Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)

Course code H301

What is special about this course?

Mechanical Engineering is a highly relevant field involving products that affect our lives in countless ways, from the systems that maintain a flow of water to the faucet in your kitchen sink, to the spacecrafts that launch astronauts and satellites to far-flung parts of the solar system.

This program of study is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge required to build a career as an engineer in a wide range of fields, including automotive, energy and aerospace, among others.

The degree is application-based, using industry-related software, and includes laboratory-based investigations as well as examining industry-based case studies that will provide you with the specialist mechanical knowledge and broad engineering education to turn your qualification into a lifelong career. You will also undertake an engineering project, which will showcase your skills and knowledge to prospective employers by solving an industry-related problem.

Special features

  • You will use applications-based software to solve challenges
  • You will undertake major industry-related projects to showcase your expertise in solving engineering problems
  • You will develop relevant key employability skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills
  • You can study full time or part time to suit your personal or professional circumstances
  • You can exit at each level with a valuable qualification
     

Entry requirements

Year 1 of this course is a relevant HNC, such as HNC Engineering (Systems pathway) or HNC Mechanical Engineering, with a pass in Engineering Mathematics 2

Advanced entry to year two:

  • Successful completion of a relevant 15 SQA credit HNC such as HNC Engineering (Systems pathway) or HNC Mechanical Engineering) with a pass in Engineering Mathematics 2. To make an application please use the 'Apply' tab and indicate year two entry on your application

Advanced entry to year three:

  • Successful completion of a relevant HND (such as the HND Engineering Systems, or HND Mechanical Engineering) may allow advanced entry to year three. To make an application please use the 'Apply' tab and indicate year three entry on your application

Advanced entry to year four:

  • Successful completion of the BEng Mechanical Engineering or BEng Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, or other equivalent ordinary degrees may allow advanced entry to year four. To make an application please use the 'Apply' tab and indicate year four entry on your application

Year 1 - HNC

Year 1 of this course is a relevant HNC, with a pass in Engineering Mathematics 2, such as:

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study one of the following core modules:

  • Design and engineering skills 2 (SC)
  • Engineering skills 2 (SC)

You will also study the following:

  • Core maths 2 (S1)
  • Electrical 2 (S2)
  • Engineering business skills 2 (SC)
  • Statics and dynamics 2 (S1)
  • Thermodynamics and fluids 2 (S2)

Year 3 - BEng

You will study one of the following core modules:

  • Engineering project 3 (SC)
  • Project and management 1 (SC)

You will also study the following:

  • Control and instrumentation 3 (S2)
  • Conventional energy systems 3 (S1)
  • Statics and dynamics (S1)
  • Thermodynamics and fluids (S2)

and choose one from the following:

  • Assessment of the environmental impact of development
  • Materials and manufacturing
  • Microcontrollers and digital electronics
  • Renewable energy generation

Year 4 - BEng (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

  • Design for quality and reliability (S1)
  • Engineering project 4 (SC)
  • Statics and dynamics 4 (S1)
  • Thermodynamics and fluids 4 (S2)


You will also choose one from the following:

  • Electrical 4 (S2)*
  • Electronics 4 (S1)*
  • Future energy systems (S1)
  • Wind energy (S2)*

*only available to those who have already achieved level 3 in the same subject

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • Part-time (structured)
  • Part-time (unstructured)
  • This programme will be delivered through a unique blend of learning and teaching. A variety of media will be used to give an enriched and varied student experience, such as short video learning clips available to be played on computers and mobile devices at a time that suits you. These can be replayed as many times as needed. You will also access specialist staff learning sessions, using integrated e-learning software similar to Skype, and will have local staff face-to-face learning sessions for remedial, tutorial, practical and lab work

How long will my course last?

  • Full-time: 4 years (HNC + DipHE + BEng + BEng (Hons))
  • Part-time (structured): 8 years (HNC + DipHE + BEng + BEng (Hons))

Where can I study my course?

