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.
- September start
- Session dates
- Mechanical Design Engineering BEng: HH37 4 year degree
- Mechanical Design Engineering MEng: HHJ7 5 year degree
- Glasgow: main campus
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Engineering at Glasgow
James Watt School of Engineering
We have been delivering world-class engineering education and research for more than 150 years and are the oldest School of Engineering in the UK.
We offer an exciting range of undergraduate degree programmes that include not only the core engineering disciplines (Aeronautics, Civil, Electronics & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) but also unique specialist degree programmes, such as Biomedical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Electronics with Music and Civil Engineering with Architecture.
Our engineering societies
The James Watt School of Engineering is home to a number of lively societies.
Glasgow University Engineering Society
Throughout the year this society 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 practicing engineers 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 the Glasgow University Engineering Society, with the sole aim of bringing the women in the James Watt 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 alleviation. 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
Each year the James Watt 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.
The design and build culminates in a race at the world-famous Silverstone track, against more than 300 teams from across the globe. The competition nurtures students’ management, marketing and technical skills as well as offering specialised engineering and motorsport industry experience. The school recognises the substantial value of this activity and provides considerable technical and financial support for it.
The School of Engineering’s Industrial Scholarship Scheme
Taking advantage of our strong links with industry, the James Watt 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 £1,600 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 James Watt School of Engineering undergraduates who attain a GPA of 15 or more at the end of their second year. 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.
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Year 1
Core courses:
- ANALOGUE ELECTRONICS 1
- DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 1
- MECHANICAL DESIGN 1
- ENGINEERING SKILLS 1
- MATERIALS 1
- DYNAMICS 1
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 1
- STATICS 1
- THERMODYNAMICS 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.
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Year 2
Core courses:
- DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 2
- MECHANICAL DESIGN 2
- MATERIALS 2
- POWER ELECTRONICS 2
- THERMODYNAMICS 2
- ENGINEERING SKILLS 2
- MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES 2A
- MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES 2B
- DYNAMICS 2
- FLUID MECHANICS 2
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 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.
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Year 3
Core courses:
- SOFTWARE ENGINEERING M3
- CONTROL 3
- MECHANICAL DESIGN 3
- FLUID MECHANICS 3
- HEAT TRANSFER 3
- INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA SYSTEMS 3
- DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 3
- SIMULATION OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS 3
- MECHANICS OF SOLIDS 3
- DYNAMICS 3
- FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS 4
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.
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Years 4 and 5
Core courses:
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.
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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
for entry in 2021
Summary of entry requirements for Mechanical Design Engineering
SQA Higher Entry Requirements
- BEng: AABB at S5 will be considered. Typically S6 entrants will have AAAAA at Higher (B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher).
- MEng: AAAB at S5 will be considered. Typically S6 entrants will have AAAAAA at Higher (B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher).
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science.
SQA Higher Adjusted Entry Requirements* (by end of S6)
- BEng: AABB
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level Standard Entry Requirements
- BEng: AAB – BBB
- MEng: AAA – ABB
- Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics or Technology and Design.
IB Standard Entry Requirements
- BEng: 36 (6, 6, 5 HL) – 32 (6, 5, 5 HL)
- MEng: 38 (6, 6, 6 HL) – 34 (6, 5, 5 HL)
- Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics).
2021 Admissions Policy and further information about entry requirements
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.
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
Important information for entry in Autumn 2020 and January 2021
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)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Duolingo
- 120 with 120 in two or more sub-scores including literacy and no sub-score below 110 for direct entry, in-sessional support requirement available for those with 120, 100 for 5 week PSE, 100 for 10 week PSE.
- Tests must have been taken within 1 year of start date.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed 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 External Relations
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 Engineering Designers, and are in the process of gaining reaccreditation with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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
MEng
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 Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
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.
University of Glasgow/Glasgow International College Achievement Award
In conjunction with GIC we are pleased to reward our best-performing students who finish the Foundation course with excellent grades and attendance. This is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £3,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
College 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.
Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2021 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.
RUK Excellence Scholarship
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).
RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who might not be able to take a place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for Session 2021/22, as being domiciled in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
James McCune Smith Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the University. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for the first year of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the University. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow awards c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships each academic year to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Beaconhouse 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.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study in the academic year 2021-2022.
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Humanitarian Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering four scholarships (one per college) for applicants to the University who are staying in the UK on humanitarian grounds and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students of the University of Glasgow applying for entry in 2021/22. The scholarship meets the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme as well providing an additional £5,000 per year stipend, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met this will also be provided for the duration of your degree. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
We are also offering eight scholarships to students who hold refugee status. This scholarship is awarded as a £2,500 stipend towards study costs, per year of study.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The University will accept Centre or Teacher Assessed Grades in lieu of exam results.
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK/EU applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website): this has been extended from 15 January 2021 due to covid restrictions.
- 30 June: international (non-EU) students
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
ATAS: Academic Technology Approval Scheme
Please note that this programmes in this subject at Masters level require ATAS. If you require a visa to study in the UK then you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before applying for your visa or extension of stay, allowing at least four weeks (20 working days) in order to obtain it.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced on 1 November 2007. It is used to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This is in common with other governments around the world.
The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.
- more information about the scheme and ATAS certificate (Foreign & Commonwealth Office website).
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
More information about this programme
Subject league tables
UK top 15
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Mechanical Engineering]
