Program Overview

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Introduction to Mechanical Engineering at Aston University

Aston University's Mechanical Engineering program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the field of mechanical engineering. The program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of mechanical engineering.

Course Overview

The Mechanical Engineering program at Aston University is a four-year course that covers a wide range of topics, including engineering science, materials and manufacturing, thermofluids, and electromechanical design. The program also includes a placement year, which provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the industry.

Course Objectives

The course objectives of the Mechanical Engineering program at Aston University are:

1. To provide students with a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of mechanical engineering.
2. To encourage students to develop a passion for engineering and an enthusiasm for learning.
3. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the engineer in society, including professional skills, legal responsibilities, and ethical risks.
4. To enable students to obtain relevant industrial experience through a placement year.
5. To develop students into capable graduate engineers who are highly valued by employers.

Modules

The Mechanical Engineering program at Aston University includes a range of modules, including:

• Introduction to Design-Build-Test
• Materials and Manufacturing 1
• Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital, and Physical Sciences
• Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Electronics 1
• Engineering Science 1
• Power Skills
• Interdisciplinary Design Project

Year 1 Outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic theoretical knowledge of the mathematics, science, and technology that underpins mechanical engineering.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, methodologies, and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science, programming, and engineering principles to solve engineering problems.
• Plan, conduct, and report on a program of work to technical and non-technical audiences using a variety of IT packages.

Year 2 Modules

In the second year, students will study the following core modules:

• Engineering Science 2
• Materials and Manufacturing 2
• Advanced Mathematical Modelling
• Thermofluids
• Electromechanical Design, Dynamics and Control
• Integrated Design Project
• CDIO Team Project

Year 2 Outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a robust theoretical knowledge of mathematics, science, and technologies as appropriate to areas of mechanical engineering.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of well-established concepts, principles, methodologies, and design techniques appropriate to mechanical engineering.
• Apply analytical skills using a range of IT and mathematical modelling in the solution of advanced or ill-formed problems.
• Apply an integrated approach to solving complex engineering problems.

Placement Year

The placement year provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the industry. Students will spend a year working in a company, applying the knowledge and skills they have gained in the first two years of the program.

Placement Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, students will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role within it.
• Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context.
• Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study, or research sector related to the degree program.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Third/Fourth Year Modules

In the third or fourth year, students will study the following core modules:

• Advanced Solid Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis
• Advanced Dynamics and Control Systems
• Advanced Thermofluids
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
• Engineering Design and the Environment
• Professional Engineering Practice
• Engineering Major Project

Third/Fourth Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the third or fourth year, students will be able to:

• Apply a systemic knowledge of mathematics, science, and technology to advanced topics in mechanical engineering and related areas.
• Apply an in-depth knowledge of concepts, principles, and analytical and computational skills to solve problems in specific areas of engineering.
• Integrate abstract concepts and ideas to solve complex multidisciplinary real-world problems and critically evaluate the solutions with a focus on sustainability and climate change.
• Demonstrate professional skills and responsibility towards legal and ethical issues.

Final Year Modules

In the final year, students will study the following core modules:

• Smart Sensors and Control Systems
• Machine Learning
• Fluid-Structure Interaction
• Renewable Energy
• New Engines and Alternative Fuels
• Aston Global Advantage
• Multiphysics System Design

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, students will be able to:

• Synthesise a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, technology, mathematical and computational modelling techniques to advanced topics in mechanical engineering and related areas.
• Integrate knowledge from a range of areas, within and beyond engineering, and critically evaluate and apply that knowledge in engineering projects.
• Evaluate quantitative and computational methods with knowledge of their limitations, extract and evaluate data, and formulate engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar complex problems.
• Formulate processes and methodologies to generate innovative designs for products, systems, and components to fulfil new needs to unfamiliar situations or real-world problems.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Mechanical Engineering program at Aston University are:

• A Levels: BBC including Maths and one other STEM subject.
• BTEC: DDM including the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians.
• IB: 29 points overall with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level, including Mathematics and another STEM subject.
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with at least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits at level 3, including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics units and at least 15 credits at Level 3 in STEM subject units.

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the Mechanical Engineering program at Aston University are:

• UK students: ｣9,535 per year.
• International students: ｣22,575 per year.
• Placement year: ｣1,250 for UK students and ｣2,500 for international students. Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Career Prospects

The UK is a major contributor to the global engineering industry, and Aston University's Mechanical Engineering graduates have an excellent track record of employability upon graduation. Recent graduates have successfully gone on to place roles such as Mechanical Engineers, Design Engineers, Project Managers, and Consultants in world-leading companies.