
Mechanical Engineering with a Year in North America MEng
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Explore this course:
This course is no longer taking applications for 2023-24 entry. Find another undergraduate course.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code H3T7
- / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Study abroad
Course description
With our study abroad programme you can study at a leading university in the USA or Canada as part of your degree, without extending the length of your course. It's ideal if you want to benefit from a year abroad in an English-speaking country. You'll study core topics in mechanical engineering while experiencing a different culture and developing international business skills.
This degree gives you a solid grounding in mechanical engineering. It covers all the essentials, with an emphasis on modelling and design. You'll be introduced to business and management in an engineering context, and you'll complete an individual project in an area that interests you.
In years one, two and the first part of year three, you'll study the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, mathematics and management. Modules include applied dynamics, mechanics of fluids, mechanics of solids, applied thermodynamics, mechanical behaviour of materials and electrical and electronic engineering.
During your third year, you'll have the chance to study at a leading university in the USA or Canada, where you'll follow an agreed set of mechanical engineering modules. These modules are at an equivalent level to those at the University of Sheffield.
When you return to Sheffield for your final year, you'll carry out an extended individual project and build on your interests by choosing from a wide selection of engineering modules.
This is a practical course: our students learn by doing. You'll apply what you've learnt in the lecture theatre to engineering problems and experiments. You'll have the chance to manufacture and prototype your designs. You'll also develop the transferable skills employers look for, such as communication, project management and time management skills.
All our students get involved in week-long projects that develop the skills you'll need as a successful engineer. There's the Global Engineering Challenge in your first year, where you'll find creative solutions to real-world problems with engineers of different disciplines, and Engineering You're Hired! during your second year.
In order to meet the requirements for the study abroad aspect of this course you must pass both the first and second years with an average grade of 60 per cent, with no failed modules on the first attempt in your second year. Students who don't achieve this will transfer to our MEng Mechanical Engineering course (providing they meet the requirements to continue on the course) and stay in Sheffield for the third year.
In the year before you're due to study abroad you'll be allocated a place at one of our partner universities as part of an application process. The department's year abroad tutor will provide advice and support during your time abroad.
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and meets all the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
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:
UCAS code: H3T7
Years: 2023
Core modules:
- Essential Mathematical Skills & Techniques
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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
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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 - Autumn Integrative Project
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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 - Fundamental Engineering Science: Part 2
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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.
15 credits - Spring Integrative Project
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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.
40 credits - Global Engineering Challenge Week
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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.
Core modules:
- Electric Circuits
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This module provides a basic introduction to electric circuits for engineers of all disciplinary backgrounds. It introduces the passive circuit elements (resistance, capacitance and inductance), and explores their behaviour when driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources. DC and AC power delivery will be discussed, including batteries and transformers. The module also introduces the basics of electromechanical energy conversion, including common motor topologies. The module will include examples and applications of the electrical engineering concepts, to ensure it is relevant and accessible for all disciplines of engineering.
10 credits - Engineering - You're Hired
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The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
- Mathematics for Engineering Modelling
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To further extend the student's understanding, developed in Level 1, of a variety of mathematical techniques and the application of these techniques in modelling engineering problems
10 credits - Computational and Numerical Methods
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This module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical and numerical techniques relevant to Mechanical Engineering
10 credits - Dynamics of Structures and Machines
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This module introduces you to the concepts that define the dynamics of structures and machines. There are two main topics: structural vibration and rigid body mechanics. In structural vibration, you will learn how to apply the single degree of freedom model to analyse the free response of systems and their forced vibration when subjected to steady-state, impulse and arbitrary loading. Aspects of rigid body mechanics include the analysis of common mechanisms and the dynamics of rigid rotors including imbalance and gyroscopic precession.
10 credits - Mechanics of Deformable Solids
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The module continues the process begun in the first year of providing the essential knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the mechanics of deformable solids which students require to become competent Chartered Mechanical Engineers. The module covers analysis of mechanical components under stress and application of different methods to evaluate stress state and deformation of deformable solids. Plastic failure is also covered.
