Engineering

Why Engineering at Sunderland

Mechanical engineering here ranked 8th for student satisfaction in Complete University Guide 2025, reflecting how teaching connects with real-world practice. The Centre of Excellence for 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing holds equipment worth over £1m—unique across northeast England. Students access eight specialized labs in the David Goldman Technology Centre, while university research earned 3 and 4 ratings in Research Excellence Framework 2021, meaning its world-class work feeds directly into what’s taught.

Advanced Engineering Design

This master’s teaches digital prototyping without building physical models, which saves production time and resources. Students master smart manufacturing technologies while applying their existing knowledge to boost organizational efficiency. The course covers everything from initial concepts through testing, weaving in management skills and understanding of social needs. Key modules span advanced digital technologies, smart factories, human factors, leadership, and innovation, culminating in a 60-credit project that prepares independent professionals.

Automotive Engineering

Automotive Engineering (Top-Up) converts an existing qualification into a full honors degree within a year, preparing specialists for automakers, motorsport teams, and related fields. The curriculum covers vehicle dynamics, electrical systems, materials, and design—essentials for professional automotive engineers. One module explores electric and hybrid tech, intelligent materials, suspension, and aerodynamics, showing how sensors and microcontrollers manage movement. Another focuses on mechanical design, teaching students to select optimal materials for high-performance components using industry tools.

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Electronic and Electrical Engineering partially meets requirements for Chartered Engineer status. The course covers electrical principles, automation, control, and instrumentation, training students to find sustainable solutions for today’s technological challenges. Between second and final year, they can take paid placements—previous cohorts worked at Jaguar, Nissan, GlaxoSmithKline, Delphi Powertrain Systems, and Sellafield nuclear station. Faculty draw on their production experience, bringing theory alive through practical cases.

Mechanical Engineering at University of Sunderland

Mechanical Engineering teaches thermodynamics, design, machine mechanics, and advanced technologies like finite element analysis, CAD, and computational fluid dynamics. Graduates pursue careers in design, manufacturing, processes, or management. Like the electrical program, it’s IET-accredited for Chartered Engineer status. Year-long placements are available at companies including Jaguar, Nissan, Assystem, Cummins Engines, Delphi, and Tata Steel. Teaching draws on research in manufacturing systems and advanced maintenance, keeping content relevant to contemporary industry.

Sustainable Design Engineering

This new program, Sustainable Design Engineering, emphasizes analytical methods for engineering systems, preparing specialists who understand both production and management techniques. Students explore sustainable engineering, smart factories, manufacturing system design, and digital technologies—themes shaping the industry’s future. Teaching at University of Sunderland combines seminars, group projects, and cross-disciplinary work with mechanical and electrical engineering students. Assessment relies on online tests, coursework, and lab work rather than exams, prioritizing practical knowledge application and teamwork.