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BEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering (with year in Industry)

Step into the future of engineering with our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry.

This professionally focused degree combines academic excellence with valuable industry experience, giving you a competitive edge as you prepare to launch your career. Designed in collaboration with BAE Systems and aligned with real-world industry needs, the programme blends rigorous technical education with practical, project-based learning.

You’ll study in purpose-built facilities equipped with advanced technology—from robotics and 3D printing to CAD and automation systems—and learn from expert academic staff with strong links to industry. The addition of a structured year in industry gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world context, gaining hands-on experience, building your professional network, and developing the confidence and capabilities to thrive in the engineering sector.

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Course Overview

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry is a future-focused degree developed in partnership with BAE Systems, one of the UK’s leading engineering organisations. It provides you with a comprehensive foundation in core mechanical engineering principles and engages you with the latest technologies and practices driving the future of manufacturing and design.

You’ll study key areas including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, control systems, and materials science, alongside advanced tools and techniques such as 3D printing, robotics, and computer-aided design (CAD). Learning is brought to life through problem-solving, collaborative projects, and practical laboratory work.

In your second and third years, you’ll explore digital manufacturing, applied mechatronics, and automation, while your integrated engineering project will see you solving real-world challenges as part of a team. Your third year will be spent on a dedicated industrial placement, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge, gain professional experience, and enhance your employability before returning to complete your degree.

On this course you will...

  • Study in a brand-new purpose built facility that has been designed to include all of the modern equipment and resources you need to make a success of your course.
  • Benefit from engaging with stakeholders from local and national employers.
  • Study a degree that was designed in collaboration with BAE so that you can be equipped with all of the knowledge and skills that employers really need.
  • Have the opportunity to apply for the BAE Systems Scholarship. Upon successful application, you may receive up to £5,000 to support the cost of your studies, along with 12 week paid work experience* and guaranteed interview* with BAE Systems (Barrow) at the end of your degree. (*subject to security clearance)
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Course Structure

What you will learn

This programme aims to develop your subject knowledge alongside your academic and personal development. You will be an active participant in your own learning, and your tutors will mentor and support you in applying your new skills in problem- and project-based modules. The new concepts and methods you will learn at each level of study will be linked by ‘design’, which is the creative application of technical subjects to solve a constrained problem.

Year one

In your first year, the emphasis is on helping you become independent in your learning. You will design engineering artefacts through standardised engineering science and mathematics application. You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of engineering science and solve well-defined problems.

  • Engineering Design
    In this module you will explore the tools and techniques of engineering design. You will be introduced to visual communication, the principles of metrology, and be trained in the safe use of a manufacturing workshop. You will put your new skills to use in the design, manufacture, and testing
  • Integrated Engineering
    This module will give you practical experience of delivering engineering design projects via problem-based learning. You'll be introduced to the broader context of engineering, including the social, ethical and environmental aspects.
  • Mathematics and Computing
    As an engineer, you will describe real-world systems using mathematics and analyse problems using computer simulation and modelling. In this module, you will begin your exploration of these subjects to understand how and why mathematics is essential in manufacturing engineering.
  • Principles of Materials and Manufacturing
    This module will introduce the fundamental properties of engineering materials, how they are manufactured, and how both aspects affect each other. In learning about these issues, you will gain confidence in making and justifying an engineering decision when no single correct answer exists.
  • Mechatronic Principles – Electrical
    You will develop your knowledge and understanding of electrical principles and analyse signals, circuits and simple devices using various techniques.
  • Mechatronic Principles – Mechanical
    This module will introduce you to mechanical concepts which deal with machine construction, design, and use. You will develop a fundamental understanding of aspects of mechanical engineering in statics, kinematics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials.
Year two

In your second year, the emphasis is on building your confidence. Problems become more broadly defined and can involve various factors and constraints. In performing your analysis, and developing your designs, you will draw on your new knowledge from across your first and second years of study.

  • Applied Materials and Manufacturing
    This module builds upon your knowledge of materials properties and demonstrates how materials selection influences the design and manufacturing process. You will learn about the planning of standard manufacturing processes, which includes the use of computer-controlled machines.
  • Applied Mechatronics – Electrical
    You will broaden your knowledge of electrical power supply and the electrical machines that are relevant to manufacturing environments. You will also be introduced to the principles of classic and industrial control.
  • Applied Mechatronics – Mechanical
    You will build upon your previous learning in statics, mechanics and dynamics and apply this knowledge to the automated machines used in advanced manufacturing environments. You will also learn about industrial control. This will enable you to study more advanced real-world systems in year three.
  • Digital Manufacture
    This module explores current and future practices in manufacturing engineering organisations. You will be introduced to the organisation of engineering business, the core technologies of digital manufacturing and potential future trends, as well as add to your knowledge of formal project management.
  • Integrated Engineering 2
    This module allows you to integrate your learning from across level 5 in a simulated professional environment. You will engage in two substantial projects as part of a team to solve real-world manufacturing engineering problems where no single solution exists.
  • Mathematics and Modelling
    You will develop your ability to apply more advanced mathematical techniques in a range of realistic engineering problems. You will also develop an understanding of numerical techniques and use them in modelling and simulation real-world problems.
Year three
  • Year in industry
Year four

In your fourth year, engineering problems become complex. You will be creative and resourceful in applying engineering science and new technologies to resolve wide-ranging problems and conflicting requirements and constraints. You will work on real-world projects, and your solutions will have immediate commercial value.

  • Advanced Manufacturing Systems
    You will expand your knowledge of contemporary manufacturing technology, which includes state-of-the-art computing. You will develop the analytical ability and technical skills to integrate manufacturing software, hardware, and controls into modern manufacturing systems.
  • Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
    You will explore leading-edge technologies involved in manufacturing processes, including contemporary issues in manufacturing engineering research. This includes advanced topics in metrology, additive layer manufacturing, and applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes.
  • Advanced Instrumentation and Control
    You will gain in-depth knowledge of the requirements and challenges of integration of automated systems, and how to control their operations within the manufacturing environment. This will include mathematical modelling to represent electro-mechanical systems within the overall manufacturing system.
  • Integrated Engineering Project
    You will undertake a substantial and independent piece of research into a topic of your choice. This project will enable you to integrate the knowledge you have gained throughout your degree in a creative way to solve a real engineering problem, and enhance your employability skills.
  • Operations Management
    You will build upon your previous learning in Digital Manufacturing by exploring the theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches to managing manufacturing operations. In addition, you will learn how to apply your knowledge towards improving and transforming business operations.

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams.
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