2024/25 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.
On this BEng (Hons) degree course you will acquire an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles and advanced design technology as well as the problem-solving and management skills required to be a successful mechanical engineer.
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 UKs 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.
Links with national and international companies mean that the course is tailored to the needs of employers and, as an extension of this, we offer you the chance to undertake a years paid placement.
"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
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. 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.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. 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 Start-up 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.
A life-changing experience
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary 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
Engineering and Technology Practice
20 credits
This module aims to introduce the student to some of the academic and practical skills that will support their progression in an engineering and technology focused higher education environment.
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.
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.
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.
Programming for Engineers
10 credits
Level 4
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics 1a
10 credits
This module provides a foundation in engineering mathematics for its application to the solution of engineering problems.
Engineering Mathematics 1b
10 credits
This module provides a foundation in engineering mathematics for its application to the solution of engineering problems. It is a continuation of Engineering Mathematics 1a.
Applied Mechanics 1
20 credits
This module aims to introduce you to the essential principles of applied mechanics.
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1
20 credits
The module aims to introduce the essential principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Materials
20 credits
The module aims to introduce you to the essential principles of material science and engineering with reference to an essential element in mechanical design and materials selection. This module will also provide technical insight into various manufacturing processes. The overall module aim is to enable you to gain knowledge and skills for further studies or employment.
Engineering Practice
20 credits
This module aims to introduce you to a range of general engineering practices and standards.
Mechatronics 1
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce electromechanical systems focusing on applications in the areas of Mechanical, Automotive and Marine Engineering. The module covers the essential concepts of electrical circuits including AC and DC systems, signals, sensors, actuators and digital electronics.
Level 5
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics 2
20 credits
This module will provide you with a further course in engineering mathematics and its application to the solution of engineering problems.
Materials and Processes
10 credits
This module provide a thorough understanding of the properties and applications of a range of structural engineering materials and their associated manufacturing processes.
Applied Mechanics 2
20 credits
This module provides the means for solving many mechanical engineering problems by learning the principles of mechanics for rigid and deformable solid bodies.
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2
20 credits
This module provides you with an insight into thermal plant cycles and the physical behaviour of fluid flow and heat transfer by application of the theory to practical engineering examples.
Engineering Design 2
20 credits
This module aims to build on the skills developed in the Level 4 Engineering Practice module by introducing systematic approaches to the design process and to the analysis of mechanical engineering designs. It will provide you with a practical experience of the design process, allow you to further practice the analytical skills relating to mechanics and to document your work to appropriate design standards.
Mechatronics 2
20 credits
This module helps to develop a practical understanding of how sensors and actuators may be used along with embedded systems to control and monitor mechanical engineering systems.
Modelling and Simulation
10 credits
This module aims to introduce methods for modelling and simulating engineering systems. You will learn how to create models (typically 1-D) which may be represented using software, parameterized and simulated to create results which allow you to explore their behaviour.
Optional Modules
Sandwich Year - Mechanical Engineering
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Study Year Abroad - Mechanical Engineering
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Level 6
Core modules
Engineering Project
40 credits
This individual engineering project aims to provide you with a supervised but student led learning activity in a relevant area of engineering or technology. It aims to develop your academic, technical and organisational skills required to undertake a substantial individual engineering project from specification to conclusion. The project should be technical and investigative in nature and, generally related to the engineering orientation of the programme.
Engineering Design 3
20 credits
This module will deliver a project based learning experience in Engineering Design. It is intended to present a practical focal point for knowledge and techniques learned in other modules as well as to continue to build on the engineering design curriculum. It will help you follow a systematic approach to generate detailed designs addressing both component and system level requirements.
Industrial Management
20 credits
This module is designed to develop the core management techniques required to assess the economic viability of a product/project and to design and implement a plan to deliver it.
Optional Modules
Finite Element Analysis
10 credits
This module acts as a point of introduction to Finite Element theory using relevant software to carry out Finite Element studies.
Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer
10 credits
The module aims to further develop your knowledge on the essential principles of Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer.
Thermodynamics
10 credits
The module aims to provide you with a comprehensive insight into power generation at an advanced level by studying the performance and behaviour of thermodynamic systems for evaluation of industrial plant applications.
Materials Engineering
10 credits
This module provides you with an in-depth understanding of advanced engineering materials together with techniques for material property and performance improvements.
Structural Integrity
10 credits
This module enables you to develop an understanding of the performance of materials and structures subjected to load in terms of deformation based failure, fracture and fatigue.
Manufacturing Systems
10 credits
This module will deliver a broad course in manufacturing systems, and cover policy and logistical considerations that drive process solutions. It will enable you to work on manufacturing systems and assembly problems and cultivate a deep understanding of the systematic practice for current challenges in a modern manufacturing environment.
Dynamics and Control
10 credits
The module aims to develop your knowledge and experience of analytic and simulative methods applied to modelling and control design of open loop and closed loop engineering systems.
Computational Fluid Dynamics
10 credits
The module will introduce you to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and will extend your experience, knowledge and skill with the aid of industry standard software.
Sensors and Robotics
10 credits
This module aims to provide a comprehensive overview of possible deployment of sensor payloads for a variety of sensing applications. This will include a variety of imaging and inspection techniques enabled by robotic systems.
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 its 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 years 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.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs 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 is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD-CCC (88-96)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• 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
• 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
CCD-CCC
BTECs
Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject.
It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems.
If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you.
International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
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.