About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: H30B12
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Engineering, Design and Mathematics
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: One year full-time; two or more years part-time.
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time, part-time day release
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Dr Ramin Amali
- Key fact: The MSc Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Introduction
Professional engineering institutions now require engineers to have at least an MEng or MSc qualification in order to achieve Chartered Engineer status. Additionally, with many high tech engineering companies now operating both pan-European as well as globally, Master's level qualifications are often seen as being essential for career development as the route to working on large international projects.
This MSc programme has been designed to allow BEng and BSc(Hons) Mechanical Engineering (and related) graduates to top up their previous degree to the equivalent of an MEng Mechanical Engineering, although through the MSc route. It is offered by the Department of Design and Engineering which has a well established record for offering IMechE accredited BEng(Hons) and MEng Mechanical Engineering degrees, alongside MSc programmes across a range of specialised subjects.
This course responds to the need for graduates with an in depth understanding of engineering design and analysis combined with the ability to appreciate the challenge involved in managing complex operations. These needs are generally not met through BEng or BSc graduates. It has its foundations firmly in the domain of mechanical engineering and provides an exciting opportunity for students to develop advanced solutions to engineering problems using the latest computer tools and simulations. Key skills such as the ability to function as an effective team member and to carry out an extended piece of independent research are also integral to the syllabus.
Structure
Content
Modules covered include:
- Innovations in Operations Management
- Computer Vision and Virtual Environments
- Solid Systems Modelling and Simulation
- Structural Integrity in Design
- Design of Fluid Systems
- Finite Element Modelling with Elastomers and Similar Materials
- MEng Level Group Project
Part-time study
Part-time students generally complete the course over two or more years. This allows for flexibility in selecting the number of modules which a student can cope with in one year, bearing in mind other work and life commitments. Specific provision is made for part-time students and we endeavour to timetable modules on only one day per week for these students.
Further information
Please see the programme structure for both part-time and full-time study.
Teaching and learning
In common with other MScs in the faculty, MSc Mechanical Engineering is delivered by a combination of taught modules and a dissertation. For full-time students, the taught course is delivered over two teaching blocks, the first of which normally runs from September to December and the second from January to May. The dissertation period then follows, normally culminating in a dissertation report to be submitted by the end of November.
Specific provision is made for part-time students and the Graduate School endeavours to timetable modules one day a week for these students. Part-time students generally complete the course over two or more years.
Study time
Students will qualify for the awards MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate by accumulating credits on completion of modules, as follows:
- The MSc in Mechanical Engineering requires 180 credits, including 60 credits from the dissertation;
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering requires 120 credits, all from the taught part of the course (no dissertation is completed);
- The Postgraduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering requires 60 credits, all from the taught part of the course (no dissertation is completed);.
Taught modules are worth 15 credits each (with the exception of the MEng Group Design module which is worth 30 credits). The programme has been carefully structured to meet demands of industry as well as the requirements of engineering institutions, thus all modules are considered core and must be taken.
Typically full-time students can expect 12 hours classroom contact time each week, equating to attendance two days per week. Part-time students should expect a proportionate number of contact hours each week based on the number of modules being studied and would normally attend only one day per week.
All students will undertake a 60 credit dissertation - a substantial piece of independent work that must be completed in order to achieve the full MSc qualification. Full-time students normally complete this between the end of Semester two and November of that same year. Part-time students may spend an extra year completing the dissertation depending on their personal circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much additional time and independent study will this course require? A 15-credit module typically involves two to three hours per week over a 12 week period in structured activities, although this may vary. You should plan on devoting approximately a further nine hours per week to each module. This means that a full-time student may need to spend up to 50 hours per week on his/her studies. In practice, of course, students spread this load over the holiday period, and there may be times of particularly intensive activity, when deadlines need to be met.
How much time and effort will I be expected to put into the dissertation? You should view your dissertation as a part-time activity over the duration of the course. Writing the dissertation is demanding, not so much because of its length, which is about 15,000 words, but because you are expected to identify a research question that is important and interesting to you, and then think analytically and creatively about this question. This will involve extensive, critical reading of relevant literature.
I am in the final year of my undergraduate degree, why should I do a postgraduate degree and what better career prospects can this give me? By doing a Master's degree, you would be gaining skills and knowledge valued by employers - making yourself much more attractive to employers and much more likely to be invited to interview. The engineering sector in Europe is very competitive with many highly educated and highly skilled engineers seeking the best jobs. An MSc qualification, particularly one such as this which includes a strong management element with advanced technical knowledge, would certainly improve your career prospects. We also expect that this MSc programme will meet the academic requirements of the Professional Institutions for Chartered Engineer status.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
In the Department and Engineering Design and Mathematics, all courses which are determined as appropriate for accreditation and exemption are regularly inspected by the relevant institutions. Accreditation visits are cyclical and it is important that you check the current accreditation status of courses. For more information, visit the IMechE website at www.imeche.org.uk.
Find out more about the department's accredited courses.
Study facilities
We host our own servers to provide Windows, Linux and Unix based operating systems. There are over 500 available workstations in our teaching laboratories, as well as a large open-access laboratory, providing PC and Unix based machines. We have our own IT Helpdesk available for both students and staff to use. There are also 24 hour computer labs on campus available for student use.
Our dedicated engineering facilities include a flight simulator, subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels, motorsport workshop, specialist laboratories and industry standard simulation suites.
We operate an extensive pastoral care system that includes induction programmes and access to academic staff and student advisers for guidance and support throughout your time here as a student.
Careers/further study
A Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, especially one that is fully accredited by the IMechE as this one is, provides an essential stepping stone for any mechanical engineer aspiring to develop their career to the highest level, including into management. Mechanical Engineers are vital to the development of society and the economy. They are very involved in making maximum use of high capital plants and operation such as power stations, oil refineries, chemical plants and hospitals. For those who desire a career change, the qualification is highly regarded in the world of financial business.
Entry
Entry requirements
As a general guide, to be successful in this degree, you will need to have a solid experience of Mechanical Engineering. As is the case with all our Master's degrees, the ability to communicate well in writing is required. Typically, students will enter the programme with a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related subject (e.g. Physics).
Those with significant experience in engineering, but who lack the required undergraduate qualification may also be accepted and will be considered on a case by case basis and who have the motivation and skills to succeed on the course.
International applicants (non UK and EU) should aim to apply by the end of June to allow time to arrange accommodation, finance and any visas.
English Language requirements
Please visit our website for information on English language requirements
Fees
You can find out more about fees by contacting the department or visit our money matters web page.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011