Mechanical Engineering
A comprehensive guide to studying Mechanical Engineering at university.
- - "Short contact hours so we have a lot of time to socialise and for extra-curriculars" - Alicia, 1st year *MEng Engineering Science, Oxford*
- - "It is really cool how I get to pick a final year project that I am interested in (machine learning project) despite having almost zero experience in it and with no formal teaching on that subject matter" - Paula, *MEng Mechanical Engineering* graduate*, Imperial*
- - "It allows you to find out what you really like and don’t like" - Sim, *MEng Mechanical Engineering* graduate*, UCL*
- - "Material is really crammed due to our shorter contact hours" - Alicia, 1st year *MEng Engineering Science, Oxford*
- - "I wish they formally taught us how to use Python or C++ instead of MATLAB" - Shu, 2nd year *MEng Mechanical Engineering, Imperial*
- - "Honestly I can learn a lot more from youtube videos" - Sim, *MEng Mechanical Engineering* graduate*, Imperial*
Studying Mechanical Engineering involves a blend of theory and practical application. You'll delve into subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and robotics. Lectures and seminars provide the theoretical foundation, while lab sessions and projects offer hands-on experience.
You'll develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management. Expect group projects and individual assignments, often with real-world applications. The course typically includes a final-year project where you'll work on a research or industry-related problem.
Mechanical Engineering degrees in the UK are usually accredited by professional bodies, like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ensuring they meet industry standards. This accreditation can enhance employability and provide a pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer. Overall, the program prepares you for a range of careers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.
Many engineering students do not end up in engineering roles, which is totally fine! There are a lot of transferable skills like problem solving, teamwork, and coding that are highly sought after by employers.
With the fundamentals of programming that we learn at university, many students go into software engineering 🖥, data analytics 📈, and quantitative roles at investment banks 💸 or hedge funds.
Top employment destinations include:
Engineering
- Rolls Royce
- Tesla
- Amazon
Finance/Investment Bank
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
- JP Morgan
- Bank of America
Management Consulting
- Mckinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group
- Bain