Mechanical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year BEng

2024-25 entry
Department of Mechanical Engineering

This degree follows the same syllabus as the BEng Mechanical Engineering. Your learning is complemented with a year putting what you've learnt into practice, working with real mechanical engineers in industry. This will put your academic studies into context and improve your skills and employability.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Mechanical engineering equipment.

    Passionate about mechanical engineering, and keen to get into the workplace?

    This BEng is an excellent alternative to an MEng course – offering the option to continue your engineering education with an MSc or switch to a MEng depending upon performance.

    In the first two years you'll study the core subjects that you need to be a successful mechanical engineer and we’ll embed that knowledge by applying it to open-ended projects, typical of the engineering industry.

    In third year, your academic study will be put into context with a year-long industry placement where you’ll be challenged. You’ll gain valuable experience applying your learning in the workplace and this experience will improve your employability prospects upon graduation.

    In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree in a way that supports your career aspirations by choosing from a wide selection of engineering modules. One of the highlights is the individual research project, chosen from a very wide range of topics and under the supervision of an expert in the chosen field.

    Throughout the course, you will be given many opportunities to develop and demonstrate the professional skills, such as written and spoken communication, group working and project management, that employers desire.

    This course is seeking re-accreditation from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for 2024-25 entry.

    Why study this course?

    • Project-based learning - our system of project-based learning integrates engineering science with practical projects. So, you’ll become comfortable and capable in tackling realistic, open-ended problems – which makes you a better engineer.
    • Professional Skills Focus - the course includes Professional Skills learning which empowers you to take responsibility for your own development and become an independent learner. This includes areas such as developing communications skills, teamwork, and presentation skills helping to create more employable engineers.
    • Personal tutorials - all our students are assigned a personal tutor from day one, someone who will be your point of contact for both pastoral and academic support throughout your studies. You’ll meet your tutor on a weekly basis throughout the first year to receive both pastoral and academic support. The small group academic tutorial system in your first year strengthens the student-tutor bond and helps you to develop as an independent learner.
    • Vibrant student and staff community - our excellent ‘student voice’ is consistently recognised and rated highly in the National Student Survey (NSS). Students are encouraged to be involved and have a say in their own education and to work together with staff to improve their mechanical engineering programmes.
    • Specialist teaching facilities - 'Learning by doing' is the reason The Diamond was built. Dedicated to engineering, with a focus on developing practical engineering skills, this is where you’ll apply the theory you learn in lectures – consolidating your understanding alongside students from other disciplines, and beyond the bounds of the curriculum.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Mechanical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year 2024-25 BEng course structure
    UCAS code: H305
    Years: 2024, 2025
    First year

    Core modules:

    Essential Mathematical Skills & Techniques

    This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes.

    20 credits
    Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 1

    In conjunction with a similar module that runs in the Spring semester, this module will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding that will underpin the rest of your mechanical engineering degree. This module focuses on statics, solid mechanics and manufacturing processes; you will learn about these topics from first principles and observe them as phenomena in the laboratory. You will then have the opportunity to apply them to a practical engineering problem in a separate, concurrent integrative project module.

    20 credits
    Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 2

    In conjunction with a similar module that runs in the Autumn semester, this module will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding that will underpin the rest of your mechanical engineering degree. This module focuses on dynamics, fluids, gases and thermofluids; you will learn about these topics from first principles and observe them as phenomena in the laboratory. You will then have the opportunity to apply them to a practical engineering problem in a separate, concurrent integrative project module.

    20 credits
    Autumn Integrative Project

    This module will introduce you to what it means to be a professional engineer by supporting you through the process of tackling a typical, practical, engineering problem. Through a series of structured, timely activities you will integrate the fundamental knowledge, taught in a separate, concurrent module, with the skills and capabilities expected of modern engineers. In conjunction with a similar integrative project in the Spring semester, you will develop a holistic view of mechanical engineering that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, and your subsequent career, giving you the ability and confidence to address open-ended, engineering problems in a proficient and effective manner.

