Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-18 | - |
2024-09-16 | - |
Program Overview
Mechanical engineers apply skills and knowledge in maths, science and software to design and manufacture innovative, efficient and reliable technology at an optimised cost. Mechanical engineers are at the forefront of sustainable solutions for a better world in the 21st century. Examples include the next generation of environmentally friendly materials (e.g. bio-based polymers) and devices for renewable energy sources (e.g. wind turbines). Mechanical engineers are involved in the design, manufacture and recyclability of most products: from mobile phones, to medical devices to Formula 1 racing cars. This course develops the technical, personal, interpersonal and professional skills necessary in mechanical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Degree highlights
We put emphasis on hands on, project based learning, and invest heavily in our state-of-the-art facilities and flexible project spaces to support this activity.
Global Opportunities
Professional Accreditations
Industry Links
The curriculum is heavily informed by industry representatives who sit on an advisory board within the School.
Career Development
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofMechanicalandAerospaceEngineering/Study/CareerSupport/EngineeringLeadershipProgramme/
World Class Facilities
Internationally Renowned Experts
All staff are international renowned experts in their field of research enabling students to learn about state of the art developments in topics such as composites, simulation, renewable energy, biomaterials and manufacturing.
www.cdio.org
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Course content
Program Outline
Course Structure
Stage 1 |
Students are introduced to core mechanical engineering principles and mathematics, and they undertake a team-based project, designed to introduce them to the concept of professional engineering practice. This is supported through modules in engineering design and a dedicated laboratory programme.
Stage 1 compulsory modules are as follows:
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering 1 Mathematics 1 Mechanics of Materials 1 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1 Dynamic Systems 1 Engineering Design 1 |
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Stage 2 |
Stage 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects including dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and strength of materials.
Mathematics and computing focus more on their application to engineering than basic theory, while modules in Design and Manufacturing Technology provide hands-on practical experience of manufacturing processes and computer-aided design. Students are also introduced to the legal aspects of engineering practice in the professional studies module, and are given the opportunity to develop the skills required for future work placements and careers in the employability module.
Stage 2 compulsory modules are as follows:
Professional Studies 2 Mechanics of Materials 2 Dynamics 2 Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics 2 Design and Manufacturing 2 Maths and Computing 2 Manufacturing Technology 2 Laboratory Programme 1 |
Stage 2 Optional Course | Employability 2 |
Stage 3 |
Optional modules in Stage 3 give students the opportunity to tailor courses and projects to their particular interests.
Students expand their engineering knowledge through a range of core courses in engineering science and professional studies along with chosen optional modules. They also undertake an individual project where they choose a topic of interest and apply the theory and knowledge developed in the previous years.
Stage 3 courses are outlined below:
Professional Studies 3 Heat Transfer & Combustion 3 Project 3B Mechanics of Materials 3 Engineering Dynamics 3 Manufacturing 3 |
Stage 3 Optional Courses |
Computer-Aided Engineering 3
Plastics Engineering 3 Transportation Power and Systems 3 |
People teaching you
Professor Gary Menary
Programme Director for Mechanical Engineering
SMAE
Gary is a Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Contact Teaching Times
Medium Group Teaching |
12 (hours maximum)
6-18 hours of tutorials/practical/design activities per week (varies by stage of study) |
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Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial |
1 (hours maximum)
1-2 hours of personal tutorial or individual project supervision per week |
Personal Study |
17 (hours maximum)
14-20 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, tutorial sheets and others |
Large Group Teaching |
10 (hours maximum)
8-12 hours of lectures per week (varies by stage of study) |
Learning and Teaching
The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering plays a leading role in CDIO, an international initiative to reform engineering education which involves well over 100 universities worldwide. Initial support for participation in this initiative was secured through funding to set up a Centre of Excellence in Active and Interactive Learning at Queen's. As a result, our degree programmes have many innovative features that enhance student learning.
Through the programme, there is an emphasis placed on the development of a balanced set of personal, interpersonal and professional skills.
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. Students studying for the BEng in Mechanical Engineering are provided with a broad range of learning experiences to enable them to develop as individuals, to engage with subject experts from both academia and industry, and to develop an enquiring mind to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners. Access to industry standard engineering tools, a world class library facility and courses taught by industrial experts provides a breadth of opportunity to develop students’ interests in the engineering sector, supported by formal lectures and tutorials. There are a wide range of learning opportunities, including:
E-Learning technologies
The Canvas Virtual Learning Environment provides access to a wealth of information and supporting learning information, including additional module resources, reading lists and message boards to communicate with class members.
