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Mechanical Engineering

Thinking of becoming a Mechanical Engineer? Find out what to expect in our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including what career options will be available for you should you choose this field of study.

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What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile of the engineering professions. The Mechanical Engineer applies scientific principles to the design, development, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of, among others, energy production and harnessing equipment, machines and systems in all areas of industry and society.

What will you study?

The BSc (Eng) curriculum is structured to supply a solid grounding in fundamental engineering science, with an emphasis on developing generalised problem solving skills. The first two years of study are common to each of the three branches - Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical. It will not be difficult to change between these branches during this time.

From the third year onwards the branches become more focused on their individual disciplines. In all branches the second half of the final year is dedicated to project (design and research) work. These projects are often industry-related while others are at the forefront of the School's research, and frequently lead on to postgraduate study.

From the third year of study the courses become more specific towards the study of mechanical engineering systems, reflected in courses such as fluid dynamics, system response and control, stress analysis, mechanics of machines, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. The important central subject of mechanical engineering design integrates this theory together with economics, materials, manufacturing processes and ergonomics to create innovate solutions to meet typical needs of industry or society at large, in the form of new products or systems.

Career Prospects

There are many career options - from large industrial corporations, government departments and municipalities to small companies or consulting businesses. Many mechanical engineers branch out into the broader issues of engineering management, as project managers, technical directors or general managers. While those interested in research will find a wide variety of challenging positions.

Graduates from the School have also taken positions in international businesses and business consultants. Their strong basic education, problem-solving abilities and computer literacy give them the versatility to be able to excel in many capacities. 

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