Best Mechanical Engineering Universities in UK

Pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering can open up a world of opportunities for aspiring engineers. The United Kingdom is renowned for its academic excellence, and several universities in the country offer exceptional programs in mechanical engineering. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best universities in the UK for studying mechanical engineering. 

Advantages Of Studying Mechanical Engineering in the UK

Studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in the UK is a great way to get a quality education with immense opportunities.

The quality of education provided by universities in the UK is world-renowned and research conducted in these universities is considered top-notch.

For instance, as per the Research Excellence Framework (REF) conducted in 2014, many UK universities are world-leading when it comes to mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

Moreover, universities like the University of Oxford and Imperial College London offer specialised courses on mechanical engineering which allows students to gain expertise and an understanding of the industry standards.

On top of that, some universities also offer internship programmes that grant students with experience within the field that can be applied after completing their degree.

Besides, no doubt opting for this course will certainly guarantee an affluent salary especially, for personnel working within the cities like Coventry, Warwick or London where salaries are significantly higher compared to other areas. 

Entry Requirements For Mechanical Engineering Course in the UK

Mechanical Engineering is a popular branch of engineering among International students. International students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in the United Kingdom must meet all English language requirements and entry standards. This means they are expected to have a good command of the English language before beginning their studies.

If English is not a student’s first language, then he or she must take an IELTS (International Language Testing System) test and meet the required score for eligibility as per the entry standards.

The cut-off score from one UK university to another may vary depending on the institution. At most universities across the country, at least 6 IELTS bands with no section less than 5.5 is required for admissibility into a mechanical engineering course.

Many universities also accept other types of English tests like TOEFL and C1 Advanced as well as alternative qualifications such as Cambridge Certificates if they deem it equivalent to IELTS scores.

These requirements help prepare UK-based students for rigorous coursework, prepare international students for cultural shock, and enable them to bridge linguistic gaps.

Students must pay careful attention to these entry standards when deciding which course and university they would like to pursue as it does play an essential role in admission decisions.

University of Cambridge

Consistently ranked among the best Mechanical Engineering Universities globally, the University of Cambridge’s mechanical engineering department offers a prestigious mechanical engineering program.

The Department of Engineering at Cambridge is renowned for its research contributions and innovative teaching methods. With state-of-the-art facilities and world-class faculty of engineering,  students can expect a rigorous and intellectually stimulating learning experience.

There are around 19,000 students in the university. The university has six schools in the following subject areas:

• Arts and humanities
• Biological sciences
• Clinical medicine
• Humanities and social sciences
• Physical sciences
• Technology
• Control Systems

Cambridge has more than 100 libraries and around 140 centers and institutes that contribute to different areas of research.

Imperial College London

Imperial College London is another prominent institution recognized for its excellence in mechanical engineering.

The science-focused university has several campuses situated in and around London. The main campus is located in South Kensington, which is located in Central London and has various other cultural and educational institutions.

More than 15,000 students attend Imperial College. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

The university boasts cutting-edge research facilities and strong industry connections, offering students invaluable opportunities for internships and collaborations.

The university has various research centres including the Data Science Institute, the Institute of Global Health Innovation and the Centre for Hedge Fund Research. The university provides hands-on research opportunities to Mechanical Engineering students each year. The university’s International Research Programme sends undergraduates to partner universities in different countries.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is synonymous with academic excellence and offers an outstanding mechanical engineering program.

The Department of Engineering Science at Oxford provides a broad-based curriculum, enabling students to develop a strong foundation in core engineering principles.

The university’s emphasis on research and interdisciplinary collaboration ensures students are at the forefront of technological advancements.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is widely respected for its world-class faculty of engineering and research.

The program focuses on developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation, preparing students for successful careers in various industries.

The engineering management programmes at the University of Bristol cover several subjects, such as the theory of adaptive control systems, energy studies in power plants, etc.

The department has a strong industrial network, facilitating industry placements and internships to enhance students’ practical experience.

University Of Warwick

The University of Warwick is one of the best mechanical engineering universities and is renowned for its excellent engineering management program.

The School of Engineering provides engineering graduates with a strong foundation in the subject that can be put to use regardless of their chosen field after graduation.

The program balances both theoretical and practical elements so that you learn not just from books but also through conducting experiments and research.

This helps create a well-rounded engineer who understands that the field requires dedication and hard work.

Apart from the teaching, Warwick also gives you plenty of opportunities to apply for mechanical engineering jobs in the UK upon completion of your studies.

You will have acquired all the necessary skills during your time at university as well as an understanding of how to work in the industry.

With plenty of organisations looking for skilled engineers, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you after getting your degree at Warwick.

