Mechanical Engineering

If you enjoy Physics and Mathematics but also love designing and making things, this could be the course for you. A degree in Mechanical Engineering could help you play a part in solving the world's problems and developing its possibilities. Mechanical Engineers make an enormous contribution to society. The department's research covers such diverse topics as advanced materials for aero-engines, adaptive control systems theory and energy studies in power stations. Our degree gives you the opportunity to work with us in these exciting areas.

Mechanical Engineering courses

Why study Mechanical Engineering at Bristol?

Bristol's engineering heritage is world famous, and the city continues to be an international leader in cutting-edge engineering. The department is highly rated and we are in the top ten per cent of Mechanical Engineering Departments nationally for the standard of teaching. Furthermore, we receive very positive feedback and satisfaction ratings from our students.

We are also ranked highly for research, reflecting the department's research-intensive ethos. High-quality research and teaching delivered by leading researchers in the field forms a core part of this ethos. It also confirms the University of Bristol as one of the leading centres of excellence for Mechanical Engineering in both the UK and internationally.

Engineering students at Bristol also benefit from a dedicated Industrial Liaison Office, which develops engineering-specific industrial links for students.

What kind of student would this course suit?

If you are excited by modern technology and are intrigued to discover how things work then a course in Mechanical Engineering may well be the course for you. If you enjoy maths and physics at school or college then Mechanical Engineering allows you to continue to study these subjects in more depth, and will show you how to apply them to real engineering problems.

How is this course taught and assessed?

The course is taught by lecture, laboratories, design classes and project work. In the first two years assessment is roughly 75% examinations and 25% coursework. In the later two years the weighting between examinations and coursework is approximately equal

What are my career prospects?

Mechanical Engineering is a well-respected degree and acts as a gateway for any job requiring numeracy, clear thinking and commercial awareness. Our graduates are in high demand by industry and the department is often approached by companies seeking to employ them. Students graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bristol could venture into a wide variety of areas, including the automotive, aerospace, building, process, medical and marine industries.

How do teaching staff support your studies

My personal tutor has been very inspiring and supportive, in providing academic guidance as well as motivation for self-development.

Zhen Ming Ng
MEng Mechanical Engineering