BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the West of England

Program Overview

Get on track for our IMechE accredited BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree, by completing a foundation year. If you're committed to an engineering future and have a less conventional background, this is the course for you.Engineers constantly ask questions and explore new ideas. They play an important role in developing the world around us - whether that's through the initial design and manufacture of products, or through their development, management or marketing. A degree in Mechanical Engineering will challenge you and transform the way you learn, giving you the opportunity to use your skills in any sector you wish.Develop your understanding of stress analysis, dynamics, heat transfer, mechatronics, materials and manufacture, and maths.You'll be taught in our new state-of-the-art School of Engineering designed to revolutionise the way engineering is taught. Featuring engine test cells, dedicated collaborative learning spaces and all of the latest high-tech equipment, it's purpose-built to support a wide range of engineering disciplines.Choose your modules in a way that allows you to specialise with your chosen career in mind. Gain an inside track on the profession through factory visits and professional briefings with industry-leading organisations across the UK.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UWE Bristol, hands-on experience is at the heart of the Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year) programme. From the beginning, students are encouraged to apply theory to real-world scenarios—building not just technical knowledge, but the kind of practical, problem-solving skills that employers look for.

Real-World Experience Starts Early:

  • Industry Placements and Internships:
    UWE actively supports students in securing placements with some of the UK’s leading engineering companies, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, and Jaguar Land Rover. These placements give students a chance to gain meaningful industry experience, develop practical skills, and make professional connections that often lead to graduate job offers.

  • Live Projects and Client Work:
    Students regularly collaborate on industry-led projects, working on real engineering challenges supplied by local or national companies. This exposure to live briefs helps develop skills in design thinking, communication, and project management—invaluable for any aspiring engineer.

  • Engineering Competitions and Clubs:
    Beyond the classroom, students can join projects like the UWE Formula Student Team, where they design, build, and race a single-seat car. These projects offer a fun and competitive way to strengthen teamwork, technical creativity, and engineering innovation.

  • Cutting-Edge Facilities:
    UWE Bristol gives students access to top-tier facilities, including:

    • The Bristol Robotics Laboratory

    • Composites manufacturing centres

    • Wind tunnels, 3D printing stations, and CNC machining workshops
      These spaces provide the environment and equipment to test ideas, build prototypes, and learn by doing.

  • Global Learning Opportunities:
    Through Erasmus+ and other international programmes, students can study abroad or take part in international project collaborations. These experiences build global awareness and add an international dimension to their engineering skillset

Progression & Future Opportunities

At UWE Bristol, students on the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year) programme are supported from day one—not just academically, but professionally. The university is deeply committed to helping students build a clear, confident pathway to the workplace or further study.

Career Support from the Start:

Through the university’s Careers and Enterprise service, students benefit from:

  • Personalised Career Coaching – One-on-one sessions help students explore options, clarify goals, and shape their professional journey.

  • CV & Cover Letter Workshops – Tailored guidance to help students market themselves effectively to employers.

  • Mock Interviews – Realistic practice sessions to boost confidence and improve performance in recruitment scenarios.


Career Fairs & Employer Engagement:

UWE hosts engineering-focused career fairs, employer visits, and networking events throughout the year. These connect students directly with major industry players such as:

  • Airbus

  • Renishaw

  • GKN Aerospace

  • The Ministry of Defence

These interactions often lead to internships, placements, and even graduate job offers—helping students bridge the gap between study and the professional world.


Employability:

UWE mechanical engineering graduates are highly employable thanks to the course’s strong technical focus and industry-informed curriculum.

Career opportunities span across sectors, including roles such as:

  • Automotive Engineer

  • Aerospace Systems Designer

  • Energy Consultant

  • Defence Engineer

  • Robotics Specialist

  • Construction and Transport Engineer

  • Medical Device Developer

  • Sustainable Energy Engineer

Thanks to UWE’s strong industry partnerships and emphasis on practical learning, students leave well-prepared to make an immediate impact in their field.


Further Academic Progression:

After graduating, students can take their learning even further through postgraduate study. Popular routes include:

  • MSc in Mechanical Engineering

  • MSc in Renewable Energy Systems

  • MSc in Robotics, AI, or Engineering Management

Graduates can also take the next step toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status by progressing to an MEng or MSc, supported by registration with professional bodies like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Program Key Stats

£16,000
£ 28
Sept Intake : 15th Jan


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

CCD
NA
24
70

NA
NA
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year) University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with Foundation Year) is a four-year degree designed to support aspiring engineers who may not have traditional entry qualifications or who are returning to education
  • Delivered at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus
  • this programme combines academic preparation with hands-on experience
  • helping students build the technical knowledge
  • confidence
  • and real-world skills needed to launch a successful engineering career
  • Why Choose This Course? From the foundation year through to the final capstone project
  • students are immersed in practical
  • industry-relevant learning
  • The course focuses on more than just theory—it helps students develop as creative thinkers
  • problem-solvers
  • and future professionals
  • Foundation Year: A Solid Start The first year lays essential groundwork in: Mathematics
  • Physics
  • and Engineering Principles Helping students build the core knowledge required for success in the degree
  • Study Skills and Personal Development Encouraging critical thinking
  • effective communication
  • and academic resilience
  • Core Curriculum Highlights: From Year 1 of the main degree onwards
  • students explore: Fundamental Engineering Sciences Including mechanics
  • thermodynamics
  • materials science
  • and mathematics
  • Design and Manufacturing Projects Blending creativity with modern tools like CAD and 3D modelling to bring ideas to life
  • Professional Development Modules focused on communication
  • teamwork
  • ethics
  • and project management—key skills in any engineering environment
  • Live Projects and Industry Placements Real-world challenges
  • often in collaboration with local and national firms
  • allow students to apply classroom learning in meaningful ways
  • Final Year Capstone Project A major independent or group project—frequently linked to industry partners—gives students the chance to showcase their innovation
  • research
  • and engineering design skills
  • Real-World Learning in Action: At UWE Bristol
  • students don’t just study engineering—they do engineering: Internships and Year-Long Placements With companies like Airbus
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • and GKN Aerospace
  • many students gain paid
  • career-shaping experience before they even graduate
  • Live Client Projects Tackle real engineering briefs set by real companies
  • Competitions and Clubs Join the Formula Student Team
  • take part in robotics challenges
  • or contribute to sustainable engineering innovations
  • Global Learning Opportunities Study abroad
  • join international projects
  • or participate in Erasmus+ exchanges to gain a global perspective on engineering
  • Careers and Progression: Career Support: Students receive ongoing support from UWE’s Careers and Enterprise team
  • including: One-on-one coaching CV and portfolio workshops Interview prep and employer networking events Graduate Roles Include: Automotive or Aerospace Engineer Manufacturing or Energy Systems Engineer Medical Device Developer Robotics or Transport Systems Specialist Defence or Infrastructure Engineer Further Study Options: Graduates often progress to: MSc Mechanical or Automotive Engineering MSc Renewable Energy or Robotics MBA in Engineering Management Chartered Engineer (CEng) status via IMechE Accreditation: This degree is professionally accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and ensuring the qualification is recognised both in the UK and internationally
  • Location & Facilities: Based at UWE’s Frenchay Campus
  • students enjoy access to: The Bristol Robotics Laboratory Wind tunnels
  • composites labs
  • and 3D prototyping suites Collaborative learning studios and dedicated engineering workshops All located in one of the UK’s leading cities for engineering
  • innovation
  • and sustainability

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts