Hacettepe University - Department of Mechanical Engineering

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a mechanical engineer do?

A mechanical engineer designs, analyzes, manufactures, and maintains all kinds of mechanical systems that generate force, involve motion, or transfer energy, applying fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science. As a fundamental and interdisciplinary engineering discipline, mechanical engineers take on critical roles such as R&D, product development, system optimization, and production process management across a wide range of sectors, including defense, aerospace, automotive, energy, robotics, and manufacturing.

2. What is the language of instruction at Hacettepe University's Department of Mechanical Engineering?

The language of instruction in our department is 100% English. In order to begin their undergraduate studies, students must successfully complete the English preparatory program or meet the exemption requirements. Exemption exam dates can be followed by prospective students on the School of Foreign Languages academic calendar. Newly enrolled students do not need to submit a separate application to take this exam; they are automatically registered by the system. Exam locations and lists should be followed through School of Foreign Languages announcements.

3. Is an internship mandatory during the undergraduate program?

Yes, our undergraduate program requires the completion of 3 mandatory internships as a graduation requirement. The first is a workshop internship, carried out as a course within our department. The second and third are summer internships — a production internship and an office internship, respectively — which students are expected to organize themselves. For more detailed questions about internships, please see our department page.

4. Which divisions carry out research within the department?

Our department includes the following divisions: Machine Theory and Dynamics, Mechanics, Automotive, Thermodynamics, Design and Manufacturing, and Energy. Ongoing projects can be found here. Interviews with our faculty members by field can be found at the links below: Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4.

5. In which sectors are your graduates mainly employed?

Our graduates work in roles such as design, R&D, and aerodynamics engineering, primarily in the defense industry (ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, Roketsan, etc.), as well as in aerospace, space, energy, and automotive sectors, both nationally and internationally. Our alumni page can be found here.

6. Do you offer graduate (Master's and PhD) programs?

Yes, thesis-based Master's and PhD programs are offered within our department under the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Related information can be found here.

7. Is it possible to pursue a Double Major or Minor?

Information about the Double Major program is available here, and information about the Minor program is available here.

8. What Erasmus+ exchange opportunities are available in the undergraduate program?

Our department has Erasmus+ bilateral agreements with leading technical universities in Europe. Students can complete one or two semesters of their studies at partner institutions abroad. Information about partner universities is available here, and more detailed information can be found on the EU Office website.

9. Is participation in student clubs and engineering projects supported?

Yes, it is. Hacettepe University hosts many active student-run clubs in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and robotics, and our faculty actively support students' participation in national and international engineering competitions.

10. Does your department hold a national or international accreditation certifying the quality of its education?

Yes, the Hacettepe University Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program is accredited by MÜDEK (the Turkish Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Programs), which certifies the quality of engineering programs.

11. What advantages do the MÜDEK accreditation and the EUR-ACE label provide to graduates?

MÜDEK accreditation guarantees that the engineering education provided in our department meets high international quality standards (Washington Accord). Our program also holds the EUR-ACE (European Accredited Engineer) label. Thanks to these credentials, diplomas from our department are directly recognized across Europe and in many developed countries worldwide, giving our graduates a significant advantage when applying for graduate studies (Master's/PhD) abroad and in pursuing international career opportunities.

12. What engineering software is available in the department's computer laboratories?

Our students can use ANSYS, MATLAB, LabView, the Python environment, and various CAD/CAM/CAE software under academic licenses in our computer laboratories.

13. Are the department's laboratory facilities open to undergraduate students?

Yes, our undergraduate (and graduate) students can actively make use of our research laboratories and workshops, particularly for their capstone/senior design projects and applied courses, with the permission of the relevant faculty members.

14. What laboratory infrastructure does the department have?

A full list of our laboratory infrastructure can be found here.

15. Are senior design (capstone) projects industry-focused?

The senior design project is carried out over two semesters in the final year, as part of two courses. Most groups choose one of the project proposals presented by faculty members. There are also groups that submit their own project proposals; if approved, students can carry out the project they have defined themselves. In addition, students may reach out to companies on their own initiative and work on a project that directly benefits that company. This gives them an opportunity for self-development while also providing an R&D contribution to the company involved.

16. What are academic mentoring and communication with faculty members like outside of class?

Our department maintains a strong culture of communication and an open-door policy. Students and research assistants can easily meet with faculty members outside class hours and receive mentoring on projects, academic development, and career planning.

17. What support do you offer students pursuing an academic career?

Students aiming for an academic career are integrated into the work of active research groups such as "Energy," "Mechanics," or "Aerodynamics" during their undergraduate studies, and are guided by our faculty through processes such as the ALES exam, the YDS language exam, and research assistant entrance exams.

18. Are there merit-based scholarship or academic project opportunities?

In addition to the general support provided by our university, undergraduate and graduate students can also work as project scholars — receiving financial support — on TÜBİTAK and other national/international research projects led by our faculty members.

19. What technical elective courses and specialization options are available in the undergraduate program?

Starting in their 3rd and 4th years, students can take technical elective courses in sub-fields such as Energy, Mechanics, Manufacturing, or Machine Theory, in line with their career goals and MÜDEK accreditation requirements. Lists of technical elective courses offered for undergraduate and graduate programs can be found here and here, respectively. Course code equivalents and course content can be accessed here.

20. How can I contact your department or the student affairs office?

You can use the phone numbers listed on our website, or contact our department secretariat directly by email. All official announcements are published regularly on our department's website.