Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Mechanical and electrical engineering is a dual-discipline degree that responds directly to what many employers in engineering actually need: professionals who understand both the thermal and mechanical systems that drive physical machines and the electrical and electronic systems that power, control, and communicate with them. In an age of increasingly integrated technologies, from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to industrial automation and smart buildings, the engineer who can work fluently across both disciplines is exceptionally valuable.

This three-year full-time degree at Cardiff University gives you a broad foundation in key engineering disciplines, developing the wide skill set that allows you to engage with complex engineering challenges and to interact effectively with specialists across different areas. You will study mechanical principles including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, and materials, alongside electrical and electronic topics including circuit theory, power systems, control, and instrumentation. The curriculum develops both your analytical problem-solving abilities and your practical competence in design and testing.

Cardiff's engineering department has strong research links and industry connections that enrich the academic environment.

Graduates of mechanical and electrical engineering programmes are in demand across a wide range of industries. Automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, defence, built environment, and utilities sectors all employ engineers with this combination of skills. The breadth of the degree means graduates can adapt as engineering challenges evolve, moving between sectors or taking on roles that require coordination across different technical domains.

Many graduates go on to take the Incorporated or Chartered Engineer routes through the relevant professional engineering institutions. Postgraduate study in specialised areas of mechanical or electrical engineering, or in interdisciplinary fields such as energy systems or mechatronics, is an option for those who want to develop a deeper specialism.