Mechanical Engineering

Why study at ARU Peterborough

• Focus on sustainability, decarbonisation and net zero
• Enhanced employability with industry defined skills development
• Emphasis on engineering design

As a graduate engineer, you'll spend your career involved in the challenge to achieve net zero by 2050. This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to competently contribute to the realisation of this goal.

From day one of the course, you'll work on real-world engineering projects. You'll look at technical problems through environmental, ethical, social and financial lenses, and use the maths and science knowledge and skills you've gained to solve them – the same approach you'll take in the workplace.

As a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduate, your skills will be in high demand. With a global shortage of engineers, attracting more people to the profession is paramount, particularly women and people from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

In the UK alone, it’s estimated that an additional 50,000 engineers a year are needed to respond to 21st-century challenges. Accordingly, qualified mechanical engineers command an impressive average salary. With experience, you could further increase your earning power by progressing to senior design or project management roles.

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

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. You might decide to stay at ARU with postgraduate courses on the horizon for ARU Peterborough. You could also study for a Masters such as MSc Mechanical Engineering in Chelmsford.

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.

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. 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.

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.