Mechanical Engineering MEng
BEng : AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only); graduates earn a median £30,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
BEng : AAB – BBB
A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only) · 100% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
BEng : AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only)
Who actually got in: 100% with A levels. 90% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 20 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAA | Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).; Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. |
| IB | BEng : 34 (6,5,5) | HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics). |
Years 1–5
What do you study?
9compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: engineering & manufacturing 68% · natural sciences 10% · mathematics & statistics 7% · transversal skills 5%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 9 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Analogue Electronics 1
What you learn (13)
- describe charge, current, voltage and power concepts across disciplines
- convert between units of electrical quantities
- apply circuit laws to find unknown currents and voltages in networks
- derive nodal analysis from basic circuit laws
- calculate unknown currents and voltages using nodal analysis
- state Thevenin's and Norton's theorems
- calculate Thevenin and Norton equivalent values for two-port networks
- apply Thevenin's and Norton's theorems to simplify circuit analysis
- analyse ac networks using complex impedance representation
- define key properties of ideal operational amplifiers
- calculate voltage gain of op-amp amplifier circuits
- design circuits to solve practical engineering problems
- collaborate in a team to solve technical challenges
- Design and Manufacture 1
What you learn (7)
- identify common mechanical components used in engineering systems
- describe the function of typical mechanical system components
- determine component specifications for a given engineering application
- select suitable components to meet engineering design requirements
- choose appropriate materials for simple engineering components
- choose suitable manufacturing processes for simple engineering components
- describe manufacturing organisations and systems using correct technical terminology
- Mechanical Design 1
What you learn (7)
- incorporate cultural sensitivity and community engagement into design solutions
- describe the design and construction features of common basic machines
- explain the operating principles of common mechanical products
- apply ethical and sustainability considerations to shape an engineering design
- demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility within a team project
- create a design model using Fusion 360 software
- specify suitable materials, technologies and processes for a design
- Engineering Skills 1
What you learn (20)
- identify university support services available to students
- collaborate within a team to achieve a shared engineering goal
- describe the responsibilities and ethical duties of a professional engineer
- discuss how standards and regulations shape engineering practice
- apply research findings to inform an engineering design
- develop a solution for an open-ended creative design brief
- build a prototype of sufficient quality to demonstrate a concept
- evaluate a prototype through testing and refine its design
- produce basic drawings, models and assemblies using CAD software to engineering standards
- write a basic computer program
- use software tools to prepare reports, calculations and data presentations
- apply manufacturing processes to construct prototypes or models
- build a basic electrical circuit from a drawing and identify faults
- write a technical report that meets engineering conventions
- cite references using correct engineering conventions
- give and respond to verbal and written feedback, showing resulting improvement
- maintain written records of progress such as logbooks or portfolios
- communicate engineering ideas through functional sketches
- present data and graphs according to engineering conventions
- write up engineering calculations for a professional audience following conventions
- Materials 1
What you learn (10)
- compare structural features of metals, polymers and ceramics
- calculate material density from crystallographic data
- identify factors determining stiffness, strength and toughness of materials
- identify factors determining electrical conductivity of materials
- distinguish elastic from plastic deformation behaviour in materials
- apply yield criteria to analyse multiaxial stress states
- conduct a basic mechanical test on a material sample
- analyse results obtained from a mechanical test
- select materials for applications by weighing efficiency and lifecycle factors
- use ashby diagrams to support material selection decisions
- Dynamics 1
What you learn (3)
- solve basic engineering dynamics problems using standard methods
- explain the physical phenomena underlying motion and forces in dynamic systems
- integrate multiple engineering analysis techniques to solve complex dynamics problems
- Statics 1
What you learn (5)
- identify types of forces acting in mechanical systems
- combine multiple forces to find their resultant
- apply equilibrium conditions to analyse engineering structures
- formulate mathematical models linking applied and internal forces
- solve mathematical models to determine force relationships
- Thermodynamics 1
What you learn (10)
- perform engineering and scientific calculations with accuracy and rigour
- decompose a thermodynamic problem into its constituent systems
- identify how energy interactions occur between systems
- use appropriate thermodynamic terminology correctly
- explain sources of energy within a thermodynamic system
- explain the environmental impact of thermodynamic engineering solutions
- identify whether an open or closed system analysis applies
- derive the first law of thermodynamics from basic theory
- apply the first law of thermodynamics to closed system problems
- analyse basic steady flow processes
Year 2 · 11 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Design and Manufacture 2
What you learn (9)
- describe common engineering components and materials
- describe standard manufacturing processes
- explain how manufacturing process choice affects component design and cost
- produce engineering drawings conforming to recognised standards
- apply material and process selection theory to a design problem
- use edupack software to support material and process selection
- explain methods for costing manufacturing processes
- explain the fundamental principles of casting and sheet forming processes
- apply casting and sheet forming principles to practical manufacturing contexts
- Mechanical Design 2
What you learn (8)
- produce industrial-standard engineering drawings using CAD software
- explain why physical models and prototypes support product design
- apply engineering science calculations to embodiment design of components
- evaluate design choices for sustainability, safety and reliability
- explain how the holistic nature of design affects organisational communication
- describe various machine elements used in mechanical design
- specify machine elements using appropriate calculation methods
- describe how multiple disciplines interact in engineering product design
- Materials 2
What you learn (7)
- apply core material science concepts to engineering material properties
- relate material properties to engineering applications
- describe the advantages of different material classes for engineering uses
- describe the limitations of different material classes for engineering uses
- perform fundamental laboratory techniques for materials testing
- explain fundamental engineering concepts related to materials
- collaborate effectively within a team on practical tasks
- Power Electronics 2
What you learn (10)
- identify opportunities to improve system efficiency using power electronics
- calculate average values of practical periodic waveforms
- derive power consumption of components from waveform data
- design simple load-control circuits using semiconductor switching devices
- explain the operation of linear power supply circuits
- explain the operation of basic switch-mode power converters
- describe the operating principle of a basic DC-to-AC inverter
- analyse steady-state power flow in practical electronic systems
- analyse temperature distribution in practical electronic systems
- measure performance of linear and switched power supplies using test instruments
- Thermodynamics 2
What you learn (12)
- solve a complex engineering system calculation accurately
- explain the significance of the second law of thermodynamics
- apply simple thermodynamic models to represent reservoirs, engines and pumps
- explain the concept of entropy and its continual increase in the universe
- calculate entropy change for open and closed systems undergoing thermodynamic processes
- apply reversible and irreversible process principles to thermodynamic cycles
- analyse the refrigeration cycle using thermodynamic principles
- create a computer program to solve the rankine cycle
- evaluate cycle efficiency from calculated results
- discuss ethical and security issues of nuclear power applications
- analyse turbojet, turboprop and turbofan cycles
- explain why engine types suit different flight regimes
- Engineering Skills 2
What you learn (14)
- apply python programming to solve familiar engineering problems
- investigate python libraries for solving complex engineering problems
- analyse an engineering problem using a structured stepwise approach
- implement a logical solution as a python program
- describe basic programming constructs such as loops and conditionals
- apply iteration and branching techniques in program code
- create a cad drawing of an engineering system
- use cad software libraries, tools and layers effectively
- produce detailed assembly drawings and projections using cad
- perform advanced practical tasks in engineering workshops
- describe manufacturing techniques and requirements used in engineering workshops
- complete basic workshop tasks involving sheet metal work and measurement
- complete basic machining and cnc operation tasks
- apply creative thinking systematically to engineering design
- Mechanics of Structures 2A
What you learn (10)
- construct shear force diagrams for structural members
- construct bending moment diagrams for structural members
- calculate geometric and structural properties of cross-sections
- determine bending stresses in structural members
- determine shear stresses in structural members
- determine axial stresses in structural members
- calculate elastic deflections of statically determinate beams
- determine elastic stresses in circular shafts under torsion
- determine elastic stresses in thin-walled sections under torsion
- calculate angle of twist for shafts subject to torsion
- Mechanics of Structures 2B
What you learn (5)
- calculate principal stresses and strains for a given loading condition
- construct Mohr's circle to determine stress and strain states
- interpret strain gauge rosette readings to determine strain values
- calculate the stability of flexible structures containing rigid members
- evaluate elastic stability of columns under different boundary conditions
- Dynamics 2
What you learn (6)
- analyse particle motion relative to moving reference frames
- describe motion of particles and rigid bodies using work-energy principles
- describe motion of particles and rigid bodies using impulse-momentum principles
- analyse rotational motion of particles and rigid bodies
- solve problems involving Newton's laws of motion using analytical methods
- solve problems involving Newton's laws of motion using numerical simulation software
- Fluid Mechanics 2
What you learn (14)
- explain behavioural differences between fluids and solids
- define key physical variables used in fluid mechanics
- define dimensionless quantities such as reynolds number
- apply dimensional analysis to fluid mechanics problems
- apply mechanics principles to static fluid problems
- explain significance of conservation laws in fluid mechanics
- apply conservation laws to simple fluid flow problems
- state the bernoulli equation
- apply the bernoulli equation to simple fluid dynamics problems
- solve flow problems in closed pipe systems
- solve flow problems in open channel systems
- carry out fluid mechanics experiments
- analyse experimental data from fluid experiments
- report findings of fluid mechanics experiments
- Engineering Mathematics 2
What you learn (16)
- construct contour plots of multivariable functions
- determine stationary points of multivariable functions
- calculate rates of change and gradients using partial differentiation and chain rule
- apply the total differential to estimate experimental errors in engineering problems
- determine whether a differential equation is exact
- solve for the parent function of an exact differential
- apply exact differentials to calculate work done in conservative fields
- construct double integrals to determine the volume of solid objects
- construct path integrals to determine areas and work done in force fields
- classify differential equations by order, degree, type and linearity
- identify separable differential equations and solve them by integration
- solve first-order linear differential equations using the integrating factor method
- describe the general form of solutions to higher-order differential equations
- apply second-order differential equation methods to model engineering systems
- apply symmetry properties to simplify Fourier series calculations
- apply Laplace transforms to solve ordinary differential equations with initial conditions
Year 3 · 11 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Control 3
What you learn (15)
- draw block diagrams representing control systems
- manipulate block diagrams to simplify system representations
- explain the concept of system stability
- calculate the stability of a system using standard methods
- identify the poles and zeros of a system transfer function
- plot poles and zeros on the complex plane
- compare open-loop and closed-loop control systems
- construct root-locus diagrams for closed-loop systems
- infer closed-loop system properties from pole positions
- sketch Bode and Nyquist plots for a system
- analyse system behaviour using gain margin, phase margin and bandwidth
- represent frequency response data as polar plots
- describe the characteristics of PID feedback controllers
- design a basic feedback control system
- analyse the performance of a feedback control system
- Mechanical Design 3
What you learn (14)
- apply engineering design methods considering environmental impact and sustainability
- assess potential failure modes and their effects in a design
- research user and market requirements for a product
- summarise findings on user and market needs into design requirements
- generate innovative design and manufacturing solutions
- evaluate alternative design solutions against criteria
- apply formal creativity techniques to generate design ideas
- integrate prior engineering knowledge to design an economically manufacturable product
- handle uncertain or incomplete data during early design stages
- estimate and approximate parameters when exact data are unavailable
- identify mutual or circular dependencies within a design problem
- resolve interdependent design constraints effectively
- present design concepts professionally using appropriate communication tools
- use cad software to represent design ideas
- Fluid Mechanics 3
What you learn (11)
- explain mechanisms underlying fluid kinematics
- derive conservation laws for mass and momentum in fluids
- apply conservation laws to analyse fluid flow systems
- describe the significance of flow transition in fluid systems
- distinguish laminar flow from turbulent flow
- measure the power output of hydraulic systems
- determine power requirements of hydraulic systems
- explain the difference between single-phase and multi-phase flow
