BEng (Hons) Mechanical Systems Engineering

Engineers are involved in a number of design and development activities. Mechanical Systems Engineering is a blend of mechanical engineering, computer-aided engineering, control engineering, systems design engineering and electronic engineering in order to design and manufacture useful products.

This programme, developed in partnership with industry, will produce well-rounded engineers able to exercise leadership, initiative, personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations. You will have access to cutting edge laboratories and equipment including CAD, CAM and FEA software, as well as to electrical, control systems and instrumentation and electronic laboratories. There is also the opportunity for a 48-week industry placement. The BEng (Hons) degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng), with the addition of the MEng year or an accredited Masters degree. Successful completion of the BEng (Hons) degree allows transfer to the MEng.

Work placements

Students have the possibility to undertake an industrial placement on completion of Year 3. This can be a year long placement or there is also an option of a 12-week placement in the second semester of Year 3. These placements are not compulsory or guaranteed.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports. Our aim is to build our students’ abilities in the areas demanded by employers in a global knowledge economy, through linking with employers to provide students with an authentic learning experience that blends with relevant studies. Our students find that one of the underlying strengths of this programme of study is the other students as many currently enrolled are conducting their studies part-time, whilst holding down full-time jobs, or are sponsored by international companies. The valuable experience of these students is fed back into the classroom and informally shared to the benefit of fellow students.

Teaching methods

The pastoral care of our students is an important element of our remit and all of our students are allocated a personal tutor as well as being encouraged to follow a Personal Development Planning scheme to underpin their self-reflection and development. Our Peer Assisted Study Sessions forms a link between students from the later years of the programme to assist new students and student counsellors develop bonds between our students and the profession.

Your career

Graduates work in mechanical engineering, aerospace, electronic, offshore, local authority, manufacturing, and building services. GCU has many links with blue chip companies in the UK and Europe including Thales, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and many others.