Frequently Asked Questions
What are the entry requirements?
Normally the entry requirements for our BEng programmes are 300 points from 3 A-levels and for MEng programmes are 360 points from 3 A-levels. For more details see our Entry Requirements page.
What is the difference between the BEng and MEng Programmes?
A BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) programme is a 3 year programme and an MEng (Master of Engineering) programme is a 4 year programme. As an MEng is a year longer study it provides students with a higher qualification. You can see the programme structures here.
Should I apply to the BEng or the MEng?
Of course this a personal choice and each student will have to think about their own requirements form the course. If you intend to achieve professional status, for instance becoming a Chartered Engineer, then you will need 4 years of study. this could be doing a BEng and an MSc or by doing an integrated MEng. An MEng programme at Queen Mary does offer students the chance to take part in our industry led design projects and to study some advanced and engaging courses.
However students should be realistic about their academic qualifications. The entry requirement for our MEng programmes is 360 points over 3 A-levels. If you are concerned that you might not achieve these grades you may be safer to apply to the BEng programme which has an entry requirement of 300 points over 3 A-levels.
If I apply to the BEng can I move to the MEng later?
Yes, once you are studying on a BEng programme in SEMS if you keep your grade average at over 60% you will be given the option of transferring onto the MEng programme. As the first and second years of the BEng and MEng programmes are the same you can transfer without having to repeat any courses.
What are the contact hours like on the degree programmes?
This does vary slightly from programme to programme. Students must consider their study to be from 9 - 5, Monday to Friday as even when they are not in classes they may be working on group projects etc.
Students take four modules each semester and each module will normally have two hours of lectures, two hours of lab practicals and two hours of problem solving classes. Students will also have an hour a week with their tutor. So it is a minimum of 21 hours a week, however there will often be other activities such as PBL sessions.
How many students are there in SEMS?
The School of Engineering and Materials Science has Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Aerospace Engineering, Dental Materials, Design and Innovation, Materials Science, Mechanical engineering, Medical engineering, Medical Materials, Sustainable Energy Engineering and Sustainable Materials. Each year we take approx 300 new undergraduate students and 60 postgraduate students. We currently have approx 1,250 students. 15 are on foundation programmes, 1050 on undergraduate courses, 55 on taught MSc programmes and 168 researching for an MPhil or PhD.
How many students do you accept each year?
Each year we take approx 300 new undergraduate students which is split between all the subject areas; approx 15-20 on Design and Innovation, 10-15 on the foundation programmes and 65-70 on each of the main streams, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (including Sustainable Energy Engineering), Medical Engineering and Materials (including Dental Materials, Medical Materials, Sustainable Materials).
Do you accept 2nd year entry students?
We do consider applicants who have successfully completed their first year at another institution and are progressing at a 2:1 level, but entry into the second year is not always possible as courses often differ. We would need to see a full transcript, and the student would have to meet the current A-level (or equivalent) entry requirements for the programme. Any advanced entry applications must be made through UCAS before the 15th of January.
Do you accept students who are re-taking their A-levels?
Yes, we will consider applications from students who are re-taking their A-levels, but we would expect to see evidence of this in your personal statement and/or reference.
How do you make decisions on applications?
First we will look at the applicant's qualifications to see that they match our Entry Requirements. We look at the predicted A-level grades, AS grades and GCSE grades all together to give us an overall academic picture of the candidate. We will then look at the reference and personal statement to ensure that the applicant is well-suited to the subject at Queen Mary.
What support do SEMS students receive?
When students arrive in the School of Engineering and Materials Science they are assigned a personal tutor in the department. This will be an academic who teaches in SEMS in the subject area the student is studying. Tutees have a timetabled slot to meet their tutors once a week, although tutees can make appointments to see their tutors at other times. Tutors are normally the first person that students will go to for support. The School of Engineering and Materials Science also have a team of Teaching Assistants who support the learning of undergraduate students. The PASS scheme and the Advice and counselling department.
How are the degrees taught?
Course materials are delivered through a combination of lectures, problem solving classes, laboratory practicals, problem-based learning and a variety of coursework. In addition students undertake two major projects; an individual research project in year 3 and a group design project in the fourth year of the MEng programmes.
How are the degrees assessed?
All our degree programmes are structured with eight modules per year split over two semesters. Some modules, such as the research and design projects, count for two or four modules. In the third and fourth years, you select from a range of module options allowing you to tailor your degree to specific areas of interest within your specialist degree programme. Assessment is continuous throughout your degree, with written reports, projects, presentations, group work and exams (exams take place in the summer only). There is an individual research project in the third year of all programmes, where students participate in the specialist internationally-recognised research taking place within the School of Engineering and Materials Science. In the fourth and final year of the MEng degree students take part in a group design project worth half of the final year. These exciting student-led projects are frequently sponsored by industry and provide a valuable insight into real life engineering design and project management.
Can I get work experience while I study at Queen Mary?
All our programmes are available with industrial experience, students will normally spend a year in industry after the second year of study. The year will significantly help to develop the communication, problem solving and team working skills of the student. It will also give them invaluable experience to use when applying to professional positions after graduation.
The School has excellent links with industry which are essential for all our "with industrial experience" programmes. Students are not guaranteed an industrial placement and will have to be proactive in finding a suitable placement. However we have a dedicated member of staff who will provide support in arranging suitable placements with our extensive industrial links. There is an active Industrial Liaison forum, which has a direct impact on our programmes by encouraging employers to sponsor and support both the students and to provide real design case studies to engage the students throughout the curriculum. Recent case studies that have been taught and assessed were delivered by Bridgestone, DuPuy, Apatech, Artis, Corus, BAe, DSTL, Rolls Royce.
Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation means that an external professional body inspects the university regularly. They will check that the facilities, modules and staff are of a standard suitable to prepare students to work in industry. This is of great benefit to the student once they graduate; meaning that they are able to join the professional body and therefore achieve professional status themselves.
All our BEng and MEng programmes are accredited; the Aerospace programmes by the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Materials programmes by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the Medical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Sustainable Energy Engineering programmes by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.