Program Overview

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BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year is a four-year course designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in mechanical engineering. The foundation year is tailored to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a full Honours degree, even if they do not meet the traditional level 3 entry requirements.

Overview

This course prepares students for real-world challenges from the outset, focusing on practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. Students will learn to design, build, and test mechanical components and systems, work on live projects with input from industry professionals, and apply mathematical and physical principles to develop efficient and sustainable solutions.

What You'll Learn

• Design, build, and test mechanical components and systems with confidence and technical skill.
• Work on live projects with input from industry professionals.
• Apply maths and physics to develop efficient, sustainable solutions.
• Build teamwork, communication, and professional engineering skills, ready for the workplace.

The CDIO Approach

The course is built around the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) approach, a globally recognized model developed by MIT. This hands-on learning experience is practical, immersive, and industry-focused from day one.

Facilities and Resources

Students will have access to extensive labs and technology in the Verena Holmes building, including 3D printers, laser and plasma cutters, and more. This state-of-the-art facility provides an ideal environment for learning and project development.

Why Study Mechanical Engineering at CCCU?

Get Ready for Industry with CDIO

CCCU is one of a few UK universities to use the CDIO learning method, an innovative framework developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Learn in Specialist Engineering Facilities

Study in the multimillion-pound STEM building, with access to hi-tech equipment from the first year, including mechatronics and CAD labs, and the Makerspace.

Student Success with Industry Opportunities

Read about the successes of Mechanical Engineering students, such as Rebekkah, who ended up working on the Formula 1 track.

Entry Requirements

• Total Points required: 32-112
• Accepted qualifications include A Levels, BTEC, Access, and International Baccalaureate, with specific grade requirements.
• Additional requirements: Five GCSEs at C/4 or above, including English, Maths, and Science.

Accepted Qualifications

• A Levels: EEE if you've studied Maths, Science, Physics, Engineering. BBC if not.
• BTEC: PPP if you've studied Maths, Science, Physics, Engineering. DMM if not.
• Access: Pass 45 Credits in a related subject. 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits in a non-related subject.
• International Baccalaureate: 24 – 28 points depending on subjects studied.

Module Information

Core/Optional Modules

• Fundamentals of Applied Mathematics and Programming
• Applied Science
• Interdisciplinary Communication Skills
• Fundamentals of Engineering
• View more modules by selecting the year of study.

How You'll Learn

Teaching

For each 30-credit module, students will have 66 hours of scheduled contact time, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions.

Overall Workload

To complete each 30-credit module, students can expect to dedicate approximately 300 hours, including class attendance, independent study, group work, and preparation for assessments.

Independent Study

For every timetabled hour, students are expected to spend three hours on independent learning, completing assignments and preparing for exams.

Academic Input

The course is supported by a dedicated team of lecturers and technicians with academic expertise and industry experience, ensuring students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.

How You'll Be Assessed

Assessments will include open-book and closed-book exams, coursework, oral presentations, poster presentations, and design reviews. Peer grading will also contribute to the final score, and in the final year, students will complete a major project and write a dissertation.

Your Future Career

The course is designed to provide a range of expertise, enabling graduates to start successful careers in various industries, such as product design engineering, manufacturing engineering, electronics engineering, or materials engineering. Graduates will also be well-suited for roles in automotive, locomotive, marine transport, aerospace, and healthcare industries.

Fees

2026/27 Annual Tuition Fees

| UK | Overseas
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Full-time - Foundation Year 0 | £9,790 | £17,000
Full-time - years 1-3* | £10,050 | £17,000

Home (UK) Fees

Tuition fees for Foundation Years and subsequent years are set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap as approved by the UK Government for each academic year.

Overseas/International Fees

Undergraduate tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.

Related Courses

General Engineering with Foundation Year

BEng, Undergraduate with Foundation Year, starting September 2026 or August 2027.

Building Services Engineering with Foundation Year

BEng, Undergraduate with Foundation Year, starting September 2026 or August 2027.

Architectural Engineering with Foundation Year

BEng, Undergraduate with Foundation Year, starting September 2026 or August 2027.

Industry Links

The university works with various industries to expand students' networks and open opportunities for future employment. Previous industry links include Summit Aviation, Chamber of Commerce, Lab Assets, and more.

Regulated by the Office for Students

Canterbury Christ Church University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England.