“From my very first year, in my foundation year, I tried to be like a sponge! I absorbed every bit of knowledge I could.”
BEng (Hons)Mechanical Engineering
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years part-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 6 years part-time
UCAS code: HH30
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study mechanical engineering with a foundation year
Tackle real-life industry challenges, and put your knowledge into practice with a degree that delivers hands-on skills for a successful engineering career.
- Top0in the UK for teaching in mechanical engineering studies, out of 72 institutions (NSS 2024)
- 0%positivity score for academic support (NSS 2024)
- 0%positivity score for assessment and feedback (NSS 2024)
- If you’re looking to study our mechanical engineering degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the Science and Engineering Foundation Year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress.
- This degree offers a comprehensive exploration of mechanics and manufacturing across aerospace, automotive, component manufacture, nanotechnology, design engineering, engineering management or production planning.
- Access to a range of high-end facilities, including 3D printers and laser cutters, SolidWorks, Granta, PSpice/NI MultiSim software and microcomputer development systems, digital multi-meter signal generators, FLIR cameras and digital signal processing boards.
- Live client briefs from industry experts and Continuous Improvement Project, where you will be embedded in a local company to improve their processes.
- Solent is a pioneer in environment and engineering research – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
- Strong focus on hands-on exploration. This degree incorporates practical challenges, workshops and exercises, so you can put theory into practice straight away.
- Environmental sustainability principles are integrated throughout the course.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
Solent’s foundation year in science and engineering offers students a stimulating introduction to develop technical and academic skills before progressing to the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree. By the time you start the degree course you will have acquired an essential portfolio of academic and subject specific skills, giving you the very best chance of achieving a high-level degree.
Modules of study in the foundation year include a group technology project; an exploration of information and analysis; a theoretical and applied look at concepts and processes within technology; and a project relating directly to your degree following the foundation. This ensures that the skills and knowledge which you develop during the foundation year will be directly applicable to your degree studies.
Throughout your time at foundation level you will benefit from a supportive and student focused approach to learning. The course team have significant experience of working with students from a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Solent University’s mechanical engineering degree focuses on applied engineering principles and places a strong emphasis on employability. Our experienced course team will help you to develop the range of theory based, professional and hands-on skills that employers in the industry are looking for.
The engineering academic group’s extensive network of industry contacts has provided past students with the opportunity to work on live briefs, helping them to develop analytical, problem solving, team working and business and management skills. These elements can help students develop a range of transferable skills and help to ensure they are well prepared for a professional working environment.
This course aims to provide students with the knowledge employers will require, from essential engineering concepts to mechanics, drawing, CAD and manufacturing skills. Critically, past students have been able to gain an insight into real-life engineering problems, tackling projects defined for them by our network of industry contacts.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Part of:
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
The foundation year is intended for students without the UCAS points for direct entry to the full BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree. This could be mature students returning to education, younger students without the required qualifications, or students looking to change career path after completing further education qualifications.
The mechanical engineering degree is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in engineering in roles such as design or research engineer, mechanical design engineer or junior engineering manager. The course teaches students theoretical and practical mechanical engineering skills alongside business skills to be able to take the first step into a career in engineering.
What does this course lead to?
This course could lead to careers in a wide variety of mechanical engineering disciplines, such as aerospace, automotive engineering, design engineering, component manufacture, nano-technology, management of engineering departments or production planning. Particularly if you further your professional development and become a fully chartered engineer, you could work on anything from prosthetics and medical technology to large-scale engineering projects. Whether your preference is for research and development of new products, turning ideas into practical designs or producing final products and projects, you’ll have a huge range of career options and opportunities. Course graduates have gone on to roles including mechanical design engineer, graduate research engineer and production engineer.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The engineering team has a diverse range of research interests, which are incorporated into teaching activities and involve key aspects of the design process. The main areas of interest include manufacturing, materials and 'Design for X'.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students benefit from a range of multifunctional workshops and labs, including a dedicated computer/CAD suite. Specialist facilities include a production and electronics laboratory for designing, building and testing electronic circuitry; and a heat treatment laboratory containing furnaces that can heat treat steels and alloys. Non-destructive testing, including XRF analysis, is also available.
The materials testing laboratory has large tensile testing machines, and the manufacturing laboratory features a range of advanced equipment such as a range of additive manufacturing equipment that can produce detailed 3D printed components, a rapid prototyping machine, and a laser cutter.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Science and Engineering Foundation Skills
In this module you will develop a range of key skills and knowledge designed to help you develop the underpinning knowledge and skills for the remaining modules of the course. This can be broadly categorised into: communication skills; collaborative skills; numeracy skills; information and communication technology skills and problem solving skills.
Fundamental Mathematics for Science and Engineering
You will build on the Science and Engineering Foundation Skills module, exploring fundamental approaches to mathematics, such as numbering systems and Boolean logic.
STEM Concepts and Processes (Theory)
You will study theoretical science and engineering related topics from a range of general areas related to the parent degrees supported by the course.
STEM Concepts and Processes (Applied)
You will plan and undertake experiments, or validate numerical models, related to science and engineering related topics from a range of general areas related to the parent degrees supported by the course (these are outlined in more detail in the STEM Concepts and Processes (Theory) module).
Personal Development Planning
This module provides a programme of Personal Development Planning (PDP) tools. The three concepts of personal development, improving learning and performance, and forward planning to achieve goals are brought together in this module.
Degree-related Project
In other modules you have had the opportunity to develop research, design and communication skills. This module is designed to help you now apply these skills to your own project.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Written exams
- Group presentations
- Individual presentations
- Coursework
- Portfolios
- Log books
- In-class tests
- Formal time assessments
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in mechanical engineering?
A recent report commissioned by EngineeringUK highlights that as of 2021, there were around six million jobs within engineering occupations across all industries, representing approximately 19% of all jobs in the UK. The number of engineering jobs is also expected to grow in all UK regions between now and 2030. The highest number of engineering jobs are in London and the South East, but there is a more mechanical focus in the South and the Midlands.
You could earn:
Mechanical engineer
Starting salary: £22,000 to £28,000
With experience, salaries can increase to between £25,000 and £35,000. Mid-level or principal engineers could earn around £35,000 to £50,000.
Design engineer
Graduate starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000
Experienced or incorporated engineers can earn between £30,000 and £40,000. Chartered engineers can earn £40,000 and above.
CAD technician
Starting salary: £17,000 to £20,000
With experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £30,000. Senior or chartered CAD technicians can earn £35,000 to £50,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“From my very first year, in my foundation year, I tried to be like a sponge! I absorbed every bit of knowledge I could.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Part of:
Developing your skills for the future
Our engineering degrees form part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries - industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Our engineering facilities are benefitting from a £8m investment to build a 2,000m2 state-of-the-art engineering centre - meaning students continue to have access to some of the most cutting-edge technologies to help support their studies while at Solent.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc Project Management
Aligned to the Association for Project Management, this professional course will help you take your career to the next level, by studying methodologies, techniques and processes of project management.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Optional costs
- Foundation year
Normal stationery requirements and printing costs will come to approximately £30. There may be very minor costs (circa £30) for optional materials in the degree related project. - Years 1 to 3
Stationery and local travel to industry for interest visits: £200
Minor materials cost for final major project: approximately £50
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- Completed A-levels, BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Part-time route
Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years part-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 6 years part-time
