Mechanical Engineering | BEng (Hons)

Welcome to BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree at Lincoln aims to produce industry-ready graduates with product design and innovative sense who are highly-skilled, creative engineers able to adapt to new challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for modern society.

The curriculum aims to support students in bridging the gap between the University and professional work by developing skills that are required by industry. The programme offers condensed yet impactful modules that are designed to arm our students with knowledge, skills, and tools to maximise their opportunities to secure a great career.

Founded in collaboration with Siemens, the University of Lincoln's School of Engineering has a core philosophy of research-led teaching. Our innovative industrial collaborations have led to a range of workplace experience opportunities. The University is also one of a select group of Siemens' Global Principal Partners.

Strong links exist between our Mechanical and Electrical programmes, enabling our students to develop the strong cross-disciplinary focus necessary for the modern engineer, and an understanding of industry perspectives.

How You Study

The Mechanical Engineering programme utilises problem- and project-based learning. We aim to narrow the gap between employers' requirements and our graduates' skills to improve employability and help facilitate their transition from higher education to work.

The first year of the degree is designed to provide a foundation in engineering theory and practice. Students are supported in their development of important technical skills, such as computer-aided design and workshop skills. The second and third years offer a range of specialist modules. At each stage of the course, there are opportunities to practise and develop engineering skills on real-life problems through project work.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Computing and Programming for Engineers 2023-24EGR1013MLevel 42023-24Many sectors of engineering require high levels of computer literacy and the ability to write computer programs for problem solving is highly desirable. In learning the fundamentals of computer programming, logical thinking and problem solving, skills can be developed and coding techniques learnt, that can support the study of modules in forthcoming years. This course delivers the concepts of structured computer programming and lab time is allocated for implementing these concepts. Students are provided with opportunities to plan, write, and debug their own computer programs.CoreDesign Challenge for Engineers 2023-24EGR1022MLevel 42023-24All engineers must be familiar with design strategies, methods of assessing design proposals, approaches to reducing uncertainty, formal communication techniques and the industrial and legal standards in which they fit. Mechanical Engineering students will independently learn and demonstrate the fundamentals of mechanical technical drawing and computer aided design (CAD); Electrical Engineers will independently learn and demonstrate the fundamentals of electrical drawing and CAD. Electrical and Mechanical engineers will then coalesce to form interdisciplinary groups who will produce an electro-mechanical design solution which meets a practical objective and considers the commercial, economic, social and environmental implications via a broad critique of the state of the art.CoreElectrical and Electronic Technology 2023-24ELE1004MLevel 42023-24An understanding of the basic principles and many of the important practical applications of electronic and electrical engineering is now essential to practitioners of other disciplines, especially Mechanical Engineers. The aim of this module is to provide a foundation in Electrical Engineering and Electronics for students, of sufficient depth to be useful, and without being over complicated or cluttered with too-rigorous and exhaustive mathematical treatment.CoreEngineering Mechanics 2023-24EGR1016MLevel 42023-24The module can be divided into two topics: Statics and Mechanics: The primary aim of the study of engineering mechanics is to develop students' capacity to predict the effects of force and deformation in the course of carrying out the creative design function of engineering. As students' undertake the study of solids and forces (first statics, mechanics, then dynamics) they can build a foundation of analytical capability for the solution of a great variety of engineering problems. Modern engineering practice demands a high level of analytical capability, and the study of mechanics can help in developing this. Dynamics: The study of dynamics gives students the opportunity to analyse and predict the motion of particles and bodies with and without reference to the forces that cause this motion. Successful prediction requires the ability of visualise physical configurations in terms of real machines ( in addition to knowledge of physical and mathematical principles of mechanics) and actual constraints and the practical limitations which govern the behaviour of machines.CoreMaterials and Methods of Manufacture 2023-24EGR1004MLevel 42023-24The selection of materials and manufacturing method is an integral part of the engineering design procedure. The purpose of this module is to introduce the fundamental properties of engineering materials through an understanding of the atomic and molecular interactions within the material. Students are introduced to the technology of manufacturing processes and how the selection of manufacturing processes are influenced by, and subsequently affect, material properties.CoreMathematical Skills for Engineers 2023-24EGR1014MLevel 42023-24A good mathematical grounding is essential for all engineers. The theory developed in this module aims to underpin the other engineering modules studied at level one. Wherever possible, mathematical theory is taught by considering a real example, to present students the mathematical tools they might need for the science they follow. Solutions are considered by both analytical and numerical techniques.CoreThermofluids 2023-24EGR1017MLevel 42023-24The syllabus for this module can be divided into two topics: Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is an essential part of engineering curricula all over the world. It is a basic science that deals with energy interactions in physical systems, and the purpose of this module is to study the relationships between heat (thermos) and work (dynamics). This module presents a range of real-world engineering applications to give students a feel for engineering practice and an intuitive understanding of the subject matter. Fluid Mechanics: Fluid Mechanics is the branch of applied mechanics that is concerned with the statics and dynamics of liquids and gases. The analysis of the behaviour of fluids is based upon the fundamental laws of applied mechanics, which relate to the conservation of mass-energy and the force-momentum equation. However, instead of dealing with the behaviour of individual bodies of known mass, Fluid Mechanics is concerned with the behaviour of a continuous stream of fluid. For this reason, Fluid Mechanics is studied separately to other mechanics modules. Due to the similarity of the mathematical techniques, Fluid Mechanics are studied with