The truth about machines and design is that humans can create wonders through the skills and knowledge once imbibed. Mechanical engineering is one such degree that is highly sought after, and even so in the UK, since it has top universities that provide undergraduate courses for students to develop the skill, understanding and polish them to take on careers that are in much demand.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Mechanical Engineering in the UK.
| Highlights | Details |
| Number of Mechanical Engineering Colleges in the UK | 59+ (approx.) |
| Mechanical Engineering Cost in the UK | 1st Year Average Tuition Fee: INR 24.10 lakh |
| Average Living Expenses: INR 5.89 lakh per year | |
| Top Specialisations | Mechanical Engineering |
| Admission Process | IELTS Score + Statement of Purpose (SOP) + Letter of Recommendation (LORs) |
Top 10 ME Universities In The UK According To QS Rankings
The United Kingdom is renowned for its prestigious universities, particularly in the field of Mechanical Engineering. According to the QS World University Rankings for 2025, several UK institutions stand out for their exceptional engineering programmes. These universities not only provide high-quality education but also contribute significantly to research and innovation in the field. Below is a table highlighting the top 10 universities in the UK for Mechanical Engineering based on their QS rankings.
| University | QS World Ranking (2025) | Average Tuition Fees (International) | Top Courses |
| Imperial College London | 2 | £35,100 | MEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Oxford | 3 | £27,840 – £39,010 | BEng/MEng Engineering Science |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | £22,227 – £58,738 | MEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University College London | 9 | £37,500 | BEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Edinburgh | 16 | £22,700 – £37,100 | MEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Manchester | 29 | £24,000 | BEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Bristol | 40 | £24,000 – £31,000 | MEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Glasgow | 82 | £19,540 – £27,990 | BEng Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Leeds | 86 | £23,500 | BEng Mechanical Engineering |
| Loughborough University | 100+ | £28,600 | BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering |
Top Mechanical Engineering Universities In The UK By US News
The UK is home to globally renowned universities that achieve impressive rankings. Below is a list of some of the top institutions for studying the Mechanical Engineering program in the country, as recognised by US News.
| University | Subject Ranking | Overall Ranking |
| Imperial College London | 1 | 16 |
| The University of Cambridge | 2 | 8 |
| The University of Oxford | 3 | 9 |
| The University of Bristol | 4 | 48 |
| The University of Bath | 5 | 49 |
Why Study Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the UK?
Here are the compelling reasons to choose mechanical engineering courses UK:
- The United Kingdom is renowned for hosting five of the world’s top-ranked universities that provide exceptional faculty and high-quality education in the field of mechanical engineering to students from across the globe. It is the best country for MS in Mechanical Engineering.
- With a relatively low unemployment rate of approximately 3.6%, securing a job or internship in the field of mechanical engineering is comparatively more accessible than in other countries.
- Educational institutions in the UK offer placement opportunities to enhance the career prospects of ME students.
- The UK extends a Post-Study Work Visa to international students pursuing mechanical engineering, granting them the privilege to remain and work in the country for up to two years after the completion of their programme.
- The visa acceptance rate for the United Kingdom stands at an impressive 90.08%, indicating that gaining entry into the UK for overseas students pursuing mechanical engineering is more straightforward than in any other nation worldwide.
Mechanical Engineering Specialisations
Mechanical Engineering offers a variety of specialisations, including:
- Automotive Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Robotics
- Bioengineering
- Energy Systems
- Manufacturing and Production Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Thermal Systems
- Structural Analysis
Mechanical Engineering Fees in the UK
The tuition fee for in-state students pursuing a full-time ME degree in the UK is £9,000, while it is £3,000 for part-time courses. However, international students enrolling in full-time or part-time Mechanical Engineering in the UK should expect to pay higher fees.
The cost of Mechanical Engineering courses in the UK for out-of-state students typically falls in the range of £12,000 to £24,000 for full-time programmes. It’s important to note that the cost of Masters in Mechanical Engineering may vary between universities and tends to increase annually.
Additionally, when estimating the total cost of MSc in Mechanical Engineering in the UK, students should factor in additional expenses such as accommodation, food, healthcare, and recreational activities. For those considering mechanical engineering short courses in the UK, please inquire about the specific fees associated with those programmes.
Student Visa Cost For The UK
The cost of a UK student visa (Tier 4) is approximately:
- Visa Application Fee: £363 (approximately INR 37,500)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £470 per year (approximately INR 48,000)
Mechanical Engineering Colleges: Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for Mechanical Engineering programmes typically include:
- Undergraduate Programmes: A-levels (AAA or AAB) or equivalent qualifications; subjects usually include Mathematics and Physics.
- Postgraduate Programmes: A relevant undergraduate degree (usually a 2:2 or higher) in engineering or a related field; English language proficiency (IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent).
