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BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) program at the University of Sussex offers a comprehensive education in mechanical engineering, combining theoretical learning with practical experience in industry. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanical engineering, along with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings through an industrial placement year. This degree equips students with the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking required to tackle engineering challenges across various sectors, from manufacturing to energy, aerospace, automotive, and beyond. The industrial placement year enhances the employability of graduates by providing them with invaluable experience in the engineering industry, helping them to build professional networks and gain insight into the latest engineering technologies and practices.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) program at Sussex is structured to provide a blend of foundational engineering knowledge and advanced technical skills. In the first year, students are introduced to core engineering principles, including mathematics, mechanics, materials science, and thermodynamics. They also learn the basics of computer-aided design (CAD) and computational methods used in mechanical engineering. The second and third years build on this foundation, with courses covering areas such as fluid mechanics, control systems, thermodynamics, mechanical design, and manufacturing processes. Students also engage in laboratory work and hands-on projects, which enhance their practical skills and ability to solve complex engineering problems. The industrial placement year, which typically occurs between the second and final years, offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional engineering environment, working on real projects and solving engineering challenges in collaboration with industry experts. In the final year, students undertake an individual project that allows them to apply their learning to a specific engineering problem, further strengthening their problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is renowned for its cutting-edge research in engineering, with a focus on addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) program benefits from Sussex’s strong research culture, particularly in areas related to sustainable engineering, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Faculty members at Sussex are involved in a variety of interdisciplinary research projects that explore new materials, renewable energy technologies, and efficient manufacturing processes. Students have the opportunity to engage with this research, either through collaborative projects, research-led teaching, or by undertaking their own projects in the final year. Research in the areas of robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart materials is also a key focus, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest technological advancements in mechanical engineering. This research-driven approach ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the latest trends in the engineering industry.
Industry Engagement: The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) program at Sussex is highly industry-focused, providing students with direct exposure to the engineering sector through an industrial placement year. Sussex has established strong connections with a wide range of engineering companies across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. These partnerships enable students to gain valuable hands-on experience, work on real-world engineering problems, and develop the technical and professional skills required in the industry. The industrial placement year typically lasts between 9 to 12 months, and students are supported throughout the process of securing a placement, with guidance from the university’s careers and employability services. The program also offers opportunities for students to collaborate with industry professionals on engineering projects, attend guest lectures, and participate in career fairs and networking events. These industry engagements significantly enhance students’ employability and provide them with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the competitive engineering job market.
Global Perspective: The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) program at the University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on global challenges and solutions. The program prepares students to work in an international context, equipping them with the skills needed to address global issues such as climate change, sustainability, and the development of advanced technologies. The industrial placement year offers students the opportunity to work for global engineering firms or on international projects, gaining insight into the global engineering landscape and the diverse challenges faced by the industry worldwide. Additionally, Sussex has a strong international student body, which enriches the learning experience by fostering a global perspective on engineering problems and solutions. Students can also take part in international exchange programs or attend global engineering conferences, further broadening their understanding of engineering practices in different cultural and technological contexts.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 23175
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) program at the University of Sussex are equipped with the technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and practical experience needed to excel in a wide range of industries. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and an industrial placement year providing hands-on experience, graduates are highly sought after by employers in engineering, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, and technology sectors.
Mechanical Engineer: A natural career choice for graduates, mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems and devices. They work in industries ranging from automotive to aerospace and energy, applying their skills to improve existing systems or create innovative new solutions. Graduates may be involved in product development, machinery design, energy-efficient systems, and the optimization of manufacturing processes. This career offers opportunities for innovation, technical problem-solving, and hands-on work in diverse engineering environments.
Design Engineer: Design engineers focus on creating and improving products, components, and systems. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, they develop detailed designs that meet specified requirements, taking into account performance, cost, and manufacturability. Graduates from the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program can work as design engineers in various industries, including automotive, consumer goods, aerospace, and robotics. They may work on projects ranging from creating new vehicles or machines to improving product functionality and safety.
Manufacturing Engineer: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of production processes. They focus on ensuring that manufacturing operations run smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Graduates with an industrial placement year are particularly well-suited to this role, as they gain firsthand experience in production environments. Manufacturing engineers may work in sectors like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical devices, where they develop strategies to improve quality control, reduce waste, and enhance production processes.
Aerospace Engineer: For those with an interest in the aerospace industry, the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program provides the necessary skills to work as aerospace engineers. These professionals design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Graduates can pursue careers in both civil and defense aerospace sectors, working with major aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, or government agencies. Roles might involve propulsion system design, aerodynamics analysis, or the development of new aircraft technologies.
Automotive Engineer: Automotive engineers focus on the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles and their systems. With a strong emphasis on mechanical design, materials science, and fluid mechanics, graduates from the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program are well-equipped to work in the automotive industry. Career paths in this sector include vehicle design, powertrain development, testing, and vehicle safety, with opportunities to work for major automotive companies, parts manufacturers, or automotive startups focused on electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous technologies.
Energy Engineer: Energy engineers work on the design, development, and optimization of energy systems, with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program are well-positioned to contribute to the energy sector, where they may work on projects related to wind, solar, hydro, and other renewable energy technologies. Energy engineers play a key role in addressing climate change and advancing the transition to sustainable energy systems, making this a rewarding career path for those interested in the future of global energy.
Robotics Engineer: Robotics engineers design and build robots or automated systems that can perform tasks traditionally done by humans. With mechanical engineering as their foundation, graduates can specialize in robotics, applying principles of mechanical design, control systems, and automation. Robotics engineers work in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, defense, and even space exploration, creating robotic systems that enhance productivity, safety, and precision.
Project Engineer: Project engineers manage engineering projects from conception through to completion, ensuring that the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets all technical specifications. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program are well-equipped for this role, as they combine technical expertise with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Project engineers are employed in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace, overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects.
Maintenance Engineer: Maintenance engineers ensure that machinery, equipment, and systems operate efficiently and remain in optimal working condition. They are responsible for conducting routine inspections, performing repairs, and implementing preventive maintenance schedules. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program may pursue careers as maintenance engineers in manufacturing plants, power stations, or facilities management companies, applying their knowledge of mechanical systems and problem-solving skills to maintain critical infrastructure.
Supply Chain Engineer: Supply chain engineers work to optimize the flow of goods, materials, and information throughout the supply chain. They focus on improving manufacturing processes, logistics, and inventory management. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program can work in the supply chain and logistics sectors, where their expertise in systems engineering, process optimization, and efficiency improvements can help companies reduce costs, improve delivery times, and enhance overall supply chain performance.
Consulting Engineer: Consulting engineers provide expert advice to companies and organizations on a wide range of engineering issues. Graduates can work for consultancy firms or start their own practice, advising clients on mechanical design, systems optimization, energy efficiency, and other technical matters. The industrial placement year prepares students for this career by giving them practical experience and insights into industry challenges, which they can later apply in a consulting role.
Research and Development Engineer: Research and development (R&D) engineers focus on creating new technologies, improving existing products, and advancing innovation in various engineering fields. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering program may work in R&D departments within industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, or renewable energy. They play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of mechanical engineering, often working with multidisciplinary teams to create solutions for future challenges.
