BEng (Honours) Engineering (Mechanical)

Attendance

Part-time

Part-time – typically four years

At a glance

About this course

Mechanical engineering is the classic subject sponsoring companies often specify they want. It is one of the most popular engineering subjects and provides many opportunities across industry.

Mechanical engineering is the broadest of the engineering disciplines providing a strong foundation in mathematics, followed by in depth education in the engineering sciences of
• materials
• mechanics
• thermodynamics
• fluids engineering
• dynamics
• control

This course emphasises both analysis and design while accompanying laboratory courses give you hands on experiences. Computer applications are developed throughout the programme.

You explore technologies such as computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided-manufacture (CAM) and learn how to manage the process, using software such as ProEngineer. Coursework allows you to create your own designs, test them using computer simulations and build prototype products.

You also
• learn about the impact on manufacture of CAD and CAM by exploring manufacturing processes and systems
• gain knowledge about the latest materials technology
• learn how to select and specify materials
• build professional development skills including communication, team working and leadership

You develop a strong theoretical and practical base in subjects such as engineering drawing, computing and workshop practice and the principles of mechanics and engineering systems. Engineers need to know how products will perform when in use. We teach this in our mechanical testing unit where you explore the principles of destructive testing.

We bring your studies together in a final year project. You decide the theme of your project, and can cover any area you want. Typical projects include
• designing and developing industrial vehicle seats
• developing and testing a tyre test rig
• investigating the quality of fibre optic cables

Our mechanical testing unit
In our test laboratory, you might place a product such as a golf club on a test rig. The rig applies known forces on the golf club, which create the stresses similar to those encountered as the club hits a ball.

Sensors measure the location and severity of the forces the encountered as the club is used. You learn how to model the results in a CAD programme, creating an animated drawing of the test results. If you redesign the golf club in CAD, the test can be reapplied, instantly showing you how your changed design will perform in real life.

There is also a full-time version of this course available.

Associated careers

Mechanical engineers are found in all industries from transport, communications, raw materials, and power supply to aerospace, brewing, mechanical equipment and pollution control.

Employment opportunities are available for participation in • mechanical design • systems design • equipment development • manufacturing • CAD/CAM • project engineering • production management • applied research • sales and service

Your career could take you into areas such as product design, development and testing or working as part of a team of design engineers. You might also find yourself working as a production engineer. Production engineers are organisers and planners, usually working with state of the art, flexible manufacturing and computer-controlled facilities.

Professional recognition

The course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology and is the first step to becoming an incorporated engineer. This accreditation meets the academic requirements for you to register with the Engineering Council as an incorporated engineer after you graduate. You must also have completed the whole course with us.

Course content

Year one modules

• thermo and fluid dynamics • engineering mechanics • industrial studies • automated manufacturing • project

Year two modules

• engineering design • instrumentation and control • computing • professional development and project • power hydraulics

Year three modules

• quantitative engineering analysis • structural integrity and engineering dynamics • business systems • quality management • materials

Year four modules

• finite element analysis • advanced engineering design • mechanical engineering design project • industrial energy management

Assessment

Coursework and an end-of-module examination, or by assignment work alone

Entry requirements

On entering level one you must be at least 20 years of age and hold an HNC with a minimum of five merit passes at higher level in mathematics, mechanical or manufacturing engineering and engineering principles. Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable.

Applicants are normally interviewed before being offered a place on the course.

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of at least 6.0.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £4,500 a year

How to apply

Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Contact details

Contact Engineering, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, phone +44 (0)114 225 3409, fax +44 (0)114 225 3433, email aces-reception@shu.ac.uk

For an informal discussion contact Mark Thompson, on +44 (0)114 225 6867.