Required subjects
A in maths and preferably physics (including a pass in the practical element); excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, CIE Global Perspectives and Research, CIE Thinking Skills.
A foundation year is available for those with BBB grades but not in the required subjects.
Overview
This course will provide you with the engineering knowledge and skills needed to improve productivity, reduce costs of manufacture and ensure products and services are delivered to industry when required. Manufacturing operates in a global competitive market and engineers are in great demand in the UK and abroad, in high-value sectors such as the aerospace, automotive, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and pharmaceutical industries.
Years one and two
The first two years provide a good grounding in the broad fundamentals of engineering science and engineering design. The science subjects studied include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, dynamics and electro-mechanical systems. In design, the emphasis is on project work and in both the first and second years, you will undertake a design, make and test project, which you will manufacture in the department's student workshop.
Year three
A third of your year will be spent on a group design-and-make project. This major design project takes an idea for an engineering product from concept through to a working prototype. You will study a number of compulsory manufacturing-related modules, and there is also a wide range of optional modules to choose from to broaden and deepen your skills and knowledge in manufacturing, operations management and human factors.
Year four
A major individual project focusing on manufacturing engineering makes up a third of your studies. You will also study compulsory modules in advanced engineering topics along with a range of optional modules, allowing further specialisation.
More information
See also the Business School and the Engineering and Science Foundation Year Programme.
Year one
Core
Engineering Design and Design Project
This year long module introduces students to basic concepts and practice of design and manufacture with a semester long group and individual project. It includes the following topics:
- the process of design supported by practical design activities
- engineering drawing
- solid modelling and drawing generation
- machine elements
- group Design Project with Integrated Individual Element
- machine shop practical training
Student groups will undertake a different group design project in semester two aligned to their subject stream: Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or Product Design and Manufacture
Materials and Manufacturing
This year long module introduces students to the properties of materials, the main failure mechanisms which a designer will be concerned with (e.g overload, fracture, creep, fatigue) and core manufacturing methods used in engineering applications.
It includes the following topics:
- the role of materials and material properties in the design process
- the selection and use of materials
- the basic science underlying material properties and approaches to avoid failure of materials to provide the knowledge with which to design materials with better properties. For each property (or group of properties), a case study of practical design application will be addressed
- an introduction to manufacturing in the UK
- an introduction to high value – low volume and low value – high volume manufacturing processes including: casting, machining, moulding, forming, powder processing, heat treatment, surface finishing and assembly
- an introduction into additive manufacturing an introduction to manufacturing metrology
Mathematics for Engineers
This module introduces a range of fundamental elementary mathematical techniques that can be applied to mechanical engineering, manufacturing and product design problems. It includes:
- the calculus of a single variable, extended to develop techniques used in analysing engineering problems
- techniques for solving selected first-order and second-order differential equations
- the algebra of complex numbers to provide a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems
- the complexity of solving general (large) systems of equations
- advanced differential and integral calculus of one variable
- first-order ordinary-differential equations
- algebra of complex numbers
- matrix algebra and its applications to systems of equations and eigenvalue problems
- functions and their properties
- vector spaces and their applications
- vector calculus
Programming, Professional and Laboratory Skills
This year long module comprises a number of elements to provide you with:
- professional engineering, information searching, data analysis, health and safety and oral presentations
- laboratory skills and development of house style laboratory report
- writing and understanding of computer programs including, loops, conditional statements, program flow, functions, basic input output, sound processing, image processing, variables, (1/2D) arrays, advanced plotting and simple computer graphics.
- the application of computer code to control mechanical devices as part of a group project.
- introduction to professional responsibilities of engineers including the fundamental role of sustainability, legal issues, patents, ethics and standards
Statics and Dynamics
An introductory module covering analysis methods applicable to engineering design including:
- review of basic mechanics: vectors, units, forces and moments, Newton’s laws
- static equilibrium: force and moment analysis in design; frictional forces
- free body diagrams and Pin-jointed structures
- stress, strain and elasticity
- multi-axial stress-strain; thin walled vessels under pressure
- shear stress and torsion of shafts
- plane stress; Mohr's circle analysis
- beam bending: shear force and bending moment diagrams
- second moments of area of cross-sections
- bending stresses in beams
- linear and rotational motion: displacement, velocity and acceleration
- relationship between angular and linear motion
- newton's Laws for linear and rotational motion
- linear and Angular Momentum, including conservation of momentum
- work, energy and power, including kinetic and potential energy
- geared systems
- drive systems, including tangential drives and vehicles
- load characteristics and steady-state characteristics
- flywheel design
- static and dynamic balancing
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1
This is an introductory module covering the fundamental concepts and principles of thermofluids and their applications to engineering problems. Topics covered include:
- introductory concepts; properties of fluids, equations of state and the perfect gas law
- hydrostatics The first and second law of thermodynamics, including heat engines
- fluid dynamics: continuity, Euler and Bernoulli equations
- processes undergone by closed systems
- the steady flow energy equation
- momentum flows including linear momentum, friction factors and pipe flows
- heat transfer
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year two
Core
Design, Manufacture and Project
This module will introduce design methodology through the entire design cycle from establishing users' needs and generating creative concepts to developing fabricable engineered solutions.
