Mechanical Systems Engineering
Prepare yourself for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Gain relevant expertise and get hands-on with state-of-the-art facilities at USW.
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Key Course Details
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Start Date
September
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Location
Pontypridd
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Campus Code
A
Fees
Home students
£9,535*
- Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.
This BEng Mechanical Systems Engineering degree allows you to use your analytical and mathematical skills to solve real-life problems. Mechanical engineers are sought-after in all types of industries and sectors, such as food processing, pharmaceutical manufacture, renewable energy, automotive and aerospace. You could design, analyse, research and test anything from wind turbines to turbojet engines.
DESIGNED FOR
Mechanical engineers have an inquiring mind, wanting to understand how things work and how to apply knowledge to real-world problems. Sustainable solutions to important areas such as energy security, food and water supplies, sustainable transport are just some of the areas where Mechanical Engineers contribute their knowledge
Career Paths
- Production Manager
- Biomedical Engineer
- Project Management
- Automotive Engineer
Skills Taught
- Development of knowledge of cutting-edge technology
- Teamworking, management and leadership.
- Communication skills
- Understanding of professional responsibilities such as sustainability and ethics
Course Highlights
Module Overview
During the first year, you’ll be introduced to some of the core subject areas that underpin Mechanical Engineering. The course is designed to give a spread of topics here, so that the knowledge is established in a range of teaching styles.
Mathematics for Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineers
Provides students with confidence in mathematics and demonstrating the relevance of mathematics in engineering.
Design and Manufacture
Students gain basic knowledge in engineering design and manufacturing and materials and acquire skills in manufacturing practice.
Engineering Computing Applications
The aim of this module is introduce students to the use of computer applications in engineering through programming and computer aided design
Engineering Mechanics 1
The content of the module is directly related to Engineering Mechanics and Mechanics of Materials, to expose students to problems in mechanics as applied to plausibly real-world scenarios.
Electrical Science
This module recognises the cross-disciplinary nature of engineering in professional practice and gives an insight into the importance of knowledge of electrical theory and circuit design.
Thermofluids 1
Gives students a basic understanding of thermodynamic and fluid mechanic properties of both liquid and gases.
The second year builds on the foundations of the previous year of study, deepening the knowledge and developing the ability to apply that knowledge to problems of increasing complexity. The teaching style continues the problem-based and practical ethos of the programme.
Further Mathematics for Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineers
This module teaches students to select and apply a range of mathematical analysis methods to the solution of engineering problems. Students will be able to develop mathematical models of engineering systems.
Sustainable Engineering Design
This module builds upon the student’s knowledge of the design process and furthers their knowledge of the use of computer aided design in the design process
Engineering Mechanics 2
This module enables students to analyse and solve more advanced problems in Statics and Dynamics. Students will investigate a number of major scientific principles which underpin the design and operation of engineering systems
Control and Instrumentation
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to assess the static and dynamic behaviours of instrumentation and control systems through basic analytical approaches and control theory in time and frequency domains.
Thermofluids 2
This module extends principles of thermodynamics and applies them to a range of engineering and industrial applications. Concepts involved in fluid flow are consolidated to enable students to analyse more complex applied phenomena
The final year consolidates the knowledge gains and develops it to a more advanced level with the problems presented now being of a more ambiguous nature to prepare students for professional practice in industry. The individual project is a key part of this year and provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to a significant engineering problem or challenge.
BEng Individual Project (Core)
Designed for students to conduct detailed research/projects relevant to their subject. Enhances knowledge, promotes independent work, and encourages lifelong learning.
Individual Project (Optional)
Thermofluids 3
The purpose of this module is to consolidate and further extend the principles of thermodynamics applied to a range of power generation and energy systems and to consolidate and further extend the principles of fluid mechanics and apply them to a range of turbo-machines.
Design and Analysis
The aim of the module is to enable the students to carry out engineering analysis as part of the design process, to have the ability to interpret the results obtained and make design decisions on the basis of the analysis carried out.
Industrial Management
The aim of this module is to extend the student's appreciation and knowledge of Engineering Management Systems.
Mechanics and Control
This module provides the student with the ability to analyse complex mechanical and control systems.
Course Highlights
How you’ll learn
You will learn via lectures, tutorials, and seminars. As well as this, you will spend time keeping up to date on current issues within the engineering industry. You will also learn through practical work, group projects and a final year project, plus industry visits.
The mechanical engineering degree is assessed through assignments, coursework, ongoing class tests and exams. Presentations are included as elements of assessments in some modules, in order that key communication and presentation skills can be developed.
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Teaching staff
The staff that deliver the modules have a breadth of expertise in their subject areas.
Some have developed this expertise through high quality research. The research areas are international in their scope whilst also having a relevance locally, often working with international companies that operate locally.
Others have developed their expertise through successful careers in industry and are now using that knowledge to teach and prepare the students for their own careers.
This blend of backgrounds represented in the academic staff give a breadth to the student experience and develops them technically and professionally.
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Placements
We know the value of placement and work experience and are passionate about seeing our students take up these opportunities. We work with several local and national companies in order to assist students to take up these opportunities
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Facilities
Our Mechanical Engineering facilities are excellent. They include:
- Well-equipped computer rooms using state of the art (industry standard) design and analysis software. (SolidWorks, Ansys, FEA and CFD, LS-Dyna, SolidCAM, Simul8, etc.), with a cluster (Super Computer) for use on high end computational activities.
- Dedicated project rooms for all cohorts, access to laser cutter and a four-axis CNC router.
- Composite manufacturing facilities, including autoclaves.
- Additive manufacturing facilities (3D printing), laser scanner, wind tunnel, extensive material testing facilities, as well as laboratories with equipment for supplementing teaching in all core subjects, mechanics, dynamics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid-dynamics and control.
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) facilities.
- Access to technical staff in our workshops which include CNC machining centre, lathes and milling machine, drills, etc, for use on all project work undertaken.
- Large open access multi discipline built area for projects.
Well-equipped Formula Student (Opens in a new tab)build area.
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Life at USW
Halls are a big part of your student experience and there’s accommodation at all three of our locations. If you don’t want to live near the campus, there are great transport links to keep you connected.
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Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
Admissions Advice
We're here to help. Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch and we'd to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.
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