2023/24 entry
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
Why study Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Excellent student support from academic tutors, technical staff and student mentors in both practical and academic activities throughout all levels of study
- Professionally-accredited, design-led engineering curriculum emphasises developing understanding through application, with the opportunity to complete engineering design and analysis projects
- Teaching is supported by well-equipped laboratories and workshops with state-of-the-art software and excellent technical support plus al students receive a personal copy of SolidWorks-CAD software
- Professional engineers regularly contribute to courses, and industrial visits provide insights into careers in professional engineering and you have the option of completing an industrial placement.
- Practically delivered degree watch utilising industry standard software
About your course
By studying the professionally-accredited BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University you will have access to leading organisations and industry professionals plus exciting paid work placements. Such professional experience will enhance your CV and open up exciting career opportunities.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers accreditation means your degree is a stepping stone towards registration as a Chartered Engineer. However if you perform particularly well in the first two years, you can transfer onto the MEng programme, which fully qualifies you to register.
This is one of the UK’s leading engineering schools with a supportive staff team and excellent facilities including engine test facilities, materials testing laboratories and digital design studios, which you have full use of in practical sessions.
"After working in retail management for over 20 years, it was the right time to set myself a new challenge. Engineering always interested me. The idea of playing a role in the changing world excites me, and this degree programme certainly gives me the skills to achieve this. The programme has a very diverse syllabus and an excellent mixture of theory and practical work, from relaxed lectures, to hands-on metal work and computer-aided design."
Professional accreditation/links
Accredited MEng degrees enable graduates to gain CEng status without further study, while accredited BEng degrees will require a further period of study after graduation.
If you have demonstrated consistently strong performance by the end of Level 5, you may be offered the opportunity to transfer to the MEng programme. Gaining professional status will be of considerable benefit to you in your future career, especially if you join a multinational company and/or need to have your qualification recognised overseas.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Mechanical engineers make up one of the largest branches of engineering professionals; they are employed in almost every sector of economic activity.
Specific employment sectors include aerospace, automotive, power generation, engineering utilities, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, process industries, research and development, technical services, technical sales, consultancies and government agencies.
Graduate engineering roles include:
- project engineer leading and managing technical teams
- product development engineer developing mechanical and electro/mechanical products and systems
- design engineer designing cutting edge products
- process engineer developing and maintaining manufacturing processes
Examples of the destinations and roles of recent graduates include:
- Design engineer at Sellafield Ltd
- Manufacturing engineer at Bentley Motors
- Plant engineering manager at Prysmian Cables Ltd
- Project Manager at British Petroleum
- Design Engineer at Aston Martin
- Mechanical Engineer at United Utilities
- Mechanical Design Engineer at JCB
- Quality Engineer at Cummings
- Development Engineer at CERN
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.
Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.
Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Algorithms and Computing
10 credits
This module aims to provide an introduction to technical computing and the application of computers in the implementation of simple algorithms.
Engineering and Technology Practice
20 credits
This module aims to develop your practical skills by applying what you learn in your mathematics and physics modules. It will provide an experience of experimental planning, execution and report writing, as well as activities aimed at developing problem solving skills.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills which are required to use mathematics as an analytical tool in engineering and technology subjects.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 2
20 credits
This module aims to build upon the material covered in Mathematics 1 by exploring more advanced topics in Mathematics. This includes an introduction to elementary techniques in Calculus.
Introductory Foundation Physics
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide basic knowledge of electricity mechanics, materials and waves for those who have not studied A-level physics to be able to study an engineering or technology degree.
Additional Foundation Physics
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide basic knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, fields and electronics for those who have not studied A-level physics to be able to study an engineering or technology degree.
Programming for Engineers
10 credits
Level 4
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics 1a
10 credits
This module will provide a foundation in engineering mathematics for its application to the solution of engineering problems.
Engineering Mathematics 1b
10 credits
This module will provide a foundation in engineering mathematics for its application to the solution of engineering problems.
Applied Mechanics 1
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the essential principles of applied mechanics. The module will provide you with an introduction to essential applied mechanics (static force systems, strength of materials, kinematics, dynamics, impulse and momentum).
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the essential principles of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. This module introduces some of the most important fundamental ideas behind the development of core engineering disciplines of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Materials
20 credits
This module covers the essential elements of materials science and manufacturing technology required by engineers studying mechanical, marine, design disciplines. You will develop a good understanding on the structures, properties and processing methods of different groups of materials and be able to apply basic techniques for materials testing and selection.
Engineering Practice 1
20 credits
This module aims to introduce you to a range of general engineering practices and standards.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop an understanding of the physical principles of electrical and electronic systems, and to analyse simple circuits which incorporate passive and active components.
Level 5
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics
20 credits
Materials and Processes
10 credits
Applied Mechanics 2
20 credits
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2
20 credits
Engineering Design 2
20 credits
Mechatronics 2
20 credits
Modelling and Simulation
10 credits
Level 6
Core modules
Engineering Project
40 credits
Engineering Design 3
20 credits
Industrial Management
20 credits
Optional modules
Finite Element Analysis
10 credits
Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer
10 credits
Thermodynamics
10 credits
Materials Engineering
10 credits
Structural Integrity
10 credits
Manufacturing Systems
10 credits
Dynamics and Control
10 credits
Computational Fluid Dynamics
10 credits
Sensors and Robotics
10 credits
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via a combination of lectures supported by small, group tutorials, seminars, online activities and practical sessions. Initially formal teaching accounts for approximately 23 hours of your week but decreases to around 14 hours as the course progresses, and independent study time increases from approximately 27 to 36 hours per week.
Work-related Learning
This course offers an invaluable opportunity to undertake an industrial placement after your second year. This experience cannot be underestimated as it will give you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt in the first two years, enhance your skills and provide a taste of what it’s really like to work in industry. It will also give you a head start when you come to negotiate your way around the competitive job market.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Undoubtedly you will need academic and personal support at times during your course, and for this reason you will be allocated a personal tutor to discuss course-related issues, work on a personal development plan and set your own targets.
Should you decide to undertake a year’s placement, a placement tutor will liaise between you and potential employers and help you to find a suitable post. Once you are settled in your placement, you will have regular support from an academic staff member who will visit you in your workplace to check on progress.
If you plan to take the foundation course as a route onto the degree programme, this is recognised by student finance bodies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so if you are a UK student and satisfy the standard eligibility criteria, you may qualify for financial support. Please contact the appropriate body for further details.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Assessment is usually via a combination of exams and coursework, and sometimes by a portfolio of work, depending on the subject. A final year project gives you the chance to work independently and contributes considerably to your final mark. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via our virtual learning environment, face-to-face or as written comments. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU’s City Campus. Here you’ll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library, open 24/7 during semester, is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 88
GCSE and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A Levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 1
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: CCD
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
T Levels
- T Level requirements:
88 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Pleasecontact the Faculty for further information.
BTEC qualifications
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: DD if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: 88 UCAS tariff points from Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 88 UCAS tariff points from IB
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 88 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
OCR Cambridge Technicals
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Reduced Offer Scheme
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
IELTS6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
International entry requirementsPlease Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Can this course be deferred?Yes
Is a DBS check required?No
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.