Mechanical engineers build the world around us. From the tiniest nanotechnology, through to cars and buildings, to airplanes and space stations, mechanical engineers are responsible for the design and development of most things.

Studying mechanical engineering is a combination of science, maths, and computing. It’s the study of machinery, and how to manufacture and maintain it at all levels. It’s a limitless subject, which plays a role in everything from vehicles to cities, energy to artificial intelligence, military to healthcare, and everything in between.

Mechanical engineering course entry requirements

Mechanical engineering is considered to be one of the most challenging undergraduate degrees on offer, so you won’t be surprised to hear that entry requirements can be steep. Generally, you’ll need to have a qualification in maths and/or physics. But, just as importantly, you’ll need to show good grades in whichever subjects you’re studying.

Other subjects that will support an application for mechanical engineering include further maths, design technology, computing, product design, and the other sciences. When it comes to your skills and extracurricular activities, universities will be looking for practicality, attention to detail, proficiency with technology, computing, and numeracy.What you will need to do

Apply by 26 January
Attend an interview
Show work experience

What you won’t need to do

Submit a portfolio
Audition for a place

Can I still apply if I don’t have good grades in maths and physics?

Each university has its own entry requirements. Maths and physics are generally the most important subjects for mechanical engineering, but many students manage to get on a course without having studied them. Showing a strong personal profile can sometimes be just as important as an academic one. Always check with the university you’re applying to.

Find out what studying engineering is like

Chat now to Ismail who can tell you all about it.

Why study mechanical engineering at university?

Mechanical engineering is the broadest of the engineering subjects, giving you an insight into the others, and giving you the most wide-ranging career options. When you combine this with the fact that mechanical engineers are in demand in almost every sector, play your cards right and you may end up as one of the most employable graduates around.

If you’re looking for a future-proof skill, then remember that mechanical engineers are heavily involved in automation, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. The rapid development of technology also means that studying mechanical engineering is never going to be boring. You’ll be among the first to test emerging techniques and technologies, and much of your study will be practical and hands-on.

Some modules you may study are:

Structural materials
Engineering concepts
Solid mechanics
Thermodynamics
Thermofluids
Biomedical and bioengineering
Electromechanicals
Systems modelling

Even if you don’t decide to stay in engineering, the transferable skills you master will set you up for careers in a wide range of sectors.

What kind of work experience should I be able to show?

It’s unlikely you’ll have much experience with mechanical engineering at 17 or 18. Universities will be looking for personal or professional experience in something related – working with cars, or in maintenance, or something technical. Universities are looking for commitment to the type of skills an engineer has, not just engineering itself.

Entry requirements

A levels – Entry requirements range from CCC to A*AA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for AAB.

Scottish Highers – Entry requirements for Highers (the most common qualification) range from ABBB to AAAAB, with universities or colleges most frequently requiring AABBB. Occasionally, universities ask for Advanced Highers to supplement Highers. If Advanced Highers are requested, universities or colleges typically ask for AA.

Vocational courses – Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, or an SCQF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative to A levels/Highers by some providers. It’s essential that you check alternative entry requirements with universities or colleges.

What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?

Most mechanical engineering graduates will remain in engineering, as:

mechanical engineer
structural engineer
aerospace engineer
civil engineer

But some engineering graduates use their diverse skillset to move into other sectors, as:

auto electrician
transport planner
model maker
CNC machinist

What’s it like to study mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineering is challenging, but that’s because it’s also rewarding. Don’t expect to be sitting in lectures and seminars for the entirety of your degree, which will generally last three or four years. During that time, you’ll be involved in lots of practical and demonstration sessions, as well as laboratory and workshop lessons. Engineering graduates are awarded a BEng, rather than the more common BA or BSc.

As the broadest of the engineering subjects, mechanical engineering gives you an overall grounding in the discipline, before allowing you to specialise from your third year onwards. You might decide to branch into aerospace, medical, structural, or robotic, by taking specific modules. To support this, some universities offer placement years which allow you to spend time in industry, with a company that relates to your passion or specialism.

While studying mechanical engineering, you’ll be:

writing reports and essays
attending lectures, seminars, and laboratory lessons
going to design workshops and practical sessions
completing group and project assignments
completing design and computer-based assignments

Mechanical engineering requires a lot of study, theory, and practice. For some universities, this means up to 24 hours per week with tutors. For others, it means lots of self-study and, therefore. high levels of motivation. Whichever it is, you’ll be spending your time in many different environments: classrooms, laboratories, and workshops.

Are you considering an accelerated degree? Click here to read more about the possibility of completing your undergraduate course in two years rather than three.

Important Qualities

Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.

Listening skills. Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.

Math skills. Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.

Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.

Apprenticeships

If you want to combine work and study while earning a salary, you could consider an apprenticeship. Which apprenticeships are available, and how you apply, depends on where you live.

Find out more about apprenticeships across the UK.

There are approximately 90 apprenticeships in the engineering sector available in England, with more in development.

Each apprenticeship sets out occupational standards for specific job roles, designed by employers. The standards outline the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to demonstrate that an apprentice is fully competent in the job role.

Higher apprenticeships (Level 4)

Degree apprenticeships (Levels 5 – 7)

Undergraduate qualifications

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Qualification code:	90132
NQF level:	6
Total credits:	360
SAQA ID:	111175
APS/AS:	18

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

8 years

Admission requirements
Student fees and funding your studies
Application for admission
Registration
Curriculum

Admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with a rating of 4 in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), English, Physical Science or Technical Science, or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with minimum mark of 50%,
or
a Senior Certificate (prior to 2008) with Mathematics, Physical Science and English with at least a D symbol on the Higher Grade or C symbol on the Standard Grade or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%,
or
a NC(V) National Certificate (Vocational) (Diploma endorsement) with English, Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%,
or
a Higher Certificate in relevant field.
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Study material for this qualification will only be available online.
Click here for more information about Unisa’s general admission requirements.

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:

R120 for online applications
Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030)
Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information.

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa’s student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Applications for admission to Unisa’s undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees) are closed.

Please take note of the following:

All applications for admission must be submitted online. No self-help stations will be available for applications.
Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enrol for them.

Take note of the following:

Make sure that your TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification.
Apply for admission during Unisa’s application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Registration

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa’s offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Curriculum / modules

Registration and curriculum information

College Learners

unisa mechanical engineering degree requirements