“From my very first year, in my foundation year, I tried to be like a sponge! I absorbed every bit of knowledge I could.”
FdEngMechanical Engineering
Contact admissions
Starting in: 2027
Register your interest- 2 years full-time
- 4 years part-time
UCAS points: 64-96Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a mechanical engineering foundation degree at Solent University
Progress your engineering career - develop your knowledge of engineering concepts from mechanics, to drawing, CAD and manufacturing.
- 0thin the UK for student satisfaction in mechanical engineering, out of 74 institutions (CUG 2026)
- 0thin the UK for teaching satisfaction in mechanical engineering, out of 69 institutions (Guardian Uni Guide 2026)
- Top0%of UK universities for teaching quality, out of 130 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- This degree offers a comprehensive exploration of mechanics and manufacturing across aerospace, automotive, component manufacture, nanotechnology, design engineering, engineering management or production planning.
- Access to a range of high-end facilities, including 3D printers and laser cutters, SolidWorks, Granta, PSpice/NI MultiSim software and microcomputer development systems, digital multi-meter signal generators, FLIR cameras and digital signal processing boards.omponent manufacture, nanotechnology, design engineering, engineering management or production planning.
- Solent is a pioneer in environment and engineering research – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
- Strong focus on hands-on exploration. This degree incorporates practical challenges, workshops and exercises, so you can put theory into practice straight away.
- Environmental sustainability principles are integrated throughout the course.
- You can study this course part-time.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
The mechanical engineering industry has a wide-ranging impact on sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics. Pursuing a career in mechanical engineering allows individuals to be at the forefront of innovation, designing and developing the systems and machines that shape our world.
With a focus on practical training and skills development, Solent will prepare you to be a readily employable graduate across a range of diverse technical roles.
You'll develop your abilities in applying mathematical and scientific principles to analyse and solve mechanical engineering problems, and be introduced to a range of mechanical systems, components, and processes and their applications.
This course has been developed in collaboration with the South Coast Institute of Technology, providing partnerships with well known employers including The Royal Navy, Portsmouth International Port and Maritime UK Solent, who contribute to the economic growth of the South Coast.
On this course, you can also foster an appreciation of environmental sustainability, ethical conduct, safety, and professional standards in mechanical engineering.
You can gain the academic foundation for further study in mechanical engineering or related fields and work effectively as part of engineering teams through work-related learning.
Part of:
Part of:
Who is this course for?
This foundation degree programme is ideal for those wishing to increase their academic knowledge and gain qualification in mechanical engineering with a view to pursuing further study. A foundation degree is suitable for those who may not possess the qualifications to enter directly on to an undergraduate degree programme, or for those who are returning to education after a period of time.
What does this course lead to?
With a growing need for qualified engineers to meet demands in several key industries, graduates will be well placed to be part of the next generation of engineers to fill vital jobs across the engineering and renewable energy industries.
Graduates on this course can also join the final year undergraduate BEng Mechanical Engineering course, subject to grades achieved.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
To aid study, students have access to our specialist facilities, including a 60m towing tank for wave generation and tidal turbine use; composite materials laboratory for construction of lightweight structures; and our materials testing laboratory.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Engineering Principles
This module introduces you to essential mathematics, electronic principles, and mechanical principles that underpin engineering systems. You'll develop skills in key areas of electronics and mechanics, along with the mathematical expertise required to analyse and solve engineering problems. You'll also gain practical skills enabling you to design, debug and verify electronic circuits including the use of simulation tools and further mechanical practical work will enable you to see engineering principles in action.
Engineering Design and Manufacturing
Engineering design and manufacture are the two most important and interlinked product development stages in the product life cycle. A correct design informed by manufacturing knowledge/constraints will result in few problems at later life cycle stages of the product. In this module, you'll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the engineering design, and conventional and advanced manufacturing processes. You'll then apply this understanding by demonstrating practical computer-aided design and workshop skills to model and manufacture components.
