Mechanical engineers are involved in the conception, design, production, and marketing of all manufactured products, from the most advanced aircraft to the most delicate microsurgery instruments. Mechanical graduates are qualified to solve complex problems, and many of the world's most pressing issues, such as increasing energy efficiency, will necessitate the development of novel solutions.
The UK is one of the top destinations in the world to pursue a degree and then a career in mechanical engineering. In the UK, graduates in the course get paid in the range of £23,000 to £44,000 per year.
Universities and colleges in the United Kingdom offer diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor, graduation certificates, and master's and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering. Degree courses are expensive, while diploma and certificate courses are relatively cheaper and make you eligible for a job.
The scope of mechanical engineering graduates in the UK has increased steadily in the past few decades. After graduation, you can choose to work in the public sector or pursue a career in the private sector in companies like Jaguar Land Rover, Babcock Marine, BAE Systems, Inc., Dyson, Cobham PLC, Siemens, and others.
Global ranking of some of the top universities in the UK for Mechanical Engineering courses
Here is a list of top universities in the UK according to "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering" by QS ranking.
World Ranking |
University |
Location |
4 |
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, United Kingdom |
8 |
Imperial College London |
London, United Kingdom |
9 |
University of Oxford |
Oxford, United Kingdom |
21 |
The University of Manchester |
Manchester, United Kingdom |
28 |
Cranfield University |
Bedford, United Kingdom |
51 |
University of Southampton |
Southampton, United Kingdom |
62 |
Loughborough University |
Loughborough, United Kingdom |
67 |
University of Bristol |
Bristol, United Kingdom |
54 |
The University of Sheffield |
Sheffield, United Kingdom |
54 |
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
Programs for Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with tuition fees in the UK
Numerous universities in the UK offer a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. This program lasts for three to four years.
You will gain knowledge of design analysis, advanced materials, control systems, sustainable energy technologies, etc.
Students who major in mechanical engineering in the UK are given the scientific and analytical skills they need to comprehend, create, and design complicated mechanical systems. Additionally, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in the UK will improve your abilities by allowing you to look into more relevant industry difficulties.
International students who have earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in the UK can benefit from the Graduate route, which allows them to stay in the country for an additional two years while looking for employment.
The table below provides a list of universities that run undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering in the UK.
University |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
Duration/Credit hours |
University of Cambridge |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering |
£35,517 |
4 years |
Imperial College London |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering |
£35,100 |
4 years |
University of Oxford |
MEng in Engineering Science with specialization in Solid Materials and Mechanics |
£39,010 |
4 years |
The University of Manchester |
BEng Mechanical Engineering |
£25,000 |
3 years |
University of Southampton |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering |
£23,720 |
4 years |
Loughborough University |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons) |
£25,700 |
4 years |
University of Bristol |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering |
£25,900 |
4 years |
The University of Sheffield |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering |
£25,670 |
4 years |
University of Nottingham |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering |
N/A |
3 years |
Documents Required
- Intermediate-level transcript, character and provisional certificate
- Statement of Purpose
- University Application fees
- A valid English Proficiency test result (IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE etc.)
- Proof of Scholarships, if any
- A letter of Recommendation is asked.
- Passport
Academic Requirements
- A high school diploma or its equivalent.
- A score of at least 60% in mathematics, physics, chemistry and English.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: Overall minimum score of 6.0 – 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each section.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80 – 91, with at least 18 in each section.
- PTE: An overall score of 56.
Programs for Masters of Mechanical Engineering with tuition fees in the UK
Over 50 universities in the UK provide a one-year program for a master's in mechanical engineering. After taking this course, you will have a deeper understanding of mechanical design engineering, the use of contemporary materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques.
The table below shows a list of the UK's top universities that offers postgraduate courses in mechanical engineering or closely related fields.
University |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
Duration/Credit hours |
University of Cambridge |
MPhil in Engineering |
£33,972 |
12 months |
Imperial College London |
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering |
£35,700 |
1 year |
University of Oxford |
MSc by Research in Engineering Science |
£28,560 |
2 – 3 years |
The University of Manchester |
MSc Mechanical Engineering Design |
£27,000 |
1 year |
Cranfield University |
Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc |
£22,150 |
1 year |
University of Southampton |
Master of Science in Mechatronics (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) |
£24,400 |
1 year |
Loughborough University |
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
£26,500 |
1 year |
The University of Sheffield |
Master of Science in Advanced Mechanical Engineering |
£26,200 |
1 year |
Documents Required
- Transcripts from all of the attended graduate and undergraduate universities
- Statement of Purpose
- University Application fees
- A valid English Proficiency test result (IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE etc.)
