Our mechanical engineering programmes are rooted in the real world of industry and the rapidly evolving needs of the engineering sector. You will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory and computing facilities and learn from internationally recognised academics at the forefront of their fields of research.
Mechanical engineers work at the cutting edge of modern technology, in areas such as robotics, automation, materials, stress analysis, fluid mechanics and design optimisation.
Working in our newly-created Design Centre, you will not only receive training on the latest industry-standard design and solid modelling software, and computer-numerical-control (CNC) machine tooling – but also in the sensors, actuators and advanced control systems which drive all modern products of mechanical engineering.
Through your project work, you may choose to use our internationally-recognised materials characterisation facilities, taking advantage of our partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Equally, you might decide to explore the cross-disciplinary aspect of mechanical engineering, applying your skills in areas ranging from prosthetics to satellites.
You can apply to study for either a BEng or MEng (Masters of Engineering). The MEng builds on the BEng programme with a masters year, and is a direct route to a masters qualification. Depending on your progress, you may have the option to switch to a BEng or MEng during your studies.
A crucial part of all our programmes, Professional Training placements provide you with further practical experience and enhance your understanding of the subject. As well as enabling you to apply the skills you are learning, the Professional Training placement also gives you a deeper understanding of your studies and provides you with a head-start as you enter the job market.
The enhanced interpersonal and management skills that you learn during the Professional Training placement are highly valued by employers. This optional year also provides an opportunity to earn a salary whilst on your placement, while still remaining a student of the University.
Many students are offered subsequent employment by the firms with which they spend their placement year.
Our graduate employment record is truly outstanding. This is due to the professional focus of our degrees, which are accredited by professional institutions, and the quality of our Professional Training placement scheme.
Employers include some of the most famous names in engineering, aerospace, energy, manufacturing and research. A small but significant number of students take higher degrees at Surrey and elsewhere.
The exchange programme enables you to study and live in another country without paying additional tuition fees to the partner.
In doing so you will broaden your horizons, meet other exchange students from around the world and experience student life in one of the world's most prestigious universities.
In addition, or alternatively, you may wish to consider spending your Professional Training placement year working in another country. Students have worked at Airbus in Toulouse, EnOcean in Germany and Maresa in Ecuador.
If you work in another part of Europe you will be eligible for an Erasmus+ grant.
Your communication skills, vital to professional mechanical engineers, will be developed through communications and information technology modules where you will explore the whole spectrum of communication media, from chalk-and-talk to state-of-the-art computer software presentation packages.
"There are many practical and motivating reasons to go on placement. University develops critical thinking and problem solving skills while placements can teach you skills such as decision-making and prioritisation."