We have the answers to your questions about qualifications and careers in mechanical engineering.

BY LEE BELLINGHAM

Combining maths, technology, business and management, Mechanical Engineering is perhaps one of the most diverse and exciting engineering disciplines. It is also has one of the highest graduate employment rates with 85 per cent of Mechanical Engineering graduates either landing a job within six months of leaving university or gaining a place to study the subject to Masters level.

Mechanical Engineering graduates are highly sought after by companies in a wide range of industries including automation, aerospace and the petroleum and pharmaceutical industries.

The career options and opportunities within the field of Mechanical Engineering are truly extensive. Now is as good a time as any to become involved in the profession as UK engineering and manufacturing companies needing to take on an extra 170,000 people in the next five years. UCAS currently lists 382 results for Mechanical Engineering degrees across the UK, with entry requirements ranging from 260 UCAS points, to 380 points for the most prestigious courses.

A-level or equivalent in maths is a must for aspiring Mechanical Engineering students , while physics, design technology, and chemistry are also valued subjects to study.

A typical mechanical engineering degree will consist of four years of study. The first two years of the course will be spent studying mandatory core modules, however for the subsequent two years students are often allowed to specialise in optional units and modules, enabling them to tailor the degree to their specific career interests.

Completion of a four year Mechanical Engineering degree will have given a graduate a thorough grounding in engineering principles as well as a number of transferable skills including problem solving using logic, numeracy, analytical skills and the ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines.

But a university degree is not the only way to gain a career in Mechanical Engineering. Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular choice for young people wanting to combine practical training with paid employment.

Anyone living in the UK, no longer in full time education and aged over 16, can apply to become an apprentice. Working a minimum of 30 hours a week for at least one year, completion of an apprenticeship will lead to a globally recognised qualification which is considered to be the equivalent of a university degree.

The average annual salary for a mechanical engineer in England is £46, 800. You can find out average working hours, job predictions and compare against other careers using our careerometer.