Mechanical Engineering | P00198-AA | Course

Entry Year

07/09/2026

Location

Millfield

Duration

2 Years (Full-Time)

Course Code

P00198-AA

Overview

Foundation DegreeMechanical EngineeringValidated by Queens University Belfast

Millfield

Full-Time

Higher Education

Start Date: 07/09/2026

End Date: 04/06/2028

Qualifications

Foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering (validated by Queens University Belfast)

Overview

Application for this course must be made through UCAS (H302) at: http://www.ucas.com. During Confirmation and Clearing in August applicants may be considered via UCAS Clearing, if vacancies are available. Vacancies and entry requirements are normally published on the Queen’s University website (http://www.qub.ac.uk) and the UCAS website (http://ucas.com). If you meet the entry requirements, then contact the Admissions and Access Service at Queen’s University (admissions@qub.ac.uk) in the first instance.

The Foundation degree (FdEng) in Mechanical Engineering is a two-year degree offered by Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Students are enrolled at both BMC and QUB, with all the main entitlements as other undergraduate students at the university.

The majority of manufactured products are mechanical or have mechanical parts and mechanical engineers are to be found working in virtually every type of industry, on products as diverse as racing cars, jet engines, cruise ships, farm machinery, sports equipment and domestic appliances. Mechanical engineers therefore have very wide career opportunities and are employed because of their scientific knowledge, design expertise, problem-solving skills and business awareness. Mechanical engineers are also at the forefront of sustainable solutions for a better world in the 21^st century.

Course Structure

In Year 1 students are introduced to core engineering principles and mathematics, and they undertake individual and small team-based projects, designed to introduce them to the concept of professional engineering practice and to develop personal and interpersonal skills. They are also introduced to the principles of engineering design and manufacturing processes where they gain practical experience of the processes through the hands-on use of manufacturing engineering equipment in the production of working prototypes.

Year 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects, which focus on basic theory and application. The Work Based Learning (WBL) forms a significant part of Year 2 (one third) and while no formal teaching programme is required for it, students are prepared for it through instruction on areas such as interview skills, report writing and other skill areas which they are likely to encounter. The College liaises closely with its industrial partners to identify and evaluate suitable WBL opportunities for the students.

Industry Links - Work Based Learning

The college liaises closely with industrial partners to identify and evaluate suitable Work Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for students. The WBL experience, which is one of the main strengths of this programme, requires 400 hours of meaningful placement with a company, during which time students receive several visits from a dedicated WBL coordinator to monitor progress, assess performance, encourage reflection on the learning experience and consult with the Industrial Supervisor.

Facilities

The College has a wide range of workshop, laboratory, computing and CAD facilities to support teaching and learning. These are all located on-campus and include:

Modern Workshop

Computer Based Learning Suite

Flexible Project Environments

Teaching Laboratories

Belfast Metropolitan College is responsible for delivering the degree. However, Foundation students are enrolled as students in both the College and the University and have all the main entitlements and access to facilities at both campuses.

Key areas of Study:

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Introductory and Engineering Mathematics
Solid Mechanics and Dynamics
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Materials, Design and Manufacturing
Computer Aided Design
Electrical Components and Systems
Work Based Learning

Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the general university entrance requirements as specified in the University Calendar of General Regulations and at least one of the following:

A level requirements CC including Mathematics and at least one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Technology & Design.

Applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade C/4 in GCSE Physics or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.

If not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Physics.

Note: a minimum of five subjects will be required in the Irish Leaving Certificate, at least four of which should be at Higher Level.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma in a relevant discipline.

QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with grades MMP, with Merits required in four specified units, including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with grades MMP, with Merits required in four specified units, including Engineering Principles and Further Engineering Mathematics.

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 55% in each module. Must be a relevant Access Course including two modules in Mathematics (Level 3) and two modules in Physics (Level 3).

NB: Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable in lieu of a Grade C in GCSE English Language.

Fees

Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3323.00

Academic period 2027*:
Tuition Fee = £3323.00

Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.

Depending on the programme, in addition to tuition fees, you may incur extra costs which you will need to plan for. As part of your studies the college will arrange and facilitate site visits and study trips. Where possible the College will seek to subsidise costs, however there will be a contribution from the students, of approximately £30 per year. For several modules a scientific calculator will be required (approximately £15).

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from both Belfast Met and any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. Computer Aided Design software used on the course is available as free student copies from supplier websites.

International students - International fees apply, fees refer to our website for further details International Fees (belfastmet.ac.uk)

Assessment

Students must source and complete a period of relevant industrial work placement which will assist in developing a sound understanding of the practical applications of some of the theoretical content. This forms a significant portion of the assessment and will be completed in the first semester of year two. Assessment is by a combination of assignments, reports, and examinations.

Made for More

Careers

After graduating with the FdEng in Mechanical Engineering, students will have acquired practical and theoretical knowledge and a wide range of skills. They will also have had the benefit of undertaking an industrial placement, secured by the students in their selected sector. As a result, graduates will be in an excellent position to pursue careers in many of the areas where mechanical engineers are employed.

Students who complete the Foundation degree with an average of 55% or higher can progress directly to Stage 2 of any of the BEng Honours programmes provided by SMAE: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Product Design Engineering. This will obviously broaden students’ options in terms of employment and create the opportunity for even further progression through postgraduate study. For further information, please see the SMAE website www.qub.ac.uk/mechaero.