Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

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Mechanical Engineering is the basis for many of the engineering disciplines, including the automotive, aerospace, marine and medical sectors.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

HMDF

Start date

September 2024
November 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

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Available through Clearing

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Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BEng option.

Foundation year

This foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in mathematics, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Degree

In our ever-changing world, mechanical engineers develop new and differing uses for technologies and materials to improve the mechanical operation of equipment and devices used in anything from food and oil production to international construction projects or the design of toys.

The BEng in Mechanical Engineering aims to produce mechanical engineering graduates with the versatility and depth of understanding to deal with new and unusual challenges in mechanical engineering, alongside the necessary imagination and creativity to innovate.
It is designed to give graduates the opportunity to equip themselves with relevant, up-to-date skills and knowledge necessary to work as a mechanical engineer in a broad variety of businesses, including engineering management, research, engineering design, development and consultancy.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study
Provides a grounding in key areas of engineering and mathematics.

Degree

Opportunity to participate in field trips abroad, which have previously included trips to Poland, Bulgaria, China, Belgium and the USA².
Dedicated industrial placement tutor, who can help you with your applications for placements and support you if you choose to spend a year in industry. Past placements have included roles in Aston Martin Lagonda, Babcock International Group, Cummins, GE-Aviation and GKN².
Access to modern facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, which houses a 20% scale model wind tunnel, composites lab, metrology lab, four-pot shaker rig, flow lab, AVL engine test cell, automotive workshop, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a full size Harrier Jet, three further simulators, civil engineering specialist testing equipment, a range of CNC machinery and a laser workshop⁴.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degrees are accredited¹ by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) up to and including the 2025 intakes under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in industry.

The accredited BEng (Hons) will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC.

The accredited BEng (Hons) will also automatically meet in full, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

The accredited MEng fully meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements, for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

IMechE Membership Partner

We are a Membership Partner with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Working in collaboration with the IMechE we aim to ensure our engineers and technical teams meet industry-recognised standards of engineering excellence.

We are committed to the professional development of everyone within our organisation, and recognise that professional registration and recognition are crucial in helping our employees and business grow and excel.

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Clearing graduate Juan Prado Moreno recommends Mechanical Engineering BEng as your chance to broaden your engineering knowledge and experience before choosing a specialism.

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What you'll study

This course has a common first year

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

We want your degree to fit around you, so upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

Automotive Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

Modules

Mechanical Science – 20 credits

Manufacturing Technology and Materials – 20 credits

This module is designed to provide an integrated introduction to engineering materials and manufacturing processes. Common processes will be analysed which are used to convert materials into all types of engineering products from a variety of industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive and electronics. It covers the four main classes of engineering materials: polymers, metals, ceramics and composites.

Compulsory

Engineering Design – 20 credits

Engineering Application – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to develop a practical understanding of engineering products, components and systems, and of the processes of bringing them into being, including design, analysis, materials and manufacture and awareness of industry and society. It will involve experimental methods and the application of information technology.

Compulsory

Engineering Mathematics – 20 credits

This module aims to further develop your competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering whilst at the same time emphasising fundamental concepts which the engineer needs to understand in order to produce a mathematical formulation of a problem. You will learn to analyse problems using appropriate mathematical techniques carrying out the manipulation yourself using modern mathematical software.

Compulsory

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Principles – 20 credits

The module introduces the basic concepts and principles used in electrical and electronic engineering. Learning is enhanced using computer circuit simulation and basic programming. The module will cover fundamental DC and AC circuit analysis, energy storage components, magnetic circuits and their applications, basic digital logic and power generation methodologies.

Compulsory

In your second year, you will extend and strengthen your technical knowledge across mechanical science as well as design, sustainability, and further mathematics. During this year you will be exposed to professional software that will enable you to design and analyse a product, process, and system in depth. You will also develop your knowledge across control engineering and instrumentation which is vital across numerous disciplines.

Modules

Design and Sustainability – 20 credits

The module aims to develop several key capabilities required in the mechanical/automotive product innovation process. Specifically, these include creativity, management, experimental methods, analysis and synthesis, and the application of information technology tools. The aim will be met by tackling product innovation projects, the scale of which will increase through the year.

Compulsory

Solid Mechanics and Dynamics – 20 credits

This module aims to build upon the basic principles covered in mechanical science and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of rigid body mechanics, dynamics and stress analysis. It should teach you to correctly apply solid mechanics and dynamics theory to design problems by means of practical examples.

Compulsory

Thermofluid Mechanics – 20 credits

Analytical Modelling – 20 credits

Engineering Management – 20 credits

The module aims to develop your holistic knowledge and understanding of engineering management. It will enable you to apply theory, exercise judgement, utilise relevant analytical tools and techniques and work in project teams to solve a range of engineering management problems.

