Mechanical Engineering (with Integrated Foundation Year)

A Brighton Mechanical Engineering degree prepares you for careers across manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, automotive engineering and advanced engineering sectors.

At Brighton you’ll be part of a supportive community that helps you grow, no matter your background. Our integrated foundation year course offers an extra year to prepare you for study at degree level. You’ll have loads of opportunities to build real-world experience through exciting team projects, placements and internships. Our inclusive approach to learning means we’ll help you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton graduates are working in organisations such as Rolls-Royce, National Rail, Bosch, Mott-Macdonald and Ove Arup.

Top reasons to choose this course
• Foundation year that opens up opportunities in engineering if you don’t have the required qualifications, are changing career or returning to study.



• Start hands-on learning from day one through design-build-test projects including fighting robots, water rockets and rocket cars, the Engineering Without Borders international design challenge, CAD modelling and laboratory work.



• Progress to a degree that is dual accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), providing recognition of its professional quality and a pathway towards Chartered Engineer status.



• Make a difference and solve energy challenges in our student-led Sustainable Technology and Engineering Projects (STEP) lab.



• Learn in industry-standard facilities including flight and car simulators, wind tunnel, prototyping labs and workshops, CNC machines and robotics and VR labs.



• Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year after year two or paid internship opportunities.



• Contribute to research in mechanical system design, robotics, advanced manufacturing processes, automation and artificial intelligence.



• Undertake a major individual project supported by expert staff, applying your knowledge to a technical challenge of your choice.



- 100% of our engineering research impact is rated as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ for reach and significance – Research Excellence Framework 2021.


Why Brighton is a great place to study mechanical engineering
Brighton & Hove is the UK’s leading city for new economy businesses (Centre for Cities, 2025). This includes sectors such as advanced engineering, sustainable aviation, green technology and clean energy – industries where demand for skilled engineers is rapidly growing. Studying here means you’ll be part of a hub for innovation, with opportunities to directly connect your learning to the future of engineering.

Brighton & Hove has also been named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out.

At Brighton, you'll study in a way that prepares you for your future. Through practical, hands-on learning, you'll graduate with confidence to kick-start your career. Work experience is guaranteed through placements on every course, and other opportunities like study abroad and working on real-world projects will make your CV stand out. Almost 9 out of 10 of Brighton’s UK graduates are working or studying just 15 months after finishing their course (Graduate Outcomes, 2025). And you'll be supported throughout, with Brighton's lifelong career support.

Brighton is a place where everyone belongs, and has been rated one of the most inclusive cities in the world (TimeOut 2025). The music and arts scene is up-and-coming, and the city hosts a full schedule of entertainment and events year-round. In fact, it's the number one creative city in the UK, making it a great place to live and study.

The University of Brighton doesn't just want you to succeed, but to feel good too! From their flexible admissions process to academic and wellbeing support networks, Brighton will help you smoothly transition to university. You’ll be invited to Belong at Brighton events to ensure you have the best start to university. You might also be eligible for elements of their award-winning Brighton Boost support package, including up to £1,000 to help with the cost of halls, travel, equipment and more - head to their website to see what you could get.

If you’d like to visit the university to see whether it’s right for you or find your course at Brighton, click Visit Website below.