BEng (Honours) Mechanical Engineering
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time
UCAS code • H300
This course is subject to reapproval
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Engineering
By adding to My Courses you can compare courses and create a personalised prospectus.
View a 360 degree tour of our precision workshop.
View profiles of students on this course
Watch a video of Mark Thompson, head of undergraduate recruitment for engineering, talking about our engineering courses.
Read about SHU Racing and our formula racing team.
Watch a video about our formula student racing car and the benefits of being involved in the team.
Find out about our engineering teaching team.
Find out about Creative Spark, our annual graduate showcase of final year students' work, and Brightest Spark, an exhibition featuring projects completed by our elite students.
Sheffield Hallam University has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award for its innovative work in engaging with regional and national employers. Find out more.
Our Digital Design Centre can print medium to large format high quality outputs on a range of different media. The laboratories have software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
At a glance
Benefit from excellent facilities on a well established course with strong industrial links. In your third year, take the opportunity to significantly improve your career prospects with a paid placement with industry partners that include Rolls-Royce and Unilever, earning up to £18,000.
Key points
• Benefit from excellent facilities including structural integrity and thermofluids lab, robotics labs and a flight simulator.
• Earn up to £18,000 in a paid one-year placement with multinationals like Rolls-Royce, Unilever and Airbus.
• Learn advanced computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tools and techniques which are in increasingly high demand by industry.
• Take the first step towards Chartered Engineer status.
What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering involves • designing • developing • installing • operating • maintaining almost all objects with moveable parts. Most man-made items involve mechanical engineers during their development and manufacture.
It is a diverse and exciting engineering discipline and covers many areas of our everyday lives. It provides many career opportunities in a climate of rapidly changing technologies and industrial practices.
This course
You gain the specialist academic knowledge and complementary professional and personal skills needed to work in the mechanical engineering industry or specialise in research and development.
You develop your intellectual skills to analyse and solve mechanical engineering problems, and to design creative and innovative products and devices using modern technology. We also introduce you to the business and economic world in which commercial engineering enterprises work.
During this course, you use all of the industry standard tools and equipment needed to ensure that you’re ready for industry. You have access to a wide range of hardware and equipment, including computer-aided design (CAD) software such as ProEngineer, and analysis software such as Fluent, Abacus and Matlab.
Other specialist facilities include
• rapid prototyping equipment to create accurate prototypes of product designs from CAD-generated information and a 5-axis machining centre which completes the CAD/CAM cycle
• a robotics laboratory to study computer-controlled manufacturing equipment
• an automotive workshop for engine testing
• a wind tunnel for thermofluids studies/research
• a flight simulator
Once you have learnt skills and tested your ideas on campus you can take a one-year paid work placement in year three. Previous students have taken industrial placements at companies such as • McLaren Racing Limited • Bosch Thermotechnology • Rolls-Royce • BMW • EDF Energy • Agusta Westland • Pirelli Tyres Limited • Cummins Turbo Technologies • Airbus UK • Lockheed Martin.
Placements allow you to apply your learning, develop new and existing skills, and increase your industry knowledge and experience, making you more attractive to potential employers. Typical salaries are £12,000-£18,000.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • engineering materials and manufacturing processes • computer-aided design and manufacture • fracture mechanics • computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer • finite element analysis • dynamics and control.
Find out more about BEng (Honours) Mechanical Engineering
Related courses
- BEng (Honours) Automotive Engineering (Full-time)
- BEng (Honours) Engineering (Mechanical) (Full-time)
- BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology (Full-time)
- BEng (Honours) Energy Engineering (Full-time)
- MEng Mechanical Engineering (Full-time)
- BSc (Honours) Mathematics (Full-time)
- BEng (Honours) Materials Engineering (Full-time)
- MEng Food Engineering (Full-time)
You apply for this course through UCAS.
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of professional bodies is included in the course fee.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• coursework • project • examinations
Find out about work placements and how we can support your placement experience.
Optional year-long work placements are normally gained by competitive interview and are not a guaranteed part of a course.
Subject to continuing accreditation, this course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. It counts as the first step towards chartered engineer (CEng) status. Graduates can apply for chartered engineer status after an additional postgraduate course such as a one year MSc.
