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)

We Are Ryerson Rams Robotics

“Established in 2013, Ryerson Rams Robotics (better known as R3) was created with the intent to promote and enhance robotics education for Ryerson students. R3 achieves this by competing in several robotics competitions with varying difficulties each year. This allows students to hone their skills in easier competitions and work their way up to more advanced robotics.”

Learn more about Ryerson Rams Robotics, external link

Is It for You?

Discover what makes an artificial heart beat, an escalator move or robots walk and talk. You’ll learn the engineering principles necessary to design, manufacture and test machines, biomechanical implants, energy-efficient systems, thermofluid systems and consumer products. With an optional paid co-operative internship, an optional specialization in Management Sciences and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience you need to help create technologies that improve well-being.

Explore the George Vari Engineering & Computing Centre on our Virtual Tour, external link, opens in new window.How to Apply Future Student Events Tuition and Fees Academic Requirements

 Faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

 Program Format(s)
Full Time: Four Year; Five-Year Co-operative Internship Program

 Degree Earned
Bachelor of Engineering

 Grade Range
80-90%+*

 Non-Academic Requirements
None

 Experiential Learning
Co-op

 Accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.

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What You Need to Know

 Thinking of applying? Make sure the program is still accepting applications.

*Actual minimum grade ranges required for fall 2021 admission/wait list consideration will be determined based on grades and qualifications presented by the applicant pool as they become available. Required grade ranges may fluctuate from year to year (up or down) as a result of competition. Applicants not educated in Ontario may present the equivalent of the Ontario requirements. Ryerson reserves the right to determine equivalency at its sole discretion.

Tuition and Fees 2021/2022

Domestic Fees Range: $10,326 – $11,140
International Fees Range: $31,772 – $38,457

For detailed fees information visit Tuition and Fees by Program.

Academic Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses including the following program specific requirements.

Typically, a minimum overall average of 70% establishes eligibility for admission consideration; subject to competition individual programs may require higher prerequisite grades and/or higher overall averages:

English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
Physics (SPH4U)
Chemistry (SCH4U)
Note: The grades required in the subject prerequisites (normally 70%) will be determined subject to competition.

Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available at:
Admission Requirements.

Mechanical Undergraduate Courses

As part of your bachelor of engineering degree in mechanical engineering, you’ll study robotics, materials, thermodynamics, machine and system design, manufacturing, control systems and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in our popular co-operative internship program and to collaborate with industry leaders. Between coursework and real-world experience, you’ll have the tools you need to become skilled in the design and operation of machines, mechanical systems and technology.

A full description of each course can be found in the undergraduate calendar.

A strong foundation is essential. With courses designed to give you the knowledge you’ll need for the rest of your degree – no matter which engineering discipline you choose – first year lays the groundwork for your future success. You’ll gain a better understanding of each of our engineering programs and the different areas of focus that they offer. Mechanical engineering exposes you to manufacturing, design, solid mechanics, mechatronics and thermofluids, which you can explore further in your final year.

1st Semester

CEN 100 – Introduction to Engineering
CEN 199* – Writing Skills
CHY 102 – General Chemistry
MTH 140 – Calculus I
MTH 141 – Linear Algebra
PCS 211 – Physics: Mechanics

Liberal Studies: One course from Table A – Lower Level Liberal Studies.

* This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

2nd Semester

CPS 188 – Computer Programming Fundamentals
ECN 801 – Principles of Engineering Economics
MEC 222 – Engineering Graphical Communication
MTH 240 – Calculus II
MTL 200 – Materials Science Fundamentals
PCS 125 – Physics: Waves and Fields

Update for Fall 2021 Course Delivery

The Mechatronics Option

Beginning in your third year, you may choose to focus your studies on mechatronics. Also called mechatronics engineering, this option integrates the fundamentals of electrical engineering and computer science with mechanical engineering in applications like robotics, autonomous vehicles, system controls and product engineering. The objective of mechatronics is to create smart products and intelligent machines.

During this phase of your degree, you’ll focus on digital systems, microprocessors, applied thermodynamics and machine design. You’ll also start planning ahead for next year by researching opportunities for professional experience through our optional co-operative internship program. (Participating in a co-operative internship will add one more year to your degree.)

This year is also the time to consider enrolling in the accelerated master of applied science pathway, for those who intend to pursue further studies after graduation.

5th Semester

EES 508 – Digital Systems
EES 612 – Electric Machines and Actuators
MEC 430 – Solid Mechanics I
MEC 514 – Applied Thermodynamics
MEC 516 – Fluid Mechanics I
MTH 510 – Numerical Analysis

6th Semester

MEC 411 – Mechanics of Machines
MEC 613 – Machine Design I
MEC 701 – Heat Transfer
MEC 709 – Control Systems
MEC 721 – Vibrations
MEC 733 – Microprocessor Systems

All required core courses in the first and second semesters are prerequisites to all required core courses in fifth and sixth semesters.