Compulsory

Instrumentation and Control – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to give you the necessary knowledge and skills to enable you to design, characterise, select appropriate instrumentation and measurement systems, measure and analyse measured data associated with the performance of electro-mechanical systems and simulate measurement systems using software tools.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Final Year BEng students have the opportunity to create a more bespoke and highly specialised year by choosing an option module and final year individual and group project.

Year three MEng students also undertake a similar set of modules as the BEng final year students, but with a deeper level of technical and hands-on mastery. You also have the opportunity to create a more bespoke and highly specialised year through an optional module.

Modules

BEng (Hons)

Individual Project – 20 credits
The individual final year project is an important part of any engineering course. The general aims of the project are:

To give you a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.
To be a vehicle for integrating the knowledge gained in several subject areas of the degree course.
To allow you to develop personal qualities such as initiative, imagination, creativity, communication, organisation, employ IT effectively and solve non-routine problems.

Mechanical Product Innovation – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate your capability in undertaking a complete mechanical product innovation process, working as a member of a team.
Stress Analysis and Structural Dynamics – 20 credits
This module provides an understanding of the advanced concepts in stress analysis and the behaviour of materials under stress, thus enabling you to apply concepts in the solution of complex problems of stress analysis for verification and design.
Computational Thermofluids – 20 credits
In this module, you will apply reasonable assumptions and boundary conditions to simplify the differential equations governing the heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena to develop analytical solutions to thermofluid problems. The concept and use of computational thermofluid mechanics as numerical and validation techniques to solve more complex thermofluid problems are introduced.
Professional Development and Project Planning – 20 credits
This module aims to equip you with the generic skills and knowledge to contribute effectively in your professional career. You should gain an understanding of project based planning and delivery, sustainability and the environment, ethical practice and professionalism, as well as an appreciation of how your chosen specialism might fit into the overall context of engineering and the wider social, legal and physical environments.

Compulsory

BEng (Hons) optional modules

Choose one from the following six modules:

Optional

MEng

Engineering Strategy and Professional Practice – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to prepare you for the essential skills and knowledge required for professional registration and practice. The module will introduce you to key competencies required for your professional career.
Individual Project Proposal – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to equip you with the core research skills needed to effectively plan an engineering project. You learn and put into practice the skills involved to undertake a major research project. Working within an intellectual and ethical engineering framework, you will learn how to identify a chosen specialism and research area, how to define a novel problem and how to identify the steps to solve this using suitable Engineering tools.
Individual Project Dissertation – 20 credits
The individual final-year project is an important part of any engineering course. The general aims of the project are:

To give you a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.
To be a vehicle for integrating the knowledge gained in several subject areas of the degree course and critically evaluate the impact on your investigations.
To allow you to develop your personal qualities such as initiative, imagination, creativity, communication and organisation.

Computational Thermofluids – 20 credits
In this module, you will apply reasonable assumptions and boundary conditions to simplify the differential equations governing the heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena to develop analytical solutions to thermofluid problems. The concept and use of computational thermofluid mechanics as numerical and validation techniques to solve more complex thermofluid problems are introduced.
Further Stress Analysis and Structural Dynamics – 20 credits
The aim of this module is for you to deepen and broaden your appraisal and evaluation skills in key concepts in Stress and Dynamic analysis. You will apply these concepts to solving problems pertinent to mechanical engineering and demonstrate an appreciation of the limitations of the analysis techniques.

Compulsory

MEng optional modules

Choose one from the following six modules:

Optional

During the final year of the MEng course, you have greater responsibility and adopt the working practices required by the profession to solve complex real world problems. This year becomes very bespoke depending on the direction of your specialism.

Modules

Industrial Group Project Proposal – 20 credits

The aim of this module is for you, working in a group, to formulate a project proposal based on the research and/or development of an innovative design for a product, system, component or process that will fulfil new needs. In doing so, you will need to assess current industry practice, review background literature, formulate an appropriate approach, evaluate and mitigate risk, and establish the proposed work scope and deliverables.

Compulsory

Industrial Group Project Dissertation – 40 credits

Business Innovation and Sustainability – 20 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the ability to develop and implement business innovation practices within the appropriate frameworks to comply with current and future requirements for sustainability. You will be introduced to and develop a firm understanding of the theory, practices and importance of innovation in business organisations.

Compulsory

One pathway from the following four:

Pathway 1 – Mechanical

Engineering Simulation and Analysis – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop a mathematical and practical understanding of the analytical techniques commonly used to evaluate and optimise engineering products, components and systems. A deep understanding of the role of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) in particular, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in the engineering design and development processes will be developed through extensive practical application.
Advanced Control Systems Engineering – 20 credits
The primary objective of this module is to introduce you to advanced control methods and enable you to gain competence in analysis and application methods. Use will be made of industry-standard MATLAB/Simulink software to facilitate analysis and design of advanced control methods and to improve understanding of embedded digital control systems.

