BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
Overview
Mechanical engineers shape our daily life, from heating systems to refrigerators to cars. As automation and robotics expands into new industries, seize the career opportunities this offers by developing relevant skills and knowledge with a Mechanical Engineering degree.
This foundation year pathway is designed to help you build a strong foundation of knowledge in key engineering and mathematical principles, alongside essential higher education study skills. This is an ideal route if you want to study the full honours degree, but don't meet the direct entry requirements, or are returning to education.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress on to our full BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree.
Course Details
Foundation Year
With a focus on ensuring your academic progression, the introductory foundation year is designed to provide a broad introduction to engineering and build your understanding of engineering situations and solving problems.
Once you successfully complete and pass the foundation year, you will progress on to our full BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree.
BEng (Hons) Degree
Delivered over three years - or four with a placement year, you will study a suite of modules designed to embed theoretical knowledge, build career-focused skills and help you become a world-class engineer.
During your first and second years of study, you will develop a strong foundation of engineering knowledge and an approach to problem-solving. In your final year, you will progress to study specialist modules in industrial management, control engineering and finite element analysis. You will also complete experiments and project work, culminating in your individual project.
Learning Experience
Mechanical Engineering degree courses at Salford are designed to equip you with technical knowledge and transferable skills, and a commitment to the highest professional standards. This course is designed to meet the requirements of the Engineering Council's Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).
Collaboration is core to our values, so we strive to embed this throughout your studies. You will experience group projects that will build your confidence and capabilities in team working, problem-solving and communication - all desirable skills for real-world engineering careers.
The course team has long-standing connections with industry, both in the North West and beyond. You will benefit stimulating range of external guest lecturers, project and placement opportunities, and engagement with professional networks.
Industry Placement
On the full BEng course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you in finding a role, and monitor your progress throughout.
Industry placements are an excellent way to enhance your CV, gain hands-on work experience and build industry connections. We often find that placement students achieve higher final year grades.
Modules
Foundation Year
- Engineering Methodology 1 and 2
- Energy and Power
- Information Technology and Study Skills
- Mechanical Systems
- Experimental Methods
Year One - BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Materials and Electrical Systems
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Project and Risk Management
- Engineering Structures and Engineering Dynamics
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Group Design
Year Two - BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Dynamics and Control Engineering
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing
- Structural Mechanics
- Mechanical Group Design
Year Three - BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Management and Project Preparation
- Control Engineering and Engineering Dynamics
- Finite Element Analysis and Structural Mechanics
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing and Group Design
- Project
What You Will Be Doing
Teaching
As an engineering student, you will spend time in our professional laboratories, developing your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods. These include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Laboratory-based activities
Assessment
You will be assessed using a combination of formats. These include:
- Laboratory exercises
- Examinations
- Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a foundation year?
A foundation year offers a year of studying to gain an understanding of the programme before progressing to the full three-year studies. You'll get the chance to understand the way higher education studying works and gain the relevant skills and knowledge needed to undertake the full degree.
What do mechanical engineers do?
Mechanical engineers play a key part in our daily lives, studying, designing, and maintaining mechanical systems. They work on any item that has a system of moving parts. The field combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to shape the things we use every day, from heating systems to refrigerators to cars.
Is mechanical engineering hard?
The workload in a mechanical engineering programme is notoriously intense. Juggling multiple courses, assignments, and projects necessitates effective time management. This is because the pressure to meet deadlines and excel in coursework can be overwhelming.
Are Mechanical engineers in demand?
Yes, mechanical engineers are generally in demand. The field is expected to see continued growth, with job openings projected to increase in the coming years. This demand is driven by the need for engineers in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and construction.
What jobs can you get with a mechanical engineering degree?
- Aerospace engineer
- Automotive engineer
- CAD technician
- Contracting civil engineer
- Control and instrumentation engineer
- Maintenance engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Nuclear engineer
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.
Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
As a mechanical engineering student, you will be based in laboratories that keep teaching and learning apace with cutting-edge innovation and discovery. This includes our Morson Makerspace - an exciting new additive manufacturing and digital fabrication facility.
You will use our** Mechanical Laboratory** to understand material behaviour under different loading conditions and contains a tensile test machine and static loading experiments.
We also have an** Aerodynamics Laboratorythat contains low speed and supersonic wind tunnels, and a **Control and Dynamics Laboratory which is home to flight simulators and programmable control experiments.
Employment and Stats
What about after uni?
Once you progress and successfully complete the full BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, a huge range of opportunities will open up. Along with specialist engineering knowledge, you will also have a set of transferable skills in problem-solving, communication, teamwork and leadership.
