Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A029
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
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Course summary
- Become a professional mechanical engineer from day one.
- Apply your skills by completing industry-linked projects and placements.
- Develop the techniques to design, analyse, simulate and test mechanical systems.
- Create engineering solutions for the optimal performance of mechanical systems.
- Enhance your versatility with multidisciplinary insights into mechanical engineering.
- Prepare for the full degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
This course prepares you for diverse engineering roles – with a practice-based approach to mechanical science, design, systems, engineering practice, materials, and manufacture. You’ll emerge as a highly-skilled graduate – ready to provide optimal and sustainable solutions to future problems across the industry.
This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BEng Mechanical Engineering course or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.
How you learn
This course is designed for you to gain experience as a professional engineer from day one, developing technical and professional skills from the very start. The multidisciplinary nature of mechanical engineering means you’ll work collaboratively with professionals from other engineering disciplines, further enhancing your versatility in the field.
You’ll engage in a variety of learning activities as you progress through the course.The balance of these activities changes at each level of study to encourage you to become increasingly independent learners, developing the ability to take the initiative, plan, organise and complete programmes of work – as an individual, a leader and a member of a team.
You learn through:
- Diverse lectures emphasising peer collaboration.
- Tutorials to practise and apply your knowledge ahead of assessments.
- Hands-on lab experience including computational modelling and simulation.
- Q&A and discussions for self-assessment and understanding.
- Support sessions for receiving feedback and preparing for assessments.
- Teamwork activities for collaboration in an innovative environment.
- Project-based learning to apply knowledge, creativity, design, critical analysis and professional skills to real-world projects.
Course topics
The course adopts an applied problem-based and research-informed approach, and is based on core subject areas. These include mechanical engineering design, solid mechanics, dynamics, thermofluids, engineering practice, materials, manufacturing and engineering mathematics.
As you advance in the course, the modules will focus on applying mechanical engineering principles to real-world industrial challenges – emphasising the strength of mechanical systems through design and advanced computational engineering tools.
Your final-year project is your chance to demonstrate independent learning and establish a foundation for your future career.
Course support
Throughout the course, feedback is provided through various channels, enabling crucial reflection and action for your continued learning.
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment. This includes:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars, and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments.
- The Engineering Café, a weekly drop-in session where you can ask questions and get advice from academics.
- A dedicated Maths and Stats Support drop-in session that runs twice a week
- Support sessions where you receive advice and feedback.
Course leaders and tutors
Tim Spencer
Research FellowTim's research at MERI involves the application of theory and simulation techniques for the predictive modelling of real life systems that involve fluids.
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
While you’re on placement you’ll develop and apply your skills – from mechanical design to manufacturing, the strength of mechanical components, and from the production to the backend design of mechanical systems.
Previous students have worked at organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus UK, Bentley Motors, Lockheed Martin, BMW Manufacturing and McLaren Racing Limited.Placement years involve an application process to secure your position, which your tutors and our Careers and Employability Team will support you with.
Live projects
You’ll gain experience of live projects at every level of the course. Projects range from hands-on lab sessions run by external organisations to practical group projects where you’ll present your findings to our industrial partners.
Previous students have worked on real projects like designing a removable connecting system for poured concrete at Build-Lite UK, as well as evaluating the suitability of polystyrene for their materials recycling. They’ve also explored methods to catch and sort number plates using flowstore at Jepson & Co Ltd. And they’ve worked to solve a manufacturing challenge alongside process engineers at the McLaren Composite Technology Centre (MCTC).
Networking opportunities
Throughout the course there are numerous opportunities for you to engage with career management, career fairs and workshops, employer presentations, visits and professional advisers.
We also arrange on-campus guest lectures and seminars from local employers and relevant professional bodies – such as the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) – plus world-class researchers in mechanical engineering science.
Field trips
You’ll have chances to visit leading engineering companies and local museums, exploring real engineering settings and learning about their operations.
Competitions
We encourage you to get involved in the SHU Racing Team, where you can apply your skills and knowledge to build, test and design race cars – as well as taking part in racing against other universities at Silverstone.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Mechanical design
- Mechanical system/structural analysis
- Energy/power
- Renewable energy systems
- Manufacturing and production
- Automotive industry
- Aerospace industry
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- AgustaWestland
- Airbus UK
- Bentley Motors
- Bosch
- JCB
- Lockheed Martin
- Pirelli Tyres Ltd Carlisle
- Rolls-Royce
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core
- A combination of qualifications, which may include a maximum of one AS level, EPQ and general studies
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
- Science at grade C or 4
*GCSE Equivalents
- Level 2 Literacy or Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Level 2 Numeracy or Functional Skills Level 2 Maths
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have no formal qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Learn more about your department
As part of SHU Racing you can design and build a car, then race against other universities at Silverstone. Team Principal Max Vollans talks about what's involved.
Equipment and facilities
You’ll have access to a wide range of hardware and equipment, including Computer-aided design (CAD) software such as SolidWorks to create accurate prototypes of product designs – plus analysis software such as Fluent, Abaqus, Ansys and Matlab.
