Undergraduate 

Mechanical Engineering BEng/MEng

Mechanical Engineering student

This degree programme provides a thorough grounding in mechanical engineering principles and their applications, together with the skills needed to solve real mechanical engineering problems.

You will benefit from our strong links with industry, with practising engineers contributing to lectures and providing employment opportunities.

  • September start
  • Session dates
  • Mechanical Engineering BEng: H300 4 year degree
  • Mechanical Engineering MEng: H302 5 year degree

Register your interest for more information

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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 engineering, 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, design and manufacture.

Year 3

You will study more advanced engineering subjects including dynamics and control; fluid power; engineering design; fluid mechanics; thermodynamics of engines; heat transfer; instrumentation and data systems; materials and manufacture; mathematical modelling and simulation; and mechanics of materials and structures.

Years 4 and 5

In year 4 you will study advanced thermal engineering, control, lasers and electro-optic systems, materials engineering, mechanics of solids, robotics, vibration, renewable energy and design projects. In year 5 individual project work forms a major component of the MEng, which has a strong industrial bias. Further courses are chosen, including advanced control systems engineering and others. You will also undertake a management course.

 

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 engineering, 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, design and manufacture.

Year 3

Core courses:

You will visit a number of industries in the UK and study more advanced engineering subjects including dynamics and control; fluid power; engineering design; fluid mechanics; thermodynamics of engines; heat transfer; instrumentation and data systems; materials and manufacture; mathematical modelling and simulation; and mechanics of materials and structures.

Years 4 and 5

Core courses:

In year 4 you will study a range of compulsory and optional courses from a list which includes advanced thermal engineering, control, lasers and electro-optic systems, materials engineering, mechanics of solids, robotics, vibration, renewable energy and design projects. In year 5 individual project work forms a major component of the MEng programme, which has a strong industrial bias. Further courses are chosen from advanced control systems engineering, dynamics, desalination, energy from waste materials engineering, and mechanics of solids and structures. You will also undertake a management course.


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.

Our international links

You can apply to spend one year of your academic 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 2024

Summary of entry requirements for Mechanical Engineering

SQA Higher entry requirements

  • BEng: AABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
  • Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
  • Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
  • Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).
  • MEng: AAAB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
  • Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
  • Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
  • Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA.

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or 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: 34 (6,5,5)
  • MEng: 38 (6,6,6)
  • Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics).

Admissions guidance

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

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)

  • 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

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 2 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 2 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.

Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study


Career prospects

Recent graduates have been employed by:

  • Babcock
  • Chevron
  • Wood Group
  • Spooner
  • Scottish Power Renewables
  • Jee Ltd
  • OyI Manufacturing
  • BAE Systems
  • Rolls-Royce.

Accreditation

Our BEng and MEng degrees are accredited 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 Engineering: H300 (4 years)
KIS
Apply to H300

MEng

Mechanical Engineering: H302 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to H302

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 for 2024 entry. 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.

STEM in Scotland Scholarship

STEM in Scotland ScholarshipThe University of Glasgow is delighted to support future STEM students studying Astronomy, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering, Environmental Geoscience, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Statistics and Physics.

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 for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the EU Welcome Award to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2024-25. 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.

Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.

Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has a number of Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2024 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.  

RUK Excellence Scholarship

The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).

RUK Access Bursary

The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their 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 the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or 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 for 2024 entry. 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. For 2023 entry, 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 

Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry. 

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 H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. 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.

Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.

Undergraduate Talent Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2024 entry. 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.

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 2024-25

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.

Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons 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 2024/25. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.

The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (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.

Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.

Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.

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 for 2024 entry.

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

  • 16 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
  • 31 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

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