10 credits - Heat Transfer
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Heat transfer mechanisms are introduced. Heat conduction, convection and radiation are studied in this order. Techniques for analysing heat transfer problems are then covered. Two applications, heat exchangers and fins are analysed in detail. At the end of the module, students should be able to:
10 credits
1. State the fundamental processes of heat transfer and apply them to real world systems.
2. Understand how heat is transferred by conduction, convection and radiation.
3. Solve a variety of fundamental and applied heat transfer problems. - Design of Engineering Components
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The module develops both the knowledge and awareness of the student in terms of being able to make decisions based on limited data and include both ethical and economic considerations. Practical worked examples are developed which show how basic mechanical theory can be adapted and applied to `industrial' design situations. Assessment includes a design and manufacture element where each component is analysed for design functionality. This exercise enables the student to develop their CAD skills.
10 credits - Materials Processing
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This module provides an introduction to materials processing for mechanical engineers and places particular emphasis on the relationships between processing, microstructure and properties that are essential to defining and understanding the behaviour of a material under service conditions. The module covers all of the common classes of engineering material - ceramics, polymers, composites and metals - and you will, through the use of practical examples and case studies, learn about the strong dependence of final functional and structural properties on the processing route selected for processing and manufacture.
10 credits - Fluids Engineering
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The module is designed to consolidate and extend the students' understanding of basic fluid flow properties, fluid flows and applying analysis techniques to solve engineering fluids problems. The module will cover the use of both integral control volume and differential analysis techniques. These will be applied to a range of simple engineering fluid systems;Newtonian laminar analysis will be applied to internal flows. The boundary layer will be introduced and related to the concepts of drag. The concepts of compressible nozzle flow, choking and shock waves will be covered. Sub-sonic and sonic compressible flow will be introduced. Students will also be introduced to the computational fluid dynamics using FLUENT and given hands-on experience.
10 credits - Design of Structures, Machines and Systems
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The course brings together analytical, computational and empirical approaches to the design and optimisation of structures and systems. A specific design is used as a thematic project in which the functional analysis and eventual synthesis are brought together. The task is such that no optimal solution is readily available. This enables the student to develop their skill in formulating analytical and computational models and evaluating them so as to develop an optimal design solution.
10 credits - Managing Engineering Projects and Teams
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This module provides you with an understanding of the significance of projects as an instrument of business success in engineering organisations. You will learn a range of project management tools, techniques and methodologies throughout the project life cycle. You will develop skills in defining, planning, delivering, and controlling engineering projects. You will also learn the roles and responsibilities of people within engineering projects and understand how to manage teams in engineering projects.
10 credits - Finance and Law for Engineers
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The module is designed to introduce engineering students to key areas of financial and legal risk that engineers should be aware of in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students' understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence, intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Study Year in North America
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The Level 3 year abroad is spent studying an agreed set of Mechanical Engineering modules at Universities with leading Engineering Departments either in the US or Canada. These modules are selected to mirror Sheffield modules at the same level and to build upon the knowledge and skills gained in the first two years of the MEng degree. Level 3 Autumn/Spring mandatory modules together with either MEC313 Finite Element Techniques or MEC320 Computational Fluid Dynamics, are matched with equivalent modules at the Host University. The other modules are optional as in Sheffield and make up the remainder of the 120 Sheffield equivalent credits
120 credits
Core modules:
- Preparation for Practice
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Preparation for Practice is a core module to support your transition into early-career graduate life. You will:
15 credits
i. explore your professional responsibilities and values, and evidence them in your portfolio, alongside your strengths;
ii. learn to identify, prioritise, and respond to your areas for development in a professional context; and
iii. evidence commitment to your professional development by undertaking an independent development activity, such as skills training, experience, or career development work.