You’ll study and develop your skills in 11,500 square feet of cutting-edge teaching space, laboratories and workshops, with facilities including:
- Industry-standard software and tools
- Finite Element Analysis software
- Computational Fluid Dynamics software
- Engineering laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
- Wind tunnels
- Laser scanning
- A flight simulator
- Rapid prototyping equipment
- A robotics and automation laboratory
- An automotive workshop for engine testing
- A structural integrity laboratory
- A materials testing laboratory
- Manufacturing workshops
360 tour - engineering facilities
Media Gallery
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module supports and broadens your learning through practical experiments and application of mathematical knowledge. As an engineer or mathematician you’ll need to develop a variety of experimental and transferable skills as part of your education and ongoing professional development.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Mechanical laboratory experiments
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Electrical and electronic practical work and skills
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Mathematical case studies with real-world problems
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Town planning and traffic management
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Monitoring natural phenomena
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How to design experiments
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How to deal with experimental errors
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Scientific writing
This module introduces you to core topics in science, physics and mathematics. You’ll develop an awareness of mathematics contexts and your ability to apply mathematics appropriately.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Numbers and order of operations
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Algebra, mathematical functions and solving simple equations
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Geometry including trigonometry of right-angled triangles
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Vector addition and resolution
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Technology for calculations and plot graphs
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Ohm's Law and capacitance
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LR, CR and LCR circuits
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AC theory
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SI units and motion in a straight line (rectilinear)
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Forces, friction and equilibrium
This module consolidates your previous learning, developing further essential skills in science, physics and mathematics. You’ll study mathematical, electrical and mechanical areas of the subject with a structured approach to problem solving.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Functions and product, quotient, chain rules, gradients, min/max problems
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Integration by function, parts, substitution and integrals
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Velocity and acceleration problems
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Trigonometric graphs, equations and sine/cosine rules
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Logarithmic and exponential functions and graphs
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Inverse and simultaneous equations using matrices
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Electronics for measurement, diodes, power supplies and sensors
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Op amps, analogue to digital converters and microcontrollers
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Circular motion, work, energy, power and simple harmonic motion
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Specific and latent heat, changes of state, expansion/contraction
This module studies the physical and chemical principles underpinning materials science, introducing the structure, processing and characteristics of engineering materials. You’ll explore different manufacturing techniques, associated equipment and tooling, while developing your presentation and information skills.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Atomic and electronic structure of atoms
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Chemical reactivity and electronic structure
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Ionic bonding, crystals, compounds and covalent bonding
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Characteristics and examples of organic compounds
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Metallic bonding and conservation of mass in chemical reactions
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Metals, organic polymers, ceramics and composites
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Health, safety and solidification processes
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Hot and cold metal working processes
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Ceramic and polymer processing
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Machining processes
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This module introduces the structured design process used to create engineering products. This will be supplemented by learning how to create reliable, professional 3D CAD models.
You will study topics such as:
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The principles of Mechanical Engineering Design methods (a structured design process)
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Specification of Engineering elements supported by underpinning strength calculations
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3D CAD modelling techniques using best practice to instil design intent
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Robust 3D CAD solid model generation
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Bottom up assembly modelling
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Orthographic projection drawings
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CAD file management
This work experience module aims to develop key knowledge and skills necessary to operate within an industrial engineering environment through two industrially inspired, applied projects. In addition to developing and practising important industrial and professional skills such as communication and project management, you will reflect on your knowledge acquisition and performance to develop a continued professional development (CPD) plan and create a CV ready for future placement and graduate job applications.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Management of projects
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Management of engineering risk
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Technical report writing
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Practical workshop skills
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Planning and recording continued professional development
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Job applications and CV creation
This module will introduce the study of the motion of solid bodies under the action of forces (Dynamics). You will study and apply engineering principles and concepts related to motion both in a straight line and in a curved path. In this module, you will also learn the basic principles of Thermodynamics, the branch of engineering science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy. You will further develop your mathematical knowledge together with laboratory, computational and analytical skills. Additionally, it will introduce you to a range of traditional and modern manufacturing processes at a preliminary level.
You will study topics such as:
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Newton's Laws of Motion
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First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics
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Combustion and heat engine cycles
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MATLAB and its application
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Primary and secondary manufacturing processes
This module introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of engineering sciences related to the behaviour and motion of solids and fluids that are subjected to forces. You will develop knowledge of maths topics and the mathematical skills required to analyse and solve simple engineering problems. Additionally, you will learn about engineering materials and their key characteristics. You will be supported in developing practical laboratory skills and the ability to write effective technical reports.
You will study topics such as:
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Forces, moments, static equilibrium
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Stresses, strains and mechanical behaviour of engineering materials
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Properties of liquids and gasses, fluid statics
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Elementary fluid dynamics and fluid flow
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Arithmetic and algebra, introduction to calculus
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Types and properties of engineering materials and applications
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module, through an applied project, will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop engineering solutions that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs.
Students learn to apply an integrated or systems approach to complex problems, evaluate environmental and societal impacts, identify and analyse ethical concerns, and adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice.
