The diploma in mechanical and production engineering has been developed as a cooperative venture between Leeds Polytechnic of U.K. and the Mechanical Engineering College Atbara of Sudan, under the auspices of the British Council. The Mechanical Engineering College Atbara has offered a 3-year course in mechanical engineering since 1971. This current course is a logical development of the previous course, and maintains as its overall objective, the education of technician engineers to a level of practical and academic competence compatible with that of Western Europe and satisfying the particular needs of the Sudan.The course is of three years duration and leads to the award of a diploma in mechanical engineering. It is designed for full time study inclusive of academic study, practical instruction and industrial training. The first two years are common and contain basic mechanical and production engineering subjects. In the final year, students select either the mechanical engineering 'Power' option or production engineering 'Technology and Systems'.