Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in areas such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, sustainable engineering, materials engineering, thermofluids, computational engineering, or renewable energy. The integrated master's qualification also provides a strong foundation for research careers, university teaching, specialist engineering roles, and continued professional development towards Chartered Engineer status.