BEng Hons Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

At the University of Portsmouth, experiential learning is at the heart of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering program. The course is designed to ensure that students don’t just learn theory — they actively apply it in real-world settings through a variety of hands-on, practical experiences:

• Industry-Focused Projects: From the early stages of the course, students take part in project-based learning, working on real engineering challenges that simulate the workplace. These projects are often conducted in collaboration with industry partners, helping students gain practical insight and develop critical thinking.

• Internships and Placement Opportunities: Students can opt for an optional industrial placement year or secure summer internships with companies in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. Past students have gained valuable experience at well-known companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and Airbus.

• Cutting-Edge Labs and Workshops: The university provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including 3D printing labs, robotics suites, and automated manufacturing cells. These allow students to engage in hands-on prototyping, testing, and product development.

• Student Societies and Competitions: Students are encouraged to join engineering societies like the Mechanical Engineering Society or get involved in national and international competitions such as Formula Student, where they can design and build race cars from scratch as part of a collaborative team.

• Global Engagement: Through international exchange programs and collaborations with universities abroad, students have the chance to broaden their global perspective and understand engineering practices in different cultural and professional contexts.

At the University of Portsmouth, support for your future doesn’t stop in the classroom — it extends into your career journey and beyond. Through the university’s Careers and Employability Service, students receive personalised guidance and access to a wide range of resources to help them shape a successful future. These include:

• One-to-one career advice and tailored career planning sessions.

• Help with creating standout CVs and cover letters that reflect your technical and personal strengths.

• Mock interviews and practice assessment centres to boost confidence in real hiring situations.

• A range of networking events, recruitment fairs, and on-campus employer visits to connect with top UK and global employers.

Employability

Graduates of the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering programme are in demand across a broad range of industries thanks to their versatile skillset. Alumni have gone on to work in sectors such as:

• Automotive and Motorsport Engineering

• Aerospace and Aviation

• Robotics and Automation

• Energy and Renewable Technologies

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Defence and Marine Engineering

Some graduates find roles as design engineers, production managers, project engineers, or maintenance and operations specialists, while others transition into technical consultancy or graduate leadership programmes with major firms like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, and Leonardo.

Further Academic Progression

Upon completing this degree, many students choose to enhance their expertise with postgraduate study, pursuing advanced qualifications such as:

• MSc in Mechanical Engineering

• MSc in Advanced Manufacturing

• MSc in Robotics or Mechatronics

• MSc in Sustainable Energy Technologies

• Or even a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) for those aiming at leadership roles within engineering sectors.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue Chartered Engineer (CEng) status in the UK.