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Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year)

1 Study option · UndergraduateMain Site

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2026-2027
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Course summary

87.9% of our research outputs in Engineering were assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

About the course

This degree will enable you to lead multidisciplinary teams in the development of complex systems, including sustainable power generation, power-trains for automotive vehicles, and jet engines for aircraft propulsion. The placement year also gives you the chance to get real work experience for a year in industry, while still being supported by Sussex.

We undertake world-class research, which enriches your teaching. Our Dynamics, Control and Vehicle Research Group and the Thermo-Fluid Mechanics Research Centre, develop innovative concepts in vehicle technology and efficient aero-engines, among other things. You’ll study in our Future Technologies Labs that incorporate computer suites and new automation/robotics facilities. There is a dedicated manufacturing lab with state-of-the-art facilities such as CNC machines and 3-D printers. You'll be able to specialise in subjects such as CAD, computational fluid dynamics through optional modules and work on areas such as control, vibration, tribology, or aerodynamics through project work including Formula Student and Wind-driven car projects.

We have dedicated academic advisors to support you during you time at Sussex and a team of student mentors. You will also be welcomed into our active, student-run engineering societies.

Accreditation

Start your career ahead of the competition with our respected industry accreditation.

MEng or BEng?

We also offer this course without the industrial placement year, as a four-year MEng, or as a five-year MEng with an industrial placement year.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

About the University of Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BEng (Hon) • Sandwich • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Application codes

Course code:
H32F
Institution code:
S90

University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
H32F
Institution code:
S90

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Sarah

    University of Sussex
    Medicine
    Hi there! I’m Sarah, a fourth year medical student at Brighton and Sussex medical School. I am a mature student having worked for the UK Government for the past ten year, and a graduate, completing my first degree in Medical Neuroscience here at the University of Sussex. It really feels like I have come full circle now that I am back here studying medicine! I hope to become an obstetrician once I finish my degree, but we get so much exposure to different specialities I am also excited to explore. I enjoy yoga and cold water swimming which is great as I live by the sea for the first time!

  • Mykhailo

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    I'm Mykhailo, a first year BSc Marketing student at University of Sussex. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, my course or student life.

  • Shubby

    University of Sussex
    Law
    I am Nigerian but was born in Canada. I aspire to be a civil litigation or corporate lawyer in the future as this has been a long desire passion of mines. I am very passionate about helping other individuals in anyway I possible can! I also enjoy taking part in societies and staying involved in the community through volunteering.

  • Rudie

    University of Sussex
    Ecology and Conservation
    I'm a Mature and Neurodivergent Student who didn't have the most conventional education due to a lack of support at school. If you feel like you need advice on the support Sussex offers or if this is the right University for you, I can help. I also organise a variety of surveying and STEM outreach events, both with the School of Life Sciences and the NGO Shelltering Sussex. So, if you want to know what extracurricular activities Sussex has to offer for Life Sciences students, I'm your person.

  • Zehra

    University of Sussex
    Law
    Hi! My name is Zehra, and I’m a first-year LLB Law student at the University of Sussex. I’m really excited to be part of the Student Ambassador Programme and to support students who are considering joining our community. My goal is to become a barrister, and I’m particularly interested in areas such as human rights, public, and employment law. I’m passionate about supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, an ethnic minority immigrant from Turkey, a mature student, and someone living with a disability, I truly understand how important it is to feel supported, welcomed, and connected at university. That’s why I’m here — to share my journey, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in finding your own path. I speak both Turkish and English, and outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, watersports, chess, cinema, and music. I also have a cat who keeps me company during my study sessions! If you’re feeling unsure, curious, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.

  • Hanna

    University of Sussex
    Psychology and Cognitive Science
    I'm a British/Egyptian postgraduate research student in psychology at Sussex. I am very enthusiastic about my course and my studies, and would be very happy to answer your queries. I will answer your queries asap, so please write to me!

  • Lily

    University of Sussex
    Psychology
    I'm a mature international student, and have just started studying this year, which comes with different challenges, but just as many rewards! As much as I love my course, I also love being able to be a part of so many different societies, and meet so many new and interesting people!

  • Tomisin

    University of Sussex
    Politics
    I’m a British-Nigerian Politics and International Relations student. I’ve been enjoying the joint honour degree as it has personally helped me to expand my knowledge and connect the links between international history and British politics! I am also a Christian and passionate for Jesus! I enjoy attending church in Brighton, meeting more people and growing in faith 😄

  • Khadija

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    Second-year business student who started with a foundation year. I’m really enjoying the course and hoping to work in operations or consulting after I graduate. Happy to chat about uni life or business.

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.

Data from:
This course and 6 other mechanical engineering courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Sussex, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBC Most common
  1. AAA
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

97% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

60 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

70 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

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