Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
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Mechanical Engineering is the cornerstone of all engineering disciplines, from automotive to aerospace, to marine and medical sectors.

Course option

Year of entry

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 2025
November 2025

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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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.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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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

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.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

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.

Mechanical Engineering graduate secures Rolls Royce role

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

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Juan Prado Morena

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

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

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.

Modules

In the final year, you will apply your knowledge gained from years one and two. You can choose from a number of options to fit your future ambitions.

Modules

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

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

Modules

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

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.

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through 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 are 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

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework.

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.

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

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

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

The assessment methods may include:

  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual Assignments

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.

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.

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.

Which degree is best for Mechanical Engineering?

Wanita Jones talks about the support students get at the university, the engineering softwares and facilities offered, as well as engineering societies that students can join to have fun and meet new people at events.

Read Wanita's story
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Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

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

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,535 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,535 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

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.

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 permits 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

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.

Applies to degree only:

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.

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.

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.

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.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

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 and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is usually open 24/7 in term-time, 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

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

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

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

Once you successfully complete the course you should 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
  • Unipar
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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

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