Thermodynamics.CoreAdvanced Thermofluids 2024-25EGR2005MLevel 52024-25Applied Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is the science that deals with energy interactions in physical systems. The purpose of this module is to build upon the basic principles that were introduced in Thermofluid 1: Fundamental, and then apply this knowledge to real engineering problems. Heat Transfer: Almost every branch of science and engineering includes some kind of heat transfer problem, and there is a need for engineers to have some background in this area. The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the basic principles and practical applications of conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer. The process of heat transfer is often accomplished by a flowing fluid, and so this module seeks to develop further the Fluid Mechanics covered in Thermofluids at level 1, in order that students can develop their understanding to the point that real world problems can be addressed.CoreApplied Dynamics and Vibrations 2024-25EGR2008MLevel 52024-25The aim of this module is to consolidate and build on the ideas and skills introduced in level one. Students have the opportunity to develop their ability to model dynamic systems with particular reference to vibration analysis in practical engineering applications.CoreControl Systems 2024-25EGR2006MLevel 52024-25The aim of this module is to provide students with a firm grounding in Classical Control methods, which will enable them to work with systems and control engineers, and prepare students on the control stream for advanced topics in the level three and four modules. Students will be introduced to Control in relation to engineering systems, and in particular to develop methods of modelling the control of processes. Techniques are explored with particular reference to common practical engineering problems and their solutions, and the application of SIMULINK in this process.CoreData Modelling and Simulation 2024-25EGR2010MLevel 52024-25The purpose of this programme of mathematical study is to give students the opportunity to become more competent in calculations using a range of mathematical tools. The content builds upon that delivered in the first year, and gives students the opportunity to extend their analytical skills by introducing more advanced topics that may form part of the modern engineers skill set.CoreElectrical Power and Machines 2024-25ELE2004MLevel 52024-25Students will be introduced to electrical machines and power systems and their practical applications, supported by practical analysis/synthesis methods. This ability is fundamental for the students with mechanical engineering background, if they are to be able to handle electromechanical problems encountered in real life situations. Students will further have the opportunity to explore a general methodology for the calculation of electromechanical energy conversion. Students can obtain an appreciation of the features and characteristics of different types of electromechanical machines and drives and their applications.CoreIndustrial Engineering 2024-25EGR2011MLevel 52024-25This module aims to provide an introduction to the subject of industrial engineering. Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering dealing with the optimisation of complex processes or systems. It is concerned with the development, improvement, implementation and evaluation of integrated systems of people, economic resources, knowledge, information, equipment, energy, materials, analysis and synthesis, as well as the mathematical, physical and social sciences together with the principles and methods of engineering design to specify, predict, and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems or processes. The various topics include management science, cost and value engineering, business economics and finance, engineering management, supply chain management, operations research, health and safety engineering, operation management.CoreInnovation Project 2024-25EGR2007MLevel 52024-25The content of this module aims to deepen a students understanding of engineering in practical applications. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the design process for mechanical, electrical or control components/systems and undertake analysis of the same. These two strands of the module are brought together in a design project, which will be set by a professional engineering organisation. This major project will give students the opportunity to extend their creative design skills and obtain practical experience of the process of creating sound conceptual solutions through to real design problems within an industrial context. Students can build confidence and gain experience through working within a team with practicing engineers from industry.CoreSolid Body Mechanics 2024-25EGR2012MLevel 52024-25This programme of study will extend the ideas and skills introduced at Level 1. Students have the opportunity to learn how to carry out strength and deflection analyses for a variety of simple load cases and structures. Students have the opportunity to understand the simplifications used in such analyses. This course demonstrates the role of stress analysis and failure prediction in the design environment.CoreEngineering Year in Industry 2024-25EGR2015XLevel 52024-25The Placement Year constitutes a work placement during an academic year, typically between Levels 2 and Level 3, though it may take place between levels 3 and 4 of an MEng programme. Students wishing to undertake the work placement year must successfully complete Level 2 (and 3 if applicable) of their programme. The Placement Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within an organisation. It should be a three-way co-operative activity between employer, student, and University. Work placements enable students to experience at first hand the daily workings of an organisation while setting that experience in the broader context of their studies.OptionalStudy Abroad Period: Engineering 2024-25EGR2019MLevel 52024-25This module provides an opportunity for students to spend a term in the second year studying at one of the Universitys partner institutions abroad. Students wishing to take part in this must submit an application to the School discuss why they wish to participate in a study period abroad. A limited number of places will be available each year, and participation is subject to the School's approval.OptionalAdvanced Manufacturing Processes and Systems 2025-26EGR3026MLevel 62025-26The selection of materials and manufacturing method is an integral part of the design and manufacturing procedure for producing parts and products. The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to learn how to select appropriate materials, processing methods and manufacturing systems to produce components and products, both existing and novel. The student is introduced to contemporary manufacturing processes and systems in an effort to select effective and efficient manufacturing processes and systems.CoreIndividual Project (Bachelors) 2025-26EGR3024MLevel 62025-26The individual project aims to provide students with a learning experience that enables them to carry out independent research, and to integrate many of the subjects they have studied throughout their degree. Students are expected to plan, research and execute