Curriculum
The Bachelor’s programme lasts three years and each year is divided into quarters. This means that examination weeks are held four times a year. You will prepare for these by attending lectures and tutorials and by carrying out exercises and self-study. The lectures, laboratory courses and instructions take place between 8:45 and 12:45 and between 13:45 and 17:45. You will work on projects for about thirty per cent of your degree programme, in groups of eight in the first year and decreasing to four for the Bachelor’s final project. In this way you will apply the knowledge you have gained to real-case examples.
Study plan
Students of the Mechanical Engineering degree programme will get a basic foundation before moving on to gain a broad understanding and in-depth knowledge. The programme is grounded in mathematics and mechanical engineering, but it is the broad understanding that will make you a true mechanical engineer.
First year
During the first year, you will receive four mathematics courses, including attention to differential equations, and an extensive foundation in mechanical engineering, such as dynamics and thermofluids. This will be combined with more application-oriented courses about mechanical engineering components and mechanisms, such as ball bearings, pneumatics and production techniques. You will then apply this knowledge in three design projects, incorporating all three stages, from problem analysis, to design and construction, and then testing and evaluation. Acquiring technical skills, such as 3D modelling and simulation, is also integrated into the programme. And you will learn to present and report as well. The year is rounded off with a design competition, in which you will go head-to-head against other groups of fellow students.
Second year
The emphasis in the second and third years shifts from basic theory to more in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering and thermodynamics and expanding knowledge gained in mathematics, materials science and control engineering. You will also become acquainted with advanced measurement and analysis techniques. In the second year, the theory courses will be supplemented by project-based education and laboratory courses which put the theory into practice.
Third year
In the first half of the third year, you will choose a minor to take. This may be a minor within the faculty or at another faculty, at other universities in the Netherlandsor abroad. The second semester is mainly devoted to the Bachelor’s final project, a research or design assignment you will carry out with three fellow students. Students who achieve a pass will receive the title of Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Minor
In semester 1 of year 3 of the Bachelor’s degree programme you will have the opportunity to spend six months broadening your horizons and exploring a subject that interests you, in the way that suits you best. Mechanical Engineering offers minors in Biomedical Engineering, Robotics and Sailing Yachts. Alternatively, you can widen your world by opting for a cohesive course package, an internship or a course abroad. A well-chosen minor can help you to find the career direction that suits you, or to discover which Master’s programme you would like to take after your Bachelor’s degree programme.
Binding recommendation
TU Delft employs the BSA system: the binding recommendation on the continuation of studies. This means that you must obtain at least 75 per cent of your credits (i.e. 45 of the 60 ECTS) in your first year in order to continue your programme. If you receive a negative binding recommendation on the continuation of studies, you will not be permitted to enroll in this programme again in the next 4 years.
