Mechanical Engineering, BEng

"Shape the Future, Engineer the Impossible!"

Congratulations and Welcome to the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering at Canterbury Christ Church University, where innovation meets excellence!

As you have a passion for designing, creating, and solving real-world challenges, this is the place for you.

Our dynamic curriculum, hands-on industry experience, and expert faculty will equip you with cutting-edge skills to drive the future of engineering.

From sustainable energy solutions to advanced manufacturing and robotics, this degree opens doors to limitless opportunities. You will become part of a forward-thinking community that transforms ideas into reality—because the world needs engineers like you!

During your first semester, you will begin building strong foundations in engineering principles, mathematics, materials, design, manufacturing, and practical engineering skills. Your modules are designed to combine theoretical understanding with hands-on engineering practice, helping you develop the skills required for modern industry. Module leaders and teaching staff will be introduced during Welcome Week and in your first teaching sessions, where you will also receive detailed module handbooks and assessment information.

Teaching

Teaching on the course is highly practical and industry-focused. You will experience a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals, computer-based sessions, and project work delivered both on campus and through our digital learning systems.

Many sessions will take place in specialist engineering laboratories and workshops where you will gain experience using professional engineering equipment, software, and manufacturing tools.

Throughout the course, you will work on real engineering challenges and collaborative projects linked to modern engineering industries, including opportunities connected to Formula One-inspired engineering activities and design-based learning.

Blackboard

As part of your studies, you will regularly use Blackboard, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.

Blackboard will provide access to lecture slides, recordings, assignment submissions, announcements, module handbooks, timetables, assessment feedback, and learning resources.

You may also use additional engineering software and online systems throughout your degree, including CAD, simulation, programming, and technical analysis tools depending on your modules.

Your first few weeks

During your first few weeks, the focus will be on helping you settle into university life while developing essential academic and engineering skills. You will meet your lecturers, personal academic tutor, fellow students, and technical staff while becoming familiar with laboratories, workshops, health and safety procedures, and University support services.

Early teaching activities are designed to gradually build confidence in engineering mathematics, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and practical experimentation.

To help you prepare

Before starting the course, you may find it useful to complete introductory study support activities available through the Learning Skills Hub, particularly resources related to mathematics, academic writing, referencing, report writing, time management, and digital skills.

Reviewing basic physics and mathematics concepts before arrival can also help you transition smoothly into university-level engineering study.

For equipment, students are encouraged to bring a reliable laptop suitable for running standard engineering and office software, along with basic stationery such as notebooks, calculators, and drawing materials.

Any specialist safety equipment or laboratory requirements will be explained during induction and provided where necessary. Most importantly, bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in practical engineering experiences from your very first week.

To help you prepare for the start of your studies in Mechanical Engineering at Canterbury Christ Church University, we recommend exploring some of the pre-course reading and resources linked to your first-year modules.

These materials are designed to strengthen your understanding of engineering fundamentals and help you transition confidently into university-level study.

For Integrated Electro-Mechanical Systems and Practice, recommended reading includes:

• Hughes Electrical and Electronic Technology by Hughes, Hiley, Smith, and Brown 
• Engineering Materials 1: An Introduction to Properties, Applications and Design by Jones and Ashby.

These texts provide an excellent introduction to electrical systems, materials, and engineering applications.

For Applied Mathematics and Programming, students are encouraged to use Modern Engineering Mathematics by Glyn James (4th Edition), which supports the mathematical techniques and analytical skills used throughout engineering.

Additional resources such as MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, and Minitab working manuals will also help you develop important computational and data analysis skills widely used in industry.

Within Materials Science and Testing, useful texts include:

• George Dieter’s Mechanical Metallurgy
• Ashby, Shercliff, and Cebon’s Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design
• Callister & Rethwisch’s Materials Science and Engineering.

These books introduce engineering materials, manufacturing processes, mechanical behaviour, and material selection methods.

For Computer-Aided Engineering, recommended reading includes:

• Engineering Design Process by Haik, Sivaloganathan, and Shahin
• Dym’s Engineering Design: A Project-Based Introduction.

These resources will help you begin thinking like an engineer through creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and practical design methodologies.

For Professional Engineering Skills, a very student-friendly introduction is written by William et al. Full reference is: Engineering Your Future: A Comprehensive Introduction to Engineering – William C. Oakes, Les L. Leone & Craig J. Gunn.

Another classic engineering professionalism book is: The Unwritten Laws of Engineering – W. J. King.

You are not expected to master all of these topics before arriving, but becoming familiar with some of the concepts and terminology will give you a strong start and help you feel more confident during your first weeks on the course.