Mechanical Engineering

Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering (Foundation Degree)

Overview

The Foundation degree (FdEng) in Mechanical Engineering is a two-year degree offered by Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). On completion of the Foundation degree, successful students can then choose to enrol at Stage 2 of a BEng Honours degree in either Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, and graduate after a further two years of study. Alternatively, they can progress directly into full-time employment in the design or mechanical/manufacturing industry.

Course Structure

In Year 1 students are introduced to core engineering principles and mathematics, and they undertake individual and small team-based projects, designed to introduce them to the concept of professional engineering practice and to develop personal and interpersonal skills. They are also introduced to the principles of engineering design and manufacturing processes where they gain practical experience of the processes through the hands-on use of manufacturing engineering equipment in the production of working prototypes.

Year 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects, which focus on basic theory and application. The Work Based Learning (WBL) forms a significant part of Year 2 (one third) and while no formal teaching programme is required for it, students are prepared for it through instruction on areas such as interview skills, report writing and other skill areas which they are likely to encounter.

Modules

Year 1

• Solid Mechanics & Dynamics A (20 credits)
• Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics A (20 credits)
• Materials, Design & Manufacturing (20 credits)
• Introductory Mathematics (40 credits)
• Introduction to Design and Manufacture (20 credits)

Year 2

• Solid Mechanics & Dynamics B (20 credits)
• Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics B (20 credits)
• Computer-Aided Design B (10 credits)
• Elecrical Components & Systems (10 credits)
• Work Based Learning (40 credits)
• Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

Entrance Requirements

• A level requirements: CC including Mathematics and at least one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Technology & Design.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma: QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with grades MMP, with Merits required in four specified units, including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.
• Access Course: Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 55% in each module.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £3,237
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £3,237
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £6,357
• EU Other: £16,867
• International: £16,867

Additional Course Costs

• Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the libraries at BMC and QUB. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the libraries, prices per text can range from £30 to £100.
• Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
• Students will undertake a period of work placement in Year 2, as a compulsory part of this programme and should be aware that they may have to fund additional travel and living costs.
• Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

Career Prospects

After graduating with the FdEng in Mechanical Engineering, students will have acquired practical and theoretical knowledge and a wide range of skills. They will also have had the benefit of undertaking a major industrially relevant project as part of the industrial placement. As a result, graduates will be in an excellent position to pursue careers in many of the areas where mechanical engineers are employed.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award

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/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS: Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2026.
• Applying direct: The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
• Applying through agents and partners: The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.