  • Inverness
  • Moray
  • North, West and Hebrides - Stornoway; Thurso
  • Perth

Start date

  • September
  • January - North, West and Hebrides only

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Year Level 2023-24 Full-time 2023-24 Part-time 2024-25 Full-time 2024-25 Part-time
Year 1 HNC £1,285 £86 (per HN credit) £1,285 £86 (per HN credit)
Year 2 DipHE £1,820 £305 (per 20 credit module) £1,820 £305 (per 20 credit module)
Year 3 Degree £1,820 £305 (per 20 credit module) £1,820 £305 (per 20 credit module)
Year 4 Honours £1,820 £305 (per 20 credit module) £1,820 £305 (per 20 credit module)

Rest of UK students

For students living in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time 2023-24 Part-time 2024-25 Full-time 2024-25 Part-time
Year 1 HNC £7,110 £474 (per HN credit) £7,110 £474 (per HN credit)
Year 2 DipHE £9,250 £1,542 (per 20 credit module) £9,250 £1,542 (per 20 credit module)
Year 3 Degree £9,250 £1,542 (per 20 credit module) £9,250 £1,542 (per 20 credit module)
Year 4 Honours free £1,542 (per 20 credit module) free £1,542 (per 20 credit module)

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year, with the 4th year of study free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time With scholarship 2024-25 Full-time With scholarship
Year 1 HNC £7,980 £7,980 £8,775 £8,775
Year 2 DipHE £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 3 Degree £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 4 Honours £15,360 Free £15,996 Free

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time 2023-24 Part-time 2024-25 Full-time 2024-25 Part-time
Year 1 HNC £7,980 £532 (per HN credit) £8,775 £585 (per HN credit)
Year 2 DipHE £15,360 £2,560 (per 20 credit module) £15,996 £2,666 (per 20 credit module)
Year 3 Degree £15,360 £2,560 (per 20 credit module) £15,996 £2,666 (per 20 credit module)
Year 4 Honours £15,360 £2,560 (per 20 credit module) £15,996 £2,666 (per 20 credit module)

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK. Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award, including where students are following a recognised ‘top-up’ degree structure where the first year is made up of an HNC award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed your BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, you will be ready to compete effectively for jobs within the broad engineering industries such as transport engineering; offshore engineering; renewable energy; energy; manufacturing; and oil and gas. Roles may include:

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Automotive engineer
  • Energy engineer
  • Systems engineer
  • Project manager - mechanical systems/renewable energy
  • Project development - mechanical systems/renewable energy

Can I progress into further study?

Upon successful completion of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, you may wish to progress onto:

Is there more information available online?

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A key advantage of my studies is that the majority of lecturers and tutors come from an industry background giving meaning and substance to the teaching, and making it more interesting. My aim is to continue on to a masters and progress within the company I currently work for to achieve the role of senior engineer, and ultimately, a chartered engineer.

Mark Graham, BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering student (having progressed through both the HNC and HND Engineering Systems), UHI North Highland (Thurso) campus.

Go for it! It's a great opportunity to study and you are never too old to change careers. I really enjoyed the relaxed environment and feeling able to approach and talk to the lecturers at any time. My local campus was perfect for me, and a cheaper option than moving away to study. Now that I've had such a great experience, I'm considering pursuing a masters course as a stepping stone to an engineering career.

Alick John Maclean is studying in his fourth year of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at our UHI Outer Hebrides campus.

Natasha Tew and her two friends were the only team from Scotland to make it through to the penultimate round of the Airbus Fly Your Ideas competition.

Following graduation I began a postgraduate MSc and have been applying for as many graduate roles as I can. I've now secured a job as graduate mechanical engineer for Cavendish Nuclear. I would like to work in industry for a while and then possibly go into research afterwards. Studying has helped open up more opportunities for me so I would definitely recommend it. ”

Natasha graduated from the BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Energy Engineering from our UHI Outer Hebrides campus.

Apply for Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2024 or Jan/Feb 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.