BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Program Overview

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a comprehensive BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering program designed to meet the evolving demands of modern industry. This degree provides a robust foundation in mechanical engineering principles, focusing on their application to manufacturing technologies and materials. The program addresses the increasing need to manage integrated supply chains and global networks, equipping students with skills in contemporary computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) techniques, alongside essential numerical tools. Graduates are prepared to create a competitive advantage through effective manufacturing planning, strategy, quality control, and the design of processes that yield products meeting precise specifications. The course emphasizes the importance of being risk-conscious, cost-conscious, and value-conscious, while also instilling an understanding of the ethical, social, cultural, environmental, and health and safety responsibilities inherent in the mechanical and manufacturing industry. This accredited BEng (Hons) program partially fulfills the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), providing a strong pathway for immediate opportunities and long-term professional development.

Curriculum: The BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering curriculum at UWTSD is structured over three years to provide a thorough and practical education. In the first year, students build a strong foundation with core modules such as "Electrical and Electronic Principles," "Engineering Applications and Study Skills," "Engineering Design," "Engineering Mathematics," "Engineering Science," 1 and "Materials and Introduction to Processing." The second year delves deeper into practical application and management, covering modules like "Group Project," "Management, Innovation and Sustainability," "Manufacturing Design and Technology," "Six Sigma Green Belt," "Stress Analysis and Dynamics," and "Thermofluids and Control." The final year focuses on advanced topics and independent work, including "Advanced Processes and Materials," "Computational Methods," "Plant and Asset Engineering," "Structural and Fluid Analysis," and a significant "Independent Project." Assessment methods are varied, encompassing coursework, phase tests, presentations, vivas, and formal examinations, with opportunities for students to undertake engineering projects individually and in teams.  

Research Focus: The research focus within the BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering program at UWTSD is rooted in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape and the broader mechanical engineering field. The curriculum integrates contemporary topics such as advanced automation, robotics, and computerised inspection techniques. While specific high-level research themes are often associated with postgraduate studies, the undergraduate program fosters an applied research approach. Students are encouraged to develop innovative solutions through project work, applying the content covered in their modules. The independent project in the final year allows students to pursue in-depth investigations in areas like advanced manufacturing processes, materials science, computational methods in engineering, or the sustainability aspects of design and technology, often reflecting the research interests and industry experience of the academic staff.

Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering program, ensuring graduates are "work-ready" and meet the demands of a competitive marketplace. The program is designed to equip students with skills highly valued by employers in diverse sectors such as vehicle manufacturing, aerospace, oil and gas, and consultancy. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technologies, computer-aided design, and applied mechanics. Although a mandatory integrated year in industry is not typically part of the standard three-year BEng, the university's strong links with local, national, and international companies provide opportunities for students to gain practical exposure through projects and possibly voluntary or summer placements. Graduates are reported to find employment in engineering professional roles, and as science, engineering, and production technicians, reflecting the program's effective industry alignment.

Global Perspective: The BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective by preparing students for an industry that operates on a global scale and is characterized by integrated supply chains and global networks. The curriculum addresses the need for engineers who can adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace and contribute to a wide range of established and emerging industries, making it a versatile and transferable qualification. By focusing on contemporary computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques, alongside an understanding of ethical, social, cultural, environmental, and health and safety responsibilities, the program equips students with the awareness and skills to navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing, which often intertwines with global considerations. The aim is to develop graduates well-equipped to join a global community of mechanical and manufacturing engineers and to make a valuable contribution to the future of manufacturing worldwide.