Professional Engineering Skills
Being an engineer is more than a job description or title – it is a profession with published standards, skills, ethical expectations, and regulatory structures. This includes theoretical, professional and applied skills relating to the role of the professional engineer. In this module you will develop your practical research, communication skills, and confidence through participation in a diverse range of activities and working in teams.
Applied Mechanics
In this module you'll build a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles supported by essential applied mathematics, enabling you to analyse and interpret engineering systems using appropriate mathematical tools. A strong focus is placed on practical, hands-on learning through laboratory activities, helping you to connect theoretical concepts with real engineering applications while developing analytical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering judgement.
Core modules
Design Analysis And Product Development
In this module you'll build practical technical knowledge to design, model, simulate and analyse complex mechanical products as well as give a practical insight into the quality systems used at various stages of the product development process. You'll cover product development tools and methodologies that contemporary organisations use to translate the needs of customers into good quality products and services that the customer will desire and subsequently purchase.
Engineering Materials And Mechanics
Understanding the behaviour of materials and mechanical systems is fundamental to engineering design and analysis. In this module you'll develop your ability to apply mathematical and scientific principles to analyse, model, and predict the performance of engineering materials and mechanical systems under a range of operating conditions. You will explore the relationships between material structure, properties, and processing, and apply analytical methods to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems.
Robotics and Automation
This module develops your capability to apply engineering principles to the design, analysis, and integration of robotics and automation systems. Working in multidisciplinary teams, you'll work together to tackle a complex engineering challenge, naturally creating a systems engineering approach. Using the robotics facilities, 3D printing and materials testing, teams design, model, build, and test an integrated product and each member will be assessed through an individual discipline-specific report, as well as a group demonstration, and poster presentation.
Work-Based Project
In this module, you'll conduct a self-managed, work-based engineering project applying theory from your course to real-world, broadly-defined problems. Working within a commercial context, you will apply engineering management and project management principles, identify and mitigate risks associated with your project activity, and recognise the need for quality management and continuous improvement.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Written exams
- Timed exercises
- Project work
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in mechanical engineering?
This course is for those looking into a career in engineering such as design or research engineer, mechanical design engineer, junior engineering manager or further study. The course teaches students theoretical and practical engineering skills.
With a growing need for qualified engineers to meet demands in several key industries, the focus on this course is practical training and skills development, to make graduates readily employable in technical roles.
This course is run in collaboration with the South Coast Institute of Technology and this this partner organisation works with well known employers including The Royal Navy, Portsmouth International Port and Maritime UK Solent, to deliver industry-led courses which fill skills gaps and support the economic growth of the South Coast.
You could earn:
Mechanical engineer
Starting salary: £28,000
As a mechanical engineer you'll provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plants, machinery or vehicles. You'll work on all stages of a product, from research and development to design and manufacture, through to installation and final commissioning.
Aerospace engineer
Starting salary: £25,000 to £34,000
Aerospace engineering broadly focuses on the research, design, development, maintenance and testing of equipment that is designed for flight in the air and in space. You'll be concerned with improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs and using developing technologies to meet customer needs. The role increasingly addresses the environmental impact of air travel.
Maintenance engineer
Mid range salary: £30,000 to £38,000.
As a maintenance engineer, you'll be responsible for the continuous running of equipment and machinery in industrial settings. Using computerised systems, you'll oversee routine maintenance and organise repairs. You'll also be involved with control and monitoring devices and occasionally in the manufacture of items that will help in maintenance.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“From my very first year, in my foundation year, I tried to be like a sponge! I absorbed every bit of knowledge I could.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Top 25%
of UK unis for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2025
Further study
Thinking about studying further than a foundation degree qualification? Take a look at the undergraduate courses you could progress on to.
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,050 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,508 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Other optional costs:
- PPE £50
- Project consumables: £100
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
64 - 96 UCAS tariff points
- Completed A-levels, BTEC Diploma at MP, T-level Pass (D or E) or equivalent.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 14 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with no component score below 5.5.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component, or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5 with a minimum of 4 in each individual component.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 64-96
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 2 years full-time
- 4 years part-time