Key Information Set 
Engineering precision workshop
The workshop is supported by technicians who are there to provide you with help and guidance. You can use the facilities for individual projects outside timetabled classes.
Jonathan Barker
BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Computer-aided Engineering, 2010 graduate, speaking in 2009
'I chose Sheffield as it was the closest major city to my home town of Barnsley. Sheffield has a strong engineering industry including the only surviving stainless steel meltshop in the UK. I chose to study at Sheffield Hallam for its reputation of producing some of the country’s best engineering graduates. It offers more practical engineering courses that not only suited me better but also increased the chances of employment after my degree.
'I chose my course because I have a keen interest in mechanical engineering but I also like to work in design and computer modelling, so this course was perfect for me. It has proven to be a very enriching and enjoyable course.
'My target was to graduate from Sheffield Hallam with a degree relevant to the current demand for engineers in the UK, and to build on the courses' accreditation to gain chartered engineering status once in industry.
'The facilities at Sheffield Hallam rarely differ to what you will find in today’s engineering industry. The software is up to date and the range available means you will no doubt have already used the software you find yourself with when you enter the industry, both as a placement student and as a graduate engineer. This too applies to the methods of work, report writing and even the lab sessions.
'One of my second year modules involved looking at the various compositions and manufacturing methods of stainless steel. The work was very in depth but also practical and usable. This came in very handy when I applied to Outokumpu Stainless for a placement as a mechanical engineer at their Sheffield works.
'When using the facilities and software there was always someone around to help. The various CAD, lab and machine shop technicians are plentiful and so encouraging to see you and your work develop on the right track.
'After completing a year's placement with Outokumpu Stainless, I returned to Sheffield Hallam University ready for my final year. The modules in the final year involved a great deal of work and called upon the experiences I gained on placement. I particularly enjoyed the engineering design module as it allowed me to be creative with my work but also to put into use the practical knowledge of machine design and regulations from working in a real engineering environment.
'A major component of the fourth year was the final project. We were encouraged to formulate and develop our own project with a great deal of support from the staff, especially from our project mentor. My final project involved the design of a mechanism for linking two Unmanned Aircraft (UAVs) mid-flight. After completing my exams, I graduated with a 2:1 class honours degree.
'Shortly after graduating, I took up the post of proposals engineer at Clyde Process Ltd in Doncaster. Clyde Process Ltd provides pneumatic conveying and filtration for a whole range of applications including the metals and minerals industry. The role of proposals engineer involves the sales and application of dome valves, a specialist materials handling valve for use in pneumatic conveying systems.
'My mechanical engineering degree course together with the hands-on practical experience gained in heavy industry whilst on placement gave me the edge over other applicants for my current role. I'm now working towards my Chartered Engineering accreditation with the IMechE. Thanks to the experience gained during my placement, I hope to achieve professional registration within three years of graduating from Sheffield Hallam University.'
Adam Kelsey
BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Computer-aided Engineering
`The most appealing thing about Sheffield Hallam was the range of part time courses. The course I chose had modules that fitted in well with what I do at Group Rhodes.
I chose to study part time so that I can gain more experience whilst learning. Most of the time, when in lectures, I can relate the topic in question to something I have worked on, or seen in the industry.
My study has improved my prospects as it puts me one step closer to reaching chartered status, as the course is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHe).
In 2011 I won the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) Young Engineer of the Year award. I have also been awarded an AMTRI scholarship to fund my postgraduate education. The award money I receive will most likely fund the MEng Mechanical Engineering course which I hope to progress onto once I have completed my course.'
Emily Ford
Final year student
'At a young age I wanted to be an inventor. I loved numbers, building things and finding out how things work and how they are used. I developed a keen interest in computers, electrical and mechanical systems. This has continued throughout my education together with a developing interest in maths, physics and businesses, how they operate, are administered and managed. I decided that a career in mechanical engineering would provide the opportunity to pursue and apply these diverse and varied principles.
'For my placement, I spent a year at EDF Energy’s Sizewell B power station in Suffolk. I worked in the design engineering department engineering and preparing proposals to justify the replacement of obsolete and redundant plants as well as being involved in the execution of plant modifications and improvements.
'My course prepared me for my placement by providing me with both theoretical and practical skills that I could apply whilst on placement. The Professional Experience and Employability Unit (PEEU) team were also very proactive at providing support and advice to help me sell my skills and gain a placement.