The aim is for you to leave with a strong profile as an engineering graduate, and a clear sense of how to work towards your next professional goal. - MEng Individual Project
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Each student will undertake an individual research project under the guidance of a member of academic staff. The project will permit students to demonstrate their organisational skills and initiative. During the project students will be expected to integrate and apply their learning obtained on the course. The technical components of a project may be experimental, theoretical, analytical or design based and most projects will require proficiency in a number of these. Assessment of the module is based upon conduct, submission of a thesis and the ability to present the findings of the project at a colloquium and viva.
45 credits
Optional modules:
- Industrial Experimental Methods for Engineering Problems
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The module aims to provide students with an understanding of how experimental techniques can be used to solve industrial engineering problems. The students will be introduced to the theory behind, and practice of, a range of measurement techniques, common to static and dynamic problems, through a combination of lectures and labs and tutorial sessions. Working in small groups the students will be tasked to design and execute a suitable experiment to address an industrially relevant problem; analysing data and making informed decisions within the context of the problem.
15 credits - Industrial Applications of Finite Element Analysis
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The module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of finite element modelling and its application to solve industrial engineering problems. A set of industry-relevant problems will be provided to students along with experimental results for model validation. Students will be allocated one of their preferred projects and will have to devise a modelling strategy to solve their particular problem. Knowledge will be drawn from lectures introducing the theory behind finite element modelling of dynamic problems for modal and transient analyses, non-linear problems including contact, material behaviour and large deformation as well as fracture.
15 credits - Fundamentals and Applications of Tribology
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Many practicing engineers use tribology regularly without a true understanding of its importance and its role in engineering design. This module introduces fundamental science that explains surface phenomena of wear, friction and lubrication. Students learn through industrial case studies, techniques to assess a range of engineering and machine contacts, from bearings to hip joints and banana skins! Theoretical and practical techniques will cover contact mechanics, friction, wear and lubricant films in hydrodynamic and elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication regimes. Students will learn to evaluate failure mechanisms and compare key design features that can be used to diagnose failure as well as improve design.
15 credits - Railway Engineering and Sustainable Transport
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Transition from undergraduate engineering to real-world application is the focus of Railway Engineering and Sustainable Transport. This module introduces the interdisciplinary field of railway transport through application of mechanical engineering in the context of creating a sustainable transport system. Linking engineering fundamentals to application in the rail industry it focuses on skills and expertise needed to make rail transport and its operation resilient to technological, demographic, economic, social and environmental change.
15 credits
Evaluation and problem solving for rail transport issues provides context for developing widely applicable transferable skills. These include justification of engineering decisions through evaluation of data, and assessment of engineering's economic and social impacts. Themes are explored using a local field trip.
- Advanced Engineering Fluid Dynamics
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The module introduces advanced subjects in fluid mechanics and focuses on the theory and applications of the fundamental physical laws governing fluid flows. The Navier-Stokes and the continuity equations are revisited and the energy and the general Scalar Transport Equations for fluid flows will be derived. Creeping flows, laminar/turbulent boundary layer flows, shock and expansion waves, drag rise and supersonic aerofoils, etc. will be discussed. A key skill developed is problem solving in the area of advanced fluid mechanics through how equations, models and boundary conditions may be adapted and simplified to describe a wide variety of engineering fluid flows.
15 credits - Advanced Dynamics
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In this module we will explore how linear/nonlinear structures vibrate and how we can model them in order to understand and optimise their complex behaviour both analytically and numerically. We will uncover the behaviour of theoretical nonlinear models and we will explore and evaluate the fascinating world of advanced dynamics, random vibration, nonlinear systems and chaos through lectures and dedicated reading. We link advanced engineering with concepts from physics and maths that are of core importance in the new era of engineering, considering structures from light aerospace structures to offshore wind turbines and space shuttles. Furthermore, we will discover the world of Hamiltonian mechanics by capturing its fundamental physics. The learning will be supported by dedicated tutorial sessions.
15 credits - Additive Manufacturing - Principles and Applications
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This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), providing you with an insight into the technologies themselves, when and how they might be applied, and the broader economic, social and industrial context within which these techniques sit. Our aim is to provide you with an understanding of the underlying principles and considerations relevant to this area, so that you are able to apply this knowledge confidently and effectively during your future career.
