Take a look around you. Engineers research, design, build and control your everyday environment by providing energy, transport and communication, structures and the products we use everyday. Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines and involves taking a product, plant or system from conception through to commercial fruition and operation. You will develop an awareness of design principles, an understanding of technical issues, a knowledge of manufacturing processes and an ability to interact with business.
Engineering can be defined as "The science of getting things done through people". Mechanical engineering is centred on improving the world though the provision of appropriate machines. Machines are essentially tools for making life better. Systems are essential for integrating the many engineering technologies to the benefit of mankind. Seeing the fruit of your efforts working is an amazing privilege, often reserved for engineers.
To really "get things done" requires considerable motivation, ability, skill and discipline. All our degree courses aim to bring these qualities out of you. One thing is certain, the future will not be like the past: therefore, we provide you with a solid basis of maths science and engineering applications that is informed by current research, so stretching you and preparing you to make a valuable contribution to the future engineering profession. Newcastle University has an enviable reputation for working with industry, in practice this means that real-world examples are constantly being used in teaching and that there are particularly useful links with local, national and international companies for project work and jobs.
We host a number of highly regarded research centres and the UK national gear metrology laboratory. All our degrees have been CEng (Chartered Engineer) accredited by the appropriate professional bodies the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (formerly the Institution of Electrical Engineers).
At Newcastle University, Mechanical Engineering is not just about conventional machines like cars, but it covers a wide range of topics including robotics, railway systems, micro machines, novel materials, bio-engineering, nano-technology, huge multi-megawatt machines, computers, mathematical modelling, fluid flow, rapid manufacturing and engineering design. Mechanical Engineering holds a central place in the spectrum of engineering, meaning that graduates from our degrees are welcomed into a very wide range of engineering, financial and general management positions. Our blend of engineering science and application seems highly attractive to companies: our graduates seldom have difficulty finding appropriate posts, and many attract very high initial salaries.