There is a misconception that Mechanical Engineering is only about cars, but as you'll see from the below, it's about much, much more. Mechanical Engineering is pivotal across a wide range of sectors and there are a variety of career prospects on offer for a Mechanical Engineering graduate.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Professor Duncan Shepherd
Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering
“Mechanical Engineering is a wonderfully diverse subject and I think it can be best summed up with a slogan from our professional body, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers – ‘Nothing moves without Mechanical Engineers’. Whether it is an aircraft, car, train, satellite or an artificial knee replacement, mechanical engineers play an important role.”
Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse and fundamental engineering disciplines. It transforms an idea from its conception to a physical product (a machine with moving parts) through a detailed design and manufacturing process. The breadth of such products ranges from small individual parts (e.g. microscale sensors, switches and nozzles) to huge systems (e.g. automobiles, aircraft, powerplants, machinery for any industry, heating and cooling systems etc.). Mechanical engineers not only play a key role in the design but also in the operations, maintenance and service life of mechanical systems and products, within a wide range of industries including (but not limited to): manufacturing of any product, automotives, aerospace, power generation, mechatronics, energy conversion, biotechnology, robotics and automation, renewable energy, healthcare machinery, transportation systems, fuels and combustion systems, water supply systems, underwater, space exploration and more.
Career options for Mechanical Engineering graduates
As a mechanical engineering graduate you can be employed in many different industries ranging from manufacturing, engineering and transport to healthcare or sustainability. Some of our recent graduates are working for top global employers including Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Yamazaki Mazak and Dyson.
During your studies, as well as gaining core Mechanical Engineering knowledge, you will also develop a range of transferable skills, highly desired by prospective employers. These include skills such as, communication, team work and collaboration, resilience, using initiative and much more.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has excellent links with industry, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the industry and the workplace.
Ali Ahzam
BEng Mechanical Engineering Graduate
“The School of Engineering is widely respected and it supplies highly qualified and motivated graduates to the international workforce. I acquired a range of skills by attending events and workshops, which will help me with my future career prospects.”