Mechanical Engineering with Placement Year

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most fundamental of the engineering disciplines, concerned with the design, analysis, and manufacture of systems that involve forces, motion, energy, and materials. From the engines that power aircraft and cars to the mechanisms inside industrial robots and the thermal systems that heat buildings, mechanical engineers are behind an extraordinary range of the devices and systems that define modern life. The discipline combines deep physical understanding with creative design and rigorous analysis, producing graduates who can tackle complex engineering problems across a wide range of industries.

At Brunel University London, this four-year full-time programme with placement year includes a foundation year for students who benefit from additional preparation before entering the main engineering curriculum. Brunel's state-of-the-art teaching facilities include flight simulators and the Brunel Motorsport Centre, and students can join the university's racing team to compete in Formula Student and Isle of Man TT competitions, gaining hands-on engineering experience alongside their academic studies. These distinctive features reflect Brunel's commitment to applied engineering education that connects theory to practice in real and demanding contexts.

The placement year gives you professional experience in a mechanical engineering or technology organisation, significantly strengthening your career prospects.

Mechanical engineering graduates work across a remarkable breadth of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, robotics, medical devices, construction, and defence. Common roles include design engineer, systems engineer, project engineer, manufacturing engineer, and research and development engineer. Many graduates pursue professional registration and chartered engineer status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or related bodies.

Postgraduate study in a specialist area of mechanical engineering, such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, fluid mechanics, or energy systems, is also a strong option for those who want to develop technical expertise or pursue research careers.