'Undertaking a placement motivated me to work harder in my final year and provided me with a better understanding of what I wanted to do when I finished university. It also provided me with valuable work experience needed to gain employment after my studies. As a result of my placement year I was offered a graduate position with EDF Energy and sponsorship to help out with costs for my final year.
'Whilst on placement I was awarded a travel award worth £500 from the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire and the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers. This gave me the opportunity to attend an institute organised trip to France where I visited the Areva nuclear fuel reprocessing plant and the new station being constructed at Flamanville.
'The trip gave me the opportunity to network with likeminded people from different companies in the nuclear industry. It has left me with a better understanding of the obstacles facing the nuclear industry and the fuel cycle, and how reprocessing fits in to waste reduction and sustainability. It has also given me an appreciation of large scale engineering projects and the logistics involved. I also had the chance to see first-hand new and improved technologies being used in an innovative way.
'After university I will be taking up a position on EDF Energy’s Nuclear graduate scheme. After this programme, I would like to undertake part-time study on a postgraduate course relating to power systems engineering and the nuclear industry, fulfilling the further work requirement for my chartership through the IMechE. In the future I would like to work abroad to further my understanding of engineering and how it is used in different cultures.
'I would advise prospective students to get involved in as much as possible early on whilst at university, including outreach, fundraising, and societies such as Engineers Without Borders, as this adds something extra to your CV as well as helping them to meet new people. I would also advise them to get to know the teaching staff and utilise their skills as they are always happy to help if you ask the right questions.'
Profiles
Jonathan Barker
BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Computer-aided Engineering, 2010 graduate, speaking in 2009
Adam Kelsey
BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Computer-aided Engineering
Emily Ford
Final year student
About our courses (1:19)
Mark Thompson, head of undergraduate recruitment for engineering, talks about studying engineering courses at Sheffield Hallam. Mark covers topics including employability, practical-skills building, specialist facilities and student support.
SHU Racing
SHU Racing 2011 team
Students from almost every engineering and technology course make up our SHU Racing team. If you feel you have the enthusiasm and dedication to work on an exciting motorsport project from start to finish, then you could be an ideal team member.
SHU Racing develops your personal and technical skills. It gives you valuable business experience as the outcome relies on the performance of every team member.
You work on every part of the project including • design • manufacture • business • liaising with sponsors. This experience increases your value to all types of engineering companies when you graduate.
You design, build and test the car with a view to competing in the Formula Student event at Silverstone.
The Formula Student competition, which is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, aims to inspire and develop young engineers. Universities from across the globe are challenged to design and build a single-seat racing car which is judged for its racing performance, design and the strength of the teams' business models.
Cars are judged by a panel of experts from the field of automotive engineering. The competition is backed by Ross Brawn OBE, who has worked for a number of Formula One teams, serving as the technical director of the championship-winning Benetton and Ferrari teams.
SHU Racing and the Formula Student project is a popular choice for many of our students as a final year project. It also forms an integral part of the BSc (Honours) Automotive Design Technology.
Formula student (2:02)
Watch a video about the benefits of being involved in the SHU Formula student racing team.
Previous SHU Racing team members have gone on to work for Formula 1 racing teams.
Download a transcript of this video.
Dr Andy Young
Principal lecturer
On leaving school I became a craft apprentice in a defence company manufacturing naval artillery, where I was trained as a precision miller-turner-fitter. In 1989 I was awarded a Whitworth Scholarship from the IMechE to encourage practical engineers to seek higher education, which led to my enrolment on a Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree at The University of Leeds.
In my first year I transferred onto mechanical engineering to get a more general education, and by the third year I developed an interest in computer modelling of how fluids behave. I was awarded prizes from the IMechE and Sun Microcomputers for project work, a Parkinson scholarship for continued study from the University, and sponsorship from International Paper to embark on a PhD research degree into thin film generation for the printing industry.
I was then employed as a Research Fellow in the Industrial Coating Research Group, where I focused on the transference of academic research to industrial problems, working with companies such as Kodak, 3M, and Ilford.
I moved to a leading industrial consultancy company called Fluent in 1998, and became focused on thermo-fluids and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). I worked in materials processing industries, helping manufacturers apply technology to understand how to make better glass, polymer, and metals products.
