Mechanical Engineering (Sandwich)

Mechanical Engineering (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast offers a comprehensive and hands-on education in the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. This four-year undergraduate degree is tailored for students who wish to gain not only a solid theoretical foundation in core engineering principles but also practical industry experience through a paid year in industry placement, enhancing employability and real-world skills. The curriculum covers a diverse range of topics including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural analysis, materials science, control systems, and sustainable engineering practices. Throughout the program, students engage in laboratory work, project-based learning, and team collaborations, fostering problem-solving abilities and innovation in mechanical design.

The Sandwich element of this degree provides an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in professional settings, working with leading engineering firms during their placement year. This experience allows students to develop industry-specific skills, understand workplace dynamics, and build professional networks, which are highly valued by employers worldwide. The programme is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops equipped with modern machinery, enabling students to gain practical skills in CAD, CAM, and other manufacturing processes.

Students enrolled in this programme benefit from close collaboration with industry partners, access to expert academic staff with extensive research and industry experience, and participation in research-led teaching that keeps the curriculum current with technological advancements. The course aims to produce graduates who are well-equipped to pursue careers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and sustainable engineering solutions. Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering (Sandwich) programme are highly sought after in the job market and are prepared to contribute effectively to the engineering industry immediately after graduation or to pursue postgraduate studies. The programme combines academic rigor with practical training to ensure graduates are innovative, adaptable, and ready to meet the challenges of modern engineering.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

Stage 1

All students undertake a team-based project-based module in Stage 1, which is designed to introduce the class to the concept of professional engineering practice. This activity is supported by a range of basic mathematics and engineering science subjects, while engineering practice is developed through modules in engineering design and electrical engineering.

Stage 2

Stage 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects including Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Strength of Materials. Mathematics and Computing focuses more on their application to engineering than the basic theory, while further modules cover areas such as electronics, manufacturing and engineering design. Students also encounter the professional aspects of engineering for the first time in a Professional Studies module, which covers areas such as management, accounting, economics and law.

Stage 3

Having covered all the fundamental subject matter in previous years, students begin to focus on their chosen degree subject in Stage 3. BEng students will undertake a range of core modules in engineering science and professional studies. They will also select from a range of optional modules that cover advanced engineering science, business, and engineering design. The MEng students undertake a selection of compulsory modules in engineering science, manufacture and design. All students undertake a major individual project in Stage 3.

Stage 4

The main focus of Stage 4 is the team project and associated professional studies module. Students, working within teams, will conceive, design, build and test a product, while also developing a business plan for the establishment of a hypothetical company to market and sell the product. In addition to the project, students will select from a range of optional modules in advanced engineering topics.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

MEng

• A-level AAB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology or Further Mathematics.Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
• BTEC Extended Diploma A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.

Option to Transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 1.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Accreditation

Both the BEng and MEng degrees are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The BEng degree fulfils the educational requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The MEng degree fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).