Undergraduate 

Mechanical Design Engineering BEng/MEng

Engineer working at a desk

This programme is 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

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 on the BEng or MEng degree programme.

Year 1

You will take courses in mechanical design and manufacturing, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. This interdisciplinary approach 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 subjects including applicable mathematics, applied mechanics, fluid mechanics, microelectronics, engineering computing, materials, power electronics, thermodynamics, and design and manufacture.

Year 3

You will study more advanced 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, BEng and MEng students undertake projects. Year 5 of the MEng 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.

Course details

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

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.

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.

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.

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.


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 2023

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: MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
  • BEng: MD40: 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.

Widening Participation Articulation Programmes

The University has bespoke HNC Articulation Programmes running at various colleges, offering direct entry to Year 2 of this degree.

A-level Standard Entry Requirements

  • BEng: AAB – BBB
  • MEng: AAA
  • Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only).

IB Standard Entry Requirements

  • BEng: 36 (6,6,5 HL) – 32 (6,5,5 HL)
  • MEng: 38 (6,6,6 HL)
  • Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics).

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

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.

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.

Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

  • iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
  • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
  • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
  • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
  • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
  • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

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:

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.

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:


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

Recent graduates have been employed by:

  • Babcock
  • Chevron
  • Wood Group
  • Spooner
  • Green Co. Mineral Water
  • Scottish Power Renewables
  • 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

Mechanical Design Engineering: HH37 (4 years)
KIS
Apply via UCAS

MEng

Mechanical Design Engineering: HHJ7 (5 years)
KIS
Apply via UCAS

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.

William Wilson Scott Scholarship

The William Wilson Scott Scholarships in the College of Science and Engineering, will be awarded to two new female Undergraduate students undertaking a degree in either Computing Science or Engineering. The scholarship aims 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. The scholarships are available to students entering the School of Computing Science or James Watt School of Engineering.

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.

EU Welcome Award

The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow. 

We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen as a result of Brexit, and are therefore delighted to offer the EU Welcome Award to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2022-23. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has a number of Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2022 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This scholarship cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

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 2022/23, as being domiciled in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.

James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has up to 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 year one 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.

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.

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary

Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds. The RoI bursary will be up to £2,000 for your first year of study and £1,000 for continuing years.

Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.

  • The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
  • The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
  • The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply (i.e. Normally Years 1,2 and 3. Bursary is not paid in Year 4 where no tuition fees are due).

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship

The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades A1, A1, A1, A1 from the Irish Leaving Certificate.  Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.

Payments

  • The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
  • The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
  • The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.

These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.

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.

 

Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University who are 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 at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2022/23.

The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for those applicants who are unable to cover full tuition fees through access to public funds by applying to SAAS or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.

The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants.

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). 

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
  • 26 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
  • 30 June: international 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.


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.

Apply via UCAS

More information about this programme

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Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Mechanical Engineering]

Times Good university guide

Subject league tables

Times Good university guide

UK top 15

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Mechanical Engineering]

Complete University Guide

UK top 20

Complete University Guide [Mechanical Engineering]

ShanghaiRanking of World Universities

World Top 100

Shanghai Ranking's Global [Mechanical Engineering]

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