- Proof of Scholarships if any
- 2 references, with an option for a third reference.
- Professional resumes enlisting the work experience or training relevant to the graduate degree program.
- Passport
Academic Requirements
- A four-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering, physics, materials science or applied mathematics.
- A score of at least 65 – 70% in the final two years of undergraduate studies.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: Overall minimum score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each sub-section.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 90 – 100, with at least 18 in each section.
- PTE: An overall score of 64.
Programs for Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering with tuition fees in the UK
Here is a list of top universities in the UK that offer research degrees in mechanical engineering or related fields at the doctorate level.
University |
Courses |
Duration |
Tuition fees per annum |
University of Cambridge |
PhD in Engineering (Mechanics, Materials and Design) |
3 years |
£33,972 |
Imperial College London |
PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
3 years |
£32,700 |
University of Oxford |
DPhil in Engineering Science (solid mechanics and materials) |
3-4 years |
£28,560 |
The University of Manchester |
PhD Mechanical Engineering |
£30,000 |
3 years |
Cranfield University |
PhD Mechanical Engineering |
£21,740 |
3 years |
University of Southampton |
PhD Mechanical Engineering (materials, solid mechanics and surface engineering) |
£24,600 |
3 to 5 years |
Loughborough University |
PhD Mechanical Engineering (Mechanics of materials) |
£25,100 |
3 years |
University of Bristol |
PhD Mechanical Engineering |
£24,600 |
3 years |
The University of Sheffield |
PhD Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing & Design) |
£25,700 to £33,700 |
3 years |
Documents Required
- Transcripts from all of the attended graduate and undergraduate universities
- Statement of Purpose
- University Application fees
- A valid English Proficiency test result (IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE etc.)
- Proof of Scholarships/Funding if any
- Two academic references from your most recent study.
- Research proposal - Typical proposals range between 1,000 and 1,500 words. This should clearly outline a supervisor and project title.
- Passport
Academic Requirements:
- A four-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
- A Master of Philosophy or Master of Research or Master by coursework in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: Overall minimum score of 6.5 overall with no subtest below 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 92 with no subtest below 20.
- PTE: An overall score of 70 with no subtest below 59.
|
Top Mechanical Engineering University in the UK: Scholarships
Universities in the UK provide a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate funding and scholarships for international students. Scholarships are provided to ensure that the greatest skills and potential are fostered and cultivated at the respective levels.
University |
Scholarships |
Amount |
Imperial College London |
Mechanical Engineering Department MSc. Scholarship |
£4000 - £14000 |
Quality Company Formation Scholarship |
£1000 |
|
University of Nottingham |
UK International Postgraduate Excellence Award |
£2000 |
Loughborough University |
Loughborough Sports Scholarship |
£5000 per year |
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships |
100% on tuition fees |
|
Cranfield University |
Commonwealth Scholarships |
All tuition fees, travel and living costs |
IGEM Postgraduate Masters Scholarship |
£6,500 |
|
University of Bristol |
Think Big undergraduate scholarships |
£5,000 or £10,000 per year |
Think Big postgraduate scholarships |
£5,000, £10,000 or £20,000 per year |
Top Mechanical Engineering University in the UK: Scope
There is a high demand for mechanical engineers all around the globe. The career possibilities and salary expectations of engineering graduates are consistent and are growing at a high rate year by year in the UK.
You're in luck if mechanical engineering is what you want to major in. Mechanical engineers can find work in various fields, including education, finance, management, law, government, medical, research, and sales, in addition to those more heavily focused on engineering.
Mechanical engineers can find career opportunities in sectors like
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Marine
- Materials and metals
- Railways
- Energy
- Electrical and electronic industries
- Defence and utility industries.
Top recruiters of Mechanical engineering graduates in the UK are as follows:
- AECOM
- Mechanical Movements Ltd.
- Global Lifting Services Nigeria Ltd.
- Robert Bosch
- CERN
- Black and Veatch
- BP
- Tanfield Engineering Ltd.
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Mechanical Engineer |
£23k - £44k |
£30,774 |
Mechanical Design Engineer |
£22k - £38k |
£28,490 |
Project Engineer |
£25k - £54k |
£33,943 |
Manufacturing Engineer |
£23k - £42k |
£31,151 |
Design Engineer |
£24k - £45k |
£31,777 |
Research and Development Engineer |
£19k - £40k |
£27,051 |
Production Engineer |
£22k - £41k |
£30,071 |
Engineering Team Leader |
£36k - £65k |
£48,902 |