Mechanical Engineering
Develop the skills to address 21st century engineering design challenges and contribute to the achievement of net zero by 2050.
It’s possible to combine placement and foundation year options if you study this course in Peterborough. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
As a graduate engineer, you'll spend your career involved in the challenge to achieve net zero by 2050. This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to competently contribute to the realisation of this globally critical goal.
From day one of the course, you'll work on real-world engineering projects. You'll look at technical problems through environmental, ethical, social and financial lenses, and use the maths and science knowledge and skills you've gained to solve them – the same approach you'll take in the workplace.
You'll learn to address engineering design problems creatively and innovatively using the wide range of digital tools that engineers use to simulate and analyse physical phenomena, as well as those used to support the design and manufacturing process.
You'll become adept at communicating though a variety of media with fellow engineers and a range of stakeholders from technical and non-technical backgrounds and develop team-working skills throughout your course.
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Study at ARU Peterborough and work on engineering projects from day one, applying your knowledge to real-world problems.
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Emphasis on engineering design
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Enhanced employability with industry defined skills development
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Focus on sustainability, decarbonisation and net zero
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Dedicated, industry-standard, electronics laboratory and a mechanical engineering workshop
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Gain extensive experience in the responsible use of digital solutions
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Your skills will be in high demand as there is a global shortage of engineers - in the UK alone it’s estimated that an additional 50,000 engineers a year are needed to respond to 21st-century challenges. Accordingly, qualified mechanical engineers command an impressive average salary. With experience, you could further increase your earning power by progressing to senior design or project management roles.
From the very start of your degree, you’ll meet established engineers from across the industry, learn what it’s like to work in engineering, and be encouraged to join professional bodies, building valuable contacts and knowledge to help you gain employment in your preferred area. You’ll build your CV not only by learning manufacturing and testing methods and using industry-standard equipment, but by working individually and as part of a team, solving problems and carrying out research.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU with postgraduate courses on the horizon for ARU Peterborough. You could also study for a Masters such as MSc Mechanical Engineering in Chelmsford. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Teaching and modules
You’ll cover the fundamentals behind engineering and its science, including computer-aided engineering, getting a solid background in maths, mechanics, thermo-dynamics and heat transfer, robotics and system automation, and simulation.
You’ll become familiar with the Engineering Council’s UK-Standard for Professional Engineering Competence. Explore net-zero innovation and its technology and complete several projects, including a net zero challenge project, a conceptual design project, a design, implementation and operation project and your major project, which encompasses an individual piece of research.
You’ll also take on one of our Ruskin Modules. These give you the opportunity to work with students from different courses to come up with creative solutions to complex problems and key challenges facing society. We call these ‘wicked problems’ and you’ll be able to choose something that appeals to your broader interests, beyond your chosen field of study.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Maths for Engineering
- Introduction to Computer Aided Engineering
- Introduction to Engineering
- Fundamental Engineering Science
- Conceptual Design Project
- Into ARU
- Solid Mechanics
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Design, Implementation & Operation Project
- Thermo-dynamics & Heat Transfer
- Net-Zero Innovation & Technology
- Advanced Engineering & Simulation
- Net-Zero Challenge Project
- Robotics & System Automation
- Major Project for Engineers
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Contemporary Issues
- Literacies in Higher Education
- Extended Project
- Into ARU
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work Placement Engineering and the Built Environment
It’s possible to combine placement and foundation year options if you study this course in Peterborough. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Hashim BhabhaSenior Lecturer Practitioner
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Dr Ruishan LiuLecturer
Facilities
You’ll be working in some of the newest university facilities in the country, in our stunning campus in the heart of Peterborough.
Based in our teaching building, The Lab, you’ll benefit from our dedicated electronics laboratory and mechanical engineering workshop, kitted with industry-standard equipment, including a 3-D printer, Universal Testing Machine, Waterjet Cutter, CNC machine and laser cutter.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Mechanical Engineering
UK students
Call our Clearing line