    25 credits
    Spring Integrative Project

    This module will provide you with further insight into what it means to be a professional engineer by supporting you through the process of tackling a typical, practical, engineering problem. Through a series of structured, timely activities you will integrate the fundamental knowledge, taught in a separate, concurrent module, with the skills and capabilities expected of modern engineers, building upon feed forward from a similar integrative project in the Autumn semester. In conjunction with the Autumn project, you will develop a holistic view of mechanical engineering that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, and your subsequent career, giving you the ability and confidence to address open-ended, engineering problems in a proficient and effective manner.

    35 credits
    Global Engineering Challenge Week

    The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

    *The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    The following are the main learning and teaching methods implemented within the programme:

    • lectures
    • tutorials (and example classes)
    • practical activities
    • design classes
    • coursework assignments (including oral, video and poster presentations)
    • individual investigative project (final year)
    • integrative projects
    • online resources

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    At Sheffield, we firmly believe that our research expertise should translate into research-led teaching that inspires future generations of mechanical engineers. Our learning and teaching vision is to recruit high calibre students and inspire each one to become a self-motivated and adaptable learner.

    To achieve this, we provide our students with a challenging curriculum, preparing our graduates to contribute to the diversity of challenges present in global engineering and technology.

    Assessment

    You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    A*AA
    including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    AAA, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in a relevant EPQ; AAA, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    38, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    D*DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    D*D in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
    T Level
    Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AAAAB + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    A + A*A in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 42 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 3 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB
    including A in Maths and B in at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    AAB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and 5 in at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
    T Level
    Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AABBB + A in Maths and B in either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 9 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Department of Mechanical Engineering

    As a Sheffield graduate, you could enter a number of different industries and sectors including manufacturing, transport, power, research, design, consultancy and more.

    Department of Mechanical Engineering

    Mechanical engineering students taking notes

    At Sheffield our students learn by doing – connecting engineering theory to practice. This means our courses will not only challenge and engage you but they’ll also help you to develop the skills, knowledge and experience that employers look for. You'll have the chance to manufacture prototypes of your designs, and you’ll be introduced to business and management within an engineering context.

    You'll be taught by academics who are experts in their fields, with a wealth of experience and links with industry and research. You'll also have the opportunity to work on real-life projects with our industrial partners – companies like Rolls-Royce, Siemens and Network Rail – giving you experience that will support your employability. And you’ll have an academic personal tutor who will support and guide your progress throughout.

    Alongside different engineering project weeks and development programmes, our students are involved in a huge range of extra-curricular activities, from building single-seat racing cars and human powered aircraft, to designing and manufacturing a sustainable wind turbine, energy-efficient vehicles, rockets, and more.

    The Department of Mechanical Engineering is situated in the Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing. We also have teaching space and labs in the new state-of-the-art Engineering Heartspace. The majority of mechanical engineering undergraduate lectures and labs take place in the Diamond.

    Facilities

    The Diamond is home to specialist facilities such as our engineering applications workshop, structures and dynamics laboratory, and thermodynamics and mechanics laboratory. This means you'll directly apply what you’ve learnt in lectures to lab sessions, which will help you to put theory into practice. Alongside teaching and study spaces, the Diamond is also home to iForge – the UK's first student-led makerspace.

    Department of Mechanical Engineering

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    Department of Mechanical Engineering

    1st in the Russell Group for student voice, assessment and feedback, and learning resources

    National Student Survey 2023

    4th in the UK for mechanical engineering

    Guardian University Guide 2024

    5th in the UK for mechanical engineering

    The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Additional funding

    We want to recognise the hard work and achievement of our undergraduate students. Our department and faculty scholarships for undergraduates acknowledge and encourage academic excellence.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    This degree follows the same syllabus as the BEng Mechanical Engineering. Your learning is complemented with a year putting what you've learnt into practice, working with real mechanical engineers in industry. This will put your academic studies into context and improve your skills and employability.