their task while developing skills in critical judgement, independent work and engineering competence. Students have the opportunity to gain experience in presenting and reporting a major piece of engineering work, of immediate engineering value, at a level appropriate for an honours degree student.CoreMaterials Science and Engineering 2025-26EGR3025MLevel 62025-26The purpose of this module is to enable students to deepen their understanding of the key engineering materials with respect to material characteristics, their internal aspects, mechanical as well as the physical properties. This module aims to consolidate students' learning from other modules within the areas of engineering science, materials, manufacturing technology and manufacturing processes.CoreNew and Sustainable Product Design 2025-26EGR3001MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to give students the opportunity to experience a real engineering design situation as part of a group. Students have the opportunity to gain an understanding of strategic, operational, environmental and ethical issues related to new product design and development through a series of lectures covering an appreciation of market and societal dynamics and its effect on the design of new products. This module provides students with the opportunity to understand the tools and techniques available to facilitate sustainable product design and provide knowledge of the product design processes that can reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices.CoreCombustion, Fuels and Energy 2025-26EGR3029MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to learn the background ito combustion theory. Students will be introduced to traditional and renewable fuels, their combustion and utilisation and the resulting environmental impacts. Combustion applications for energy production will be introduced along with the politics revolving around these energy applications. The module will also consider energy policy in terms of usage.OptionalComputational Fluid Dynamics 2025-26EGR3005MLevel 62025-26The purpose of this module is to introduce the full Navier-Stokes equations and give the physical significance of each term in the equations. Students are introduced to CFD techniques appropriate for practical engineering applications, (the finite volume method), and they have the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience of commercial CFD packages. This module offers students the opportunity to model industrial fluid dynamics and heat transfer problems.OptionalEnergy Systems and Conversion 2025-26EGR3030MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the machines used in power generation applications, with a main focus on the principles of operation of machines used in base load power generation (gas turbines), but all rotating machines in power generation are considered. Students may then develop a methodology for measuring the impact of machines from energy and materials usage, standpoints, and to better understand where opportunities exist to increase the efficiency of energy machines, systems and devices. Students will have the opportunity to build models of mass and energy flow through existing and proposed machines. These models are then used to pinpoint the most efficient and least efficient steps of device operation. This syllabus can be divided into two topics Fundamentals of Machines in Power and Energy: The module begins with the theory of gas turbines, based on fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanic analyses and introduces methods for improving efficiencies and increasing specific work outputs. Energy Systems Analysis: Students may strengthen and expand their fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics, and apply this to develop a better understanding of energy systems and machine systems.OptionalFinite Element Analysis 2025-26EGR3006MLevel 62025-26The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of the finite element method, with applications in stress analysis, heat transfer and general field problems in order to complement other modules in these subjects. Students have the opportunity to learn of the capabilities and limitations of the finite element method and the practical problems involved in successfully modelling engineering structures and components.OptionalInternet of Things and Smart Electronics 2025-26ELE3006MLevel 62025-26This module is intended to introduce students with the fast growing area of consumer electronics design. Apart from interface and size issues, portable consumer electronics present some of the toughest design and engineering challenges in all of technology. This module breaks the complex design process down into its component parts, detailing every crucial issue from interface design to chip packaging, focusing upon the key design parameters of convenience, utility and size.OptionalRobotics and Automation 2025-26ELE3005MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to enable students to gain knowledge and understanding of the principles and other key elements in robotics, its interdisciplinary nature and its role and applications in automation. The module starts with the history and definition of robotics and its role in automation with examples. The module continues by studying a number of issues related to classifying, modelling and operating robots, followed by an important aspect of the robotics interdisciplinary nature i.e. its control and use of sensors and interpretation of sensory information as well as vision systems. Students will also have the opportunity to be introduced to the topics of networked operation and teleoperation, as well as robot programmingOptionalSignal Processing and System Identification 2025-26EGR3031MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to introduce students to theory and methodology of advanced techniques relevant to engineering systems, in order to design and implement filters and systems. System identification is a general term to describe mathematical tools and algorithms that build dynamic models from measured data. A dynamic model in this context is a mathematical description of the dynamic behaviour of a system or process in either the time or frequency domain. Students are given the opportunity to investigate methods by which they can perform useful operations on signals in either discrete or time-varying measurement.OptionalSmart Energy Systems 2025-26ELE3007MLevel 62025-26The purpose of this module is to analyse electrical machines, switched mode power-electronic convertors and design power systems for medium to high power applications. Students will have the opportunity to examine the operation characteristics and capabilities of commonly used systems and their control methods. In addition, students may examine the methods and issues surrounding transmission of electrical power, including insight and understanding of power system protection applications and the effects of system design on power quality.OptionalState-Space Control 2025-26EGR3032MLevel 62025-26In control engineering, a state-space representation is a mathematical model of a physical system as a set of input, output and state variables. Students have the opportunity to explore different methods of resolving the control variables in order to analyse systems in a compact and relevant way.Optional