Pathway 2 – Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing Simulation – 20 credits
This module focuses on computer-based manufacturing simulation, where the model is implemented as part of a computer program, which can then be executed to compute and record the data which describes the simulated manufacturing system's behaviour.
Vision Systems and Quality Control in Industry – 20 credits
This module focuses on image processing techniques leading to two-dimensional (2D) machine vision techniques and methodologies for object detection, pose estimation, inspection and measurement. This will be followed by an overview of a range of three-dimensional (3D) machine vision systems that can be employed in industry.

Pathway 3 - Propulsion System

Aerospace Structural and Material analysis – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop a broad understanding of modern approaches for design and analysis of aerospace structures. This is achieved through a deeper understanding of the design challenges in materials, structures, manufacturing, durability and light-weighting.
Advanced Propulsion Systems – 20 credits
This module aims to develop the student’s critical analysis skills in the detailed aero-mechanical design of gas turbine engines and electric propulsion systems. Students will be challenged to grapple with the iterative and interdisciplinary nature of the aeronautical and mechanical design of the gas turbine engine core and explore the potential and limitations of numerical tools to support their design analysis.

Pathway 4 – Renewable

Wind and Hydro Power – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to enable students to engage in the design process of wind and hydro power systems. Students will assess wind and hydro power systems as a source of renewable energy, and determine their performance characteristics and social, economic and environmental impacts and ensure it is meeting the set regulations.
Solar Energy Engineering – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of solar energy as a renewable resource and the latest solar energy conversion technologies. You will learn how to design and manufacture different solar energy solutions to cost-efficiently meet a range of energy needs.

Compulsory

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Fundamental Pure Mathematics - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be equipped to turn real-world problems into mathematical problems and present mathematical and logical arguments. Concepts covered include basic algebraic properties, trigonometry, computation of areas and volumes of basic shapes, an introduction to Calculus including computation of limits derivatives and integrals. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an awareness of many of the mathematical techniques required to tackle everyday problems in related disciplines.

Compulsory

Fundamental Applied Mathematics - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be equipped to turn real-world problems into mathematical problems and present mathematical and logical arguments. Concepts covered include computation of areas and volumes of basic shapes, complex numbers, application of matrices and determinant, application of vectors, application of differentiation and integration, and use of a computer software to solve a scientific problem. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an awareness of many of the mathematical techniques required to tackle everyday problems in related disciplines.

Compulsory

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals - 30 credits

This module aims to introduce you to the basic analysis and design of electric circuits using DC and AC power sources. To prepare you for this we will discuss the laws of electric circuits and electrical engineering. Assisted by our professional academics, you’ll have the opportunity to work with industry-standard software to analyse techniques and identify and solve problems on electrical circuits. You’ll also learn the basic laws of magnetism as applied to electrical circuits.

Compulsory

Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals - 30 credits

This module delves into the fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and concepts. Underpinned by the application of mathematics and physics, concepts covered include fundamentals of energy, design, manufacturing, materials and engineering mechanics. In addition, you’ll look to gain specific knowledge in mechanics, transport phenomena and thermodynamics.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The foundation year programme is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the programme, requiring full commitment from students. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning.

There are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of a working environment. The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

Our innovative ‘Activity-Led Learning’ (ALL) approach means you will be given opportunities to work with staff on real-world problems from industry (subject to availability), commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice. This provides you with an opportunity to develop professional skills at the same time as learning the technical content of your degree.

Practical project work may, for example, involve manufacturing prototypes with 3D printing, reverse engineering of current and past products to produce 3d scanning to create engineering data and geometry to create design models, which can then be used through CAM software to generate CNC machining programs, ready to produce physical products.

The full range of teaching methods include lectures with associated practice, laboratory, workshop exercises and tutorials; problem-based learning in groups with tutor or industrial mentor support; group learning; formative modelling exercises; and independent research of library resources, the internet and engineering companies. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for course-related advice.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
Group work
Self-directed learning
Work placement opportunities².

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Formal examinations
Phase tests
Essays
Group work
Presentations
Reports
Projects
Coursework
Exams
Individual Assignments
Laboratories

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include coursework, tests, essays, formal examinations, practical or project work, group work and presentations and posters.

International experience opportunities

The University is committed to providing a global educational experience and we provide opportunities to participate in several collaborative projects and field trips². Previous mechanical engineering students have visited the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland to undertake workshop and computer aided manufacturing skills in an overseas environment. Others have taken part in a collaborative project developing universal healthcare solutions working with the University’s Occupational Therapy students alongside six other institutions from around Europe, participating in international innovation and creativity programmes in Bulgaria (including Ruse) and Hasselt, Belgium.

