Mechanical Engineering is most often associated with machines that move, from motorcycles and Formula 1 cars to aircraft and ships. However, virtually all man-made products have mechanical features that are designed and developed by mechanical engineers. Hence, companies that make such diverse products as mobile phones, shoes, artificial hip joints, musical instruments and tennis rackets employ mechanical engineers. In all cases, they are employed to apply the scientific knowledge, design expertise and problem-solving skills they have acquired at university. Queen's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has an international reputation for its contributions to the development of engineering education. For example, it is currently playing a leading role in the CDIO initiative to enhance engineering education, involving universities from around the world.

A degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions alike. Our graduates are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and the versatility of Mechanical Engineering graduates makes them well suited for a wide range of future careers, both within engineering and in the wider graduate sector. Although the vast majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Mechanical Engineering where the average graduate starting salary is £23,993, a significant number develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors (and some starting salaries) that have attracted our graduates in recent years: