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Mechanical Engineering (Including Foundation Year)

Course details
  • BEng (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Pontypridd
Awarded by:
University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)

Course summary

If you don’t quite have the right qualifications to start our three year BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree or if you want to gain more confidence in higher level work, you could opt to start your studies with a foundation year. The extra year is intended to give you the best possible preparation for success on the degree pathway. It has been designed to develop your skills in mechanics and mathematics – these are important areas of study which will underpin your learning on the degree course.

You’ll study introductory modules relevant to the degree course whilst developing key skills for academic study. Successful completion of the introductory foundation year will allow you to progress onto the Mechanical Engineering degree which is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and the Engineering Council.

Mechanical Engineering degree allows you to use your analytical and mathematical skills to solve real-life problems. Mechanical engineers are sought-after in all types of industries, from food processing to pharmaceutical manufacture, as well as in high-profile sectors such as automobile and aerospace.

This is a modern mechanical engineering degree that is relevant to a range of industries. You could design, analyse, research and test anything from wind turbines to turbojet engines.

It has been developed with engineering professionals and forms the educational base for Chartered Engineer status, with a period of further learning. We have strong links with industry and place considerable emphasis on student projects. We also encourage industrial placements as part of a sandwich year option.

This Mechanical Engineering degree is based in our Treforest campus. USW Treforest is surrounded by green open spaces. Our students say they love the warm and friendly welcome and community atmosphere, as well as the convenience of living and studying in the same place.

From listed buildings to new, modern structures, Treforest reflects the University’s history and its ambitions. Here you will find everything you need in one place - halls of residence, the library and sport centre, cafes and bars to eat and drink, and friends to spend time with.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H307
Institution code:
W01
Campus name:
Pontypridd
Campus Code:
A

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 points

A level - DDE

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points

GCSE/National 4/National 5

The University normally requires Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C/4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

T Level - Pass (D or E)

Passing the T Level with Pass (D or E in the Core).

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Audition

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£9000Year 1
England£9000Year 1
Northern Ireland£9000Year 1
Scotland£9000Year 1
Wales£9000Year 1
International£12600Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.

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