Mechanical Engineering

Why Mechanical Engineering at ARU?

Get involved in our unique project-based course with other engineering students, developing your teamwork and leadership skills whilst learning how to analyse and solve problems creatively. This accredited course gives you real world experience and plays a vital role in setting the scene and promoting the industry standard expectations; preparing you for employment upon graduation.

At ARU, we have embraced the challenge to introduce 50% of our engineering curriculum based on developing practical and applied skills among our engineering cohorts. Our engineering curriculum at ARU offers unique project-based curriculum at each level, in which students are offered industry led “Live Briefs” applying fundamental science and engineering principles to propose a solution. Through these collaborative modules and the course you will get the opportunity to work with companies from industry such as BAE systems. Ford Motor Company, New Hollands, Antobot and Tecosim.

This innovative approach allows students to spend 50% of their time in classroom to study fundamental engineering curriculum and spend remaining 50% time in the well-equipped engineering workshops as well as specialist laboratories. This hands-on approach at ARU is supported by local and national engineering companies, such as BAE system and Tecosim.

Our BEng Mechanical Engineering course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer. Students who successfully graduate with this degree may, with the appropriate further learning, meet the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

You can also choose to take an optional placement year in industry as part of this course, further enhancing your skills, experience and employability.

Qualified mechanical engineers are in high demand nationally and internationally, commanding an impressive average salary. With experience, you could further increase your earning power by progressing to senior design or project management roles.

As a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduate, you'll be able to apply for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status after a period of initial professional development in industry.

Your high-level numerical and problem-solving skills will also appeal to employers outside of the engineering sector, for example in IT, finance, business and education.

Careers that you may go into are:

• Aerospace engineer
• Automotive engineer
• CAD technician
• Contracting civil engineer
• Control and instrumentation engineer
• Maintenance engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Nuclear engineer

Our students have secured some great positions after the course, here are some examples:

• CAD Engineer in Tecosim
• Systems Engineer at Thales Defence and Security Inc.
• Production and Engineering Manager at SBZ Corporation
• Design Engineer at RED DOT Corporation
• Principal Mechanical Engineer at Cadent Gas Limited
• Design and Development Project Engineer at European EMC Products Ltd

From the very start of your degree, you’ll meet established engineers from across the industry, learn what it’s like to work in engineering, and be encouraged to join professional bodies, building valuable contacts and knowledge to help you gain employment in your preferred area. You’ll build your CV not only by learning manufacturing and testing methods and using industry-standard equipment, but by working individually and as part of a team, solving problems and carrying out research.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a range of postgraduate courses including MSc Mechanical Engineering and MSc Engineering Management. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

The average salary for UK engineering graduates after 15 months of graduating is £28,000. In comparison, ARU engineering graduates earn £30,000 on average.

ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Some of our mechanical engineering students have gained placements at New Holland, Tecosim and many others. We have strong relations with industry and will support you if you are interested in integrating a placement into the course.

Or, you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

We also have a very active Engineering Society which runs engineering events at the university and across the UK where you can meet like passionate and like-minded peers.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.