BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is the historical root of engineering practice. It gave its name to the realm of technology-based problem-solving, but today the field goes beyond mastering the design and use of engines. Mechanical engineers make a real difference in society as they are involved in the design and maintenance of a range of systems including mechanical/mechatronics, structural, thermodynamic and combustion, heat transfer, fluid and thermal energy, materials and materials handling, manufacturing equipment and process plants among others. The overall goal of the programme is to provide students with the theoretical, analytical, design and practical problem-solving aptitudes towards the practice of mechanical engineering. Innovation, scientific rigour, ethical attitude and a sense of purpose for the benefit of society are the core values associated to the delivery of the programme. The objective is to achieve academic excellence by providing education such that graduates can assume key roles in engineering practice and applied research in industry, in the private sector and in public service. The programme has been designed to meet the competency standards prescribed by engineering bodies forming part of the Washington Accord for recognition of qualifications and international mobility of engineers.  

It should be noted that the programme has been formulated to meet the requirements of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), one of the signatories of Washington Accord for accredited BEng programmes. This implies that the programme includes at least the required number of credits as per ECSA knowledge area, and also develops and assesses all the ECSA’s Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).