Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Engineering Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code H300 Award BEng (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location King's Buildings campus Start date September 2026 School School of Engineering College College of Science and Engineering Study abroad Available Accreditation Available Placement No Second year entry Available Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Mechanical engineers turn ideas into realities, by creating systems and machines, generating movement and power. They lead technological advancements across diverse industries, instigating more efficient, safe and affordable designs and pushing the boundaries of modern manufacturing and automation.Almost any machine or process you can think of in modern life has benefited from the input of a mechanical engineer. As a mechanical engineer, you will use your creative and inventive skills to design and improve products and processes alongside fundamental:physicscomplex mathematicsstate-of-the-art engineering softwareTies to industry Our Industrial Liaison Board includes senior representatives from important industrial companies. This has a strong influence on our curriculum and programme development. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme takes 4 years to complete.A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme in Year 1.If you are eligible for a direct entry into the second year, this programme takes 3 years to complete.Second year entry Our course structure is designed in such a way that we permit Year 2 direct entry. You will receive support and resources to allow you to catch-up with relevant Year 1 material. If you are eligible for a direct entry into the second year, this programme takes 3/4 years to complete.(Revised 12 March 2025 to add in second year entry information) Programme rankings Consistently ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for engineering (THE Rankings by subject 2024 and QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Programme benefits Make use of an enviable suite of facilities including specialist laboratories, a student makerspace and cutting-edge industry-standard equipment.We are one of the strongest universities in the UK in renewable energy systems and structures with world-class facilities, including FloWave and FastBlade which allows research-based teaching and student projects.We have strong industry connections within Edinburgh, the UK, and beyond. This leads to excellent placement, internship and career opportunities.Benefit from a balanced curriculum covering theoretical and practical skills and individual and group work.Apply to spend your third year studying abroad at a partnering university. In engineering there is a significant focus on personal and professional development, and it gives a lot of opportunity to ask for assistance from professionals regarding career advice. Engineering is also such a wide field, and the talks we’ve had as part of the course have really showed me how many different options are out there! Lavinia 4th Year MEng Mechanical Engineering student Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering View the tuition fees for one academic year of BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Curriculum renewalThe School of Engineering is currently undertaking an ongoing curriculum renewal, which may result in changes to this degree programme.The renewal is being carried out with:our industrial partnersaccreditation bodiesstudentsThis renewal makes sure we equip you for an exciting career in the ever-changing world of engineering. Year 1 You will take introductory courses and develop skills that you will later rely on as a professional engineer, including:confidenceadvanced thinkingteamworkproblem-solving skills Additional courses You will also study mathematical topics that have particular relevance to engineers. You will choose courses from across the University to complement your engineering studies, with options available in the sciences, arts and humanities. Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 In Year 2, you will specialise in core mechanical engineering topics, which usually include:fluids solids dynamics thermodynamics You will build the foundations of each of these subjects in preparation for specialisation at honours level. Your courses will cover technical concepts and, where possible, give you the opportunity to apply these in a practical situation. This will both extend and deepen your engineering design skills. You will also study essentials in the engineer's toolkit to develop your skills in: programmingengineering mathematics professional skills for engineers Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 This year develops your Year 2 topics to complete your ‘core’ mechanical engineering knowledge. This usually includes further study in: structural mechanics dynamics thermofluidsThis is complemented by courses exploring manufacturing and developing your skills in engineering design. You will learn more about modern engineering companies and further develop your professional skills.Progression routes At the end of Year 3, you will have the option to complete one more year for a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree, or a further two years for a Masters of Engineering (MEng) degree. The latter is subject to you achieving an average of 55% or higher in Year 3. Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 In Year 4, you will have a wide choice of specialist technical course options, plus courses designed to prepare you for your professional career. Available options typically include topics on:traditional mechanical engineering, such as dynamics, fluids and thermodynamicsmaterials and manufacturingenergybioengineeringmanagement, innovation and entrepreneurshipAlongside your specialist courses you will further develop your understanding of the application and practice of mechanical engineering, including the ways in which mechanical engineers work in teams to solve real-world problems.Individual project You will also undertake a major individual project worth one third of your grade for the year.This forms the most significant practical element of your programme. Your project may be linked to the research activity of your supervisor. This will expose you to, and potentially allow you to contribute to, the research output of the University. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad In Year 3, you will have opportunities to study abroad.The University has a variety of agreements with international institutions that allow you to study there in Year 3. Common destinations include:USA CanadaAustraliaEuropeAsiaThis is enhanced by subject-specific agreements which provide additional destinations.Where can I go?(Revised 12 March 2025 to update study abroad information) Teaching and assessment Teaching The exciting nature of engineering means you will have a diverse learning experience throughout your degree programme.We will teach you through a combination of:lecturestutorialslaboratory sessionsprojectsgroup workdirected self-studyIn your final years, you will dedicate more time to private study, so you will need to be well-motivated and organised. You will also receive individual supervision with projects. Assessment You will be assessed through coursework and examinations.For detailed information on compulsory and option courses you should review the Programme Structure - Degree Programme Table. You can find links to this information under the individual years of study.Refer to individual course details to see the types of assessment included. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.Support for your studies Our academic staff Our research directly informs what you study. You will learn from academics who are researching solutions to the world’s grand challenges and delivering critical societal, economic and environmental outcomes. Where you will study Study location The majority of your learning will take place at the King’s Buildings campus, depending on courses selected.The King’s Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus or bike.You may also study at various University campus locations in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, depending on the option courses selected. Academic facilities You will get hands-on practical experience in the form of laboratory sessions and access a dedicated makerspace workshop.More about Engineering MakerspaceYou can access a wide range of academic facilities including:librariesstudy spaces (some spaces are open 24 hours)IT facilitiessocial spacesleisure facilitiesthe brand-new shared learning, teaching and social hub, the NucleusYou can also take advantage of the University’s computing resources. This includes a laptop loan service offered through the library, with extended loans available for those in financial hardship.Borrowing a laptopAll essential reading materials are freely accessible through the University library or on our online learning platform LEARN. Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the School of Engineering and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.Virtual visit - School of Engineering Career paths and further study Accreditation This degree is currently going through the process of reaccreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Programmes are reviewed regularly as part of their reaccreditation.Candidates must hold a masters degree or doctorate accredited as further learning for Chartered Engineers (CEng) to hold accredited qualifications for the CEng registration.Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees. An accredited degree is also likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. Career paths Studying mechanical engineering will open doors to increasingly diverse fields, including: bioengineering medical engineering nanotechnology sports engineering renewable energyOn graduating from this programme, you will have: core thorough knowledge analytical skills practical skills design skills communication skillsThis enables you to join a design, production or research team, go into further study, or move rapidly into management and leadership roles. On the other hand, many of our graduates have gone on to work in other areas, including: the civil service education the armed forces the financial sectorInternshipsThe School of Engineering funds a number of internships each year to enable students to work on research or teaching focused projects over the summer and gain relevant work experience here in the School. Internships are allocated on a competitive basis, across each of the four disciplines: Chemical, Civil, Electronics & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Applications are open to non-finalist undergraduate students who are at least in the second year of their programme.We advertise internship opportunities and arrange company presentations with the Careers Service. These experiences can feature on your transcript after completing an Edinburgh Award.Edinburgh Award(Revised 12 March 2025 to update internships information) Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.With the Careers Service, you can:access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Academic Technology Approval Scheme If you need to apply for a Student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme. Academic Technology Approval Scheme Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs You can gain practical experience through design projects run with our industrial partners, internships, and placements, or by joining our student-led projects such as:Engineering for Change (sustainability)Edinburgh University Formula Student (automotive technology)HYPED (Hyperloop)Endeavour (rocketry)Asteria (space and satellites)HumanEd (robotics)Precious Plastics (recycling)Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSports clubs The city of Edinburgh Edinburgh is regularly voted among the UK’s top student cities (top 2 in the UK, QS 2024).Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.Find out more about living in EdinburghOur communityThe School of Engineering fosters a vibrant and inclusive community for all its members. Our students, from diverse backgrounds, come together to collaborate on innovative projects, and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The supportive environment encourages personal and academic growth, with numerous opportunities for community-building and networking. Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