15 credits - Mechanics and Applications of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
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In this course students are introduced to advanced conventional manufacturing processes including sheet/bulk metal forming and Machining operations and the relevant mechanics of the processes and materials deformation. Analytical modelling techniques are also introduced and their applications are explained in order to determine the deformation of materials under the applied loads. Fundamentals of deformation and relevant force calculations together with mechanics of machining in metallic materials will be covered as the secondary manufacturing operations. The module provides a greater range and depth of knowledge related to the deformation of materials and process analysis in primary and secondary manufacturing operations using theoretical and experimental learning methods. The students will be equipped with tools to analyse and design manufacturing operations utilising various manufacturing methods within a wider engineering context.
15 credits - Computational Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal System
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This module aims to provide you with an overview of the state-of-the-art approach for modelling the musculoskeletal system from a biomechanical point of view. The course starts with a brief review of vectors and tensors, followed by anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system. You will then be introduced to a range of modelling and experimental methods applied to a variety of bones and muscles. More specialised topics will be introduced towards the end of the course giving examples where biomechanical models can be used in various clinical applications.
15 credits - Engineering Commercial Success: And making the world a better place!
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Students work in interdisciplinary teams to create solutions to a real problem provided by a real customer. Typically the customer will be a member or members of the community e.g. children with disabilities, terminally ill people, etc. Student teams learn how to solicit needs from user interviews and go on to create (and where possible prototype) solutions that meet functional, commercial and social requirements. Teams pitch their concept and business start up proposals to an invited audience and assessors.
15 credits - Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology
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This module enhances students' foundational knowledge by introducing a more specialist Level 7 understanding of major aero propulsion devices. For example, the rocket design will be mastered from the design lessons and innovations of the rockets of historical importance. The more in depth analysis of the alternative air breathing engines such as ramjet, scramjet, and synergistic air-breathing rocket engine will be investigated. Then the advanced gas turbine off-design performance will be analysed. The advanced gas turbine combustion will also be investigated. Finally, the recent explosive development of electric/hybrid propulsion and aircraft will be examined.
15 credits - Sustainable Engineering Design
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This module aims to enable students to create designs which meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (environmental, social and economic). The module aims to engage students in a range of sustainable design tools through lectures, seminars and research in small groups. Group research is shared with other students through student led presentations. The development of sustainable design knowledge in this module culminates in a final multidisciplinary, group project, devising a plan to regenerate a local area sustainably. This will involve fieldwork to survey the site.
15 credits - Managing Innovation and Change in Engineering Contexts
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This module introduces you to the importance of innovation in manufacturing and service organisations whose primary business activity is engineering and/or technology. Innovation management is introduced as the thoughtful combination of new product/process development and change management. Through case studies, theoretical frameworks, and tools you will come to understand innovation at multiple scales: international, national, regional, organisational and team, with particular emphasis on how organisations manage and exploit the commercial risks and opportunities inherent in innovation, and how project teams and engineers can respond to innovation challenges effectively. The module is aimed at engineering students of any discipline.
15 credits - Automotive Powertrain
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This module considers the performance, design and emissions of automotive powertrain - from the combustion chamber to the driven wheels. Environmental and societal developmental drivers of the attributes required of modern, globally applicable powertrain will be established. It will enable students to apply specialist knowledge (thermofluids, dynamics, materials) to internal combustion engines and their associated driveline components. Students will perform analysis of powertrain performance and select materials and design features to maximise efficiency before reviewing peers' proposals. The industrial state of the art and future technologies from research will be examined e.g. variable valvetrain, hybridisation and electric drive, modern combustion strategies.
15 credits - Advanced Energy and Power
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This module will introduce students to the rapidly changing landscape of conventional power generation. The course will provide a greater depth and range of specialist knowledge for advanced plant design for the future including carbon capture. This will provide a foundation for leadership and a wider appreciation of future conventional power station design. Students will become knowledgeable in the sources of pollutants and mitigation techniques employed by the industry and a wider appreciation of social and environmental considerations. The course will permit the students to engage in fundamental design of key components in power generation (burners, boilers) as well as in the simulation of carbon capture plant.
15 credits - Human Factors and User-Centred Design
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The module is designed to give students an introduction to human factors and user-centred design and how they are used within the design process (alongside engineering analysis, manufacturing considerations, marketing etc.). The module concentrates on developing an understanding of how populations are characterised and how that influences design decisions. It gives an overview of the theory and practices surrounding design with humans before asking students to apply those theories in a series of case studies. The module gives students an opportunity to work within a team and learn from peers as they tackle the case studies.
15 credits - Cardiovascular Biomechanics
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This module will enable student to apply fundamental engineering principles to analyse the physiology of the cardiovascular system. The module starts with a brief review of relevant theories in Fluid Mechanics, followed by anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, including blood rheology and vessel tissue mechanics. Students will learn the cardiovascular anatomy using state-of-the-art Virtual Reality equipment. The second part gives students an overview of the modelling, analytical and experimental methods applied to several parts of the cardiovascular system. The final part will focus on more specialised topics, like the application of modelling techniques to investigate correlations with disease.
15 credits - Aviation Safety and Aeroelasticity
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This module covers the area of engineering related to aeroelasticity and safety by means of analytical techniques and study cases. The students will develop a fundamental knowledge of aeroelasticity and its implications for aircraft design and operation and evaluate aircraft loading; be able to analyse different manoeuvres using heave/pitch aircraft models; and be able to calculate internal loads in different manoeuvres. The course will provide students with an understanding of aeroelastic phenomena including flutter and divergence. This course provides the methodology and techniques for prediction/detection of a number of aeroelastic effects.
15 credits - Industrial Automation
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Industrial automation has become an important feature today, especially in this age of rapid production and high
15 credits
precision. Knowledge and skill in this area has therefore become increasingly necessary. This module aims to give you the opportunity to interact directly with devices such as sensors and actuators through Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and PC; gather, process and monitor data locally or at remote locations; configure the hardware and program the latest version of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) used in industries. You will have the opportunity to learn PID controllers and their applications in industry. - Petroleum Engineering
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This unit gives an overview of the current and future technology for the oil and gas industry. It includes the origins of petroleum and its refining, as well as introduction to biofuels. This module covers -the origins, types and quality of refinery feedstock and products;-detailed analysis of various sections of petroleum processing in refineries;-introduction to advanced topics in petrochemical engineering such as catalyst development, desulphurisation, pollution control and hydrogen production.-details on key biofuels and their strategic importance and the technological challenges of viable large scale production.
15 credits - Nuclear Reactor Engineering
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The module provides a broad base introduction to the theory and practice of nuclear reactors for power production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release, as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The module aims to provide students with a clear grasp of those aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The module will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.
15 credits - Design and Manufacture of Composites
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This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of both the design and manufacture of polymer composites and is presented in two sections. First, design of composites is taught via tutorials and practicals on classical laminate theory and ESAComp software. An extended series of worked examples provides you with the basic tools you need to design effective composite parts. Second, manufacture of composites is taught via lectures. You will learn multiple routes for making composite parts alongside practical issues such as defects, machining/joints, failure, testing and non destructive testing, repair and SMART composites.
15 credits - Materials for Energy Applications
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This module aims to develop your understanding of materials (ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, ceramics, composites) used for energy generation.
15 credits
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)
- group design project
- professional development training
- individual project (final year)
- integrative projects
- online resources
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.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
A Levels + additional qualifications 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 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and 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
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AAAAB + AA in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels A + 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 39 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 6 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
A Levels + additional qualifications 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, 5 in Higher Level Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
BTEC Diploma DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AAABB + AB in Maths and 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
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
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Mechanical Engineering

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 EngineeringWhy 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 2022
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 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
National Student Survey 2022
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.
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.
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
Visit us
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.
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.
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.
Apply for this course
This course is no longer taking applications for 2023-2024 entry. Find another undergraduate course.Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 7801
Email: admit.mech@sheffield.ac.uk
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.