You will develop knowledge of machine elements and mechanical systems and develop enhanced skills in communicating effectively in a team environment and operating machine tools for manufacturing and testing of design.
Dynamics
This module aims to introduce concepts of rigid body dynamics, vibrations and feedback control, and develop the student's ability to analyse these aspects in simplified engineering situations.
Electromechanical Devices
Management Studies 1
This module introduces students to modern management methods relevant to the running of a company.
Topics include: introduction to basic economics; the essential requirements and aims of a business; preparing a business plan; accounting; interpretation of accounts; programme management; the essentials of “lean” manufacture and the management of innovation.
Materials in Design
This module aims to introduce students to methodologies for materials selection and process selection for design improvement. This module seeks to develop an understanding of the role of materials in the design of a range of components, from consumer goods to large scale structures.
Mathematics and Statistics
Mechanics of Solids
The aim of this module is to introduce more advanced topics in linear elastic solid mechanics, plasticity and failure, introduce relevant analysis methods for this materials behaviour and demonstrate the application of these methods to the design of engineering components.
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2
In this module you will apply concepts and principles of thermofluids to fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer situations in simplified applied situations.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year three
Core
Group Design and Make
The project involves four or five students, working as a team to design, manufacture and develop a product. Starting from the design brief prepared by the supervisor, the group will be required to devise and evaluate alternative design concepts, undertake the detailed engineering analysis and mechanical design, manufacture a prototype, evaluate its performance and undertake development work to improve it. Assessment of the financial viability and marketability of the product will be a major requirement.
Management and Professional Practice
On completion of this module you will be able to understand how projects are selected and financially evaluated. You'll be able to construct and monitor the elements of an engineering or business programme and acquire an ability to manage risks and quality issues in the industrial and business context. You'll develop an understanding of the basics of English Law.
Manufacturing Automation
Manufacturing Systems
Engineering Sustainability
Optional modules within the following subject areas
Business and Operations Management
Design
Human Factors
Manufacturing
Materials
Mechatronics
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year four
Core
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
This module will cover design, processing and material aspects of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, as well as the current and potential applications of the technology in a wide variety of sectors. Topics include commercial and experimental systems, material requirements, design for additive manufacturing, software and systems, as well as case studies in industry and society.
Digital Manufacturing
MEng Individual Project
The project aims to give experience in the practice of engineering at a professional level. It involves the planning, execution and reporting of a programme of work which will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical and computational work together with a review of relevant previous work in the field.
Optional modules within the following subject areas
Business and Operations Management
Human Factors
Materials
Sustainability
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Careers
Along with an accredited engineering degree you will have gained the practical and theoretical skills needed to improve the production systems for manufacturing industrial products and assemblies efficiently. Your transferable skills will also include effective communication skills and problem solving.
Professional recognition
This degree has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering Designers 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.
Boost your earning potential
Which university courses boost graduate wages the most? Studying with us could help you to earn more.
- We are second highest in the UK for female engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation
- We are second highest in the Midlands for male engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation
(Source: Institute for Fiscal Studies data: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-44413086)
Average starting salary and career progression
In 2016, 90% of first-degree graduates in manufacturing engineering who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £26,892 with the highest being £33,000.* * Known destinations of full-time home and EU first-degree graduates, 2015/16. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2019, High Fliers Research).
Fees and funding
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Faculty-specific funding
In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £2,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
International/EU students
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Excellence Scholarship is available for select students paying overseas fees who achieve 38 points or above in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. We also offer a range of High Achiever Prizes for students from selected countries, schools and colleges to help with the cost of tuition fees. Find out more about scholarships, fees and finance for international students.
Related courses
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.