This BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree at Robert Gordon University will enable you to be involved in the design, construction and operation of machines, structures and industrial plant for a wide range of industries, across the world. You'll constantly strive to produce safer, durable, cheaper, useful and more efficient machines and systems to benefit society and change tomorrow.
You’ll work on a variety of items from small components to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles. You’ll apply method and logic to solve real-life problems in the face of conflicting requirements.
The first two years are common across our Mechanical Engineering courses. At the end of Year 2, you can make an informed decision about which route you wish to take.
Year 1
You will develop basic knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles in Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering as well as practical, organisational, study and IT skills. You will begin to understand the integrated nature of the Engineering design process.
Year 2
You will increase the level of knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills developed in year 1. You will enhance your ability to interpret and critically evaluate technical data and information and their relationship to wider society.
Year 3
You will further-develop your analytical skills and competence. You will also learn about and implement Project Management skills through studying the key principles and undertaking group project work. Your overall grade from this year counts 20% towards your final Honours classification.
Year 4
You will engage in an individual research or industrial project to integrate technical, project management and transferable skills. You will increase your depth of knowledge and understanding by studying further specialist modules. All your module grades this year will count towards your Honours classification.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Our sustainability commitment
In the initial stages of the Engineering courses, students undertake a variety of modules to provide the fundamental concepts of sustainability including environmental, social, and economic aspects. In this course, you will gain knowledge on design for sustainability by integrating renewable energy systems, efficient use of material and waste reduction strategies in engineering design. In the later stages of the course, you will have the opportunity to explore the selection and optimization of materials with lower environmental footprints and address sustainable manufacturing techniques. You will also learn how to think critically about the ethical implications of their engineering decisions and foster a sense of social responsibility.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 4, 7, 9 and 11. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationActivity Summary
You will study four modules each Term, each varying in contact type. Typically you will have four hours per-module per-week in a mixture of lectures to the whole class (between 80 and 180 students), tutorials (usually to smaller groups), laboratories, workshops and computer laboratories to learn specialist software.
Your course resources will be available on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, where you will find course notes, tutorials, coursework assignments and much more.
Year 4
- Lectures - 135 students per group, 10 hours per week
- Tutorial - 40 - 80 students per group, 2 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 1 or small group, 1 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 2 hours per week
How long is a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course?
A Mechanical Engineering degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.
Independent Study
A total of 150 hours per 15-credit module is recommended to get the most out of your course. This includes time studying outside the timetabled classes. This could include, for example, reading lecture notes, undertaking tutorial problems, writing up lab reports or other coursework, and practicing specialist software skills.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Academic staff are experienced Engineers, many with Chartered status and industry links, who have achieved or are working towards Higher Education Academy Fellowship - a professional recognition of their practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. Many are research-active and some feature in the annual STAR awards (Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition) voted for by the students.
Engineering Applications Supervisors will take you through the more practical aspects of Engineering in our Flexible Learning Labs and Technicians and postgraduate research students will provide support for projects and laboratory work.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each term:
- Three Written exams, average time of exam: three hours
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Although placements form part of our MEng programmes, they are not yet currently embedded in our BEng courses.
Job Prospects
Our graduates are highly sought after, and many gain employment in the global oil and gas engineering sector. Opportunities also exist in many other areas of mechanical engineering such as aerospace, transport, marine technology, health and bioengineering.
Is Mechanical Engineering a good career choice?
Previous BEng Mechanical Engineering graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Senior Technical Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Commissioning Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Contracts Manager
- Principal Mechanical Engineer
What is needed for a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
- GCE A Level: CCC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Design Technology, Electronics, or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5/C or above is required if not held at A Level.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Maths and either Physics or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
- IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level Maths and Physics at grade 5. English is required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: CCCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 C is required if not held at Higher.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £7220 |
| Year 2 | £7220 | |
| Year 3 | £7220 | |
| Year 4 | £7220 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £18300 |
| Year 2 | £18300 | |
| Year 3 | £18300 | |
| Year 4 | £18300 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17840 |
| Year 2 | £17840 | |
| Year 3 | £17840 | |
| Year 4 | £17840 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.