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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Our course has been carefully designed by experts in the field of mechanical engineering to help prepare students for professional practice in the world of interdisciplinary technology.
The course provides you with analytical and scientific knowledge and management skills to design and manufacture complex mechanical systems. You'll develop problem-solving expertise by creating practical solutions to problems that are directly relevant to industrial needs.
The course emphasises industry-standard modelling and simulation techniques such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA), as you establish the specification, design and analysis of mechanical engineering systems.
You'll have access to the very latest equipment and resources to carry out this work, all of which will prepare you for a wide range of future careers.
During your course, you'll have regular contact with blue chip companies and industry leaders in the sector, who will host visits and work placements and provide regular guest speakers to come and speak at the University of East London.
The extended Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year is perfect if you want a degree in Mechanical Engineering but don't have the standard entry requirements. First, we prepare you for your degree during the Foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Our mechanical engineering programme is a combination of maths, science, technology and management. Throughout your studies, you will acquire not only an understanding of general engineering principles but also a range of transferable skills. Students have a chance to broaden and deepen their knowledge in a wide range of mechanical engineering subjects.
This will enable you to obtain advanced knowledge of core mechanical engineering disciplines such as design analysis, dynamic systems, computational fluid dynamics, advanced materials, control systems and sustainable energy technologies. You will be using simulation and modelling application software for virtual design and manufacturing, utilising our strong links with companies, and investigating real industrial problems to enhance your understanding of the profession. You will tie in the topic of your individual final year project with one of our research groups and benefit from the expertise of our active research academics.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE SPECIFICATION - BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
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Course Specification - Engineering Foundation Year
pdf, 55.31 KB
MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental wealth; Professional Life CloseMental wealth; Professional Life
The module will introduce key knowledge and skills required for your success in higher education, communication and interpersonal life skills for academic and professional purposes. The module is designed to provide guidance in order to become independent learner, effectively reflect and take necessary actions for professional success. The module will also aid you to build your confidence as a learner, enabling you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and how you can build their skills for the future.
Analytical Mathematics CloseAnalytical Mathematics
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Engineering Sciences CloseEngineering Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to materials, electricity and simple structures used in engineering.
Mathematical Applications CloseMathematical Applications
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Physical Sciences ClosePhysical Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to second moment of area, sound, light, thermodynamics and work and energy systems used in engineering.
Introduction to Computing CloseIntroduction to Computing
The module equips you with an understanding of computing principles and an understanding of the fundamentals of hardware and software, which can provide an opportunity for you to gain appreciation of the practical skills involved in computer systems. It helps you develop a better understanding of computations to solve problems, analysing problems and procedures, and a better understanding of algorithms, languages and programming. It provides an opportunity to you to understand the connections between the different areas of computing.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module aims to develop students' core competencies to form the basis of future competencies development throughout the programme of study. In this module, the students would consolidate their Construction / Engineering knowledge and skills for practical applications, and develop their awareness of impacts on the environment, commerce, society and individual brought about by various construction and engineering activities.
Engineering Materials CloseEngineering Materials
The main aim of this module is to provide you with a basic understanding of the properties and behaviour of wide range of engineering materials and to enable you to appreciate essential facts and principles required to make good choices in selection of materials.
Engineering Principles CloseEngineering Principles
- To provide you with the fundamental principles and concepts involved with dynamics, machine elements and electrical and electronic engineering.
- To enable you to select appropriate electromechanical systems to solve real-life engineering problems.
Applied Mathematics & Computing CloseApplied Mathematics & Computing
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for level 5 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Thermofluids CloseThermofluids
The main aim of this module is to introduce the basic theories of thermo fluid mechanics. You will learn about the fundamentals of fluid behaviour, the interaction of fluids with solid bodies and fluid flow in pipes.
Engineering Mechanics CloseEngineering Mechanics
This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental structural characteristics governing the properties of engineering materials; and to introduce you to the fundamental concepts and principles of engineering mechanics.
The module would provide you with an appreciation of the relationship between conceptual models and real engineering systems; and enable you to develop an analytical and practical approach to the solution of basic engineering problems based on the use of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module builds on the L4 Mental Wealth: Professional Life module to further develop students' competencies to form the basis of their future careers. In this module, the students will undertake feasibility studies with reference to human, financial, logistical resources to realise a product/service. The module will further develop the students' self-awareness, interpersonal and negotiation skills through team work and mentoring.