Indicative content:
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Identifying, understanding and defining the problem
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Identifying system goals and constraints
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Gain an appreciation of processor based system, sensors and programming.
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Developing a solution that meets the system's goals and constraints
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Evaluating the solution
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Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts, while reflecting upon their career aspirations.
This module builds upon concepts and practical approaches introduced at level 4 and will prepare you for sandwich placement and for level 6 project.
Module Aim:
This module aims to enhance knowledge on advanced concepts of dynamics and thermodynamics in the design and analysis of mechanical engineering components and systems as well as to build up the prerequisite knowledge and develop you to apply your knowledge for practical problems.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Plane kinematics of rigid bodies
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Vibration and time response
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Gyroscopic motion
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Gas turbine and stream cycle
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Heat pumps and refrigeration
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Heat exchanger types
This module is designed to strengthen your knowledge of the mechanics of solids and fluids gained during the first year and demonstrate its application to real engineering applications and systems. Additionally, it introduces control systems engineering, where you will practice applying control theory to the design of equipment. To support your learning, advanced maths topics and simulation software are introduced.
You will study topics such as:
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Stresses and strains in 3D
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Mechanisms of structural failure
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Mechanisms of heat transfer and heat exchangers
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Matrix algebra and numerical methods
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Closed-loop feedback control systems
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Design and simulation using MATLAB and SIMULINK
Module aim:
This module will detail the purpose and specific application of key machine elements and mechanisms. Underpinning maths and engineering principles will be applied to determine the forces experienced by each component, which will be sized accordingly. The principles will be applied in the context of designing a typical engineering artefact.
You will study topics such as:
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A structured design approach
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CAD software package used to produce layout sketches to test design ideas
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Use Standards
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Develop free body diagrams
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Calculate forces associated with components in a design
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Balance of forces and power
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Different types of power transmission
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Select appropriate components for a design
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Use CAD modelling package
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Year 4
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting.
The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module builds on the science, mathematics and mechanical engineering principles threads running through the course. It aims to enable you to apply advanced engineering calculations and simulation techniques to support the design and analysis of complex, real-world engineering systems. This will involve using the numerical tools of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). In the process, you will develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as general mechanical engineering competence.
You will study topics such as:
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Thermal and fluid machines and devices
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Turbomachinery design, applications, and performance optimisation
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Elastic-plastic structural analysis, fatigue, and fracture mechanics
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CFD modelling and simulation
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FEA modelling and simulation
Your individual final year project is the apex of your academic journey, offering a platform to apply the wealth of knowledge and skills gathered throughout your degree to real-world linked problems. This module requires your creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to navigate new material independently in whichever field you choose to specialise in.
This module allows you to:
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Undertake in-depth research in a topic of your choosing
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The opportunity to work alongside cutting-edge researchers
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Create a body of work that can support you into further study, or work in a field that interests you
Develop solid foundations for undertaking a self-managed academic research project. On this module you will develop the skills and understanding you will need to complete your dissertation project to the highest level. Through lectures, guided reading and one-to-one discussions with your project supervisor you will design a design a path through to successful completion of an extensive research project including developing the project management skills you will need to achieve this.
You’ll study topics such as
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The life cycle of a project
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Reviewing academic literature
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Quality management
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Project management techniques and tools
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Research ethics
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Intellectual property rights
Elective modules
Module Aim:
This module will develop theoretical and practical expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet-of-Things (IoT) allowing the student to acquire a range of data using embedded IoT technologies and analyse them using AI.
Module Delivery:
This module will be delivered via a mixture of lectures, seminars / tutorials, and laboratory sessions.
Indicative Content:
AI contents:
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Overview of AI and its role in solving engineering and scientific challenges.
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Machine learning fundamentals.
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Neural networks, deep learning, fuzzy systems, and evolutionary algorithms.
IoT contents:
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In system embedded communication protocols (such as serial buses).
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Embedded TCP-IP.
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IoT protocols.
This module builds on the embedded systems, and digital and communications technologies threads running through the course.
This module aims to develop your practical skills and knowledge in CAD CAM. Prior basic practical experience is expected in using a CAD system as the module's purpose is to further enhance your theoretically understanding and practical skills in CAD/CAM.
You will study topics such as:
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Configuration management
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Multi-body or top-down modelling and associated techniques
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CAD package to best communicate with technical and non-technical clients
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Advanced techniques to leverage the CAD software to make the modelling process more productive
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Machining strategies for e.g., 2.5 D milling, 3D milling / 4 axis Mill turning / 5 axis CNC machining
Module Aim:
The module will enable you to appreciate the nature and significance of strategic management principles and their application in a commercial context and introduces you to relevant concepts, theories, models and frameworks relating to developing strategic management thinking and understanding role of innovation and intrapreneurship/entrepreneurship.
You will study topic such as:
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Strategic development options and methods
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Evaluation of strategy
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Sources of innovation - how and why it occurs
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Innovation and entrepreneurship
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Management of the innovation process and diversity,
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Managing intellectual capital
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Managing strategic and organisational change
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Strategic leadership
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for School of Engineering and Built Environment (PDF, 142.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.