BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (H361)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

There is strong industrial demand for skilled engineers able to span the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. This degree gives you the fundamental knowledge and tools to satisfy this demand in a unique way.

During this course, you will study units from the mechanical and electrical disciplines along the following themes: design and integration of electro-mechanical systems; energy conversion and actuation systems; embedded systems and control; power electronics and electric drives; and energy management.

Years one and two offer a grounding in mathematics, thermal management, dynamics and control, computing, electrical energy technologies, and analogue and digital electronics. Laboratory work and case studies will draw together these interdisciplinary foundations.

In the third year, as well as the classroom-based subjects, you will engage in a significant individual research project that requires you to bring the various elements of subjects that you have learnt in the course together. You can indicate a preference when selecting your project that allows you to focus on anything from actuation and sensor systems for robotics and intelligent adaptable power systems to efficient, clean propulsion technologies.

Mechanical and electrical engineering graduates will be able to innovate technologies in a range of areas. These might include:

  • the power flow of renewable energy microgrids, from the wind to the electric generator and the power network to the user in the home;
  • robotics used in healthcare and manufacturing, by exploring the integration of mechanical and electrical elements to deliver new capabilities;
  • the complete power train of future electric vehicles, from the energy storage system, through to the electric motors, to the mechanical drivetrain and traction system;
  • battery-free technology that harvests background energy, allowing sensors to operate in previously inaccessible and far-reaching locations.

Accreditations

Our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering BEng is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IET) so as a a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

First-year students studying Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Engineering Design all start their degree with a broad knowledge of the fundamentals and a command of the skills that underpin modern engineering.

You will share common units with your peers in other disciplines and work on an interdisciplinary project, based on global challenges and inspired by Engineers Without Borders.

You will meet and work closely with more people from the start of your degree, broadening your social circle and long-term professional network. Interdisciplinary working is now the norm in industry, and good understanding of disciplines other than your own will serve you well when you enter the workplace.

Starting your degree with a broad foundation of knowledge will expand your frame of reference, enabling you to be more creative as you progress with your course and become more specialist in later years of study. The skills-based approach will provide you with technical abilities that will enable you to be successful in your degree and your career.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, or Electronics
AAC including AA in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, or Electronics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four Physics units, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics.

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Computer Science
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Computer Science

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
85% overall, with 8.5 in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics of Mechanics or Computer Science, and Standard Higher: AAAAB
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction from units in one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science, and A in A-level Mathematics, Or Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry), 12 credits at Distinction from units in one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science, and achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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