In 2005 I began teaching engineering fundamentals and their industrial applications to students. I joined engineering at Sheffield Hallam leading the teaching for thermo-fluids and CFD, and supervising PhD students.
In 2009 I recognised an opportunity to start-up a new venture in the University called Hallam Energy which works directly with industry to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions by the application of technology.
Dr Qinling Li
Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids
I am a senior lecturer in thermo-fluids. I am interested in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology and applications. Before moving to Sheffield Hallam, I was a research associate in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge.
I also spent part time in the CFD Lab, which is part of the Acoustics, Fluid Mechanics, Turbomachinery and Thermodynamics Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge.
From 2003-2006, I worked as a research associate in the Aeronautical and Automatics Engineering Department, Loughborough University.
I studied for a PhD degree in the Aerodynamic Flight Mechanics Research Group, Southampton University, in 2003. And I obtained my first and master degrees, and used to be a lecture at Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.
Research interests
• fundamentals of turbulence
• direct numerical simulation (DNS) of compressibility effects in wall-bounded channel flow
• large eddy simulation (LES) of fan/outlet guide vane (OGV) broadband noise prediction
• les for short take-off and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL)
• turbine blade cooling
• biomechanical
• fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
Chris Short
Principal lecturer
I trained as an apprentice engineer in the hand tools industry, during which time I completed a degree in mechanical and production engineering.
After graduating I worked in the design departments of a number of companies designing special purpose machine tools before beginning a postgraduate teaching qualification. I subsequently taught a range of engineering subjects in the further education sector for eight years before joining Sheffield Hallam in 1990.
My role is a Portfolio Director with responsibility for all the BSc technology degrees, and I teach on several design modules at all years of the courses.
I am a chartered mechanical engineer and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
My areas of interest and research are design, design management, the implementation of new technology and engineering education. I have completed a range of research and consultancy work with companies implementing new technology or developing new products and have written around 30 publications.
The most recent development in my portfolio has been the addition of an aerospace technology degree and this has proved very exciting for me.
Dr Mark Thompson
Principal lecturer
I gained an upper second degree in BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Humberside University in1994.
I then studied for a PhD at York University, applying artificial intelligence techniques to the control of antenna systems, resulting in the development of a software package and the publication of a number of international papers.
After gaining my doctorate in 1997, I worked as a research associate for a number of years, first at Hull University, developing fault monitoring and diagnosis systems. I then worked at the University of Sheffield developing an artificial intelligent control system for a chemical processing plant. In 2000 I became a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam.
I am currently head of undergraduate admissions for engineering and have designed courses for a number employers including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Kimberly-Clark in collaboration with Derby College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and North Lindsey College. This has helped to ensure that our courses are relevant to the needs of industry.
David Legge
Senior lecturer, engineering and mathematics
I am a senior lecturer in the engineering design subject group. I am a time served engineer with professional experience in design, manufacturing, logistics and organisational development.
I teach on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, with a bias towards design and manufacture. I am particularly keen on developing the formal and informal formative experiences of undergraduate engineers; especially within the aerospace degrees, which are a relatively new group of degrees at Sheffield Hallam. I feel well placed to do this as I am a qualified gliding instructor and own my own glider.
My education was in manufacturing systems engineering. I also have a postgraduate degree (Technical Licentiate) from Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. This was for research into off-line programming of coordinate measuring machines (CMM's) and standards for data transfer between CMM's and computer aided design (CAD) software.
My previous academic role was as a senior lecturer in the Department of Manufacturing Development at Lulea University of Technology (LTU). For the last few years I have been a freelance consultant in logistics and LEAN. I divide my time between Sweden, where I have lived for the past 20 years, and the UK.
I have some 20 research publications to my name. Areas in which I have carried out research or have particular skills include CAD/CAM, CNC machining, metal cutting, metrology, robotics, organisational development, LEAN, workspace design and pedagogy.
Dr Karen Vernon-Parry
Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering
Phone 0114 225 4852
E-mail k.vernon-parry@shu.ac.uk
I studied materials science at Oxford University, and also completed my DPhil there, which was on the microstructure and properties of superconducting thin films. After a post-doctoral position at Oxford, I moved to the University of Manchester and then to UMIST. In 2004 I came to Sheffield Hallam University, becoming a senior lecturer in 2006. I have been course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering (prep year) since January 2009.
