Key facts

  • Bronze Athena SWAN Award

    We're recognised for our ongoing commitment to addressing gender inequality

  • southamptonCreated with Sketch.

    Research excellence

    Engineering is ranked 4th in the UK for research power and grade point average

    Source: Research Excellence Framework 2021

  • Education: Ranked UK top 10 and world top 100 for mechanical engineering

Overview

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering

We are an inclusive and friendly mechanical engineering department, and a leading international centre for research and teaching.

Southampton is consistently ranked amongst the top UK universities. Our scientists, engineers and their research are among the most influential in the world.

We carry out research across a range of groups and centres. Our work covers diverse topics, from energy generation to robots, engines to artificial hips, nanomechanics to control systems, sensors to composite materials, energy storage to tribology.

Our research has impact across industry and society. It also feeds into our undergraduate and postgraduate course content, meaning students benefit from the latest knowledge.

Our work is supported by advanced facilities such as:

Our courses have a strong focus on applying fundamental physics and engineering by design, fabrication and 'learning by doing'. They incorporate all the classical aspects of mechanical engineering while encompassing modern interdisciplinary topics.

A mechanical engineering student uses a piece of complex machinery
A mechanical engineering student uses computed tomography imaging equipment.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The School of Engineering is committed to building a positive environment that allows all staff to achieve their potential and share in the school's success.

The School has held an Athena SWAN Bronze award since 2013. The Athena SWAN Charter is a global framework used to promote inclusive working practices and transform gender equality within higher education and research.

Engineering's EDI initiatives include:

  • a dedicated fund to help staff cover additional care costs incurred by attending out-of-hours events such as open days
  • outreach events inspiring girls to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers
  • guidelines that discourage the holding of meetings before 10am and after 4pm, to help those with caring responsibilities

The School has its own EDI committee, and sit on the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences' EDI and Athena SWAN forums. This allows colleagues to share best practice across the faculty and the University.

Athena Swan bronze award logo
The School of Engineering has held an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for more than 10 years.

Courses

Research

Explore research across the School of Engineering, including the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s 5 research groups.

  • An electric car refuels at a charging point

    Engineering research

    Learn more about the work and impact of the University’s 4 engineering departments. Browse projects, publications and staff profiles.

Our research community

We carry out research across 5 research groups. These bring together specialists to share knowledge and solve problems.

People

Mechanical Engineering is a vibrant and friendly department with integrated research, enterprise and learning communities.
Head of Department
The advent of new manufacturing and digital technologies offer an opportunity to reconfigure the landscape of advanced alloys. Our research aims at combining fundamental modelling and advanced characterisation to conceive the next generation of sustainable alloys
Director of Research, Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering tackles today’s key challenges, from climate change to healthcare. Our students gain practical problem-solving skills across a wide range of specialisations, guided by the latest research. Emphasising design and teamwork, we empower students to envision and implement innovative solutions for a better world.
Director of Programmes, Mechanical Engineering

Work with us

  • A mechanical engineering researcher

    Jobs at Southampton

    Find out about current job opportunities in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and across the University.

Contact us

Get in touch, we're happy to help

You can contact us by:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Building 7 (Room 4061), Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ
We’re open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm UK time

Useful links