- solve problems involving multi-phase flow
- conduct practical fluid mechanics laboratory experiments
- compose a laboratory report presenting experimental findings
- Heat Transfer 3
What you learn (7)
- analyse different types of heat transfer problems
- calculate the quantity and rate of heat transferred in basic systems
- design a basic heat exchanger to meet given specifications
- solve fundamental problems involving heat exchanger performance
- calculate the heating or cooling load needed to sustain a target temperature
- apply thermal models to interpret material data sheets
- select suitable materials and processes to satisfy design criteria
- Instrumentation and Data Systems 3
What you learn (9)
- distinguish scientific, legal and applied branches of metrology
- analyse systematic and random errors arising during measurement
- evaluate suitable methods for reporting and applying measurement uncertainty
- explain how uncertainties propagate and combine within calculations
- analyse instrumentation and signal conditioning circuit behaviour
- explain operating principles of common transducers for non-electric measurements
- evaluate suitable instrumentation circuits for transducers in practical scenarios
- describe the operation of digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converters
- identify converter performance requirements for a given application
- Design and Manufacture 3
What you learn (12)
- select suitable materials for engineering components
- select appropriate manufacturing processes for engineering components
- explain how material properties influence manufacturing process choice
- relate material properties to final product requirements
- evaluate the lifetime environmental impact of material choices
- select suitable permanent joining methods for ferrous materials
- select suitable permanent joining methods for non-ferrous and polymer materials
- choose joining techniques that achieve required product properties
- describe design principles of welded and bonded joints
- calculate the strength of welded and bonded joints
- explain a range of manufacturing techniques used in engineering
- describe rotational moulding, extrusion and surface coating processes in detail
- Simulation of Engineering Systems 3
What you learn (7)
- explain how mathematical method limitations restrict simulation model accuracy
- evaluate how numerical methods affect the accuracy of simulation results
- describe common issues encountered in real-time simulation
- apply basic verification procedures to check a simulation model's internal consistency
- develop numerical methods suited to continuous-time simulation problems
- apply numerical methods to solve continuous-time simulation problems
- design a continuous-time system simulation using an appropriate simulation language
- Mechanics of Solids 3
What you learn (12)
- define stress components in two and three dimensions
- define strain components in two and three dimensions
- calculate principal stresses and strains in 2D and 3D
- define octahedral, hydrostatic and deviatoric stress components
- calculate octahedral, hydrostatic and deviatoric stresses and strains
- apply geometric, matrix and index notation to transform stress and strain states
- use Mohr's circle to find stresses and strains at given orientations
- explain experimental methods for measuring stress fields
- solve two-dimensional strain gauge rosette problems
- explain yield criteria used for brittle and ductile failure
- explain the mechanisms underlying material plasticity
- calculate the likelihood of yield in practical 2D and 3D stress states
- Dynamics 3
What you learn (9)
- construct simplified models of real-world dynamics problems
- evaluate the validity of simplified dynamic models
- derive equations of motion for single degree-of-freedom systems
- derive equations of motion for multiple degree-of-freedom systems
- analyse free and forced motion of engineering systems
- evaluate dynamic system performance by relating input to response
- analyse the motion of one and two degree-of-freedom systems
- analyse system response to harmonic vibration inputs
- assess the structural integrity and safety of vibrating systems
- Thermodynamics of Energy Systems 3
What you learn (6)
- analyse thermodynamic cycles of internal combustion engines
- calculate basic engine performance parameters using theoretical methods
- measure basic engine performance parameters through experimental testing
- evaluate the quality of a proposed thermal system design
- investigate complex thermal engineering problems through practical laboratory work
- present design outcomes according to recognised engineering standards
- Mechanical Engineering Skills 3
What you learn (11)
- write functional code in a contemporary programming language
- design a non-trivial program using an integrated development environment
- compile and run a program within a development environment
- test a program to verify correct functioning
- evaluate the environmental and societal consequences of engineering solutions
- identify ethical issues using professional codes of conduct
- assess risks and uncertainty associated with a project
- propose proportionate measures to mitigate security risks
- explain the responsibilities and benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion
- evaluate engineering decisions within management and commercial contexts
- present project outcomes collaboratively as part of a team
Year 4 · 5 core · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Finite Element Analysis 4
What you learn (4)
- apply approximation methods to engineering problem analysis
- perform a finite element analysis on an engineering problem
- identify modelling issues such as discretisation and boundary conditions
- evaluate the validity of a finite element model
- Business Planning and Management for Engineers
What you learn (8)
- evaluate feasibility and potential impact of proposed solutions using established methods
- analyse how an engineering business operates
- apply project planning techniques to develop realistic timelines
- formulate a business plan proposal for an engineering venture
- justify the technical and financial feasibility of a business proposal
- synthesise feedback from mentors and peers to refine a business strategy
- align a refined strategy with market needs
- propose measures to minimise adverse environmental and societal impacts
- Individual Project 4
What you learn (12)
- develop an independent project plan
- carry out project tasks safely and independently
- summarise relevant technical literature and standards for a project
- apply mathematical and engineering principles to analyse a problem
- devise a creative solution to an engineering problem
- evaluate technical project outcomes critically
- quantify the effect of input data uncertainty on results
- assess design and analysis decisions within wider engineering contexts
- evaluate implications of design choices for business, society and environment
- interact professionally and ethically with colleagues
- compose a detailed technical report in clear English
- present technical information orally to a non-specialist audience
- Mechanical Design 4
What you learn (14)
- develop a design concept from an open brief through problem analysis
- produce an inclusive and sustainable design solution
- develop a design to a stage ready for manufacturing drawings
- explain design for X considerations in an engineering solution
- justify design decisions using external technical literature
- assess risk reduction and potential failure modes in a design
- collaborate within a team to combine design aspects into one project output
- apply industrial software tools to refine a design
- verify a design using computer-aided tools
- produce industrial-standard project management documentation
- apply project management documents to control an engineering project
- perform engineering calculations using analytical methods
- present calculation results to demonstrate competence to an industrial audience
- compile a formal disclosure document of an engineering design
Year 5 · 2 core · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Individual Project 5
What you learn (14)
- direct a project plan to resolve an unfamiliar engineering problem
- manage work independently within an international engineering context
- collaborate with colleagues professionally and ethically
- apply project management techniques showing personal initiative
- summarise non-technical drivers and constraints affecting an engineering problem
- apply mathematical and interdisciplinary knowledge to analyse an engineering problem
- develop a creative solution to an engineering problem using broad knowledge
- assess interim project outcomes critically against intended goals
- adapt theoretical and experimental approaches to overcome identified weaknesses
- evaluate project results against current and emerging technologies
- evaluate project outcomes in relation to societal needs
- compose a detailed technical report in clear written English
- deliver technical information verbally to a non-expert audience
- use presentation aids to support technical communication
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£30,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£25k
Median£31k
Upper quarter£36k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 110 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 14, 24, 13, 23
Half of graduates earned between £25,000 and £35,500. Five years on, the median is £39,000. 90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 90% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 20 |
| In work or study, 15 months on0% studying | 90% | 15 |
| Professional or managerial job | 90% | 10 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 25 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £30,500 | 110 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £39,000 | 105 |
National Student Survey 2024-26
What do students say?
69%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 80% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 30 students answered
Highest: 88% agreed on question 4; lowest: 37% on question 25.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 78% |
| Question 2 | 50% |
| Question 3 | 72% |
| Question 4 | 88% |
| Question 5 | 66% |
| Question 6 | 75% |
| Question 7 | 56% |
| Question 8 | 69% |
| Question 9 | 75% |
| Question 10 | 81% |
| Question 11 | 69% |
| Question 12 | 53% |
| Question 13 | 53% |
| Question 14 | 38% |
| Question 15 | 72% |
| Question 16 | 59% |
| Question 17 | 44% |
| Question 18 | 63% |
| Question 19 | 63% |
| Question 20 | 81% |
| Question 21 | 63% |
| Question 22 | 75% |
| Question 23 | 44% |
| Question 24 | 41% |
| Question 25 | 37% |
| Question 26 | 69% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.