Mechanical Engineering
Develop your creative, practical and transferable skills through a broad mechanical engineering curriculum.
Gain a thorough understanding of a wide range of engineering disciplines
Use industry equipment in laboratory sessions and build the technical expertise needed for a range of engineering careers
Gain design and prototype skills through practical projects and learn from experts in their fields
Course key facts
Qualification
MEng
Duration
4 years
Start date
October 2026
UCAS course code
H301
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
Not set Home
Not set Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
South Kensington
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Applications: places
11 : 1 (2024)
Minimum entry standard
A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)
40 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Mechanical engineers play a key role in solving key global challenges, from developing sustainable energy sources to improving the lifespan of battery technology.
This course will suit you if you want to develop your mathematical, physics and computational skills to tackle tomorrow's engineering issues.
Through lectures, labs and tutorials, you'll build a solid understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, thermofluids and mechatronics. You'll also learn how to use technical drawings and specialist software to produce your own blueprints.
Hands-on workshop sessions will develop your manufacturing skills, while you'll also hone your design expertise on a group project.
You can broaden your learning further by taking modules from other engineering disciplines and applying mechanical engineering principles to their key challenges.
At the end of the course, you'll complete a research project in an area of your interest.
Throughout your studies, you'll develop the skills needed to undertake more advanced research, or pursue career opportunities in industries including the automotive and commercial sectors.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules.
Core modules
Develop fundamental mathematical and computational skills to use throughout the course.
Acquire a range of skills necessary for the role of the professional engineer.
Derive from first principles the mathematical descriptions of stress analysis, and understand the physical significance of stress and strain.
Learn to derive mathematical descriptions of mechanics applications using first principles.
Discover the important mechanical properties and learn about the concept and practice of materials selection.
Explore a range of fluid dynamics mechanisms and forces to gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
Study the inter-conversion of heat, work, and other forms of energy and distinguish between reversible and irreversible processes.
Understand mechatronics as a concept for modelling and designing machine systems.
Learn about the design process from brief to manufacture, including how to produce a product design specification.
Professional accreditation
The following MEng degrees are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry
- Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering and a Year in Industry
Please note that the following year-abroad degrees are not accredited:
- Mechanical Engineering with a Year Abroad
- Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry and Abroad
With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.
With an accredited and integrated Master’s degree, you’ll fully meet the educational requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Becoming a Chartered Engineer can further enhance your career prospects and earning potential. It demonstrates your competencies and commitment to lifelong learning – providing you with recognition in your field and greater influence and opportunities.
Our accreditation agreement with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers was renewed in 2023-24.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, seminars and similar
- Independent study
- Project work
Year 1
- 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 80% Independent study
- 0% Project work
Year 2
- 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 80% Independent study
- 0% Project work
Year 3
- 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 40% Independent study
- 40% Project work
Year 4
- 20% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 40% Independent study
- 40% Project work
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Problem sheets
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Tutorials
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Workshops
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Laboratory work
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Group practical exercises
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Research projects
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Group design project
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Virtual learning environment
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Exam
Year 1
- 20% Coursework
- 5% Practical
- 75% Exam
Year 2
- 20% Coursework
- 5% Practical
- 75% Exam
Year 3
- 40% Coursework
- 5% Practical
- 55% Exam
Year 4
- 45% Coursework
- 5% Practical
- 50% Exam
Assessment methods
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Examinations
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Progress tests
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Report writing
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Online assignments, quizzes and tests
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Peer assessment
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Laboratory/workshop practicals
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Programming tests
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CAD & simulation tool tests
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Oral presentations
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Poster presentations
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Group presentations
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Design exhibitions
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
Minimum entry standard
A*A*A or A*AAA
To include:
- A* in Mathematics
- A/A* in Physics (A* is required if applying with three A-levels. At least an A is required if applying with four A-levels)
- A in a third and/or fourth subject
Not accepted: General Studies and Critical Thinking
Science Practical Endorsement: If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
Typical offer
A*A*A - A*A*A* (applicants studying three A-levels)
A*A*AA (applicants studying four A-levels)
Offers made to at least 50% of 2024 entry A-level applicants.
Support for widening participation applicants
Our contextual admissions route for UK applicants may entitle you to additional considerations within the application process to help us form a more complete picture of your potential to succeed at Imperial.
Find out more about who is eligible and what support you may receive.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
When applications open, you will be able to start your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
Applications open on 13 May 2025
Application deadlines – 14 January 2026 at 18.00 (UK time)
Admissions test (ESAT)
To be eligible for selection for this course for 2026 entry, you must sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) as part of the application process.
Check the entry requirements section on this page to learn more about the ESAT.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Completing your UCAS application
Please tell us in your personal statement about the things you have done to find out about mechanical engineering.
In particular, describe any work placements, industrial visits, or relevant projects or hobbies.
We are also interested in your general motivation as evidenced by extracurricular activities and part-time work, as well as your wider contribution to your school or community life.
The interview will be 25- 30 minutes with a member of academic staff. During the interview we will try to assess your potential. We might ask you about things you have mentioned in your personal statement, some maths and physics, and explore your ability to think like an engineer. We will want to know about your interest in engineering.
Interviews will be held online on Wednesday afternoons between November and March. We aim to give you at least two weeks notice if we select you for interview.
It may take a very long time for you to hear anything from us. This is because we accept applications right until the end of Jan, we read and assess applications very carefully, and we continue making decisions right up to the end of March. Even if you have applied in October, you may not hear anything until March. Please bear with us.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH10-01-02
- Descriptor: mechanical engineering
- Supervisor name: Professor Mike Lowe
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
All students should apply initially to MEng Mechanical Engineering.
Students interested in one of the other courses within the Department should then apply to transfer at the appropriate time during the course (selection criteria may apply).
Transfer at the end of the second year
- MEng Mechanical with Nuclear Engineering
- MEng Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering and a Year in Industry
Transfer at the end of the third year
- MEng Mechanical Engineering with a Year Abroad
- MEng Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry
- MEng Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry and a Year Abroad
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France and Germany, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally, only students with marks of 65% or above will be eligible for placements for all destinations.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Year in industry
If you choose to take the Year in Industry course, you'll complete a paid industrial placement after your second year.
You will be expected to help the Department organise your placement with the support of the Year in Industry Coordinator.
Securing a placement is competitive, so you may need to apply to multiple employers and take part in recruitment activities such as interviews.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2026 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2025-26 was £9,535 per year.
Year abroad
2026 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2025-26 was £1,450 for that year.
Year in industry
2026 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2025-26 was £950 for that year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
99% Of Imperial Mechanical Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 99% Of Imperial Mechanical Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 1%
92% Of Imperial Mechanical Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 92% Of Imperial Mechanical Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 8%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
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Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in mechanical engineering.
Develop skills that are highly valuable in finance, consulting, and project management.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Many of our graduates pursue careers in Formula One and related industries.
Other career prospects include the European Space Agency, nuclear engineering, simulation engineering, wind engineering, and the medical industry.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7005
- Email: me.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications