Undergraduate 

Mechanical Design Engineering BEng/MEng

Student in design studio

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

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.

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Year 1

Core courses:

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:

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:

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 2020

BEng

A-levels

  • Standard entry requirements: AAB guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • Minimum entry requirements: BBB considered for offer if additional requirements met.
  • Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics AND either A-level Physics or Technology & Design (either Product Design or 3D). Mathematics must be at Grade A if Technology & Design is offered instead of Physics.
     
    GCSE English at Grade B (or Grade 5-6).

Advanced Entry

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. 

Indicative Grades for Advanced Entry Consideration (in addition to having met the Standard and Additional Entry Requirements)

  • A* A* A (A* Mathematics and Physics)

About A-level entry requirements

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).


A-Level qualifications must be achieved at the first attempt.


Highers

  • S5 standard entry requirements: AAAA/AAABB guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • S5 minimum entry requirements: AABB to be considered for S6 offer.
  • S6 standard entry requirements: AAAAAB cumulative grade requirement for S6 offer holders, preferably including two Advanced Highers at Grades BB (equivalent to AA at Higher).
  • Additional 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 in 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 entry requirements: AABB/ABBBB guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • Adjusted S6 entry requirements: No minimum at S5.
  • Adjusted additional requirements: Higher Mathematics AND Higher Physics or Engineering Science: both at Grade B.
     
    Successful completion and grades in either the Top-Up Programme or Summer School.
     
    Applicants who successfully complete the Access to a Career in Engineering Programme also have to attend and pass the Top-Up Programme or Summer School.

Advanced Entry

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. 

Indicative Grades for Advanced Entry Consideration (in addition to having met the Standard and Additional Entry Requirements)

  • Three Advanced Highers at Grades AAA including Mathematics and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

About Higher 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.



International

International Baccalaureate

  • Standard academic entry requirements: 36 points including three HL subjects at 6,6,5 guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • Minimum academic entry requirements: 32 points including three HL subjects at 6,5,5 considered for offer if additional requirements met.
  • Additional requirements: HL subjects should include Physics and Mathematics. SL6 will be accepted for one of Physics or Mathematics (or Mathematic Studies).

Advanced Entry

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. 

Indicative Grades for Advanced Entry Consideration (in addition to having met the Standard and Additional Entry Requirements)

  • 38 Points.

About International Baccalaureate entry requirements

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).


International Baccalureate qualifications must be achieved at the first attempt.

European qualifications


MEng

A-levels

  • Standard entry requirements: AAA guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • Minimum entry requirements: Applicants who achieve less than AAA will be considered for Engineering BEng.
  • Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics AND either A-level Physics or Technology & Design (either Product Design or 3D). Mathematics must be at Grade A if Technology & Design is offered instead of Physics.

Advanced Entry

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. 

Indicative Grades for Advanced Entry Consideration (in addition to having met the Standard and Additional Entry Requirements)

  • A* A* A (A* Mathematics and Physics)

About A-level entry requirements

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).


A-Level qualifications must be achieved at the first attempt.


Highers

  • S5 standard entry requirements: AAAAA guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • S5 minimum entry requirements: AAAA/AAABB to be considered for S6 offer.
  • S6 standard entry requirements: AAAA and Advanced Highers at AB cumulative grade requirement for S6 offer holders (equivalent to AAAAAA at Higher).
  • Additional 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 in S5 AND either Higher Physics or Engineering Science in S6: both at Grade A. S6 entry also requires Advanced Higher Mathematics.

Advanced Entry

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. 

Indicative Grades for Advanced Entry Consideration (in addition to having met the Standard and Additional Entry Requirements)

  • Three Advanced Highers at Grades AAA including Mathematics and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

About Higher 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.



International

International Baccalaureate

  • Standard academic entry requirements: 38 points including three HL subjects at 6,6,6 guaranteed offer if additional requirements met.
  • Minimum academic entry requirements: 36 points including three HL subjects at 6,6,6 considered for offer if additional requirements met.
  • Additional requirements: Mathematics and Physics at HL.

Advanced Entry

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades may be considered for Advanced Entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. 

Indicative Grades for Advanced Entry Consideration (in addition to having met the Standard and Additional Entry Requirements)

  • 38 Points.

About International Baccalaureate entry requirements

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).


International Baccalureate qualifications must be achieved at the first attempt.

European qualifications


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

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:

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: kelly.fox@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:


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 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.

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.

More Information

Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has a total of 100 Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new international students for 2020 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 Information

RUK Access Bursary 2020 Entry

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 2020/21, as being domiciled in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.

More Information

RUK Excellence Scholarship 2020

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 Information

James McCune Smith Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. 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 one year of undergraduate study.

More Information

The Martin Niemöller Scholarship (College of Science and Engineering)

The German Speaking Congregation in Glasgow are pleased to offer one scholarship award of £500 for students originating from German speaking countries. The scholarship will support those students in need of financial support at any stage of their degree programme.

All students awarded a Martin Niemöller Scholarship will be asked to submit a short letter of thanks to the Development and Alumni Office for onward transmissions to the donors of the award.

More Information

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.

More Information

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). 

International students can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS.

Application deadlines

  • 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also 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

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.

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.


Apply via UCAS

More information about this programme

95%

Mechanical Engineering Students in professional/managerial jobs

Data published by Unistats, March 2019.
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PROFESSIONALLY ACCREDITED

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STUDY ABROAD

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