Undergraduate
Mechanical Design Engineering BEng/MEng
This degree programme is firmly rooted in the mainstream mechanical engineering discipline but places greater emphasis on the interplay between design and manufacturing, which is explored through individual and group projects.
You will complete an extensive design project, which will allow you to integrate the various design skills and understand the business and social context within which design takes place.
Engineering at Glasgow
Engineering Societies
At the school of Engineering we strongly encourage student-led activity.
Three of the main student societies are:
Glasgow University Engineering Society (GUES)
Throughout the year the GUES hosts a variety of events from social meetups to industry and career building events. All students are encouraged to attend these
as they provide unique opportunities: whether it be a fun night out with fellow engineers of all disciplines, or a chance to talk to industry buffs in a familiar and comfortable environment. The society provides a chance for our students to relax during the busy semesters alongside fellow students.
The Female Engineering Society (FemEng)
FemEng is a network formed within GUES, with the sole aim of bringing the women in the School of Engineering together. In connection with pre-existing organisations such as Interconnect (Equate), WES and Athena Swan, FemEng has established strong links with industry and academics alike. The society holds events which are tailored to suit the women that attend them, FemEng helps to encourage the minority. Cocktail nights, bake-offs, talks from inspirational women and the opportunity to engage in overseas projects are just some examples of what to expect from being a part of this rapidly growing society.
Engineers without Borders (EWB)
EWB UK is an international development organisation that removes barriers to development through engineering. EWB programmes provide opportunities for young people to learn about engineering’s role in poverty reduction. By taking part in our activities, our members are making a difference to people’s lives around the world. GUEWB is one of the charity’s branches in universities throughout the UK.
UGRacing: University of Glasgow’s Racing Team
- 32 Engineers
- 20 hours a week
- 12 months
- 1 racecar.
Each year our School of Engineering participates in the highly renowned, ten month long “Formula Student” programme. Run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), this is an exciting and unique chance for students from across our engineering disciplines to join forces to construct a single seat racing car. Designing, building and finally racing the car at the world famous Silverstone track, the competition crucially develops students’ management, marketing and technical skills and is attended by more than 300 teams from across the globe. As a partner of IMechE, our School is proud to offer such specialised engineering and motorsport industry experience. Find out more at: ugracing.co.uk.
“My job as Head Engineer is to manage the overall design of the car and to ensure that the chassis, power-train and electronics teams are sticking to their deadlines. Following our win at the inaugural Russian Formula Student competition in 2014, the team have made tremendous progress. I have been with UGRacing for over four years; one thing in common throughout this time has been the strong team working environment and the passion everyone has for the project.”
Calum, UG Racing Head Engineer
The School of Engineering’s Industrial Scholarship Scheme
Taking advantage of our strong links with industry, the School of Engineering has launched an exclusive new Scholarship Scheme. The University of Glasgow Engineering Scholarship Scheme offers top performing students the opportunity to gain significant paid work experience and an annual bursary of £1600 whilst undertaking their degree. This gives our students a fantastic start to a future career before graduating. Amey, Leonardo and Mott Macdonald are some of the big industry names currently signed up to this rapidly expanding scheme. The scholarship is open to University of Glasgow School of Engineering undergraduates who attain a GPA of 15 or more at the end of their second year (some restrictions may apply). For more information:
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.
Year 1
In your first year, you will take a wide-ranging curriculum which includes courses in mechanical design and manufacturing, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it possible to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
Year 2
You will study further basic engineering subjects including applicable mathematics, applied mechanics, fluid mechanics, microeconomics, engineering computing, materials, power electronics, thermodynamics, and design and manufacture.
Year 3
You will study more advanced engineering subjects such as engineering design, dynamics and control, mechanics of solids, heat transfer, design and manufacture, materials and manufacture, mathematical modelling and simulation, and mechanics of materials and structures.
Years 4 and 5
In year 4 of the BEng programme, students undertake an individual design project and a group design project. A range of subjects are offered, including robotics, advanced materials, vibration, microelectronics, mechanics of solids and thermal engineering. Year 4 MEng students undertake further design projects including a multidisciplinary project. Year 5 of the MEng programme includes the final-year industrial project, and provides additional management skills and in-depth options of engineering subjects including mechanics of solids, dynamics and desalination technology.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Partnership and industry links
The degree programme has very close links with industry, with practising engineers contributing to courses, as well as vacation and year-out employment opportunities for students.
Our international links
You can apply to spend one year of your studies abroad at an accredited partner university. In year 5 MEng students can work on their project at overseas institutions.
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2019
About entry requirements
SQA Highers
The S5 Standard Academic Entry Requirements represent the grades which, if attained in addition to successfully meeting mandatory subject requirements and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests), will normally result in an offer being made. Students must achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5).
The S5 Minimum Academic Entry Requirements represent the minimum grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order for them to be considered for a conditional offer based on S6 results. Not all applicants who achieve the Minimum Academic Entry Requirements will be made an offer. This will depend on the number of applications we have received for a degree programme and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements.
