Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance of the mechanical systems that do work in the physical world: from engines and turbines to robots, vehicles, consumer products, and the industrial machinery that produces almost everything we use. It draws on mathematics, physics, materials science, and thermodynamics, applying these foundations to real engineering problems through design, simulation, and practical testing. Mechanical engineers are among the most versatile graduates in the workforce, with skills applicable across virtually every engineering sector.

This four-year full-time programme at the University of Brighton includes an integrated foundation year, providing a preparatory route for students who do not meet the standard A-level requirements in mathematics and physics, as well as a sandwich year and a work placement. The foundation year builds the scientific and mathematical foundations necessary for degree-level engineering, ensuring that students who take this route are fully prepared for the rigorous technical content that follows. You will study statics and dynamics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, engineering design, and control systems, with practical laboratory and workshop work throughout.

The sandwich year embeds you in an engineering company, where you will work on real engineering problems alongside professionals.

Mechanical engineering graduates are in consistent demand across aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, consumer products, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The sandwich year experience is highly valued by employers and often leads to graduate job offers from placement organisations. Professional registration as a chartered mechanical engineer is available through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and the programme provides the academic foundation for this pathway.

Postgraduate study in mechanical engineering, advanced manufacturing, or a specialist area such as aerospace or automotive engineering is an option for those who want to develop expertise beyond the undergraduate level.