Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry (with Integrated Foundation Year)

Start your journey towards a career in engineering with our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Integrated Foundation Year) with Year in Industry.

This 5-year programme is designed to give you the best possible start, combining a supportive foundation year with a full degree in mechanical engineering – plus the opportunity to gain invaluable industry experience through a dedicated year in the workplace.

You will start with a foundation year, where you will develop essential academic skills such as independent study, essay writing, communication and problem-solving. You will grow in confidence and have time to explore engineering more broadly.

In your second year, you’ll focus on becoming an independent learner while building a strong foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and design. You’ll learn to create and test engineering artefacts, explore materials and manufacturing processes, and gain essential knowledge of electrical and mechanical mechatronic principles.

In your third year, you will tackle more broadly defined challenges that require integrating knowledge from across your studies. You will deepen your understanding of applied mechatronics, materials and manufacturing, and digital manufacturing, while developing advanced modelling and simulation skills. Team-based projects will give you the opportunity to solve real-world engineering problems in a simulated professional environment.

Your fourth year will be spent on an industrial placement, applying your academic knowledge in a professional setting and gaining invaluable experience that enhances your employability. You can either source the placement yourself or our academic team can help you find a suitable placement.

In your final year, you will master complex engineering problems and explore advanced topics such as manufacturing systems, instrumentation and control, and cutting-edge materials technologies. You will also undertake a substantial independent engineering project, applying your skills creatively to deliver solutions with real-world impact.

Overview
Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress directly onto the Mechanical Engineering, BEng (Hons).

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering programme is a future-focused degree developed in collaboration with BAE Systems, one of the UK’s leading engineering companies. It is designed to provide you with a robust foundation in mechanical engineering principles while immersing you in the latest developments in manufacturing technologies and digital innovation.

Throughout the course, you'll explore key areas such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, control systems, materials science, and mechatronics. Your learning journey will be brought to life through engaging, problem-based projects and practical laboratory work. In your second and third years, you'll deepen your knowledge with modules in digital manufacturing, applied mechatronics, advanced materials, automation, and operations management. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an Integrated Engineering Project, tackling real-world engineering challenges in a team setting.

On this Course you Will...
• Study in a brand-new purpose built facility that has been designed to include all of the modern equipment and resources you need to make a success of your course.



• Benefit from engaging with stakeholders from local and national employers.



• Study a degree that was designed in collaboration through our employer networks to ensure you will be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills that employers really need.

With campuses in the Lake District, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow, and London, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, supportive communities, and real opportunities.

With strong links to law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies, and employers nationwide, we connect your learning directly to your future career.

Ranked the No. 1 university in the Northwest and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97.5% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2026), Cumbria is a university focused on your future from day one.