BEng Mechanical Engineering BEng with foundation year and placement

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.

The University of Sussex is a public research university near Brighton, England. It is well known for high-quality teaching, strong research, and a focus on global issues. The university offers a wide range of courses in science, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. Students have access to libraries, laboratories, study spaces, and digital learning tools. Sussex supports hands-on learning and encourages students to think carefully about real-world problems. The careers team helps students plan placements, internships, and future jobs. Many lecturers are active researchers who bring up-to-date knowledge into their teaching. The University of Sussex aims to help students build strong skills, think clearly, and achieve good career outcomes after graduation.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants usually need A-Levels at ABB or equivalent. A-levels must include Mathematics, with at least a grade B.

English Proficiency:

• 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.

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.

The University of Sussex offers several scholarships for undergraduate students. These include awards based on academic performance and support for students from lower-income households. International students may qualify for regional or merit-based scholarships that reduce tuition fees. Some awards are given automatically, while others require an application. The university also provides advice on external funding and budgeting. 

Graduates of the BEng Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) from the University of Sussex may work as:

• Manufacturing Engineer 

• Maintenance Engineer 

• Project Engineer 

• Systems Engineer 

• Graduate Engineering Trainee

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.