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Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest fields of engineering. It looks at the design, development, analysis, and manufacture of systems and processes. Although many people associate mechanical engineering with machinery, the discipline stretches further than this, essentially working with anything that moves, including machines, mechanical components, and even the human body. As such, mechanical engineers are constantly at the forefront of technology and innovation.
What is taught as part of a mechanical engineering course?
A master’s degree in mechanical engineering will give you an intricate knowledge of the discipline. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and coursework, you will gain a theoretical understanding of the subject whilst simultaneously finessing your technical skills and specialised expertise. Many degrees also offer opportunities for students to gain invaluable practical experience through industry placements.
Most master’s degrees in mechanical engineering incorporate core modules, with students able to specialise further in their fields of interest through elective modules. Popular areas of specialisation include:
- Aerospace engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Biomechanics
- Fluid mechanics
- HVAC engineering
- Machine design and development
- Marine engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Robotics
Due to the range of fields covered by the discipline, there are two common ways students can study mechanical engineering at postgraduate level:
Qualification in mechanical engineering
Many universities offer master’s degrees and other postgraduate qualifications in mechanical engineering. These courses give students a holistic understanding of mechanical engineering through various core modules. Students then choose how they wish to specialise through elective modules, honing their expertise to match their interests and career ambitions.
Qualification in a sub-discipline of mechanical engineering
For students who would prefer to specialise in a specific area of mechanical engineering throughout their course, some universities offer postgraduate qualifications solely dedicated to sub-disciplines. Such courses can be helpful to professionals who already have significant experience in their field and are looking to advance in one particular area. Examples include:
- MSc Advanced Composites
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Human and Biological Robotics
- MSc Robotics
Best countries for pursuing mechanical engineering courses
The best countries for studying mechanical engineering, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (QS), are the USA and the UK, with both appearing several times in the top 20 universities in the world.
Below, we list the top five universities in each country, followed in brackets by their QS subject ranking for mechanical engineering.
USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1)
- Stanford University (2)
- Harvard University (5)
- University of California, Berkely (7)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (14)
UK
- University of Cambridge (4)
- University of Oxford (9)
- Imperial College London (11)
- University of Manchester (24)
- Cranfield University (28)
Other English-speaking studying destinations with a selection of universities at the top of the QS subject rankings include Canada, Australia and Ireland. Here, we list the top universities for mechanical engineering in those countries.
Canada
- University of Toronto (32)
- McGill University (38)
- University of Waterloo (58)
Australia
- University of New South Wales (50)
- University of Melbourne (59)
- Monash University (63)
Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin (141)
- University College Dublin (151-200)
- University of Limerick (201-250)
Cost of studying postgraduate mechanical engineering courses
The cost of studying for a postgraduate qualification in mechanical engineering will vary between universities and study destinations, as well as other factors, including the duration of your course, and whether you study full or part-time.
Most full-time students can expect a master’s degree in mechanical engineering to take between one and two years, with doctorates typically taking up to five years.
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Want to understand the expenses involved? Read our article on the cost of studying abroad. |
In the USA, tuition fees for master’s degrees in mechanical engineering may range from USD 20,000 to more than USD 60,000 per year. Mechanical engineering courses in the UK are typically less expensive, with tuition fees ranging from GBP 20,000 to GBP 38,000 per year.
Many universities offer a selection of financial aid opportunities and scholarships to international students, designed to make studying abroad more affordable.
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Our website lists more than 500 scholarships for studying Engineering courses in foreign countries. |
Eligibility criteria for studying a postgraduate mechanical engineering course
If you want to study a postgraduate course in mechanical engineering, you must first meet the university’s entry criteria.
Different universities will request different academic entry requirements, but commonly you will need an undergraduate honours degree in mechanical engineering, engineering, or a closely related field of maths or science. A strong pass mark, such as a 2:1, or a GPA of 3.0 or above, is generally required.
Most Indian students must meet language requirements to study mechanical engineering abroad. Many top universities require students to hold an overall minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Career opportunities in mechanical engineering
With the boom of the tech industry, mechanical engineers are in constant demand worldwide. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 (BLS) projects employment of mechanical engineers to grow 10 per cent by 2032, significantly faster than the average, with over 19,000 job openings each year in the USA alone.
Due to the complexity of the job, and the high level of specialist knowledge, qualified mechanical engineers usually receive a high salary. In the USA, the median annual wage for a mechanical engineer is USD 99,510.
Mechanical engineers may find jobs across several fields, including:
- Aerospace and automotive engineering
- Armed forces
- Energy
- Medical engineering
- Robotics
- Transport industry
Besides becoming a mechanical engineer, other roles you may be qualified to work in with your degree include:
- CAD technician
- Nuclear engineer
- Water engineer
To work as an engineer internationally, you may need to gain chartered status or register with a local regulatory body, such as the Engineering Council in the UK.
OPT STEM extension
If you choose to study in the USA, a degree in mechanical engineering may make you eligible for the 24-month OPT STEM extension. This extends how long you can live and work in the country after graduation.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in January 2016 by our content writer, Mahesh Ramani. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.
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