The information on this course page is for the 2025/26 academic year, starting in September 2025. If available, you may also apply for a January 2025 start by following the link on the course page.
Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
Course code H301
What is special about this course?
Mechanical Engineering is a highly relevant field involving products that affect our lives in countless ways, from the systems that maintain a flow of water to the faucet in your kitchen sink, to the spacecrafts that launch astronauts and satellites to far-flung parts of the solar system.
This program of study is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge required to build a career as an engineer in a wide range of fields, including automotive, energy and aerospace, among others.
The degree is application-based, using industry-related software, and includes laboratory-based investigations as well as examining industry-based case studies that will provide you with the specialist mechanical knowledge and broad engineering education to turn your qualification into a lifelong career. You will also undertake an engineering project, which will showcase your skills and knowledge to prospective employers by solving an industry-related problem.
Special features
- You will use applications-based software to solve challenges
- You will undertake major industry-related projects to showcase your expertise in solving engineering problems
- You will develop relevant key employability skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills
- You can study full time or part time to suit your personal or professional circumstances
- You can exit at each level with a valuable qualification
Entry requirements
Year 1 of this course is a relevant HNC, such as HNC Engineering (Systems pathway) or HNC Mechanical Engineering, with a pass in Engineering Mathematics 2
Advanced entry to year two:
- Successful completion of a relevant 15 SQA credit HNC such as HNC Engineering (Systems pathway) or HNC Mechanical Engineering) with a pass in Engineering Mathematics 2. To make an application please use the 'Apply' tab and indicate year two entry on your application
Advanced entry to year three:
- Successful completion of a relevant HND (such as the HND Engineering Systems, or HND Mechanical Engineering) may allow advanced entry to year three. To make an application please use the 'Apply' tab and indicate year three entry on your application
Advanced entry to year four:
- Successful completion of the BEng Mechanical Engineering or BEng Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, or other equivalent ordinary degrees may allow advanced entry to year four. To make an application please use the 'Apply' tab and indicate year four entry on your application
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 of this course is a relevant HNC, with a pass in Engineering Mathematics 2, such as:
Year 2 - DipHE
You will study one of the following core modules:
- Design and engineering skills 2 (SC)
- Engineering skills 2 (SC)
You will also study the following:
- Core maths 2 (S1)
- Electrical 2 (S2)
- Engineering business skills 2 (SC)
- Statics and dynamics 2 (S1)
- Thermodynamics and fluids 2 (S2)
Year 3 - BEng
You will study one of the following core modules:
- Engineering project 3 (SC)
- Project and management 1 (SC)
You will also study the following:
- Control and instrumentation 3 (S2)
- Conventional energy systems 3 (S1)
- Statics and dynamics (S1)
- Thermodynamics and fluids (S2)
and choose one from the following:
- Assessment of the environmental impact of development
- Materials and manufacturing
- Microcontrollers and digital electronics
- Renewable energy generation
Year 4 - BEng (Hons)
You will study the following core modules:
- Design for quality and reliability (S1)
- Engineering project 4 (SC)
- Statics and dynamics 4 (S1)
- Thermodynamics and fluids 4 (S2)
You will also choose one from the following:
- Electrical 4 (S2)*
- Electronics 4 (S1)*
- Future energy systems (S1)
- Wind energy (S2)*
*only available to those who have already achieved level 3 in the same subject
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- This course is mainly delivered online with scheduled sessions and tutorials. These are recorded and can be viewed at times that suit you if you are unable to attend the timetabled sessions. You can replay them as many times as needed
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory induction, online, every September
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years (HNC + DipHE + BEng + BEng (Hons))
- Part-time (structured): 8 years (HNC + DipHE + BEng + BEng (Hons))
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
- North, West and Hebrides - Stornoway; Thurso
- Perth
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the UK. If you're based in Scotland you should apply to your nearest location
Start date
- September
- January - North, West and Hebrides only
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | HNC | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) |
Year 2 | DipHE | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
Year 3 | Degree | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
Year 4 | Honours | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
Rest of UK students
For students living in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | HNC | £7,110 | £474 (per HN credit) | £7,440 | £496 (per HN credit) |
Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
Year 4 | Honours | free | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | free | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year, with the 4th year of study free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | HNC | £8,775 | £8,775 | £8,925 | £8,925 |
Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | Free | £16,950 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | HNC | £8,775 | £585 (per HN credit) | £8,925 | £595 (per HN credit) |
Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £2,666 (per 20 credit module) | £16,950 | £2,825 (per 20 credit module) |
Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £2,666 (per 20 credit module) | £16,950 | £2,825 (per 20 credit module) |
Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | £2,666 (per 20 credit module) | £16,950 | £2,825 (per 20 credit module) |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK. Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award, including where students are following a recognised ‘top-up’ degree structure where the first year is made up of an HNC award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, you will be ready to compete effectively for jobs within the broad engineering industries such as transport engineering; offshore engineering; renewable energy; energy; manufacturing; and oil and gas. Roles may include:
- Mechanical engineer
- Automotive engineer
- Energy engineer
- Systems engineer
- Project manager - mechanical systems/renewable energy
- Project development - mechanical systems/renewable energy
Can I progress into further study?
Upon successful completion of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, you may wish to progress onto:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.