Individual research projects
As part of the degree, students will undertake a research project in their final year in conjunction with an academic supervisor, looking in detail at a relevant engineering topic. This will provide students the opportunity to engage with the Mechanical engineering design and development process, while embedding core skills in project management, reporting and presentation skills.
Lectures
Formal lectures are timetabled to introduce basic information and concepts about key topics and themes in Mechanical engineering, and to provide a starting point to guide further self-directed private study. This provides an invaluable opportunity to both engage with academic subject experts and also to gain feedback and advice. Through the degree course, a number of lectures are also given by industrial subject matter experts, to ensure that students have the opportunity to discuss the industrial applications.
Personal Tutor
Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them during the year to support their academic development.
Practicals
A key aspect of any engineering degree is the ability to be able to competently transfer engineering scientific principles into practice. Students will be provided with numerous opportunities to develop core technical skills through practical laboratories and design exercises during their degree programme, and will become confident in the use of a wide range of industrial standard engineering design and analysis tools/software.
Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Tutorials
The majority of lectures are supported through tutorial sessions, providing opportunities for discussion about problems posed in accompanying lectures. Again, tutorials provide valuable opportunities to engage with academic staff to obtain help and feedback outside of the formal lecture environment.
Work placements
As part of our sandwich programme, students may elect to take a work-placement. An employability programme provides support on application and CV completion, interviews and what to expect on placement, while our dedicated Placement Officer provides both information on current placement opportunities, and ‘on placement’ support.
Assessment
Examples of assessment on this course are as follows.
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Facilities
The school offers a range of state-of-the-art facilities to support student activity and project based learning:
Design Studio
Computer Based Learning
Flexible Project Environments
Teaching Laboratories
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Modules
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Core Modules
Dynamic Systems 1
(20 credits)Engineering Design 1
(20 credits)Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1
(20 credits)Mechanics of Materials 1
(20 credits)Mathematics 1
(20 credits)Introduction to Mechanical Engineering 1
(20 credits)Core Modules
Mathematics and Computing 2
(20 credits)Manufacturing Technology 2
(10 credits)Laboratory Programme 2
(0 credits)Professional Studies 2
(10 credits)Design and Manufacturing 2
(20 credits)Mechanics of Materials 2
(20 credits)Dynamics 2
(20 credits)Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics 2
(20 credits)Optional Modules
Employability 2
(0 credits)Core Modules
Professional Studies 3
(10 credits)Manufacturing 3
(20 credits)Engineering Dynamics 3
(10 credits)Project 3B
(40 credits)Heat Transfer & Combustion 3
(10 credits)Mechanics of Materials 3
(10 credits)Optional Modules
Transportation Power and Systems 3
(20 credits)Computer-Aided Engineering 3
(20 credits)Plastics Engineering 3
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Course content
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Entry Requirements
Career Prospects
Introduction
A degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions alike. Our graduates are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and the versatility of Mechanical Engineering graduates makes them well suited for a wide range of careers.
Graduates are greatly prized because of their high level of numeracy and analytical ability, their well-developed communication skills and their leadership potential. A significant number of Mechanical Engineering graduates progress to senior management roles and can easily exploit their skills in the wider commercial, financial or public sectors.
£24,545 average starting salary for graduates from this School.
Further study is also an option - students can choose from a range of Master's programmes as well as apply to do a PhD from a comprehensive list of research topics; see the School website for further information.
Alumni Success
Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example:
Michael McKay: Former Flight Operations Director for ESA Mars and Lunar Missions, European Space
Agency.
Michael Ryan: Former Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast. Now General Manager of Spirit Aerosystems, Belfast.
Bob Bell: Former Chief Technical Officer, RenaultSport F1.
Air Commodore David Case: Royal Air Force.
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards
The School receives valued support from the business community and private sponsors. This enables us to award over 50 prizes and scholarships totalling an annual fund of approximately £150K.
