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Mechanical Engineering (Top-up) BEng(Hons)

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Overview

Mechanical Engineering impacts virtually all aspects of our daily lives and is vital to the functioning of many of the systems and products we rely upon. Following this course, therefore, you could choose from a wide range of rewarding and challenging careers, many of which will give you the chance to drive forward the increasingly important sustainability agenda and EngineeringUK report 25% of all job postings in the UK are in engineering and technology.*

The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Mechanical Engineering courses are Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Test Engineer, Mechanical Service Engineer and Equipment Engineer.**

Engineering skills needs – now and into the future, EngineeringUK labour market analysis, May 2023 *Lightcast data – job postings from May 2022 to May 2023 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Why study Mechanical Engineering (Top-up) BEng(Hons) at Huddersfield?

For those with good knowledge of engineering, this top-up course could help you build on your existing skills. A one-year course, you will be expected to have completed prior university or higher education study in a related subject.

The course allows you to continue your studies in the principles of, for example, dynamics and design, and to have the choice of other key modules to best suit you. With an understanding of the key role of sustainability, we aim to prepare you for career opportunities in a wide range of industries.

You will work on a selected individual research/design project with the support of your academic supervisor. It is possible to align this with one of the Master's team projects, which involve the design, build and friendly competitive testing of either a road, airborne or rail vehicle, for example, Team HARE, Team Hawk or HudRail.

Opportunities for the skillset of a graduate engineer can be varied, with our Mechanical Engineering graduates often finding themselves at the heart of technological developments within the industry.

We aim to provide you with strong practical, theoretical and transferrable skills that may reward you with an interesting and challenging future as a professional engineer.

Key Information

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are considered on an individual basis and are normally one of the following:

  • Higher National Diploma at Merit in Mechanical Engineering
  • Foundation Degree in Engineering
  • International qualifications are accepted, with high technical engineering content

Other relevant skills or experience will be considered.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Start dates

22 September 2025

Duration

1 year full-time

Course Detail

Design Analysis

In this module you will discover the principles behind Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This is increasingly becoming an integral part of the design process and has recently been linked to optimisation methods within many commercial computer packages. You will develop the understanding of the theoretical foundations and limitations of these methods for their effective application in practical contexts. In addition, you will gain an invaluable experience of using state-of-the-art commercial software of this type to equip you with the skills of carrying out accurate and cost effective finite element and optimisation analyses.

Dynamic Analysis and Control

This module will let you develop knowledge and understanding of dynamic systems related vibration and its analysis and control in machine systems. The module uses selected topics to give you an understanding of the analytical tools applied to vibration in mechanical systems and the ability to synthesise and analyse complex mechanisms. The module focuses on mathematical models of physical systems which are key elements in the design and analysis of control systems through theory and practical examples. Mathematical and analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

Eco Design and IPR

In this module you will have an opportunity to demonstrate a range of knowledge and understanding of sustainable design processes and the inherent value of design by undertaking a group design project. Through collaboration you will develop product design solutions that comply with the sustainable engineering agenda with the goals of a lower carbon economy at the forefront of your thinking. You will develop and use quantitative techniques that allow for the direct measurement of outcomes from a sustainability and commercial perspective. In addition you will demonstrate critical and creative thinking in the creation of industrially appropriate approaches to the handling and exploitation of intellectual property in regard to new and novel products.

Final Year Project

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to study and investigate a specific engineering topic in-depth. The aim of this module is give you the skills and experience to carry out an engineering project and introduce you to the process that would typically take place in a professional engineering environment. You will undertake and execute a project on a topic appropriate to your study pathway. You will be allocated a project supervisor(s) who will direct you through the process of project planning, undertaking background research and carrying out the technical aspects of the project to a satisfactory conclusion. Your project will be an in-depth study of an engineering problem and may be either academic or industry-based. You will have the opportunity to either select a project defined by a tutor, or to propose your own project idea. The project work will extend your knowledge and capabilities in the specific field associated with the project topic and allow you to demonstrate your initiative, commitment, and engineering capability to a professional standard.

Project Quality and Production Management

In this module you will be introduced to concepts, standards, techniques, software and systems for project management, quality management and production management, making reference to relevant ISO standards. You will cover case material relevant to manufacturing and service industries and gain experience of practical application. On completion you will be in a strong position to apply these key industry standard practices to projects in your role as a graduate engineer.

Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of fluid dynamics in general and aerodynamics in particular. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of aerodynamics ranging from bluff body aerodynamics to compressible flows. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with experimental and numerical tools to establish aerodynamic characteristics of important industrial systems encountering fluid flows.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to get continual feedback through weekly SAIL (Score as I Learn) assignments so you will feel confident in your studies and be able to access support when you need it.

A variety of assessment strategies will be used depending on the type and nature of the module. These include reports on laboratory experiments, laboratory-based assignments, and projects. An average of 12%* of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

*based on the course structure for 2025 entry as at December 2023.

Further information

The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course, you may have to attend every day of the week.

Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. You will study modules to the value of 120 credits. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

  1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

  2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

  3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

  4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Engineering


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Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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