How you are assessed

Assessment on the programme is designed to measure and assess engineering technical and analytical skills as well as professional soft skills including oral and written communication, team working, long-life learning, problem-solving, project management, and planning and organisation.

In addition to traditional exams, coursework assignments are used in a number of modules where students are required to work on their own or in small groups. They are designed to enable students to develop and show their understanding of the module content. Oral presentations are often included as part of coursework to provide opportunities for developing essential communication skills.

Students are expected to complete an individual project in their final year of the degree course, providing an excellent opportunity to pull together every aspect of their development during the course.

Recorded lectures are also made available for part-time and distance based learning students. These can also be accessed by full-time students.

Accreditations and Memberships

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). This enables students completing the programme the eventual opportunity to register as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) following further study. Further Master's level accredited learning is required to complete the educational base for full CEng status.

Special Features

Our academic team brings together a rich array of research experience, including staff with specialisms in diagnostics and prognostics, renewables, modelling of dynamic systems, nanomaterials, and applications of lasers. They secure grants for major UK and European research funders and deliver research, development, and consultancy for industrial partners, as well as being part of international research collaborations. Students have the opportunity to engage in this research through research-led teaching and project work.

The School of Engineering’s award-winning collaboration with industry delivers numerous benefits for students, including a number of internship opportunities at Siemens Energy. This collaboration has won a prestigious Lord Stafford Award and a Times Higher Education Award.

Placements

A sandwich option is available on the programme, providing students with the opportunity to spend a year in industry. Students are encouraged to obtain placements in industry independently. Tutors may provide support and advice to students who require it during this process. Students undertaking placements are responsible for their own travel, living, and accommodation costs.

Jan van der Lubbe, Mechanical Engineering graduate

"University was a key stepping stone in doing the job I really enjoy. It allowed me to become highly skilled in the engineering domain whilst building my network and finding the niche of engineering that I wanted to work in."

Jan van der Lubbe, PLM Reporting Lead at Subsea 7 and

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC, to include a grade B in Maths (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Maths

BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Maths.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/sfysfyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Career Opportunities

Professional engineers are in demand in the UK and overseas. Graduates may pursue a variety of career paths in areas such as control systems, power and energy, and mechanical and materials engineering.

The University’s status as a Siemens Global Principal Partner gives Lincoln graduates enhanced opportunities for placements, mentoring and recruitment at Siemens Energy. Other graduate destinations include Rolls-Royce, Qinetiq, JCB, and Jaguar Landrover.

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place

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Key Information

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering