Mechanical Engineering in the UK

Mechanical Engineering is a process that is more industrial and involves a lot of practical processes. It deals with coming up with solutions to solve daily technical problems. Mechanical engineering is that branch that assists with the design, development, installation, operation, and maintenance of all tools and equipment with working mechanical parts. Studying mechanical engineering imparts transferrable skills that allow an individual to be valuable across industries. 

The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after destinations to study mechanical engineering. Universities in the United Kingdom are among some of the oldest in the world and are highly regarded by employers. Studying mechanical engineering allows students to experience not only in the field but also in the university itself. The universities have a study program designed so that the student gains life skills that would help in the long run. The approach to mechanical engineering in the UK combines theoretical knowledge with the hands-on application while equipping students with all the required skills. 

The country is home to some of the largest manufacturing units since it is a major financial hub in the Western world. Being the modern driving force in infrastructure, the country also constantly needs mechanical engineers to sustain the numerous projects undertaken throughout the country. Thus, mechanical engineers play an important role in being the driving force behind the development of the United Kingdom. Studying from the UK also opens doors to the European mainland, which also uses mechanical engineering to boost infrastructure besides housing various industries. 

Job Prospects after studying Mechanical Engineering in the UK: 

Mechanical engineers are very suited to work in various fields – any field or industry that uses machinery and tools. Mechanical engineers can work in development roles, supervisory and managerial roles as well. Being fluent in the practical application of different kinds of mechanical devices, engineers attract the attention of many employers. 

Some industries that employ the facilities of a mechanical engineer include the aerospace and automotive industries, construction, energy, manufacturing, railway engineering, and even certain engineering-related finance fields. Students who have pursued mechanical engineering can also fit in easily in the world of finance and consulting.

Most mechanical engineers are commonly employed in the field or a field related to it. A mechanical engineering degree could prove beneficial alternative job options include:

• Mining engineers.
• Land-based engineers.
• Production managers in manufacturing units.
• A technical sales manager. 

Income of Mechanical Engineers: 

About 80% of graduates from mechanical engineering are employed in positions related to their fields. At the same time, the remaining students have found opportunities in alternative fields or have gone on to do further research. The United Kingdom offers a fair remuneration to mechanical engineers for the services they offer. 

A mechanical engineer in the United Kingdom earns an average salary of an amount close to £32,000. 

The salaries of mechanical engineers can differ between industries as well as individuals. It is always useful when individuals have skills to support their engineering work, which affects their salary. Experience is another factor that determines the salary of a mechanical engineer. 

An entry-level mechanical engineer should expect to earn around £27000 a year. Individuals with experience worth 1 to 4 years could see an increment to £31000. As the individual gains more and more experience, they could earn salaries of £50000 a year at higher positions. 

If an individual is a specialized mechanical engineer or a Chartered Engineer as they are called in the UK, salaries can be as high as £65000 a year. 

Universities to Study Mechanical Engineering in the UK 

The United Kingdom is home to many prestigious universities that rank well across the globe. These universities house the best faculty to teach mechanical engineering. Besides, the United Kingdom offers students life like no other during their study. 

The best university for mechanical engineering in the UK include the likes of: 

• Imperial College London 
• University of Bath
• University of Leeds 
• University of Bristol 
• University of Loughborough

Other popular schools for mechanical engineering include the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, and Manchester. 

Degrees offered by Universities in Mechanical Engineering: 

The universities in the United Kingdom offer degrees in mechanical engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Besides these, if individuals wish to pursue their studies further in the field, they could even apply for research degrees or give exams to become a Chartered Engineer. Chartered Engineers are those who are specialized individuals in their field. 

The degrees in mechanical engineering available at the undergraduate level are:

• B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering
• B.Eng (Hons.) Mechanical Engineering 

The degrees available at the postgraduate level are: 

• M.Eng in Mechanical Engineering 
• M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering 

Integrated MSc (Hons.) in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering 

Entry Requirements: 

Universities in the United Kingdom require you to have Physics, Maths, and other science subjects if you go to pursue an undergraduate degree. You should have also passed these subjects with an A-Level grade. Besides this, the universities also require you to submit IELTS scores to assess your proficiency in English. A score of 6.5 is usually accepted. 

Suppose students are going for a master’s degree in electronic engineering. In that case, the requirements for language scores remain the same, while the subject requirements ask you to have a degree from a recognized university with First or Upper Second Class Honours. 

Besides the above, students are also required to submit essays or cover letters depending upon university requirements. Some universities may even take interviews to assess the quality of your candidacy as a student.