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mechanical engineering university of toronto

    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.

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    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.

    Engineering subject guide - Unibuddy

    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:

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

    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)

    University of Toronto – St. George

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    Mechanical Engineering (BAS)

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    Program Information

    School:University of Toronto – St. George
    Faculty:Applied Science and Engineering
    Degree:Bachelor; Co-op
    Field of Study:Mechanical Engineering
    Description:Mechanical engineers focus on how things work. Most objects — chairs, micro-robots, medical devices, power plants — are designed using mechanical engineering principles. Mechanical engineers understand the world as parts in motion, and they’re always in demand in the marketplace. Our graduates pursue careers in a vast number of areas like designing communication systems, computers, assistive medical devices, low-carbon technologies, automotive design, power generation, nanotechnology, and composite materials.

    Our program is world-renowned for an applied, practical curriculum. Theory is put into practice with hands-on learning in labs and in the field. You’ll take courses in physics, risk assessment, thermodynamics, biomechanics and sustainable energy. You will also learn about the physical principles of an object’s design: its appearance; how the individual components work; and how to manufacture it and make it safe, economical, efficient, easy to use and environmentally responsible. After second year, you’ll specialize in one of the following areas: Bioengineering, Energy & Environment, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, and Solid Mechanics. In fourth year, you’ll be part of a student team working with an industry client to solve a problem facing their company.
    URL:Mechanical Engineering (BAS) at University of Toronto – St. George
    Length:5 Year(s)
    Cost per year:*National:$14,180International:$62,250
    Scholarships:32
    Careers:Facility Operation and Maintenance ManagersMechanical Engineers

    Admission Requirements

    Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*84 to 100
    Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school. Grade12 English  Grade12 Calculus and Vectors  Grade12 Chemistry  Grade12 Physics  Grade12 Advanced Functions Applicants are required to have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and six 4U/M courses, including: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), English (ENG4U), and Physics (SPH4U). A supplemental application is required.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

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