I am interested in the correlation between the structure and the physical properties of materials at the atomic scale. In the past 10 years this has concentrated on the development and evolution of process-induced defects in semiconductors, initially ion implantation damage in silicon and silicon-germanium alloys, and more recently defects such as grain boundaries in multicrystalline semiconducting diamond. Such studies are in support of electronic device development. I also collaborate with the electroceramics group at Manchester University to investigate the role of specific dopant species in varistor formulations.
I have recently become involved in a multi-disciplinary research program developing 'intelligent' materials, particularly for healthcare applications.
I am a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College and am a Member of the Institute of Physics
Profiles
Dr Andy Young
Principal lecturer
Dr Qinling Li
Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids
Chris Short
Principal lecturer
Dr Mark Thompson
Principal lecturer
David Legge
Senior lecturer, engineering and mathematics
Dr Karen Vernon-Parry
Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering
Spark - be creative
Subjects included are • animation • architecture • computers • creative writing • digital media production • engineering • fashion design • film and visual effects • film and media production • fine art • furniture and product design • games design • graphic design • interior design • jewellery and metalwork • performing arts • photography • product design.
Creative Spark
Creative Spark is an annual showcase of student work and celebrates the innovation, creativity and imagination of our most talented graduates. Creative Spark is hosted across four university venues • Owen • Cantor • Sheaf • Arundel Gate Court and S1 in the city centre.
For further information visit the Creative Spark website.
Brightest Spark
Brightest Spark is an exhibition housed in the SIA Gallery and Cantor building. This exhibition features the elite students in each Sheffield of Institute of Arts course as chosen by industry professionals.
For further information visit the Brightest Spark website.
Project Spark
Sheffield Hallam students have the opportunity to play a key role in the promotion of the Creative Spark and Brightest Spark exhibitions by submitting entries for Project Spark. The 2012 competitions included • concept design • branding and wayfinding • creative writing • image • brightest spark logo and branding.
For further information visit the Project Spark website.
University recognised for its links with industry
Sheffield Hallam University were shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award for its "innovative" work in engaging with regional and national employers.
The University was nominated in the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative category for its work delivering flexible engineering education, which has been recognised as a "strategic and innovative approach to delivering employers’ workforce development needs."
Through its "engineering hub", the University works with industrial partners such as Rolls-Royce, Kimberly-Clark and Severn Trent Water to offer their employees the chance to study while they work.
Employees can study on the University's Integrated Engineering course, which has four specialist engineering routes and leads to professional accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Technology.
Delivery of the courses is completely flexible allowing for staff development that suits business requirements.
Gary Herbert, a mechanical technician for Kimberly-Clark, has been studying for a foundation degree at the University, which offers him the flexibility to learn with ten days' study time over the academic year.
He said: "I have been working in my technician role for the last 12 years. This opportunity to study through Sheffield Hallam University gives me a chance to consolidate the knowledge I have acquired through my role within Kimberly-Clark alongside a more academic route."
Rolls-Royce has worked with the University to support the development of its young engineers.
Chris Keane, from Rolls-Royce's UK apprentice development team, said: "The foundation degree has provided an excellent framework in which to develop Rolls-Royce's engineers of the future. The students are able to develop their knowledge and qualifications quickly, whilst continuing to contribute to the company."
Martin Howarth, head of the engineering and mathematics department at the University, said: "We identified the need for greater flexibility in both course content and delivery in order to meet the needs of both employers and their staff.
"Our flexible approach means employers can choose how and when their staff access learning, as well as contribute to the course content.
"This ensures we are providing consistent, relevant education and making a key contribution to the development of engineers in the United Kingdom."
The Digital Design Centre
The Digital Design Centre comprises a suite of 6 IT laboratories (4 PC and 2 MAC) together with the Print Output room, an area for printing medium to large format high quality output on a range of different media. The laboratories have a wide range of software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications.
The Digital Design Centre runs a high quality computer printing facility and has the ability to print sizes between A4 and A0 and wide format banners. A3, A2, A1, A0 and Banner photo quality printing is available on a range of papers, as well as AutoCAD type plans ( B & W ) on standard paper.
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.
