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Undergraduate Courses

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THE DEPARTMENTMechanical engineers are recognised for their knowledge and analytical skills in designing and implementing a range of devices, machines, engines, energy solutions and a host of other complex working components.

Strathclyde Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering graduates are part of a new breed of engineer who can take on challenges ranging from more traditional industries to areas such as new materials, sustainable development and aerospace.

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering is consistently rated in the top 10 such departments in the UK, and as the top Department in Scotland. It has pioneered the use of active learning techniques in the interactive classroom, and innovative approaches to teaching design.

MEng students can choose appropriate specialised options from a wide portfolio of classes and have the specialism reflected in their final degree title; these are known as the ‘Mechanical Engineering with...’ degrees.

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OVERVIEWProfessional AccreditationAll our courses are professionally accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council. The courses in Aero-Mechanical Engineering are also accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).

Teaching and AssessmentInteractive teaching in first year was pioneered in the UK by the Department. This innovative approach uses active and collaborative learning in the large lecture room through use of remote-control handsets and group work. Maths, Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, and Electrical Engineering teaching sessions make use of the University’s Interactive Teaching Cluster. The Design and Engineering Applications sessions take place in the applications workshops and the design base rooms.

Later years use a blend of lectures, tutorials and group design activities.

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Study AbroadThe Department has one of the UK’s largest overseas study programmes, with over 30 top-rank partner universities in Europe and in North America. All courses provide opportunities to undertake an element of study experience in another country, to develop broader experience of professional education, culture and business.

Other ActivitiesA high proportion of our students participate in activities, such as the Outdoor Management Skills Course at Outward Bound Scotland, the national competitions for a Formula Student racing car, the British Model Flying Association’s University Challenge, Eco-marathon and the Annual Employers’ Gala Dinner.

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CAREERSA degree in Mechanical Engineering is an international passport to an interesting, challenging and well-rewarded career. The main areas of employment are in design and manufacture, research and development, management, project engineering and technical support, sales and marketing.

Graduates reach positions of authority and responsibility in the UK and worldwide. The Department is targeted for graduate recruitment by over 60 companies and in recent years, almost all of our graduates have secured employment before or within six months of graduation.

Contact with industry is maintained through an Industrial Advisory Board which represents major national and local employers, so courses are relevant to employers’ needs. Many of our students secure industrial training placements and some are sponsored. There is close liaison between the Department and the University’s award-winning Careers Service.

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THE COURSESBEng Courses (4 years duration)

BEng (Honours) Degree in Aero-Mechanical Engineering

BEng (Honours) Degree in Mechanical Engineering

BEng (Honours) Degree in Mechanical Engineering with International Study

MEng Courses (5 years duration)

MEng Degree in Aero-Mechanical Engineering

MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering

MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics

MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Financial Management

MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Materials Engineering

MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering with International Study

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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MEng / BEng)The Mechanical engineering course will develop your knowledge and capability to create and improve systems which depend on principles in Mechanical Engineering Science. The mainstream core of subjects therefore includes mathematics, mechanics, heat and flow, electrical engineering and design. These themes develop and integrate throughout the course, along with presentation and other professional skills, culminating in final individual and group projects where all elements are combined and applied.

Specialisms can also be integrated with the basic degree through the ‘Mechanical Engineering with …’ courses (MEng only), including Aeronautics, Materials Engineering and Financial Management.

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Course StructureYear 1 Core of material, common to all courses in the Department, covering Mathematics, Mechanics, Heat and Flow, Design and Engineering Applications and Electrical Engineering, plus electives from across the Faculty and University (e.g. language).

Year 2Largely common core, including Applied Mathematics and Information Technology, with elements of specialisation in Aeronautical, Energy/Environment if desired, or freely chosen electives from across the Faculty or wider.

Year 3Design is the integrating theme in this year, with supporting engineering science modules and hands-on exercises appropriate to specialisms (e.g. design and build of competitive model aircraft). Professional and business management issues are developed through seminars led by industrial managers.

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Course StructureYear 4The Individual Project is a major focus for the 4th year, where previously developed skills using design and testing tools are applied over the complete academic session, culminating in a final thesis and oral examination. Further in-depth studies in Computer Aided Design and aspects of the structural, dynamic and thermodynamic behaviour of engineering systems complete the engineering science toolkit. BEng Honours students graduate at the end of the 4th year.

Year 5The Group Project is a major element of this year in the Masters programme, where teamwork, creative collaboration, communication and effective management are developed. Extended study broadens horizons or deepens understanding in specialist areas such as Aerodynamics, Aero Propulsion Systems, Energy and the Environment and Materials Engineering. Students on the ‘…with Financial Management’ stream undertake a group of classes delivered by the Department of Accounting and Finance.

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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDY (MEng / BEng)The aim of the degree courses ‘Mechanical Engineering with International Study’ is to provide structured pathways to make it possible for you to take part of your course at a top university in another country. Such an opportunity will broaden and mature your educational experience and this is highly relevant to the increasingly global context of engineering practice.

As with the mainstream Mechanical Engineering course, you will develop your knowledge and capability to create, improve and operate machines and systems which depend on principles in Mechanical Engineering Science, with mainstream core subjects including mathematics, mechanics, heat and flow, electrical engineering and design. However, the main feature of this course is that it integrates a full academic session at a partner university abroad, either in year 3 or year 5. Full value is accorded to classes studied in the partner institution, either through the European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) or through pre-negotiated study contracts with partners outside the EU.

Language skills can be developed at an early stage and in a full credit-bearing context, if this should be a useful or necessary accomplishment to support the study period.

The Department has over 20 years’ experience of student exchange and integrating study abroad in its programmes and the two-way flow of students is unrivalled in comparable departments.

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Course StructureYear 1 Core of material, common to all courses in the Department, covering Mathematics, Mechanics, Heat and Flow, Design and Engineering Applications and Electrical Engineering, plus electives from across the Faculty and University to develop language competence if necessary, or to expand knowledge in business or other engineering fields.

Year 2Largely common core, including Applied Mathematics and Information Technology, with elements of specialisation in Aeronautical, Energy/Environment if desired, or freely chosen electives from across the Faculty or wider.

Year 3Students taking the BEng course spend the two-semester academic session in the partner institution. Study programmes are agreed in advance to match the home curriculum and students are not required to take extra classes on returning. MEng students may elect to go abroad in year 3 or defer the study period abroad to a more advanced level in year 5.

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Course StructureYear 4The Individual Project is a major focus for the 4th year, where previously developed skills using design and testing tools are applied over the complete academic session, culminating in a final thesis and oral examination. Further in-depth studies in Computer Aided Design and aspects of the structural, dynamic and thermodynamic behaviour of engineering systems complete the engineering science toolkit. BEng Honours students graduate at the end of the 4th year.

Year 5MEng students who elect to spend year 5 abroad undertake an agreed curriculum designed to meet the requirements of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The subjects chosen will depend on availability at the partner institution – there are usually opportunities to pick advanced engineering special subjects that may not be available at home, or to take advantage of local engineering business electives. The curriculum must also include a Group Project where you will work with other Master’s students from the host country.

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AERO-MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MEng / BEng)The major elements of aircraft and aerospace systems are very often designed and manufactured by Mechanical Engineers who specialise in aerospace applications. You will learn to design aircraft engines, control systems, main wing and fuselage structures, landing gear and many other complex systems which sustain flight. Many aero-related topics, such as Aerodynamics, Control Systems and Lightweight Structures are also of great interest in fields such as wind turbines, high-speed land vehicles, long-span bridges and numerous other applications. In this course you will learn about Aerodynamics, Flight and Space-Flight Mechanics, Aero-propulsion Systems, Computational Fluid Mechanics, Materials for Aerospace and Aero-Elasticity.

