Our course is taught in modern, purpose-built premises with impressive facilities. The modules you take in Year 1 cover fundamental work in engineering, applied mathematics, manufacturing techniques and ancillary subjects such as electronics, CAD and Business Management.
In Year 2 you will build on these subjects to gain an understanding of how basic principles can be applied to more complex problems, and to develop analytical techniques. There will be an element of group work focusing upon design and analysis. You also have an option of undertaking a placement before progressing to third year of academic study.
In the final year you will select a project of personal interest from the varied research and industrial activities available. The final year also allows you to select modules to extend your specialist knowledge in core fields of interest and to broaden your engineering experience.
If you wish to extend your degree you may seek selection for the four-year MEng course. The first three years of the MEng run parallel with the BEng course, while the final year of the MEng allows you to broaden and deepen your studies. You may enrol on either course when joining the university but progression onto the MEng is only possible for the most able students. You can also apply from elsewhere to join our MEng in the third year.
Successful students on this course are imaginative and keen to use technology to create working products and solutions that don't merely 'do the job' but which will become market leaders in their field. You should be creative and have a desire to see your ideas become a reality.
Study modules
As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules available may vary from those listed here.
Year 1
- Engineering Mathematics and Modelling I (double)
- Engineering Design and Practice I (double)
- Introduction to Thermo Fluids
- Introduction to Materials
- Introduction to Stress Analysis
- Introduction to Statics and Dynamics
Years 2 to 4
Year 2
- Design and Practice II (double)
- Stress Analysis and Dynamics (double)
- Control Technology
- Engineering Mathematics and Modelling II
- Thermo-Fluids
- Materials Engineering
Year 3
Compulsory
- Engineering Project (double)
- Management, Ethics, Energy and Sustainability (double)
Optional, 2 from:
- Advanced CAD/CAM
- Vehicle Aerodynamics
- Automotive Engines
Optional, 2 from:
- Vibration Control and NVH
- Design of Machines
- Stress Analysis III
Year 4 (MEng)
Compulsory
- Group Design Project (double)
- Advanced Engineering Management
Optional, 1 from:
- Advanced Materials and Strength of Components
- Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design I
- Advanced Vehicle Aerodynamics
Optional, 1 from:
- Computation and Modelling
- Sustainable Engineering Technology
- Engineering Reliability and Risk Management
Optional, 1 from:
- CAD/CAM
- Noise, Vibration and Harshness
- Vehicle Crash Engineering
- Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design II
- Data Acquisition Systems
Work placements
Our work placement programme has been commended by professional bodies as a model of excellence. We have placement opportunities with local, national and international Engineering companies. These are advertised through our placement office and support and guidance in applying for placements is provided.
You will be encouraged to undertake a work placement for one year between the second and final years of your course. Placements are highly valued by prospective employers, as they recognise the benefits of obtaining industrial experience. The placement helps with consolidating their understanding of mechanical engineering in general and having the opportunity to apply their knowledge in an industrial environment. On returning to the university for their final year, the experience they have gained invariably improves their academic performance.
Students will typically have to arrange their own accommodation during their placement year and will have to cover their own transport and living costs.
Previous students have gained placements with companies such as:
- Bentley
- Black and Decker
- BMW
- CTG
- Cummins Ltd
- Delphi Diesel Systems
- EP Barrus
- Norbar Torque Tools
- Rolls-Royce
- Wheelright Ltd
We have an excellent record of students gaining full-time employment on graduation with their industrial placement-year company.
Study abroad
Great opportunities to study or work abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange
while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year.
Studying abroad provides an amazing opportunity to add value to your
studies by:
- increasing your employability within an international market
- boosting your language skills
- building your confidence in adapting to new situations
- improving your knowledge of different cultures.
While on exchange you will gain credits which count towards your degree.
We have more than 100 partner universities around the world. Funding is
available through the Erasmus scheme, and also via some international
programmes such as the Santander Student Awards.
There is also a European work placement programme which gives you
the chance to work abroad as part of your studies.
For more information, visit our pages on studying
abroad and exchanges.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.
Additional costs
First year Engineering students spend some time in laboratory sessions as part of the course for which protective equipment is mandatory. This typically costs around £25-40 although you are able to use your own, if suitable.
Programme changes
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published
on the website. For more information, please visit our
Changes to programmes
page.