Work Permit After Mechanical Engineering in the UK
International graduates can apply for the Graduate Route, which allows them to stay in the UK for:
- Up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work after completing their degree.
Mechanical Engineering Scholarships
Are you aspiring to pursue a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at the leading universities but concerned about the expenses? You can set your worries aside because many UK universities offer top engineering scholarships to deserving students, aiming to alleviate their financial concerns. Here are some of these scholarship opportunities:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships (e.g., Imperial College London Scholarships, University of Bath International Scholarships)
Mechanical Engineering Jobs & Salaries in the UK
UK universities that offer MSc Mechanical Engineering programmes with placement assistance aim to help students secure job opportunities that align closely with their academic studies. Upon completion of their degrees, the Employability and Career Services departments within these universities actively assist students in identifying employment prospects where they can apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained to solve diverse challenges.
MSc Mechanical Engineering with Work Placement in the UK involves students being positioned in specific job roles while they are still engaged in their academic coursework. This placement service may come with a separate fee at various UK universities. However, it’s important to note that universities do not guarantee work placements.
They extend the opportunity to students, and it becomes the student’s responsibility to actively seek relevant employment. The program typically spans one year of theoretical studies followed by one year of internship (which is not mandatory for completing the degree), and additional fees are associated with the second year. Mechanical engineering graduates can expect to earn the following:
- Entry-level positions: £28,000 – £35,000 per year (approximately INR 31 lakh to INR 39 lakh)
- Experienced positions: £40,000 – £60,000 per year (approximately INR 44 lakh to INR 66 lakh)
Top Publicly Funded Universities In The UK
The UK is home to some of the most prestigious publicly funded universities in the world, known for their high academic standards, research contributions, and diverse programmes in the ME domain:
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University of Oxford
- University of Manchester
- University of Bristol
Job Prospects
A diverse array of career prospects awaits students who complete their Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the UK. Given the substantial demand for this field in the UK, career opportunities and salary expectations are highly competitive.
Below, we have outlined specific job roles along with their average annual salaries that graduates can pursue after obtaining an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UK universities:
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Automotive Assembler | 21,985 GBP(21.47 lakhs INR) |
| Automotive Project Engineer | 40,794 GBP(39.84 lakhs INR) |
| Aerospace Engineer | 40,000 GBP(39.06 lakhs INR) |
| Mechanical Engineer | 37,500 GBP(36.62 lakhs INR) |
| Diesel Engine Machine | 26,325 GBP(25.70 lakhs INR) |
| Aerospace Technician | 30,498 GBP(29.78 lakhs INR) |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | 40,000 GBP(39.06 lakhs INR) |
| Mechanical Inspector | 30,534 GBP(29.82 lakhs INR) |
Top Mechanical Engineering Recruiters
The UK boasts a vibrant job market for Mechanical Engineering graduates, with numerous reputable companies actively seeking skilled professionals in this field. These recruiters offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement. Here are some of the top mechanical engineering recruiters in the UK:
- Rolls-Royce
- A leader in aerospace and defence, Rolls-Royce is renowned for its high-performance engines and innovative technology. The company offers various roles in design, manufacturing, and research and development.
- BAE Systems
- As one of the largest defence contractors globally, BAE Systems provides opportunities for mechanical engineers in sectors such as naval systems, aerospace, and cyber security.
- Jaguar Land Rover
- This luxury automotive manufacturer is known for its cutting-edge vehicle technology and design. Mechanical engineers can work on various aspects of vehicle development, from concept to production.
- Airbus
- A major player in the aerospace industry, Airbus offers roles in aircraft design, manufacturing, and systems engineering. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability in aviation.
- Siemens
- Siemens operates across various sectors, including energy, automation, and transportation. Mechanical engineers can find opportunities in product development, project management, and engineering consultancy.
FAQs
1. Is the UK a good option for mechanical engineering?
Top UK universities excel in Mechanical Engineering programmes at all levels. 35% of graduates secure employment within 15 months, with salaries ranging from 23,000 GBP (22 lakhs INR) to 120,000 GBP (1.19 crore INR).
2. Are mechanical engineers in demand in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, there is substantial demand for mechanical engineers, and the typical annual salary for this profession is £37,500, which equates to an hourly rate of £19.23.
3. What are the fees of mechanical engineering in the UK?
A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the UK typically lasts one to two years, with an annual tuition fee of around GBP 20,430 (19 lakhs INR). However, there are several scholarships available to support students in pursuing this program.
4. How long is mechanical engineering in the UK?
A Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering takes three years, while a Master’s is usually one year. However, some Bachelor’s programmes can last four years. On average, it takes about four to five years to become a Mechanical Engineer.
5. What are the top universities in the UK for studying mechanical engineering?
Imperial College London, the University of Nottingham, Lancaster University, and others stand out as top choices for pursuing a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the UK.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further