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.
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme.
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 easy 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: Legal statements: Disclaimer.
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 2018
About entry requirements
SQA Highers
The 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 in first sitting (by end of S5).
We adjust the standard academic and non-academic entry requirements at both S5 and S6 for eligible applicants who complete one of our pre-entry programmes. Criteria for eligibility include attending a Scottish target secondary school, living in a priority Scottish postcode, are currently living or have spent time living in care. For more information about your eligibility and our pre-entry programmes, please see: Access Glasgow.
The minimum academic entry requirements indicate the minimum grades that must be achieved, by the end of S5, for an offer to be considered. For some degree programmes, offers (either conditional or unconditional) may be made below the standard academic entry requirements. Where a conditional offer is made, the S5 & S6 cumulative requirements detail the grades that would be necessary by the end of S6. Students must also meet any subject and non-academic requirements stated.
The University of Glasgow will accept Highers and/or Advanced Highers toward academic entry requirements. Where Advanced Highers are required this is stated.
For our full SQA Higher Admissions Policy please see: Entry requirements: Scottish Highers
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 indicate the minimum grades the university will accept for entry to this programme. Students must also meet mandatory subject requirements and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests).
For more information on our A-level admissions requirements please see: Entry requirements: A-levels
For more information on our IB admissions requirements please see: Entry requirements: IB
BEng
A-levels
- Standard academic entry requirements: AAB.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: BBB.
- Other mandatory requirements: Must include Mathematics and Physics.
Highers
- Standard S5 academic entry requirements: S5 entry requirement: AAAA or AAABB.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: S5 minimum requirement = AABB. (These are the minimum Grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order 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 received and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements). Applicants who are made a conditional offer must achieve the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below.
- Standard S6 academic entry requirements: AAAAAB including a minimum of grades BB in two Advanced Highers (in cases where applicants attend a school which does not offer relevant Advanced Highers alternative offers will be considered which require a minimum of three additional Highers).
- Other mandatory requirements: Entry from S5 requires Higher Mathematics AND Higher Physics at grade A/B or B/A. Entry from S6 will require applicants to have Higher Mathematics in S5 AND Higher Physics at grade A/B or B/A by the end of S6.
We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants, from AABB at S5/S6, based upon completion of a pre-entry programme. For pre-entry programme eligibility and adjusted grade requirements, see Access Glasgow.
International Baccalaureate
- Standard academic entry requirements: 36 points.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: 34 points.
- Other mandatory requirements: Must include three HL subjects at 6,6,5 including Mathematics and Physics. SL6 may be considered for ONE of either Physics or Mathematics. Mathematics Studies is NOT accepted where Mathematics is required.
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 A-level Physics.
Highers
- Standard S5 academic entry requirements: S5 entry requirement: AAAAA.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: Applicants who achieve a minimum of AAAA or AAABB including Higher Mathematics in S5 WILL receive a conditional offer for the MEng based on them achieving the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below. Applicants who achieve between AABB and AAAA/AAABB will be considered for entry to the BEng degree and depending on their grades may receive an unconditional offer or a conditional offer based on them attaining the S6 Standard Academic Entry Requirements for that degree.
- Standard S6 academic entry requirements: AAAAAA including a minimum of grades AB in two Advanced Highers (in cases where applicants attend a school which does not offer relevant Advanced Highers alternative offers will be considered which require a minimum of three additional Highers).
- Other mandatory requirements: Higher Mathematics AND Higher Physics both at grade A.
International Baccalaureate
- Standard academic entry requirements: 38 points.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: 36 points.
- Other mandatory requirements: Must include three HL subjects at 6,6,6 including Mathematics and Physics. SL6 may be considered for ONE of either Physics or Mathematics. Mathematics Studies is NOT accepted where Mathematics is required.
European qualifications
Typical entry requiremetns 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 to are:
- A-levels: A*A*A at one sitting. (Including Maths at A* and Physics at A/A*)
- Advanced Highers: AAA at one sitting.
- International Baccalaureate: 40 Points.
In all cases the mandatory requirements specified must also be met. All applicants should use the standard UCAS code but apply for Y2 entry.
Applicants may be invited for interview.
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, Nuclear, Jee Ltd, OyI Manufacturing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and 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
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
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 Yet Sen University who have completed the first 2 years of their undergraduate degree at Sun Yet Sen University and wish to complete their degree at the University of Glasgow.
more informationThomas Blake Glover Scholarship 2017 to Japan
This scholarship is open to UG/PG students and has the following objectives:
- To provide young persons from Scotland with an opportunity to study Japanese language at an accredited institution. Return flights to and from Japan, all tuition fees, accommodation and appropriate subsistence will be provided.
- To offer the opportunity for the selected candidate to gain insight into the life and culture of Japanese society through a customized study period following the end of classes.
- To provide a basic working foundation for future professional links with Japan.
Full details of the eligibility criteria and application process can be found on the downloadable document.
This scholarship is open to UG/PG students and has the following objectives:
- To provide young persons from Scotland with an opportunity to study Japanese language at an accredited institution. Return flights to and from Japan, all tuition fees, accommodation and appropriate subsistence will be provided.
- To offer the opportunity for the selected candidate to gain insight into the life and culture of Japanese society through a customized study period following the end of classes.
- To provide a basic working foundation for future professional links with Japan.
Full details of the eligibility criteria and application process can be found on the downloadable document
http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_428653_en.pdf
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 2017 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 2017-18 as being domiciled in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annu
more informationRUK Excellence Scholarship 2017
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 informationUniversity of Glasgow/Glasgow International College Achievement Award
In conjunction with GIC we are pleased to reward our best-performing students who finish the Foundation or Pre-masters course with excellent grades and attendance. This is awarded as a one off tuition fee discount of £3,000
more informationThe scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
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.
