FD Mechanical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The Foundation degree (FdEng) in Mechanical Engineering is a two-year degree offered by Belfast Metropolitan College in collaboration with Queen's University Belfast and delivered at the BMC Milfield Campus. Graduates can progress to Stage 2 of a BEng Honours degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering at Queen's or into employment in design or mechanical and manufacturing industry.

Department: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, delivered with Belfast Metropolitan College | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

A Work Based Learning module requires 400 hours of placement with a local employer, which students must source and secure, with visits from a dedicated coordinator. Teaching uses engineering workshops, laboratories, computing and CAD facilities at the College.

Career pathways

Graduates can progress directly into full-time employment in the design or mechanical and manufacturing industry, or progress to Stage 2 of BEng Honours Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering at Queen's.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: CC including Mathematics and at least one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Technology & Design (typical offer CC, normally based on 2 A-levels). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H4H4H4H4 or H3H3H4H4 including Mathematics and at least one of Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry, with Ordinary Level O4 in Physics if not offered at Higher Level; minimum five subjects, at least four at Higher Level. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF 180 credits) MMP with Merits in four specified units including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians, or RQF National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH) MMP with Merits in four specified units including Engineering Principles and Further Engineering Mathematics; must be relevant. Access Course: average 55% in each module including two Level 3 Mathematics and two Level 3 Physics modules. GCSE English Language grade C/4 and GCSE Mathematics C/4 required; applicants without A-level Physics need GCSE Physics C/4 or Double Award Science CC/4,4. Applicants are not normally interviewed. Completing the FD with an overall average of 55% (all modules passed) allows consideration for Stage 2 of BEng Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Product Design Engineering. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,323 a year (2026/27). Foundation degree full-time tuition (NI/ROI/GB); 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 19,000 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other tuition per year; entry year 2027/28 Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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