AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
BEng (Hons)
Accredited by University College Birmingham
Award
BEng
Course Level
Undergraduate
Duration
3 years FT
Entry
September 2026, February 2027
Fees
View Fees
The region's automotive industry includes companies like Jaguar Land Rover and initiatives in electric vehicles (EVS) and battery manufacturing
Entry-level salaries in the West Midlands typically range from £30,000 to £40,000
Manufacturing engineering is at the heart of modern industry, where innovation, efficiency and technology come together to shape how we produce everything from consumer goods to renewable energy systems. Our BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering degree is designed to give you a strong foundation in core engineering principles while introducing the advanced technologies and methods driving today’s global manufacturing sector.
Throughout the course, you will explore engineering mathematics, mechanical and electrical principles, CAD design, materials science, thermofluid mechanics, and software applications like FEA and MATLAB. The programme also focuses on forward-thinking areas like smart manufacturing, automation, Industry 4.0, and sustainable production. With a balance of theory and practical learning through real-world simulations, virtual engineering, and project work, you will develop the critical problem-solving and technical skills needed in modern engineering environments.
Studying in Birmingham – known for its industrial legacy – gives you access to a vibrant engineering community and excellent employment prospects. Graduates of this course will be well-equipped for aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and advanced manufacturing careers, with the ability to design, manage, and improve complex systems and processes. This degree is an ideal pathway for anyone aiming to shape the future of global manufacturing.
Why should I choose to study Manufacturing Engineering BEng?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on experience studying in our cutting-edge engineering facilities
- ENRICHMENT – Go on visits to manufacturing and engineering sites with industry partners such as Shell Energy and GBSIoT.
- EXPERT TUITION – Learn from experienced, highly-experienced lecturers with a wealth of knowledge from working in the engineering industry, as well as leading guest speakers
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
Our facilities
Engineering students gain hands-on experience of programming robots and controllers in our state-of-the-art industrial manufacturing cell facility, plus you will use all our modern laboratories for practical work in electrical power, electronics and control, fluid mechanics, mechanical principles and materials testing. You will also have access to the Industry 4.0 Learning Factory at the nearby Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
Camden House
Camden House is our bespoke STEM education facility for our engineering students. It features:
- Control engineering rigs
- Cyber-physical systems
- Mechatronics automation
- PLCs
- Fluid dynamics software
- MATLAB and SolidWorks design software
- Enhanced IT facilities
Course breakdown
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Year 1
Engineering Maths
Concepts, tools and applications in algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus, vectors and matrices, data analysis and statistics.
Mechanical Principles
Solid mechanics, stress, strain and elasticity, linear and rotational dynamics, fatigue, complex loadings, beams and mechanisms.
CAD Design
2D/3D CAD drawing and design, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing applications, design specifications and stakeholder criteria.
Software Applications
Use of FEA/CFD applications packages, use of mathematical software (e.g. MATLAB), fundamentals of programming (e.g. in MATLAB).
Electrical Principles
Single and three-phase, motors, transformers, harmonics and filters, AC/DC, phasors, star/delta, power factors.
Materials Science and Engineering
The Materials Science and Engineering module introduces students to the fundamental properties, behaviour, and selection of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. It emphasises the relationship between material structure, processing, and performance, enabling students to design and select materials for diverse mechanical engineering applications.
Year 2
Systems and Control Principles
Programming and design of embedded systems, communication principles, applications to automation, robotics and AI.
Thermofluid Mechanics
Flow of fluids and energy, heat transfer and heat engines, compressibility.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, biofuels, tidal; conversion processes, limitations and effectiveness, security, Passivhaus design.
Smart Manufacturing
Global/industrial perspectives, process simulation, conventional and smart materials (piezoelectric, photoactive, magnetorheological, shape memory etc).
Virtual Engineering and Simulation
Simulation of systems and processes in FEA/CFD and design software, use of AI/AR/VR.
Mechatronic Systems
Design of mechatronic systems to replicate manual operations, automation, robotics, control of processes and communication protocols.
Year 3
Internet of Things Operation and Control
Implementation of embedded systems in an IoT manufacturing environment.
Industry 4.0 Manufacturing
Working on Engineering smart factories, control systems and automation to develop modern manufacturing techniques and systems. Cyber-physical systems, simulation software for processes, systems and factories, digital twins, operation and evaluation.
Project Management
Project sequencing, proposals, scheduling tasks, resources and budget, management of people, safety and quality, engineering ethics.
Project Management
Project sequencing, proposals, scheduling tasks, resources and budget, management of people, safety and quality, and engineering ethics.
Independent Project
Propose, plan, implement, review, present and report.
Advanced Manufacturing Systems
The Advanced Manufacturing Systems module explores the integration of modern technologies, such as automation, robotics, and data-driven decision-making, in manufacturing processes. It equips students with the skills to design, analyse, and optimize advanced systems for efficient and sustainable production in various industries.
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
88 UCAS points – e.g. BTEC level 3 extended diploma, 3 x A levels or equivalent (Engineering, Physics, maths ideally, but not mandatory)
EU/International Students.
For entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
A wide variety of teaching methods will be used to ensure you gain the appropriate skills and knowledge, including lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and group study sessions. Face-to-face classes will be combined with practical research activities in our state-of-the-art engineering facilities, while you will also conduct independent and online learning.
Assessment
Assessment occurs through a combination of assignments, projects and tests/exams, with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal and higher-level skills. Many modules will require a practical demonstration of skills, while others will require you to carry out your own research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team. Our assessments will focus on developing the skills required by a professional engineer – designing and demonstrating a product, delivering presentations and technical report-writing, aimed at technical and non-technical audiences to broaden your range of skills.
You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:
- Coursework – 70%
- Practical assessment – 25%
- Written examinations – 5%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Additional qualifications and training
It is recommended that students on this course join the Institution of Manufacturing (IManf) as student members, offering benefits including workshops, short courses and webinars as well as alignment with professional expectations.
Upon completing your first year of study, you can apply for IManf student membership, which costs approximately £30 per year. For more details, visit the IManf website.
Timetable
We understand that you need to balance study with work, so wherever possible your lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week for full-time and one day a week for part-time study.
Tuition fees for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on an Manufacturing Engineering BEng course at University College Birmingham, the 2025/2026 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,535 per year.
Tuition fees for international students
If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
In 2025/26, the tuition fee for [Band 3] courses will be £19,750 per year.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires equipment (e.g. safety boots, overalls) costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – you will not require any specialist equipment at the start of the course and exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you after enrolment).
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
This course is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
Have questions around your chosen subject or course content? Are you wondering what you can expect to study as part of your course? Fill out our form and chat to a lecturer.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Manufacturing engineer
Average salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Production engineer
Average salary: £28,000 - £36,000
Quality engineer
Average salary: £32,000 - £40,000
Process engineer
Average salary: £33,000 - £42,000
Industrial engineer
Average salary: £30,000 - £38,000
Automation engineer
Average salary: £35,000 - £45,000
Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BEng (Hons) degree will enable you to move on to our postgraduate courses, such as Engineering MSc, Computer Science MSc or Data Analytics MSc.
Rachael's Story
Finding her passion for engineering growing up fixing and re-purposing machinery on her family’s small holding farm, Rachael said: “I have always been interested in how things work and experience has taught me that the engineering world constantly changes, and daily innovations exist."
