University course Β· real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni Β· part of Careermash
University degree

Mechanical Engineering

University College London Β· London
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
Β£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin Β· your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and most versatile engineering disciplines, concerned with the design, analysis, manufacture and maintenance of mechanical systems. From gas turbines and medical devices to autonomous vehicles and energy infrastructure, mechanical engineers work at the physical heart of the objects and systems that sustain modern life. The discipline is grounded in the fundamental sciences of mechanics, thermodynamics and materials, and it demands the ability to translate mathematical understanding into practical, reliable engineering solutions.

At UCL, one of the UK's most research-intensive universities, this three-year programme provides a rigorous grounding in the engineering sciences alongside hands-on design and project work. You will study statics and dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, manufacturing processes, control systems, computational methods and professional engineering practice. UCL's location in London connects you to a concentration of engineering employers, research institutions and professional bodies, and the programme draws on the university's strong links with industry and its research strengths in areas such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing and bioengineering.

The typical entry tariff is 168 UCAS points.

Mechanical engineering graduates from UCL move into diverse careers in aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, medical devices, consultancy, manufacturing and construction engineering. Many also pursue postgraduate study or research, either at UCL or at other leading universities. The breadth of the mechanical engineering skill set means that graduates are not confined to a single sector: the analytical and problem-solving competencies developed through the degree are valued wherever complex physical systems are designed, built or maintained.

Progression toward chartered engineering status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is a common professional development pathway.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
<48 pts1%
48-63 pts5%
96-111 pts7%
112-127 pts3%
128-143 pts1%
144-159 pts11%
160-175 pts26%
176-191 pts4%
192-207 pts14%
208-223 pts8%
224-239 pts7%
240+ pts11%
How they qualified
88% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels88%
another degree5%
the IB3%
other higher education3%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
90%
In work or further study after
89%
Continue past first year
84%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£38,500
3 years on
Β£50,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled15%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled15%
Finance ProfessionalsHighly skilled15%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled10%
Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsHighly skilled10%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled5%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled5%
What students say National Student Survey
84%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching80%
Assessment & feedback78%
Academic support79%
Well organised76%
Learning resources88%
Student community80%
In students' own words
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Exceeded expectations
Coming here has changed how I think. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, the timetable has some awkward 9am / Friday afternoon slots. On the city β€” good transport links make it easy to visit other …
Class of 2023 Β· Full-time
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Exceeded expectations
I was sceptical before starting β€” now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, first-year classes can be quite large. On the city β€” good transport…
Class of 2024 Β· Full-time
Similar courses that cost less same subject, lower fees
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on University College London's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash Β· real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

Β© 2026 Careermash. A concept for secondary schools.