Advanced Mathematics and Modelling CloseAdvanced Mathematics and Modelling
The main aims of this module are to prepare students for level 6 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Engineering Design and Analysis CloseEngineering Design and Analysis
This module provides the students with the knowledge of the main modes of failure that occur under various loading conditions, to enable the students to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles of the mechanics of materials and their application. The students’ skill in solving analytical and practical design problems relating to complex stress system will be extended through project work using various commercial and/or non-proprietary engineering analysis software tools.
Dynamics and Control CloseDynamics and Control
This module covers dynamics and classical control theory, to enable the students to extend their treatment of dynamics from point masses to rigid bodies and cover a broad range of application of the principles of mechanics. The students will apply a variety of mathematical and modelling techniques to the study of dynamics and feedback control problems.
Applied Mechanics CloseApplied Mechanics
This module provides new concepts in the deformation of materials under various loading conditions and extend the application of fundamental principles of mechanics of static systems to more advanced systems.This module introduces basic concepts and the principles of the finite element analysis (FEA) techniques and the application of FEA in structural and stress analysis.
Thermofluids Dynamics CloseThermofluids Dynamics
This module covers heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics exploring more theory so as to allow the students to perform industrial level analysis of processes. The scope includes an appreciation of fuels/combustion, power-producing cycles, internal/external fluid flows and further heat transfer. To extend the study of thermodynamic and fluid mechanics principles in order to provide the tools required for design and analysis of energy systems, and to provide a foundation for subsequent modules in these areas.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
Capstone Project CloseCapstone Project
The main aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out and report research in order to consolidate the knowledge gained in other modules in a chosen field of study, combine it with the published knowledge of others, investigate it practically and report your findings.
Advanced Mechanics CloseAdvanced Mechanics
This module provides an advanced study on stress analysis including elasticity theory, inelastic deformations, fracture of materials and their application to practical engineering problems. It also introduces the concept of materials and process selection. The module provides an understanding of the scope of the materials mechanics/manufacturing technologies, the integrative role of materials selection in engineering and design and an appreciation of technological change, innovation and sustainable in an engineering context
Advanced Manufacturing Technology CloseAdvanced Manufacturing Technology
This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of flexible manufacturing technology used in a variety of industrial sectors; aims to help the student in gaining knowledge of advanced machining processes and technologies and the principles and practices of green manufacturing and manufacturing sustainability.
Turbomachinery and Energy Systems CloseTurbomachinery and Energy Systems
This module introduces the students to the latest renewable energy technologies and provides an advanced study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics exploring in-depth internal combustion engines, fluid-mechanics governing equations, performance of various types of pumps and turbines, and application of heat transfer to extended surfaces and heat exchangers.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
The programme features up-to-date modules in new and emerging technologies in a wide range of mechanical engineering topics. Hence, graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and competences to pursue traditional engineering career paths in these fields.
Study is based on three years of full-time (six years part-time) or four years on a sandwich programme. The sandwich option requires an industrial placement year between Level five and six (year 2 and 3 respectively). The programme is based on core studies embracing mechanics, dynamics, fluids, materials and manufacturing.
The programme also benefits from the use of well-equipped modern laboratories which are used for material testing, fluid mechanics, dynamics, hydraulics, structures, CNC machining, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, electronics, electrical machines and power, and control systems. In addition, there are facilities for computer-aided design and manufacture. The laboratories are also equipped with around 60 PCs which are connected to the university network and allow students to perform manufacturing simulation, system modelling, design analysis and finite element analysis.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
- Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
- Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
- Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
Assessment is undertaken in various modes such as written assignments, laboratory reports, project reports and examinations. Assessment tasks are spread across the year to make the workload manageable.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
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What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

UEL is committed to help you to reach your full potential. A degree in Mechanical Engineering at UEL will give you the skills and abilities as a professional engineer to face the challenge of tomorrow."
Dr Kalok Lee
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Course Leader
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Because of its wide subject area, you will find mechanical engineering opportunities in a range of sectors, including: manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, construction, marine, materials and metals, railways, sport, energy, pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronic, and the defence and utilities industries. Excellent graduates can pursue their doctoral studies for careers in the academic sector.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.