BEng Mechanical Engineering BEng with foundation year and placement
Course overview
The BEng Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) at the University of Sussex focuses on how machines, systems and materials are designed, built and improved. The course teaches core engineering skills used across many industries. Students learn how forces act on structures, how energy is used, and how products move from design to manufacture. Strong links are made between theory and real engineering practice. Students work on engineering challenges that reflect real industry needs. The course covers mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and fluid flow. Students also study design methods, computer-aided design, and basic control systems.
The industrial placement year allows students to apply their learning in a real workplace and gain valuable experience before the final year of study. This undergraduate degree is normally studied over four years full-time. The third year is spent on an industrial placement with an approved employer. Students work in an engineering role and gain experience in professional practice, teamwork, and workplace standards. The final year focuses on advanced topics and independent work. Students are taught using lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and design workshops. Students use industry software and lab equipment. Assessment is carried out through exams, coursework, lab reports, design projects, and presentations. Feedback supports steady skill development.
Entry requirements
Grade Requirements:
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Applicants usually need A-Levels at ABB or equivalent. A-levels must include Mathematics, with at least a grade B.
English Proficiency:
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International students need to show proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and no section below 5.5 in all skill components.
Scholarships
Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of feesEarly Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)
The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.
Up to £5,000ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).
Up to £30,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the BEng Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) from the University of Sussex may work as:
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Manufacturing Engineer
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Maintenance Engineer
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Project Engineer
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Systems Engineer
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Graduate Engineering Trainee
Cost of study
In 2026/27, the annual tuition fee to study BEng Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) in the University of Sussex is £27,300 for international students. This is subject to review annually.
Admission
Applications for the University of Sussex BEng Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) course are made through UCAS. You can reach out to our experienced counsellors at AHZ for assistance.
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