Where an applicant is made a conditional offer based on S6 results, the S6 Standard Academic Entry Requirements represent the cumulative grades that must be attained by the end of S6, in addition to meeting any mandatory subject and non-academic requirements. All degree programmes allow applicants to “double count” Highers and Advanced Highers in the same subject when calculating cumulative grades. A Grade B in an Advanced Higher will be regarded as another Grade A at Higher Level and a Grade C at Advanced Higher will be regarded as another Grade B at Higher Level. All degree programmes require grades in a minimum of four different subjects.
Advanced Highers
Advanced Highers are a qualification of increased importance to the University, which recognises that applicants with these qualifications find the transition to university easier and perform better in their university exams. Many of our degrees specify Advanced Highers as part of the S6 Entry Requirements.
If a school is unable to offer specific Advanced Higher subjects applicants will be made bespoke offers which will normally require the applicant to attain additional relevant Highers in S6.
Adjusted Entry Requirements
We adjust the Standard Academic Entry Requirements for eligible applicants who complete one of our widening participation pre-entry programmes. Criteria for eligibility include attending a Scottish target secondary school, living in a priority Scottish postcode area, current or previous experience of living in care or estrangement from family support.
For more information about your eligibility and our pre-entry programmes see: Access Glasgow.
Admissions Policy
A-levels and International Baccalaureate
The Standard Academic Entry Requirements represent the grades at which any possible offer would be made. Students must also meet mandatory subject requirements and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests).
The Minimum Academic Entry Requirements represent the minimum grades that the University will accept for entry to the degree programme. Students must also meet mandatory subject requirements and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests).
Admissions Policies
BEng
A-levels
- Standard academic entry requirements: AAB.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: BBB.
- Other mandatory requirements: A-level Mathematics AND either A-level Physics or Technology & Design.
Highers
- Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAA/AAABB.
- Minimum S5 academic entry requirements: AABB.
- Standard S6 academic entry requirements: AAAAAB, preferably including two Advanced Highers at Grades BB (Grade B at Advanced Higher is considered equivalent to grade A at Higher).
- Other mandatory requirements: Entry from S5 requires Higher Mathematics AND either Higher Physics or Engineering Science at Grades AB or BA. Mathematics must be at Grade A if Engineering Science is offered instead of Physics. Entry from S6 requires Higher Mathematics in S5 AND either Higher Physics or Engineering Science by the end of S6 at Grades AB or BA. Mathematics must be at Grade A if Engineering Science is offered instead of Physics.
We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants who complete one of our widening participation pre-entry programmes: see Access Glasgow.
- Adjusted S5 academic entry requirements: AABB/ABBBB.
- Adjusted S6 academic entry requirements: AABB-BBBBB.
- Adjusted mandatory requirements: Entry from S5 requires Higher Mathematics AND Higher Physics or Engineering Science: both at Grade B. Entry from S6 requires Higher Mathematics AND Higher Physics or Engineering Science by the end of S6: both at Grade B.
International Baccalaureate
- Standard academic entry requirements: 36 points including three HL subjects at 6,6,5
- Minimum academic entry requirements: 32 points including three HL subjects at 6,5,5
- Other mandatory requirements: HL subjects should include Physics and Maths. SL6 will be accepted for one of Physics or Maths (or Maths Studies).
European qualifications
Typical entry requirements for European qualifications: European requirements: Arts, Science, Engineering, Accountancy, Social Sciences [pdf]
Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.
MEng
A-levels
- Standard academic entry requirements: AAA.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: Applicants who achieve less than AAA will be considered for the BEng.
- Other mandatory requirements: A-level Mathematics AND either A-level Physics or Technology & Design.
Highers
- Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAAA.
- Minimum S5 academic entry requirements: AAAA/AAABB.
- Standard S6 academic entry requirements: AAAA at Higher plus AB at Advanced Higher.
- Other mandatory requirements: Entry from S5 requires Higher Mathematics AND either Higher Physics or Engineering Science: both at Grade A. Entry from S6 requires applicants to have attained Higher Mathematics by the end of S5 AND Higher Physics or Engineering Science by end of S6: both at Grade A.
International Baccalaureate
- Standard academic entry requirements: 38 points including three HL subjects at 6,6,6
- Minimum academic entry requirements: 36 points including three HL subjects at 6,6,6
- Other mandatory requirements: HL Subjects must include Physics and Maths.
European qualifications
Typical entry requirements for European qualifications: European requirements: Arts, Science, Engineering, Accountancy, Social Sciences[pdf]
Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.
Advanced Entry
Applicants who attain exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry (commence their degree at year 2). Applicants who are interested in Advanced Entry should apply for year 2 (Y2) on their UCAS application. In the event that their application is unsuccessful they will automatically be considered for year 1 entry without having to submit a separate UCAS application. Indicative Grades for an applicant to be considered for Advanced Entry or Faster Route:
- A-levels: A*AA (A* must be in Mathematics).
- Highers: Three Advanced Highers at Grades AAA including Mathematics and Physics attained at one sitting.
- International Baccalaureate: 38 Points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Mathematics and Physics.
In all cases the mandatory requirements specified must also be met. All applicants should use the standard UCAS code but apply for Y2 entry.
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL*: 90; no sub-test less than: Reading: 20; Listening: 19; Speaking: 19; Writing: 23
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): 176 overall: no sub-test less than 169
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 176 overall: no sub-test less than 169
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
- IGCSE: English as a First Language (0500/0522): C in Reading and Writing, plus 1 in Listening, 2 in Speaking, where applicable. All four components (listening, writing, speaking, reading) must be examined and detailed on results slip
- IGCSE: English as a Second Language (0510/0511): A in Reading and Writing, plus A in Listening, 2/B in Speaking, where applicable. All four components (listening, writing, speaking, reading) must be examined and detailed on results slip
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISEII at Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
For further information about English language, please see School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study.
Career prospects
Our graduates are well represented in manufacturing companies and a wide range of industries in this country and abroad. Recent graduates have been employed by:
- Babcock (Marine Division)
- Chevron
- Wood Group
- Spooner,
- Green Co Mineral Water
- Extreme Well Solution
- Scottish Power Renewables
- Aker Solutions
- ABS Consulting Ltd
- Jee Ltd
- OyI Manufacturing
- BAE Systems
- Rolls-Royce
- Score Europe.
Accreditation
Our BEng and MEng degrees are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering Designers.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BEng
Mechanical Design Engineering: HH37
MEng
Mechanical Design Engineering: HHJ7
BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng programme on completion of years 1, 2 and 3.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see 2019/20 Tuition fees for details. If you are starting in September 2018, please refer to 2018/19 Tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
Sun Yat-sen
The University of Glasgow offer a 10% discount to student of Sun Yat-sen University who have completed the first 2 years of their undergraduate degree at Sun Yat-sen University and wish to complete their degree at the University of Glasgow.
more informationCollege of Science and Engineering Deans' Award
The College of Science and Engineering is offering ten scholarships worth £10,000 each towards tuition fees for academically excellent students wishing to study an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught programme within the College’s programme portfolio.
more informationRUK Access Bursary 2018 Entry
The bursary supports talented students who might not be able to take a place at University for reasons of financial hardship and available to new entrant full-time undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for Session 2018-19 as being domiciled in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
more informationRUK Excellence Scholarship 2018
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained AAA or better in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).
more informationAfrican Excellence Scholarship (IE Abroad)
The University of Glasgow is offering 1 exclusive scholarship to students from either South Africa or Zimbabwe who have been supported in their application by our representative in these countries – IE Abroad. The scholarship is available to students entering any of the University’s Colleges to undertake an undergraduate programme excluding Medicine or Dentistry.
more informationUndergraduate Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a total of 100 Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new international students for 2019 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
more informationBeaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
more informationThe scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
If you’re seeking full-time study you must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS deadlines
The deadlines for applications to Medicine, Vet Medicine and Dentistry is 15 October each year. The deadline for applications to all other degree programmes is 15 January each year.
The University of Glasgow does not usually accept any applications after these UCAS deadlines. It is the applicants' responsibility to ensure the accuracy of their application prior to submission, and requests from applicants to correct erroneous application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these UCAS deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 15 January: all other UK/EU applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international (non-EU) students.
Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college.
Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468.
UCAS tariff points
The University does not frame its offers in terms of UCAS tariff points.
How soon will I receive a decision?
We will usually respond before the end of March.
If your qualifications meet our requirements and we believe you could benefit from study at Glasgow, you will receive an unconditional offer.
If you haven’t yet gained the necessary passes for entry to your chosen subject(s), we may look at the qualifications you are taking when you apply and make you a conditional offer.
Will I be interviewed?
An interview will be part of the selection process for: Community Development, Dentistry, History of Art & Art-world Practice, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Teaching, and Veterinary Medicine & Surgery. You may also be interviewed if you’re applying for entry into Year 2 in any subject.
Is deferred entry available?
For Dentistry, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine programmes we are unable to consider applications for deferred entry. In other cases deferring may be possible but it’s not granted automatically.
University Transfers
Transfers from another University to the University of Glasgow will only be considered under the following circumstances:
- The applicant has a genuine personal circumstance (illness, bereavement or other family situation) which requires the student to move back to their home town to be closer to family; AND
- The applicant would have met the University of Glasgow entrance requirements at the time he/she went to the other institution. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted if he/she was marginally below the University of Glasgow entrance requirements, and they have performed above average at the other institution.
Widening participation
We want to help talented applicants from all backgrounds to study at Glasgow. See our range of widening access pre-entry programmes at Widening Participation.
Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college.
Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468.
