Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering (BEng Hons)
The Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering (BEng Hons) programme at UWTSD is designed for those wanting to explore a wide range of skills that are key to understanding, designing, and working with machines. This course will teach you essential principles and practical skills needed to solve engineering challenges, covering topics from physics and mechanics to material science.
Mechanical engineering plays a critical role in many industries. Whether it’s manufacturing, energy, or aerospace, skilled mechanical engineers are in high demand, and this programme equips you with the expertise these sectors value. You’ll learn to think creatively, applying engineering principles to design effective solutions and address complex technical issues.
During your studies, you’ll develop problem-solving skills using a mix of analytical, technical, and computational techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience with the latest manufacturing technologies, computer-aided design (CAD), and practical applications of mechanics. Key areas you’ll cover include fluid mechanics, materials testing, and electronics, all designed to give you a solid foundation and practical experience.
This course also prepares you for the environmental and sustainable demands of modern engineering. You’ll learn to consider environmental impact within your designs, helping to create more sustainable engineering solutions. Through teamwork projects and real-world assignments, you’ll sharpen your communication skills, learning to present ideas effectively and manage responsibilities within a group setting.
A part-time study schedule allows you to develop your engineering skills while balancing other commitments, with an emphasis on applied learning that lets you bring valuable insights from the classroom into the workplace.
Completing the accredited BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering is also a step towards becoming a Chartered Engineer, meeting part of the academic requirements for UK-SPEC. Further learning in a recognised format will complete your path toward Chartered status, opening doors to a broad spectrum of career opportunities.
Course details
- Apprenticeship
- Full-time
- English
Fees paid by Welsh Government. No cost to apprentice or employer.
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our philosophy is to connect theory with real-world practice, helping you build both knowledge and hands-on skills in mechanical engineering. This course develops your creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through practical projects and essential engineering principles.
During the Level 4 modules, you will build a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles. You will study mathematics, physics, and materials science while learning basic engineering design and applied mechanics. Hands-on laboratory work and computer-aided design projects will enhance your practical skills and prepare you for advanced topics.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Level 5 deepens your understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. You will explore material testing and advanced numerical and computational skills. Emphasis is placed on solving complex engineering problems and applying analytical abilities to real-world scenarios, further developing your technical skills.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
During the Level 6 modules, you will undertake a major project that integrates all your learning, showcasing your ability to innovate and create sustainable solutions. Advanced topics in thermofluid mechanics, advanced manufacturing technologies, and professional practice prepare you for a successful career in mechanical engineering.
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
testimonial
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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112 UCAS Tariff Points
- e.g. A-levels: BBC, BTEC: DMM, IB: 32
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics are also required.
If this course interests you but you don’t have the entry requirements to join the apprenticeship you could consider:
- ‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the full time degree option where available in this subject. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the full time bachelor’s degree option in this subject. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are not in employment in the sector, are returning to study after a gap, if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this apprenticeship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘’. For specific advice and support you can  for more information about entry requirements
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To apply, you must be employed in a relevant role and have your employer’s support.
Begin by registering your interest through our page. After reviewing your information, the Apprenticeship Team will contact you to confirm eligibility and guide you through the application process. For further assistance, please reach out to the Apprenticeship Team. -
Students are taught through a series of lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical sessions. Assessment of progress is made through a combination of laboratory-based practicals, assignments, presentations, exams and individual projects.
Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by a written report and presentation.
One of the main parts of the final year will be the final year project. This is a work-based project that will allow students to use the knowledge built up through the course to solve a genuine workplace-engineering problem.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;