It is an exciting time to be an engineer. You can apply your knowledge in many globalised industries, including automotives, aerospace, military and defence, petrochemicals, transport and technology. You can choose to focus your skills in areas such as product design, manufacturing, or operations.
Today, you will find Salford mechanical engineering alumni working in a variety of roles, ranging from Mechanical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer to Systems Controller, Mechanical System Designer and Researcher, working at leading organisations such as Bentley Motors.
Further Study
You might find you want to learn more about automation, engineering and robotics. Building on our engineering expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further. Salford graduates and alumni will also receive a generous fees discount.
- Aerospace Engineering (MSc)
- Robotics and Automation (MSc)
Requirements
Applicant Profile
We're looking for students who have a keen desire to follow a future career in mechanical engineering. Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail and a strong work ethic are desirable. You should have a good understanding of linking theory to real life applications.
International Applicants
This course is not suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please consider our International Foundation Year.
English Language Requirements
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
Standard Entry Requirements
- GCSE: You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below:
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above.
- UCAS tariff points: 64 UCAS points to include the study of Mathematics
- A level: 64 UCAS points to include minimum grade E in Mathematics
- BTEC National Diploma: MPP for Engineering or science subjects, to include Merits in Mathematics modules
- T level: This programme accepts the following T levels: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control.
- Access to HE: Pass with 64 UCAS points from a QAA-approved Engineering or Science programme
- Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points, to include Mathematics, grade E at Advanced Higher level or D at Higher level
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points to include Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
- European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 60%, to include Science, Engineering or Technology
- International Baccalaureate: 26 Points including Grade 4 in Physics or Maths at Higher Level
Alternative Entry Requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How Much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
Type of study | Year | Fees
---|---|---
Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years.
Additional Costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as world-class mechanical engineers.
- It focuses on developing technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and industry-relevant experience.
- The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students work in groups to tackle engineering challenges and develop communication and teamwork skills.
Description:
- The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year is a four-year program (five years with a placement year) designed for students who want to pursue a career in mechanical engineering but may not meet the direct entry requirements.
- The foundation year provides a solid foundation in engineering principles and mathematics, preparing students for the rigors of the full degree program.
- The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, with students actively involved in laboratory experiments, group projects, and industry placements.
- The program culminates in an individual project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world engineering problem.
Outline:
Program Content:
- The program covers a comprehensive range of mechanical engineering topics, including:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Materials and Electrical Systems
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Project and Risk Management
- Engineering Structures and Engineering Dynamics
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Group Design
- Engineering Dynamics and Control Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Structural Mechanics
- Mechanical Group Design
- Industrial Management and Project Preparation
- Control Engineering and Engineering Dynamics
- Finite Element Analysis and Structural Mechanics
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing and Group Design
- Project
Structure:
- The program is divided into four years (five years with a placement year).
- The first year is the foundation year, focusing on fundamental engineering principles and mathematics.
- The subsequent three years (four years with a placement year) cover the core mechanical engineering modules. However, students can expect to take a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and group projects throughout the program.
Module Descriptions:
- Engineering Mathematics: This module develops advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis for solving complex engineering problems.
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: This module covers the internal combustion engine, gas turbine, refrigeration cycles, heat transfer processes, fluid mechanics, and compressible flow analysis.
- Project and Risk Management: This module introduces project management techniques, focusing on planning, organization, control, resource allocation, and decision-making.
- Engineering Structures and Engineering Dynamics: This module provides knowledge of structural behavior, stress and strain, and basic dynamics principles.
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Group Design: This module introduces basic manufacturing processes, group design principles, and CAD/IT applications.
- Engineering Dynamics and Control Engineering: This module covers the design and analysis of feedback control systems, spatial kinetics, and multi-degree of freedom vibrations.
- Manufacturing: This module expands knowledge of manufacturing methods, simulation modeling, and programmable logic controllers.
- Mechanical Group Design: This module extends knowledge of robotic design, CAD/IT applications, and group dynamics.
- Industrial Management and Project Preparation: This module covers commercial issues in engineering businesses, quality management systems, and project preparation skills.
- Control Engineering and Engineering Dynamics: This module focuses on the design and analysis of feedback control systems, spatial kinetics, and vibrations.
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: This module covers the internal combustion engine, gas turbine, refrigeration cycles, heat transfer processes, fluid mechanics, and compressible flow analysis.
- Manufacturing and Group Design: This module focuses on design principles, material selection, manufacturing processes, and communication skills.
Assessment:
- The program utilizes a variety
