Engineering with Placement Year Lancaster University

In modern engineering there are no distinct boundaries between specialisms, and all engineers require a broad-based knowledge of the fundamental principles to be able to work across multidisciplinary teams. At their core, an engineer is a creative and technically minded individual who can conceive ideas, design and implement them. They are pioneers and problem solvers, innovators and analysers. The five-year MEng Engineering with Placement Year is an excellent choice for those who want to experience engineering in its broader sense before choosing a specialism in Year 2.

What to expect

We introduce you to many of the key features of engineering, equipping you with a well-rounded understanding and skill set in areas such as design, programming, mechanics, electronic systems and instrumentation, manufacturing and material science. You’ll share the first year with all our School of Engineering students, regardless of their specialism, and you will gain an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. Not only that, you will already know other engineering students before you move into your specialism in Year 2.

Get ready to use team working, creativity and technical skills to design and build things that solve real-world problems. You’ll do it all in state-of-the-art facilities. We have two dedicated engineering buildings which are brand new with lots of cool kit, maker spaces, labs and social spaces.

Take further steps towards professional engineering with management skills, project management, and industry engagement. Sustainability, safety, ethics and quality management are kept in focus too.

Choosing your specialism

We offer the following specialisms. Check out their course pages to find out what you will study in Year 2 and beyond.

• Chemical Engineering

• Electronic and Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mechatronic Engineering

• Nuclear Engineering

Your 2nd and 3rd years will include the study of a range of modules and group project work where you apply your skills and knowledge to real industry problems.

Your placement

In Year 4, you will undertake a year in industry that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience. We have extensive links built through our leadership in research and have students undergoing placements with multinational corporate companies to smaller specialist SMEs. Once you have completed your placement, you will write an extended reflective piece about your time spent with the company.

Master’s-level training

In your final year of study, you will gain a strong understanding of real-world engineering and hands-on experience in the profession through an industry-linked project, further building your confidence and preparing you for the workforce. You will also complete a comprehensive individual research project alongside specialist technical modules, allowing you to explore your interests and align them with your future career goals. This year will solidify your knowledge, placing you in an excellent position to launch your engineering career and progress toward achieving Chartered Engineer status.

Personal development

Whichever specialism you choose, you will develop valuable transferable skills that make you highly desirable to future employers. This includes working in collaboration, communication, and the ability to design and implement a system or device. You will grow practical skills in diagnosis and testing, system maintenance, digital proficiencies, and the ability to consider and maintain work safety practices in a range of environments. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAA. This should include Mathematics and a physical science subject, for example, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Design & Technology or Further Mathematics.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, but you would need to meet the subject requirements.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

Pre-2016 specifications: DDD in an Engineering related subject to include Distinctions in Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians units.

2016 specifications: DDD in an Engineering related subject to include Distinctions in the following units - Unit 1 Engineering Principles, Unit 7 Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. Unit 8 Further Engineering Mathematics is highly recommended.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade A plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AA plus BTEC at D. This should include sufficient content in Mathematics and a physical science.

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including either:

1. Mathematics HL grade 6 (either pathway) plus grad 6 in a HL Physical Science

2. Mathematics HL grade 6 (either pathway) plus grade 6 in two SL Physical Sciences

3. Mathematics SL grade 7 (analysis and approaches) plus grade 6 in a HL Physical Science

Acceptable physical science subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Design Technology.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Only accepted alongside A level Mathematics grade B. The following subjects accepted at Distinction overall, alongside A level Mathematics grade B: Design and development for engineering manufacturing; Engineering, manufacturing, processing and control; Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing. The following subjects considered on a case by case basis, alongside A level Mathematics grade B: Design, surveying and planning for construction; Building services engineering for construction; Onsite construction.

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

Additional requirements

You will typically be asked to attend an interview

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.