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

Mechanical Engineering

University of the West of England, Bristol Β· Bristol
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 the engineering discipline concerned with the design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance of mechanical systems. From engines, turbines, and industrial machinery to precision instruments, vehicle systems, and renewable energy technologies, mechanical engineers apply the principles of physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science to create and optimise the physical systems that power the modern world. The discipline is one of the most versatile in engineering, with applications across virtually every sector of the economy.

At the University of the West of England in Bristol, this three-year, full-time BEng is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ensuring it meets the academic requirements for progression towards professional engineering status. The programme is practice-oriented, and the day release study option reflects its accessibility to students who may be combining study with employment. A sandwich year and work placement are both available, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial professional experience before you graduate.

The high graduate employment rate associated with the programme reflects the practical orientation and the strong industry links that the university maintains. The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects an accessible approach to admissions for a professionally oriented engineering programme.

Mechanical engineering graduates work across manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive, defence, the built environment, and environmental engineering in roles including design engineer, manufacturing engineer, project engineer, and maintenance engineer. The accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers provides a recognised pathway towards chartered engineer status, which is an important professional milestone for those who wish to progress to senior technical and management roles. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in mechanical engineering or a specialist area such as advanced manufacturing, energy systems, or robotics.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
96-111 pts25%
112-127 pts20%
128-143 pts20%
144-159 pts20%
How they qualified
57% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels57%
other higher education25%
a foundation year19%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
95%
In work or further study after
93%
Continue past first year
79%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£29,000
After 15 months
Β£32,000
3 years on
Β£37,000
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled40%
Elementary occupations20%
Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation5%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled15%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled10%
Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations5%
What students say National Student Survey
79%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching79%
Assessment & feedback79%
Academic support70%
Well organised83%
Learning resources78%
Student community75%
In students' own words
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A great decision
I was sceptical before starting β€” now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, a few modules feel under-resourced compared to the flagship ones. On the city β€” local cost of l…
Class of 2024 Β· Part-time
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Genuinely worthwhile
This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, first-year classes can be quite large. On the city β€” local cost of living is manageable if you share a house in …
Class of 2022 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 University of the West of England, Bristol'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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