Further overseas field trips have previously included: test work at the GM proving ground; a tour of the Ford F150 factory in Detroit, USA; a tour of Hirata, a Japanese Tier 1 automotive supplier for Ford, Chrysler and GM; participation on a certificated training course with Altair on Inspire; and visits to Mahle Powertrain, the University of Michigan and Chrysler Building.

We also encourage you to undertake a placement year or study year abroad² after your second year of study. Previously students have been placed in Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands, CERN in Switzerland and Bertrandt in Germany.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

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UCAS details

1

Course name: Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) with foundation year

2

Course code: HMDF

3

Course location: Coventry University (Coventry)

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,250 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement², you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee³ of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites⁴. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office, Enterprise Hub and a fantastic food court.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

The engineering and computing buildings house an impressive range of industry standard equipment. Home to flight and driving simulators, a chassis design assembly and test facility and wind tunnels, the High Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC) also houses a fleet of CNC manufacturing machines, a full size vehicle shaker rig and a composite material laboratory⁴.

Metals Workshop

Participate in technical work in a hands-on way. The workshop includes lathes, milling machines, fabrication equipment for sheet metal work, CNC machines, work benches, welding lines and a fitting assembly area.

Harrier Jet

Our Harrier T4 allows students to gain hands-on experience with the parts, tools and mechanical aspects of a real aircraft. It is used by many engineering disciplines to learn how an aircraft works and how to maintain it.

Metrology Laboratories

Coventry University is a recognised leader for independent measurement expertise and services in the field of metrology. Facilities in our metrology laboratory include an impressive range of dimensional metrology equipment.

Careers and opportunities

A student who successfully completes the course will be able to:

BEng and MEng Mechanical Engineering

Apply the necessary study and research skills to support the analytical, critical and reflective requirements of written, oral and group assessments.
Contribute to a team with the necessary planning, reviewing, adaptability, drive and leadership to achieve the required objectives and observe work schedules.
Clearly communicate research, concepts, solutions, and recommendations, and demonstrate an approach to written and oral presentations appropriate to an engineering professional.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles, theories and practices found in engineering management and leadership, consultancy, and entrepreneurship.
Develop independent learning and problem-solving skills appropriate to current and future study and employment.
Apply engineering principles, science, mathematics, processes, materials, design, and management to solve problems of increasing complexity.
Apply engineering analysis methods when solving complex problems and develop extended experience in solving problems related to a broad range of mechanical systems and components.
Generate, and appropriately communicate, design solutions through the application and comprehensive understanding of the engineering design processes.
Critically assess data and information using practical laboratory skills, experimentation, and research, and establish the effect on design.
Understand risk assessment and the need for professional and ethical conduct in commercial and social contexts, informed by a knowledge of sustainable development and the regulations/legislation governing engineering activities.
Understand and evaluate a range of appropriate engineering materials, components, and systems, identifying their limitations and likely developments.

MEng Mechanical Engineering

Apply a comprehensive understanding of mechanical engineering principles together with a critical awareness of current issues at the forefront of the specialism.
Apply and evaluate engineering analysis methods when solving complex problems and assess their limitations, especially when applied to new or unfamiliar technology.
Generate and appraise innovative design solutions through the application and comprehensive understanding of the engineering design processes.
Critically assess data and information that may be uncertain or incomplete and quantify the effect on design using practical laboratory skills and experimental research.
Critically appraise management, business and ethical practice and their limitations informed by a knowledge of sustainable development, customer requirements and the regulations/legislation governing engineering activities in a commercial, social and international setting.
Critically evaluate a range of current and emerging engineering materials, components, and systems, identifying their limitations and likely developments/adaptations together with commercial and industrial constraint.

Successful completion of this course provides a possible route into many careers within the global engineering industry, including such industries as aerospace, automotive, rail, marine, chemical construction and defence.

This includes support in identifying placements² and employment. Previous placements have included GE Oil and Gas in subsea systems and design; LH Group examining rail industry servicing; vehicle build for Jaguar Land Rover; and engine development for Cummins Engines.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career⁴.

Where our graduates work

IBM, Cummins Engines, TATA Motors, TATA Technologies, Jaguar Landrover, Geely, Unipart amongst others.

How to apply

BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

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UK students

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CEECU161I

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry. Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject faculty building for your progression degree.

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Available through Clearing

Don't meet the entry requirements? Contact us for your Clearing options.

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Clearing guide

Course overview

Foundation year

Degree

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Degree

Accreditation and professional recognition

IMechE Membership Partner

Mechanical Engineering graduate secures Rolls Royce role

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

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Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

Foundation year funding

*Irish student fees

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Facilities

Mile Lane

The Hub

Lanchester Library

Metals Workshop

Harrier Jet

Metrology Laboratories

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

How to apply

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