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Entry requirements
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Fees and Funding
Queen's University Belfast
Overview:
Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university with a global reputation for excellence. Established in 1845, it is located in Belfast, the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland. The university is known for its strong academic programs, world-class research, and commitment to shaping a better world.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.Library:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Sport:
Queen's Sport offers a variety of sports and fitness activities for students.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students in areas such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health.Open Learning:
The university offers a range of online and distance learning programs.Short Courses:
The university offers a variety of short courses for professional development.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Queen's University Belfast can expect a vibrant and welcoming campus experience. The university is located in a friendly, affordable, and safe city, with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration. The university also offers a range of clubs and societies for students to join.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class research:
Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Global reputation:
The university has a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research.Vibrant campus life:
The university offers a vibrant and welcoming campus experience, with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines.Affordable tuition fees:
The university offers competitive tuition fees for both domestic and international students.Academic Programs:
Queen's University Belfast offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Business and Economics
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Law
Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Nursing and Midwifery
Science
Other:
Entrance requirements
A level requirements ABB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Technology and Design or Double Award Life & Health Sciences.
A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.
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Irish leaving certificate requirements H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry
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Access/Foundation Course Successful completion of Access Course with 80% in each module.
Must be a relevant Access Course including two modules in Mathematics (Level 3) and two modules in Physics and/or Chemistry (Level 3).
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International Baccalaureate Diploma 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry
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BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma (QCF) BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), ) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units (40 credits), including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.
Or
(RQF) BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units, including Engineering Principles and Further Engineering Mathematics.
Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma must be relevant
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BTEC Higher Diploma Those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma will be considered on their individual merits for entry to Stage 2.
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Graduate A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met
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Note Applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade C/4 in GCSE Physics or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4.
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Option to transfer Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.
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Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by an Admissions Manager/Officer from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
Applicants for the BEng Honours in Mechanical Engineering must be able to satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirement; in addition, it should be noted that performance at GCSE is important. For last year's entry, applicants for this BEng programme must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics. Applicants not offering Physics at A-level require GCSE Physics at grade C/4 or Double Award Science at grades CC/4,4 or above. Selectors will also check that any specific subject and grade requirements in terms of A-level can be fulfilled (see Entry Requirements).
Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS are also considered. Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.
The offer for repeat candidates may be set one grade higher than those taking A-levels for the first time. Grades may be held from the previous year.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Applicants offering two A-levels including Mathematics plus one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Technology and Design and one Level 3 BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC/OCR/AQA grade awarded. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. For last year's entry, applicants for this BEng programme must have had, 5 C/Merits grades including Mathematics. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied (see Entry Requirements).
Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Edexcel BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma (see entry requirements), Higher National Certificates or Diplomas in a relevant subject, will also be considered.
The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates taking a BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma and must include both GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 and GCSE Physics grade C/4 or Double Award Science at grades CC/44 or better. A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma in Engineering is required for entry to this degree (see entry requirements).
Applicants offering a Higher National Certificate (HNC) will require an appropriate GCSE profile, which must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. A relevant HNC in Mechanical Engineering/Engineering is required, including Analytical Methods. Where offers are made for Stage 1 entry, these are currently conditional on successful completion of the HNC with 8 Merits, including Merits in three specified units, including Analytical Methods/Engineering Mathematics.
For those offering a Higher National Diploma (HND), some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile, but this must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. To be eligible for an offer, the grades obtained in the first year of the HND must allow the overall offer to be achievable. A relevant HND in Mechanical Engineering/Engineering is required for admission to this degree and offers for Stage 1 entry are currently conditional on successful completion of this HND with 9 Merits and 7 Passes overall, with Merits required in three specified units including, Analytical Methods/Engineering Mathematics. Applicants with sufficiently high grades in the first year of a relevant HND in Mechanical Engineering/Engineering may be considered for entry to Stage 2 and, where offers are made, these are currently conditional on successful completion of this HND with 12 Merits and 4 Passes overall, with Merits required in six specified units, including Analytical Methods/Engineering Mathematics and Further Analytical Methods/Further Engineering Mathematics.
Applicants offering a suitable Access/Certificate in Foundation Studies course will be considered individually on their own merits. The Access course must have substantial Mathematics (2 modules) at Level 3 and Science (2 modules) (i.e. Physics and/or Chemistry) at Level 3. Where offers were made last year, these were conditional on successful completion of this Access course with 80% in each module.
Applicants offering a combination of Scottish Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers or the International Baccalaureate will also be considered.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tiebreak situation in August.
If you are made an offer then you will be invited to an Open Day, which is usually held on a Saturday in late February or early- mid March. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice; the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
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English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
Foundation
The INTO progression course suited to this programme is
http://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/international-foundation-in-engineering-and-science.
International Year One
The INTO progression course suited to this programme is
https://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/international-year-one-in-engineering.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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