University of Birmingham - The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Best Student Certificate

What you get

You will receive a certificate from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in London, recognising you as the top student on your degree programme. This is official recognition of your academic achievements. One certificate is awarded per academic year to each accredited degree programme, meaning you have been selected as the top student across all years of that programme. The award does not come with a cash prize.

Who can get it

• Level: You are studying for your first degree (Bachelor’s).
• Year of study: You can take part in any academic year, not just in your final year.
• Course: Your degree must be recognised by the IMechE; in other words, it must be a degree programme in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline that has been approved by the institution.
• Results: You are by far the best student on your entire course.
• Nationality: Candidates of any nationality may be nominated.

How to apply

You cannot apply or nominate yourself. Only your line manager can put you forward using the official IMechE form. The nomination must be received by the IMechE Awards Department by 30 September.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one student is selected per accredited degree programme, and the decision is made by your head of department – not on the basis of the documents you submit. You cannot actively seek this opportunity. The best approach is to be the best student on your degree programme. If you significantly outperform your year group, your department will probably put you forward.