The 1st cycle degree in Mechanical Engineering specifically aims to produce professional figures with an understanding of the methodological and operational aspects of basic engineering sciences, particularly focusing on the specific aspects of mechanical engineering, without neglecting the general aspects of engineering for industry. In particular, Mechanical Engineers have distinctive skills compared to other graduates in the same class. Indeed, the learning profile of Mechanical Engineering graduates allows them to perform professional activities including the design, modelling, optimisation and engineering of medium-complex components, systems, plants and processes, assessing their reliability, quality and safety, as well as the operation and assistance of technical and commercial structures in companies in the industrial engineering, and specifically in the mechanical engineering fields.

Graduates in Mechanical Engineering acquire a solid grounding in the methodological and operational aspects of basic sciences and engineering sciences, privileging the specific aspects of mechanical engineering without neglecting more general areas of engineering for industry; they are guided through a process of knowledge and understanding of the fundamental methods and instruments for designing mechanical components, machinery, systems and processes and the management and maintenance of production, industrial and mechanical plants. Their training is completed and integrated with significant experience in the laboratory, elements of contemporary business culture and organisation and appropriate knowledge of a foreign language.

The Mechanical Engineering curriculum produces graduates with a solid and flexible background based on the in-depth technical and scientific knowledge gained during the curriculum, which they can successfully put to use in the world of work or to continue studies to 2nd cycle degree level. Having passed the state examination, in compliance with the applicable regulations, mechanical engineering graduates may work in a freelance capacity (feasibility studies, design, technical arbitration, technical expert for parties and on behalf of the courts, etc.).

Admission requirements for the degree programme
Admission to the 1st cycle degree programme in Mechanical Engineering is subject to the possession of a five-year secondary school diploma or equivalent suitable qualification obtained abroad, or a four-year secondary school diploma and diploma for the relative supplementary year, or, where no longer active, will be assigned additional learning requirements by the Degree Programme Board on a case-by-case basis.
Admission to the degree programme is also subject to the possession of strong oral and written Italian language skills, logical reasoning skills, knowledge of and ability to use the main results of elementary mathematics and the foundations of experimental sciences.
This shall be assessed as described below:
The 1st cycle degree programme in Mechanical Engineering may have restricted access, depending on the available resources.

1.1. Entrance exam to assess basic knowledge for open access degree programmes
Students must sit an entrance exam to assess basic knowledge, the methods of which will be published on the University Portal. Students registering with a score of less than the minimum threshold indicated on the University Portal will be assigned additional learning requirements (OFA), learning activities covering the knowledge of those subjects included in the first year course units. Additional learning requirements (OFA) are deemed to be completed by passing a specific exam, the methods and terms of which are indicated on the University Portal. At least three exam sessions are expected to be held for additional learning requirements during the academic year.
The deadline for the completion of additional learning requirements is set by the University Bodies and published on the University Portal. Prior to the completion of additional learning requirements, students may in any case sit the exams scheduled for the first year. Students not completing the additional learning requirements by the deadline shall be obliged to enrol in the first year of the study programme again, and will not have the right to apply for shortened programme status.
In the event of:
- Withdrawal from studies;
- Loss of student status;
- Application to opt out of previous degree programme systems;
- Possession of an academic qualification obtained from or learning activities carried out in foreign universities;
- Transfer from another degree programme at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna;
- Transfer from another university;
students are exempted from sitting the entrance exam if in previous academic years they passed the exam at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bologna or another Engineering Faculty that is a member of the Cisia Consortium, or have passed entrance exams for restricted access programmes in architecture, but without subsequently registering.
In the event of accepting the transfer application beyond the usual terms, students who have not been exempted from sitting the entrance exam will be assigned additional learning requirements.

1.2 Entrance exam to assess basic knowledge for restricted access degree programmes
If the programme is run on a restricted access basis, the number of places and selection methods are published annually in the relative call for applications.
Students shall be required to sit an entrance exam to assess their knowledge in order to register for the 1st cycle degree programme. Students registering with a score of less than the minimum threshold laid down in the call for applications will be assigned additional learning requirements (OFA), learning activities covering the knowledge of those subjects included in the first year course units. Additional learning requirements (OFA) are deemed to be completed by passing a specific exam, the methods and terms of which are indicated in the call for applications. At least three exam sessions are expected to be held for additional learning requirements during the academic year.
The deadline for the completion of additional learning requirements is set by the University Bodies and published on the University Portal.
Prior to the completion of additional learning requirements, students may in any case sit the exams scheduled for the first year. Students not completing the additional learning requirements by the deadline shall be obliged to enrol in the first year of the study programme again, and will not have the right to apply for shortened programme status.