The Aero-Mechanical Engineering course will develop your knowledge and capability to create and improve systems which depend on principles in Mechanical Engineering Science. The course includes hands-on flight experience, flight simulation studies and the design and manufacture of a remote-controlled scale aircraft. The main difference between the Aero-Mechanical Engineering Course and the parallel Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics Course lie in the overall aero-related content, which is significantly greater in Aero-Mechanical Engineering. However, the courses are arranged so that the aero-related content is completed by the end of fourth year for the Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics degree, whereas the Aero-Mechanical Course allows for further specialisation in the fifth year of the Masters programme.

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Course StructureYear 1 Core of material, common to all our courses, covering Mathematics, Mechanics, Heat and Flow, Design and Engineering Applications and Electrical Engineering, together with an introduction to Aeronautical Engineering within the elective structure.

Year 2Largely common core, including Applied Mathematics and Information Technology, with elements of specialisation in Aeronautical Engineering and a hands-on flight-experience course at a gliding school.

Year 3Various aeronautical topics, such as Flight Mechanics, Spaceflight Dynamics, Flight Simulation and Aerodynamics are introduced. The integrating design element, common to all 3rd year study in the Department, is focussed on the design, manufacture and testing of a scale aircraft.

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Course StructureYear 4The Individual Project is a major focus for the 4th year, where previously developed skills using design and testing tools are applied over the complete academic session, culminating in a final thesis and oral examination. Students normally undertake a major aero-related Individual Project. Further in-depth studies in Computer Aided Design and aspects of the structural, dynamic and thermodynamic behaviour of engineering systems complete the engineering science toolkit. BEng Honours students graduate at the end of the 4th year.

Year 5The Group Project is a major element of this year in the Masters programme, where teamwork, creative collaboration, communication and effective management are developed. Extended study broadens horizons or deepens understanding in specialist areas of Aero-Mechanical Engineering.

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Entry Requirements

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HIGHERS – ENTRY FROM S5BEngAAAB, including Maths and Physics at A.

MEngAAAAB, including Maths and Physics at A.

HIGHERS – ENTRY FROM S6If you have not met the above requirements at the end of fifth year, you will generally require higher grades overall, eg AAAAB for the BEng. We welcome a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers. Advanced Higher Maths and Physics recommended.Advanced Highers will be counted as follows:Advanced Higher at B equals Higher at AAdvanced Higher at C equals Higher at B.

CONTACTt: +44 (0)141 548 2892e: mae-ug@strath.ac.uk

The Department does not make use of any of the nationally published points based systems e.g. SCQF or equivalent.

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A LEVELSBEngABB, (including Maths & Physics)

MEngAAB, (including Maths & Physics)

CONTACTt: +44 (0)141 548 2892e: mae-ug@strath.ac.uk

The Department does not make use of any of the nationally published points based systems e.g. SCQF or equivalent.

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IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATEBEngAAAB including Maths and Physics at A.

MEngAAAAB including Maths and Physics at A.

CONTACTt: +44 (0)141 548 2892e: mae-ug@strath.ac.uk

The Department does not make use of any of the nationally published points based systems e.g. SCQF or equivalent.

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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATEBEng32 points, including HL5 in Maths and Physics.

MEng36 points, including HL6 in Maths and Physics.

CONTACTt: +44 (0)141 548 2892e: mae-ug@strath.ac.uk

The Department does not make use of any of the nationally published points based systems e.g. SCQF or equivalent.

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HIGHER NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONSHigher National Certificates (HNC) are not accepted.Higher National Diplomas (HND) in Mechanical Engineering may be accepted for direct entry into Year 2 of the BEng course provided that the applicant meets the minimum criteria of:

2 Graded Units at A and Maths for Engineers 3 at a minimum of 70%. SQA Higher Maths & Physics at AA is desirable.

Please note that Year 2 entry to the BEng course is the only entry point available to well qualified HND applicants. Entry to Year 1 for lesser qualified HND applicants will not be considered.

CONTACTt: +44 (0)141 548 2892e: mae-ug@strath.ac.uk

The Department does not make use of any of the nationally published points based systems e.g. SCQF or equivalent.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAll applicants likely to be made an offer are required to visit the Department between January and March.

BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng after any year.

Transfers from other courses or Universities are not permitted in order for us to maintain our student population.

CONTACTt: +44 (0)141 548 2892e: mae-ug@strath.ac.uk

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How to Apply

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INTRODUCTIONThe following information is designed to guide you through the entire application process. After a lengthy process of considering degree and career options you have now reached the stage where you are keen to consider a course of study in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. By referring to the University of Strathclyde Prospectus for Entry or the Entry Requirements page on this document you will now have an idea of the minimum entry requirements for our various courses. These requirements are based on the Scottish Qualification Awards (SQA) system or its equivalent. Undergraduate applications to the Department may only be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at www.ucas.com.

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering operates the Gathered Field approach which means that we will not make formal decisions on applications until after the 15 January UCAS deadline which is, in reality, late February/early March. When your application arrives in the Department it will be acknowledged and if it looks likely that we may make you an offer in February/March you will receive an information pack that will contain an invitation to visit the Department on a Wednesday between January and March. You should note that this visit is a compulsory part of the selection process.

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WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING YOUR VISITThe visits take place on Wednesdays between January and March. We provide a range of activities to give you an insight into the Department and a flavour of some of the activities that we undertake. Your visit will include a tour of our facilities led by our senior students and a chance to meet and chat with the Academic Staff. The purpose of this chat is to satisfy the Department that the applicant shows some knowledge of engineering and shows some career focus. This will also provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the course you have applied for or about the University in general.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXTAfter your visit you will receive a letter from the Department to thank you for attending. It will also remind you that no formal offers will be made until late February/early March.

At this stage you may be wondering about University accommodation. If you have received and accepted an unconditional offer, and your home address is outwith a 25 mile radius of the University, you will automatically be contacted by the University’s Accommodation Office. If your offer is conditional and your home address is outwith a 25 mile radius of the University, you will not be contacted until your offer conditions have been met. All new undergraduate students whose home address is outwith the 25 mile radius and who meet the offer conditions by 1st September will be offered a place in a student residence. Towards the end of August you will be contacted by the University with registration details.

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ACCOMMODATION

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THE CAMPUS VILLAGEMore detailed information can be found at: www.strath.ac.uk/accommodation/The Campus Village consists of 12 separate residences, namely:

James Young HallJames Goold HallMurray HallGarnett HallJames Blyth Court / Thomas Campbell CourtChancellors HallBirkbeck CourtForbes HallPatrick Thomas CourtCampus Village Office & Accommodation OfficeAndrew Ure HallCollegelands

Detailed information on each residence can be found at: www.strath.ac.uk/accommodation/ouraccommodation If you are an undergraduate student with an unconditional offer you will receive an offer of accommodation usually in June. If you are an undergraduate student with a conditional offer nothing will happen until the University makes you an unconditional offer of study, which you have firmly accepted. The Accommodation Office computer will be automatically updated when this happens and they will make you an offer of accommodation usually in August.

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CAMPUS PHOTOS

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HERE ARE SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:What kind of accommodation is available?Apart from Murray Hall all accommodation is designed as individual flats for students to share. Everyone has their own bedroom (some with private bathrooms), but share a kitchen/living/dining area with some other flatmates.

Am I guaranteed a place in University accommodation?All first year students who live 25 miles from Glasgow will get an offer of accommodation. What we cannot guarantee, is that we will be able to offer you your first choice of residence.

If I am allocated accommodation which is not my first choice, can I change later on?Four weeks after everyone arrives, an Exchange Book is opened in the Accommodation Office for students who would like to live somewhere else. They put all their details into the book and hope that someone will get in touch who wants to swap accommodation.

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How do I pay my rent?Payment can be made termly on-line at Paying your Rent or in installments by recurring card payments.

Students supported by Local Authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible for a University bursary of £1000 towards their accommodation costs if they stay in the University residences. A proportion of the £1000 will be paid into their rent account each term.

Do I have to pay a deposit?No, but we do ask for a rent prepayment of £400 to secure your place. This will be deducted from the first term rent instalment.

