Manufacturing Engineering - BEng (Hons) / MEng
Manufacturing engineering is an essential feature in the vast arena that is manufacturing – an area that makes large contributions to the wealth of many countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world. It is a fast-changing scene where the competition between industrial organisations is keen and lean: only those companies prepared to apply modern philosophies and technologies will survive....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BEng (Hons) / MEng
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Course overview
Manufacturing engineering is an essential feature in the vast arena that is manufacturing – an area that makes large contributions to the wealth of many countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
It is a fast-changing scene where the competition between industrial organisations is keen and lean: only those companies prepared to apply modern philosophies and technologies will survive. BEng (Hons) / MEng Manufacturing Engineering has been developed to provide you with a good knowledge of a range of manufacturing principles.
This programme offers an exciting course of study that will prepare you for the rapidly developing field of manufacturing engineering and its supporting operational systems. Upon your graduation you will have the intellectual, creative and personal qualities necessary for undertaking a leadership role and a depth of knowledge that will enable the application of new and emerging technologies to the solution of manufacturing problems.
This degree aims to develop engineers who can apply the principles of systems management, engineering and information technology to the solution of operational problems in industry and commerce. Manufacturing engineers are employed in a wide range of engineering, educational and commercial organisations. Graduates from the course are equipped to progress into positions of responsibility in relevant industry, or further programmes of specialised study or research.
There are many challenges facing manufacturing industry. Companies now strive for competitive advantage and have to evaluate their performance more effectively in order to make best possible use of all resources: Talented, innovative, ambitious engineers are needed to give manufacturing organisations a competitive edge.
Why Choose Us?
- State-of-the-art facilities - You will be based at our Millennium Point campus in City Centre, where our facilities have undergone a £6.5 million investment with a new maker area, engineering labs/equipment and IT equipment to provide you with the very best learning experience.
- Conceive Design Implement Operate (CDIO) Initiative – Work in groups and undertake project-based challenges to enhance your employability opportunities and skill set.
- Engineering Leaders Scholarship (ELS) all second year Engineering students can apply for this scholarship from the Royal Academy of Engineers to receive an accelerated personal development programme of support including £5,000 to use on career development activities, access to alumni for advice and support and attend annual networking event
- Industry sponsored events - Get involved with opportunities to showcase your work at our industry sponsored events such as InnovationFest.
- Travel scholarships - Opportunities to secure funding to gain experience overseas. Read about our travel scholarships here.
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BEng (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
Sorry but we are unable to display the fee breakdown for this course at this time. Please check back later.
- Part Time
- 5 years
- Show fees
- Year 1 (60 credits) £4,800
- Year 2 (60 credits) £4,800
- Year 3 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 4 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 5 (80 credits) £6,400
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: MEng
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 5 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Professional Placement Fees
Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
Award: BEng (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £13,200 per year
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- Year 1 (60 credits) £6,600
- Year 2 (60 credits) £6,600
- Year 3 (80 credits) £8,800
- Year 4 (80 credits) £8,800
- Year 5 (80 credits) £8,800
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: MEng
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Fees for part time students
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the next module in the theme, Engineering Principles II, and then on to the second year of a range of engineering degrees.
As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects. The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science.
20 credits
Mathematics plays a key role in establishing and grounding the skills of an engineer, and the ability to communicate the ideas of engineering that are expected of an engineering graduates.
The primary aim of this module is to provide the fundamental mathematical knowledge and techniques needed in order to enable you to use and apply such mathematical techniques for the evaluation, analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems. Application of these data sets has to include their interpretation both to and from the mathematical language. In addition, this module will introduce students to mathematical modelling software package. This will be used to plot, annotate basic signals and write simple programs to compute mathematical problems.
This module will develop your ability to both work on and communicate engineering realities to a wider audience, at a professional standard.
20 credits
The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress to the next module in the practical theme, Practical Skills II, and then on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.
The subject material will be delivered in three coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical and electrical laboratory exercises, a second PC-based stream will include use of software to support project planning, communication and analysis and the third, a project space where you have the opportunity to integrate learning from across all elements of the semester.
20 credits
The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the second year of a wide range of engineering degrees.
As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects. The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science. Each stream will be delivered as a 1 hour lecture followed by a 1 hour small group tutorial giving 4 hours contact.
This module will interact with modules in the other two themes in the common first year in that it will rely on knowledge of mathematical techniques developed in the maths/professional skills theme and will provide theoretical underpinning for the experimental activities in the practical theme.
20 credits
This module will focus on introducing and building on well-established techniques for mathematically modelling dynamic systems (systems of interest for engineering) for contextualised engineering applications. The module will include an introduction to sophisticated signal analysis technique, Fourier series which is used to transform time-domain signals into their frequency spectra. The module is structured to include a mixture of lectures, tutorials and PC-based laboratories. The lectures will formally introduce material, in tutorials students will work through questions with tutor. The PC laboratories will involve using mathematical modelling software packages to implement mathematical operations.
20 credits
The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.
The subject material will be delivered in three coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical and electrical laboratory exercises, a second PC-based stream will include use of software to support project planning, design, communication and analysis and the third, a project space where you have the opportunity to integrate learning from across all elements of the semester
Year Two
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of the analysis, design and planning of manufacturing and other operating systems, and also an opportunity to investigate and select alternative strategies for the planning, scheduling and control of manufacturing and other operating systems.
The module also covers the quality systems, tools and techniques available to an organisation.
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the tools and techniques used in quality systems. Topics include Process Improvement, Process Capability, Improvement Techniques, Quality by Design, Mapping Techniques, Quality Costs, TQM and Standards (ISO 9000 etc).
20 credits
The module provides you with the opportunity to learn about design, sustainable development, teamwork and communication whilst contributing towards real international development projects.
You will also gain the ability to communicate design ideas and practical details, to evaluate and apply both tangible and subjective feedback, and to conceive, design, implement and operate practical solutions to design opportunities.
It is anticipated that the project vehicle for this module will be the Engineers without Borders Design for People Challenge.
20 credits
An interdisciplinary module, you will work with students from all fields of engineering to develop skills in engineering leadership and experience creating a purposeful vision and delivering on that vision. This will set the professional skills for business in context by combining your technical course-specific knowledge with professional skills. It is proposed that the vehicle to deliver this will be the biomimicry global design challenge.
20 credits
This module develops your research skills, idea generation techniques, and ability to create CAD models and manufactured components.
You will also gain the ability to communicate design ideas and practical details, to evaluate and apply both tangible and subjective feedback, and to conceive, design, implement and operate practical solutions to design opportunities.
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of and practical experience in the techniques used in controlling manufacturing applications. Topics include inspection, machine tool control, flexible and dedicated automation, and work holding systems, supply of power and services and health and safety issues.
Year Three
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
If you are intending to work in a manufacturing environment you will need to develop an understanding of the techniques used in Computer Aided Manufacture of components and products. You will also require a working knowledge of the application of CAM and simulation technologies to form complete integrated systems for product manufacture. Topics include CAD, CAM and CNC data forms, simulation of machining operations, manufacturing cells, calibration, measurement and testing, 3-D System simulation; assembly systems; post processor configuration and application; advanced process simulation and product development.
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for you to investigate the world of new materials and their industrial application through a combination of taught content and both practical and theoretical research project work. It is anticipated that guest lectures will provide industrial focus to this wide-ranging subject. It is proposed that a mini-conference will be held at the end of the module, offering opportunities for you to present your findings to academics, your peers, and industrial contacts.
20 credits
The module provides you with an understanding of the factors which control and constrain the performance of manufacturing and other operational systems including topics such as Risk Analysis and Decision Making Process, Material Flow Analysis, Maintenance and Replacement, Development of a Manufacturing Strategy.
20 credits
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) considers products and associated systems from concept to reuse, including design, manufacturing processes and routes, and production management, and places them in a global context which includes sustainability and climate change. This form of systems engineering is focused on meeting all requirements, primarily meeting customer needs, and coordinating the systems design process by involving all relevant disciplines. The core of PLM is in the creation and central management of all product data and the technology used to access this information and knowledge, and this module will help you become proficient in the philosophies, tools and techniques you will need to achieve this coherence. PLM as a discipline emerged from tools such as CAD, CAM and PDM, but can be viewed as the integration of these tools with methods, people and the processes through all stages of a product’s life. It is not just about equipment, material processing and software technology but is also a business strategy. This module has a strong emphasis on the environment and on sustainability of business.
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Year Four
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed group project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, your group will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your group’s topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for you to investigate the world of new materials and to develop an understanding of the techniques used in Computer Aided Manufacture. This will be set in the context of industrial applications and delivered through a combination of taught content and both practical and theoretical research project work.
20 credits
Project management is the application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the project objectives (PMBoK, 6th Ed. (2012). Project management is key to delivering strategic value within an organisation and it involves far more than a time plan, a budget and a risk register. Projects can range from construction of a new building to the launch of new product, or outsourcing previous in-house functions, to the re-engineering of products, services and processes. This module will deal with the two main stages of any project: PLANNING and IMPLEMENTATION.
Seven techniques are identified as being applicable to one or both of these: PRINCE II, Activity networking (Work breakdown schedules), Project Financial Appraisal, Earned Value Method of Project Cost Control, Risk Identification and Assessment, Break-even analysis and Use of Computer Software for project planning and Control.
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the tools and techniques you require to assist in developing skills and expertise in the reverse engineering process. The module also provides you with an understanding of, and practical experience in, the techniques used in prototype manufacture.
20 credits
This module will focus on resource management and its effective deployment and allocation to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for organisations. Two main resources will be considered: HUMAN and FINANCIAL; without which, organisational success cannot be guaranteed.
You will be introduced to theoretical concepts underpinning resource development and deployment such as, human capital development, change management, motivational theories, learning organisations, financial methods, investment appraisal, budgeting, alongside financial and management accounting.
How you learn
You will develop analytical skills through coursework tasks, encouraging your creativity and problem solving using relevant systems and technologies.
You will be assessed both formatively and summatively by a number of methods, including coursework exercises, examinations, presentations and practical assignments, while assignment methods will include laboratory and design reports, presentations and in-class demonstrations. Summative assessment is by way of assignments, projects, presentations, time-controlled assignments and end examinations, where appropriate to the individual module.
Further study
The University has a range of research (PhD) postgraduate programmes. Details can be found on the postgraduate section of the website.
Employability
Employment Opportunities
We will prepare you for employment by providing you with the skills, experience and industry links you’ll need to thrive upon graduating.
The University also has its Graduate+ scheme, an extracurricular programme which is designed to augment and enhance the subject-based skills you will develop through the programme. These additional skills and attributes will further enhance your employment options and prospects once you leave the University.
The programme will help you develop your skills in CV writing, presentations, covering letters and creating winning portfolios.
Career paths include opportunities in the following areas:
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Project Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Process Planning
- Scheduling and Control
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Jobs outside of manufacturing and engineering requiring analytical and problem-solving skills
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We offer a wide range of technology to help you with your studies.
We have an ongoing strategy to upgrade and further develop our well-equipped laboratories. These plans are supported by global technology providers such as PTC and Technosoft. These two companies alone have recently donated more than £11 million worth of computer aided design, product lifecycle management and knowledge-based engineering software.
In addition, more than £750,000 worth of capital investment has been made in upgrading our engine emissions test facilities, environmental laboratory and thermodynamics equipment.
Exhaust Analysis
The key features of our exhaust analysis facilities include:
- Signal Group Analysers in 3 racks with heated sample systems.
- Sierra BG-3 particulate mini-tunnel.
- AVL 415S smoke meter.
Our staff
Dr Adnan Fazal
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Dr Adnan Fazal is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering. His current research interests include pre-stressed fibre reinforced polymers for improved strength, stiffness, impact protection, resistance to crack propagation and protection against abnormal loads. Potential applications of these smart fibre reinforced polymers include crashworthy structures (automotive), aerofoil morphing structures (aerospace), light-weight blast-resistant (impact protection), medical (dental restoration and prosthetic devices), wind turbine blades and safety and sports apparel.
More about AdnanLaura Leyland
Associate Professor and Acting Head Centre of Engineering
Laura Leyland is an Associate Professor and Acting Head of Centre and has been innovating in engineering education for over 10 years, teaching materials based modules and practical project focussed delivery with a specific interest in developing humanitarian engineering. This module delivery incorporates the Engineering for People Challenge from Engineers Without Borders (BCU winners in 2015) and the Global Biomimicry Challenge.
During a university wide curriculum development project, Laura lead the rewrite of all engineering courses for initial delivery in 2018 to the Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate (CDIO) framework which develops professional skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Dr Dominic Flynn
Lecturer
Dominic Flynn is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and teaches across a range of modules from foundation to MSc level. His teaching interests are in the mechanical sciences as well as fluid and thermodynamics.
More about DominicReaz Hasan
Associate Professor
Reaz Hasan’s expertise is primarily in the area of Energy Studies. He has extensive research experience in using CFD for fluid flow and heat transfer in Built Environment and various industrial systems including applications of nano-fluids. He is also involved in LCA studies and keen on pedagogical research. He teaches subjects related to construction management and Architectural Technology as well as thermal and fluid sciences within various Engineering programmes.
Before coming to Birmingham City University, he worked as a Senior Lecturer in the department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering at Northumbria University. Prior to that, he was a Scientist in the Computational Modelling Section of the Health & Safety Laboratory, a researcher in the Aeronautical Engineering department of Loughborough University and an academic in Bangladesh University of Technology. He has a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics from Imperial College, London. He has published over seventy refereed papers, supervised five PhD’s and more than thirty MSc dissertations.
More about Reaz