University of Southampton

Ranked number 104 in Best Engineering Schools, the University of Southampton has a prominent reputation for its mechanical engineering programs.

The university’s Mechanical Engineering Department offers a range of specialised engineering disciplines, covering areas such as aerospace, energy, engineering design, aircraft engineering,  Marine & Mechanical Engineering, and robotics. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories and research centres, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies.

University of Bath

The University of Bath is a highly respected institution for engineering and design studies, known for its industry links and cutting-edge research.

They offer MSc and MEng courses across a broad range of engineering disciplines, specially tailored to give students advanced knowledge as well as practical skills that will help them succeed in the field.

For those looking to begin their engineering journey, an Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering MEng (Hons) program is available.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester’s School of Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, and Civil Engineering offer a range of mechanical engineering programmes.

With a strong focus on research and innovation, the university collaborates closely with industry partners to provide students with valuable real-world experiences.

The university’s well-equipped laboratories and research centres contribute to a rich learning environment. It is considered one of the best universities for engineering.

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds has a renowned School of Mechanical Engineering, which offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

The school emphasises hands-on learning and practical applications of engineering principles. Postgraduate Programmes of the university provide strong links with industry, facilitating internships, placements, and guest lectures by industry experts.

University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is an inspiring educational institution committed to helping students come from various backgrounds achieve their goals.

Their Mechanical Engineering department is focused on practical skills and makes employability a top priority.

The undergraduate program and postgraduate options available provide a chance to have insight into CAD, design processes, physics principles, and mathematics applied in the field. 

Furthermore, this university has over 600 clubs related to sports and societies across multiple facilities ranging from business to engineering which creates a strong sense of inclusion among its academic body whether it be local or international students that attend here.

They also offer great study abroad options allowing students to further explore different academic fields. The university is a highly desirable destination for aspiring learners looking for success in the UK.

University of Strathclyde

Located in Glasgow, Scotland, the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is highly regarded for its mechanical engineering programs.

The department’s curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training, preparing students for careers in various sectors.

The university’s strong industrial connections and research collaborations ensure students receive a well-rounded education.

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is recognised for its engineering excellence, offering a full range of undergraduate degrees relevant to the field.

Its Mechanical Engineering degree was awarded a top 20 ranking in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2023, making it an attractive option for prospective students looking to enter higher education.

The University also has excellent research and facilities available to learners, with world-class experts leading the way in innovative projects.

Examples include its new School of Engineering building that opened in February 2021, which provides a cutting-edge learning environment and some of the most advanced equipment and resources around.

This builds on the previous and successful efforts to create meaningful experiences for those studying at the university – from engaging hands-on activities to attending events with industry partners.

In addition, numerous partnerships with external organisations such as businesses and charities help provide students with unique opportunities they can take advantage of during their time at university.

Loughborough University

Loughborough University’s Department of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering is renowned for its expertise in mechanical engineering.

The department offers a wide range of programs and has a strong emphasis on practical skills development. Loughborough’s close collaboration with industry partners ensures that students receive industry-relevant training and excellent career prospects.

Cranfield University

Cranfield University is an acclaimed postgraduate specialty university located in the United Kingdom with a long-standing history of excellence.

It was established in 1946 and now has over 6,000 students enrolled annually from around the world. The university is known for its worldwide leadership in technological and managerial education, research, and consulting services as well as professional development.

In terms of academic programmes, Cranfield offers over 90 types of postgraduate options and MBAs, all of which are focused mostly on aeronautics and space engineering. Additionally, the school has developed strong relationships with more than 1500 leading industry organisations – making them one of the top 10 universities for outputting commercial research! Furthermore, overseas students have access to various scholarships including the Amelia Earhart Scholarship and the Excellence Award Scholarship.

University College London

UCL Engineering offers a diverse range of undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degree programmes for students seeking quality education in the field.

The IEP (Integrated Engineering Pathway) teaching model used by UCL focuses on projects, collaboration, and experiential learning to prepare mechanical engineering graduates with the knowledge and skills they need for the future.

Several branches of engineering, such as chemical engineering, bioprocessing of new medicines or civil engineering are offered at the undergraduate level, while postgraduates can pursue more advanced programmes like nanotechnology or naval architecture. Students can even tailor their experience through the three interdisciplinary pathways available to them.

In addition to its comprehensive educational offerings, University College London is renowned for its robust international student body from more than 120 nations worldwide.

If you’re considering pursuing an engineering degree within a supportive environment that has an established global profile, then UCL is one option worth researching further.

Moreover, this world-class institution ranks as one of the top universities for engineering degrees in countries such as Canada, Australia and the US.