Is my Occupancy Agreement legally binding?Absolutely. Once signed, you cannot leave without our permission; if you do, you remain responsible for payment of rent until someone else takes your room.

What will happen if I sign an Occupancy Agreement but don’t turn up?You will lose £200 from your rent prepayment.

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Can I view the accommodation before I make up my mind?Apart from the official University Open Days - unfortunately, no. We respect every student’s right to privacy and the fact that the halls of residence are their homes so we cannot allow ‘strangers’ in and out. (This applies to all universities.)

What is included in the rent?For most residences your rent includes, personal possessions insurance, heat and light plus cleaning once a week. But there are some exceptions to this, so please check the details on the accommodation options and charges sheet.

What do I need to bring?A full list will be sent to you with your offer of accommodation but briefly you’ll need to bring: towels, duvet cover, sheet and pillowcase, pots and pans, some cutlery and crockery.

If you have any questions about living on campus get in touch with our Accommodation Office and they will be pleased to help. They can be contacted on: tel: +44 (0)141 548 3561 / 3742 / 4328 / 3454 - student.accommodation@strath.ac.uk

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Student Experiences

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AERO-DESIGN“The opportunity to take part in the flight test course where you learn to fly a glider, or BMFA where you build and fly a model aircraft creates the right balance between theory and practical work.”Pauline Bate

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AERO-DESIGNStudents studying towards the Aero-Mechanical Degree, will participate in the Flight test course and the Heavy Lift model aircraft competition. In the flight test course, students will put into practice much of the knowledge gained in previous courses about aircraft design, performance and control. The practical aspects

of the class involve assessing aircraft performance using a flight simulator and also with a residential flight experience / test course.

During this course, students will experience various flight manoeuvres in a glider to highlight practical aspects of flight, and illustrate the links between theory and actual flight.

The aero-design course requires students to design and build a model aircraft, to enter the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) heavy lift competition. The course involves groups of students developing a concept aircraft design to meet the required performance criteria, including analysis of the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the design using computer software. Final designs are constructed into working aircraft, which are entered into the BMFA competition. The course highlights the whole process of aircraft design, from conceptual design, performance analysis, structural integrity, manufacture and flight testing. There is also the opportunity for a small group of 5th year aero students to enter a similar competition in the USA.

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FORMULA STUDENT“I chose to study Mechanical Engineering at Strathclyde because of the opportunity to take part in Formula Student. Being part of the team has been a fantastic experience and has enhanced all aspects of my engineering education.”Denis Kelleher

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FORMULA STUDENTFormula Student is an IMechE run initiative, in partnership with various well known companies in the industry, to promote careers and excellence in engineering, by challenging university students to design, build, develop and market a small single seat racing

car. It provides the students with a real-life exercise in design and manufacture and the business elements of automotive engineering.

It teaches them all about team working, as well as operating under pressure and to tight timescales.

At Strathclyde, we have a team of around 50 students, from all years of the course, and from three departments, including Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. We run the team as an entirely student run project, with students designing, manufacturing, testing and developing the car, as well as managing sponsorship, marketing and budget. Each year, the team constructs a new car, which is entered into the UK competition, which for the last few years has been held at Silverstone. The Formula Student competition attracts entries from universities all over the World, including teams from the UK, mainland Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australasia.

Being part of the team enhances students appreciation of the whole aspect of managing an engineering project and is a valuable project that blends academic work and learning with the development of practical engineering skills.

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OVERSEAS EXCHANGE VISITS“Studying abroad was the best experience I have ever had. I saw and did things I never dreamt I’d get the chance to do. Plus, having met so many interesting people from different countries gave me a wealth of knowledge.” Pamela Campbell

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OVERSEAS EXCHANGE VISITSAll students participating on our degrees have the opportunity to undertake study abroad at a partner institution, for either one semester or a full academic year. The Department has one of the UK’s largest overseas study programmes, with over 30 top-rank

partner universities in Europe and in North America. All courses provide opportunities to undertake an element of study experience

in another country, to develop broader experience of professional education, culture and business.

Exchange visits are usually in the third year of the course, although some fifth year students are given the opportunity to undertake a one semester group project in Tokyo, Japan.

Full value is accorded to classes studied in the partner institution, either through the European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) or through pre-negotiated study contracts with partners outside the EU. The course is also structured so that language skills can be developed at an early stage and in a full credit-bearing context, if this should be a useful or necessary accomplishment to support the study period.

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OVERSEAS EXCHANGE VISITS (CONTINUED)

The Department has over 15 years’ experience of student exchange and integrating study abroad in its programmes and the two-way flow of students is unrivalled in comparable departments.

All students who participate in the exchange programme, recognise the value of studying abroad, and that the knowledge and experience

gained from studying abroad, educationally, socially and culturally is an invaluable part of the students development.

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Q1 Are all applicants required to attend the Departmental Visits?

Q2 What would be the reaction to requests for visits to the Department by applicants and/or their parents?

Q3 Are there restrictions in applying for University Accommodation?

Q4 What is the Academic Selector looking for under the “personal statement” heading in the UCAS form?

Q5 What relative weight is given to Highers, Advanced Highers and the gaining of qualifications over one or two years at school?

Q6 Are National Certificate and Diploma qualifications acceptable for entry?

Q7 How flexible are the entry conditions?

Q8 Is it possible to study a foreign language during the course and is this not too much of an extra?

Q9 If students take up the opportunity to go abroad during their courses, what exactly do they do?

FAQs

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Q10 What help is there for disabled students?

Q11 What help is there for ESL (English as a Second Language) students?

Q12 Is it possible to get industrial sponsorship?

Q13 Can students change course and if so, at what stages?

Q14 Is it necessary for me to undertake a period of work experience in a mechanical engineering industry?

Q15 What proportion of students is female?

Q16 How many students take up the Financial Management option?

Q17 What is the difference between “Aero-mechanical” and “Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics”?

Q18 Will an ‘Aero’ Degree help me to become a pilot?

Q19 What starting salaries do graduates from the Department’s courses command?

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Q20 What is the employment rate for graduates and how far afield do they find jobs?

Q21 Which subjects should I take in 6th year?

Q22 If I complete a ‘Year in Industry’ will this contribute to the minimum entry requirements for your courses?

Q23 I have not been allowed to progress in my present institution. Will you consider me for advanced entry in your course?

Q24 I am an international student – where can I get information on fees and bursaries?

Q25 I am interested in 2nd year entry from 6th year (AH or A Levels). Is this possible?

Q26 Are transfers from other courses or Universities allowed?

Q27 Where can I obtain further information?

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Q1 Are all applicants required to attend the Departmental Visits?

A. Applicants who are likely to be made an offer to any of the courses will be required to visit the Department. The visit will provide an opportunity to clear up any questions that you may have. We firmly believe that entering a University course is a big decision and all applicants should be offered the opportunity to visit us and to understand as fully as possible what they can expect from us and what we will expect from them.

Q2 What would be the reaction to requests for visits to the Department by applicants and/or their parents?

A. We are always very happy to receive applicants and/or parents - in fact we do so regularly.

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Q3 Are there restrictions in applying for University Accommodation?

A. Yes. Student’s home address must normally be outside a 25 mile radius from Glasgow. More information is provided in the applicant information pack and at the University web-site – www.strath.ac.uk/accommodation/

Q4 What is the Academic Selector looking for under the “personal statement” heading in the UCAS form?

A. The Academic Selector is looking for information indicating some knowledge of career intentions and for the applicant to demonstrate some ability in interpersonal skills. He is also looking for the applicant to demonstrate a strong interest in the course being applied for. It is often useful to include information on hobbies, interests and extra-curricular activities.

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Q5 What relative weight is given to Highers, Advanced Highers and the gaining of qualifications over one or two years at school?

A. Each case is considered on its merits. We encourage students entering 6th year to tackle Advanced Highers, although upgrading and broadening of Highers is also acceptable. Entry requirements over two years are generally more demanding.

Q6 Are National Certificate and Diploma qualifications acceptable for entry?

A. National Certificates are not accepted. National Diplomas in Mechanical Engineering may be accepted for direct entry to Year 2 of the BEng course provided that the applicant meets the minimum criteria of 2 Graded Units at A and Maths for Engineers 3 at a minimum of 70%. SQA Higher Maths & Physics at AA is desirable.

Please note that Year 2 entry to the BEng course is the only entry point available to well qualified HND applicants. Entry to Year 1 for lesser qualified HND applicants will not be considered.

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Q7 How flexible are the entry conditions?

A. Our main concern is that entrants will survive and prosper on the courses. Our experience over many years is that 1st year entrants do not survive well unless they are strong in Mathematics and in Physics. Applicants with Highers at a lesser grade than A in these subjects generally find the course quite difficult unless they have additional Maths or Physics study at AH. Additional passes in other subjects help ensure success in a full and busy course.

Q8 Is it possible to study a foreign language during the course and is this not too much of an extra?

A. It is possible to study a language throughout the course, indeed it is greatly encouraged and is becoming more important for engineers. The language classes are normally selected as the “elective” credits in the first two years and therefore they are not “extra” to the normal diet of engineering classes.

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Q9 If students take up the opportunity to go abroad during their courses, what exactly do they do?

A. Most students who go abroad study normal classes alongside students of the host University. In a number of European countries, lectures are given in English. However, it is always an advantage, as well as a mark of respect, if you can communicate in the local language. Project work may also be undertaken.

Q10 What help is there for disabled students?

A. There is a considerable range of assistance for disabled students at www.strath.ac.uk/disabilityservice/

Q11 What help is there for ESL (English as a Second Language) students?

A. ESL Undergraduates are required to have satisfactory IELTS (6.5 min) scores. Remedial English classes are available in the English Language Teaching Division.

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Q12 Is it possible to get industrial sponsorship?

A. Industrial sponsorship, by which we mean that a company pays maintenance and perhaps other allowances for the full duration of the courses, is quite hard to get. Sponsorship during the vacations (more aptly - vacation employment in industry) is easier to obtain, especially for 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students. This can lead to full sponsorship.

Q13 Can students change course and if so, at what stages?

A. Students can change course and the credit system may allow them to retain some or all of the credits they have earned before changing. Course changes are feasible, largely, between courses within the Department - and such changes can sometimes be made right up to penultimate year level. Transfers to some other engineering courses in the Faculty can sometimes be made after the end of the 1st year, but become increasingly difficult to make without penalty in later years.

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Q14 Is it necessary for me to undertake a period of work experience in a mechanical engineering industry?

A. Although work experience of any type is useful for your personal development, we do not require you to undertake mechanical engineering work experience as part of the entry requirements.

Q15 What proportion of students is female?

A. The proportion of women varies from year to year and from course to course. The mainstream Mechanical Engineering course has approximately 10% - 15%. This proportion is reflected in many sectors of industry.

Q16 How many students take up the Financial Management option?

A. Few, less than 10%, but the graduates invariably find rewarding jobs. The majority, at present, choose the Aero degrees or straight Mechanical.

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Q17 What is the difference between “Aero-mechanical” and “Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics”?

A. Both degrees will provide an excellent knowledge of core/fundamental mechanical engineering subjects and will lead to employment in the aerospace sector as well as a broader range of aerospace industries.

The “Aero-Mechanical” degree provides a specialist knowledge of aerospace subjects which become a dominant part of the course through the degree. In the final years, students will be studying almost entirely aerospace related subjects. Students on this course are required to take all of the aerospace options, including the flight test experience course, as well as studying aerospace related individual and group design projects. The course is professionally accredited by both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).

The “with Aeronautics” course gives students a broad knowledge of aeronautical subjects and the requirements are not as stringent as Aero-Mechanical. There is more flexibility in course choices in later years and students do NOT need to take all aero options. There is no requirement to take aerospace individual or group design projects and the course does not include the flight test / experience course. Also, this course is only accredited by the IMechE.

