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

Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering

Heriot-Watt University
Qualification
Degree
Length
5 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 and energy engineering together address one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century: how to design the systems and technologies that power human society in ways that are efficient, reliable, and sustainable. Mechanical engineering provides the foundational science of forces, materials, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics that underpins virtually all engineered systems, while energy engineering applies these principles specifically to the generation, distribution, storage, and use of energy. Their combination is particularly timely as the world transitions toward low-carbon energy systems and seeks engineers who understand both the mechanics of energy conversion and the environmental implications of energy decisions.

This five-year full-time MEng at Heriot-Watt University is a master's-level programme that takes you from a sound engineering foundation through to specialist knowledge in energy topics and environmental impact assessment and management. You will develop the analytical and design skills to tackle challenging professional tasks related to energy provision and utilisation, learning to apply creative technical thinking to real-world problems and to take responsibility for decision-making in areas where engineering, energy, and environmental considerations intersect. Heriot-Watt's strong connections to the energy sector, particularly in Scotland where oil, gas, and renewables are all significant industries, give the programme a distinctive professional relevance.

Graduates from MEng programmes in mechanical and energy engineering are exceptionally well positioned in a job market that urgently needs engineers with expertise in energy systems. Careers span the oil and gas industry, renewable energy, nuclear power, heat networks, energy efficiency consulting, defence, manufacturing, and the engineering of energy infrastructure at every scale. Postgraduate research and academic careers are also well served by the master's-level qualification.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
64-79 pts1%
96-111 pts1%
112-127 pts8%
128-143 pts9%
144-159 pts14%
160-175 pts9%
176-191 pts13%
192-207 pts15%
208-223 pts9%
224-239 pts9%
240+ pts7%
How they qualified
90% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels90%
other higher education10%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
91%
In work or further study after
85%
Continue past first year
88%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£32,000
After 15 months
Β£30,500
3 years on
Β£37,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Process, plant and machine operatives4%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled61%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled7%
Administrative occupations2%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled5%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled5%
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled2%
Finance ProfessionalsHighly skilled2%
What students say National Student Survey
88%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching87%
Assessment & feedback74%
Academic support69%
Well organised86%
Learning resources90%
Student community89%
In students' own words
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Exceeded expectations
Honestly, one of the best decisions I've made. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, a few modules feel under-resourced compared to the flagship ones. On the city β€” good t…
Third year Β· Full-time
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Would do it again
The programme genuinely lives up to its reputation. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, some seminar groups were too big for meaningful discussion. On the city β€” the cit…
Third year Β· Part-time
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Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on Heriot-Watt University'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.

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