Postgraduate MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Advanced Mechanical Engineering

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

One year

32 month

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

This Advanced Mechanical Engineering course is an innovative and future-facing programme that addresses global engineering challenges through advanced technologies. This course integrates key areas such as energy systems, advanced modelling, control and mechanical design, aligning with industry demands for sustainability, efficiency and technological innovation. You'll gain expertise in computational techniques, instrumentation and energy utilisation, crucial for tackling modern challenges in sectors like energy, automotive and manufacturing.

Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this course offers advanced practical skills and insights into the design, development, commissioning and maintenance of the engineering systems. You'll also explore the social, legal, and environmental responsibilities associated with senior engineering roles. A key feature of the course is its focus on applying cutting-edge tools like advanced materials and modelling techniques, ensuring you're ready to lead multidisciplinary teams in industry.

You will work on real-world projects through collaborative design modules, and gain hands-on experience in rapid prototyping with Salford's Maker Space facility. With a strong emphasis on computational methods and analysis, this course prepares you for a future in research, whether in academia or industry, making you a sought-after expert in mechanical engineering innovation.

This course has start dates in September and January, for both full-time and part-time pathways. If you start this course in September, the full-time course runs for 12 months, with the part-time running for 28 months. If you start this course in January, the full-time course will run for 16 months, and the part-time runs for 32 months.

International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Start your MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering study journey

Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our new engineering facilities and meet the tutors

You will:

  • Gain expertise in advanced computational techniques and mechanical system modelling for solving complex engineering problems.
  • Master instrumentation, control systems and automation technologies to drive innovation in energy and manufacturing sectors.
  • Develop practical skills in energy utilisation and sustainable mechanical design for cutting-edge industry applications.
  • Collaborate on real-world engineering projects through interdisciplinary group design modules, preparing for leadership roles.
  • Build rapid prototyping skills using state-of-the-art facilities like Salford's Maker Space.
  • Apply advanced materials and AI-driven solutions to engineering challenges, enhancing career prospects in research and industry.
International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

You are a recent graduate or seeking to shift your career into advanced mechanical engineering fields like energy, automation or automotive.

2.

You have professional engineering experience and want to advance to senior roles or leadership positions within your industry.

3.

You are considering a move into mechanical engineering research or consultancy, focusing on cutting-edge technologies.

4.

You are looking for a course that aligns with emerging industry demands for innovation, sustainability and efficiency.

5.

You are interested in solving global engineering challenges, including energy efficiency and sustainable mechanical design.

6.

You want to be taught by leading experts from academia and industry, gaining insights from global perspectives.

Course details

All about the course

Course delivery

This programme covers important aspects of advanced mechanical engineering and enables students to structure it based on their interests. This programme is based not only on the UK, but also on international students who wish to pursue their career in mechanical engineering sectors such as energy, automotive, manufacturing, automation and robotics. 

Learning experience

This programme is based on the completion of four taught modules. A dissertation must be completed for a full MSc degree. If a student chooses not to do the dissertation module or is unable to complete the programme within a certain period, may receive a Postgraduate Diploma on successful completion of 120 credits or a Postgraduate Certificate on successful completion of 60 credits. Part-time mode is available to home students only.

Trimester one

Engineering Computation

Module learning provides a systematic understanding of knowledge on finite element analysis as a tool for the solution of practical engineering problems.  You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the development of appropriate finite element models of physical systems, and how to interpret the results of the analysis.  

The module also covers advanced aspects of finite element analysis including harmonic vibration analysis and will give practical instruction in the use of an industry-standard finite element analysis program.

Instrumentation and Control

This module will give you a comprehensive understanding and systematic understanding of knowledge in the design and analysis of both measurement and feedback control systems.

Trimester two

Mechanical Engineering Group Design

The module will help you to develop an understanding of the principles of mechanical engineering design. You will look at CAD concepts and how to use the underlying principles of rapid prototyping to solve real-world problems. As part of  your learning, you will gain an understanding of legal requirements concerning health & safety, contracts, intellectual property rights, product safety and liability issues and to analyse their impact on engineering design. You will also be able to evaluate customer satisfaction and understand basic types of risk associated with manufacturing goods and products.

Energy Utilisation

On this module, you will learn to demonstrate a systematic understanding and knowledge of the major uses of energy sources including natural gas, in applications associated with power generation and home heating.  This learning will enable you to critically evaluate industrial, commercial and domestic utilisation of a range of energy sources. As part of your learning, you will also build an understanding of energy storage methods, including batteries and hydrogen cells.

Trimester three

Dissertation

The dissertation is your opportunity to exercise what you have learnt in a research (student-focused) environment. As part of the assessment, you will conduct research under the direction of an academic supervisor, which will involve a range of high-level coordinated academic and practical work.      

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

You will learn using a combination of lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals. Seminars featuring smaller groups will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor.

During your studies, you will use industry-standard design software and have access to engineering and computer laboratory facilities.

ASSESSMENT

The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. Typically, the split is 70% coursework and 30% examination.

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.

Shaped by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to take your career potential further.

Industry collaboration and research

When you start this degree, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.

Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also deliver collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact projects and research with our Control and Systems Engineering (CASE) research group that spans engineering, robotics and automation.

North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC)

Our new North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) is a focal point of the our commitment to industry collaboration, innovation, and skills in an established and continually expanding area of expertise by providing a hub which adds value to the University’s and wider Greater Manchester technical infrastructure.

NERIC is a beacon for the University’s robotics and automation specialisms, with the £16 million facility serving as a hub for small to medium-sized industries (SMEs) looking to design, test and validate innovation in this rapidly growing area.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Engineers

EMPLOYMENT

Graduates of the MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering programme can pursue careers in a wide range of industries, including energy, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and automation. Typical job titles for graduates include Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Energy Systems Engineer, Automation Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, and Project Manager. Some past students have gone on to work for leading companies such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and BAE Systems, where they apply their skills in mechanical system design, energy optimisation, and automation.

Others have joined consultancy firms, advising on sustainable energy solutions and mechanical system efficiencies for global projects. Graduates also find opportunities in research and development, working on cutting-edge technologies like renewable energy systems, smart manufacturing, and advanced materials. Job roles in these areas often include Innovation Engineer, Research Scientist, and Product Development Manager.

FURTHER STUDY

You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities, our Control and Systems Engineering (CASE) research hub brings together a wealth of academic and research-staff expertise in areas of mechanical engineering, automation, advanced control and system engineering. 

Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.

A taste of what you could become

A structural engineer

A technical project leader

A mechanical engineer

A CAD technician

And more...

Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE

This course is recommended for engineering-based graduates, or industry professionals with relevant experience and awareness of the demands and nuances involved with a senior engineering role.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications. 

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)

International students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin their studies. You will need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions. 

If you have a query relating to ATAS, please contact: Salford-ATAS@salford.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

Applicants should have an honours degree at 2:2 or above from a UK university (or international equivalent) in engineering and natural sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics) or any other closely related or relevant discipline.

International student entry requirements

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk 

Learn more about the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme.

English Language requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £9,800.00per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £17,000.00per year
Part-time 2025/26 4900

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International student scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

September 2025

September 2026