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Q18 Will an ‘Aero’ Degree help me to become a pilot?

A. The course is specifically aimed for engineers who will go on to design aircraft not necessarily to fly them. However, if you obtain a University Degree you have the opportunity of joining the University Air Squadron which will provide flying tuition for free and will get you to solo standard.

Q19 What starting salaries do graduates from the Department’s courses command?

A. Starting salaries for Mechanical Engineering graduates seem mostly to be around £28k. However, every year there are some students who achieve significantly more than this. Salaries are higher in Greater London due to higher living costs.

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Q20 What is the employment rate for graduates and how far afield do they find jobs?

A. We have no unemployed graduates that we are aware of. Useful information on employment in the engineering profession can be obtained from www.profeng.com or www.topengineeringjobs.com/jobs/graduate. Our graduates typically find their first jobs all over the UK. A few graduates have secured first jobs in Europe, USA and Japan.

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Q21 Which subjects should I take in 6th year?

A. The following guidelines may help you to make your mind up:

All subjects are counted although science and engineering related subjects will probably help you more in your studies.

Chemistry is a worthwhile subject and will prove useful in Materials and Thermodynamics.

Exemption from 1st year Maths is possible for those with good grades in AH (decided by Maths Department).

The entrance requirements are the expected minimum after 5 years (in Scotland). Candidates building up the entrance requirements over a 5th and 6th year (in Scotland) will be asked for more than this.

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Q22 If I complete a ‘Year in Industry’ will this contribute to the minimum entry requirements for your courses?

A. No - your academic attainments will be considered in isolation to any experience gained by taking part in the Year in Industry. Hence you will still be required to meet the minimum entry requirements for the course you are applying for.

Q23 I have not been allowed to progress in my present institution. Will you consider me for advanced entry in your course?

A. Given the high entry standards for our programmes, it is unlikely that a student struggling to cope with their Mechanical Engineering degree elsewhere will be accepted. There are exceptions due to particular circumstances, so feel free to apply. The general rule for direct entry into any year in our programmes is a 60% average across subjects in the year prior to transfer. The degree will have to be a Mechanical Engineering degree of a similar standard (e.g. CEng accredited with similar content and philosophy).

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Q24 I am an international student – where can I get information on fees and bursaries?

A. www.strath.ac.uk/rio/

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Q25 I am interested in 2nd year entry from 6th year (AH or A Levels). Is this possible?

A. Yes – we are happy to discuss 2nd year entry with exceptionally well qualified students. However, we find that most students prefer to enter first year. Things to consider are:

Some students simply prefer an easier transition to University.

Peer groups are formed in 1st year, whereas 2nd year entrants will have to become part of already formed groups. Not an insurmountable problem.

Our first year is not equivalent to a 6th year at school. By entering 2nd year direct you will miss some material. This will mean that you have to work harder in these areas and perhaps less hard in other areas. “Engineering Applications” in first year cannot be missed as it is a part of the accredited degree structure. This topic, which is not a complete module, will have to be picked up in second year.

Past experience shows that this is possible to do – we have not had any failures.

To help you consider what you would be missing, you can have a look at the class timetables and module descriptors on www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/mechanicalaerospaceengineering/student-information

MM117 Mathematics 1M and MA215 Engineering Mathematics details are available from www.mathstat.strath.ac.uk/undergraduates/engineering

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Q26 Are transfers from other courses or Universities allowed?

A. Transfers from other courses within the University or other Universities are not normally allowed.

Q27 Where can I obtain further information?

A. The main sources are the Prospectus which is free to everyone or the following web-sites.

www.strath.ac.uk/mae

www.strath.ac.uk

www.ucas.com

There is a pdf version of the prospectus at www.strath.ac.uk/prospectus

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Mechanical & Aerospace Engineeringemail: mae-ug@strath.ac.ukTel: +44 (0)141 548 2892

Contacts

The contents of this brochure are as far as possible up to date and accurate at the time of publication. The Department of Mechanical Engineering reserves the right to make amendments as necessary.

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