Engineering Computation
Postgraduate
MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Three year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
From silicone chip production to the development of electric vehicles and jet aircraft, mechanical engineers connect innovation to everyday activities. Enhance your existing engineering qualifications, move into research, or gain advanced engineering techniques, with our highly-practical and challenging MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design postgraduate course.
We are delighted this programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Relevant for both graduates with a relevant engineering degree and experienced professionals, the course will guide you through latest methodology and practice. You will review the design, development, commission and maintenance of engineering systems. With a focus on your future career, you will also assess the social, legal and environmental issues associated with senior engineering roles.
International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Start your MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design 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:
- Develop advanced engineering knowledge for a career in research in industry or academia
- Develop rapid prototyping skills using our MakerSpace facility
- Learn about the application of computational methods and packages in mechanical engineering analysis design and manufacture to solve complex engineering problems
- Gain specialist knowledge in mechatronics, robotics & automation, artificial intelligence and energy utilisation
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You're an engineering graduate looking to extend your knowledge or update your CAD and design skills
2.
You want a knowledge and skillset suitable for a career in aerospace, automotive, energy generation or manufacturing
3.
You want a career using advanced engineering techniques, or for research in industry or academia
All about the course
Course delivery
Our MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design course is delivered through a range of industry-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises four 30-credit taught modules, plus a 60-credit research-based dissertation project. The 120-credit PgDip comprises four taught modules. This course is designed to meet the requirements of the Engineering Council’s Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).
Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study the course full-time or part-time on campus:
- as a full-time student, you will complete four 30-credit modules in each of your first two trimesters on campus. In the third trimester, you will complete a 60-credit research dissertation project
- as a part-time student, you will complete two 30-credit modules across trimesters in years one and two. You will complete your 60-credit research dissertation project during a third year of study
For full-time study, each module requires two days of contact per week, with an additional three days of self-study - this equates to a full week of study. Taught modules complete in June, with the dissertation completed by September.
Learning experience
We've developed the course to help you take your engineering skills further. The course curriculum includes engineering computation and mechanical engineering design, with optional choices in automation and robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and energy. Delivered under the direction of a supervisor, the research project is your opportunity to deliver sophisticated academic and practical research. Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.
Trimester one
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.
Plus, choose one module from:
Automation and Robotics (Advanced Mech Eng)
You will be build a comprehensive understanding of current industrial control technology and practices, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distributed Control System (DCS) systems. Subjects covered include discrete event system control, programming PLCs, manipulator theory and manipulator practice.
Mechatronics (Advanced Mech Eng)
Gain a comprehensive knowledge of the core mechatronic engineering discipline. On this module, you will explore a range of closely-related subjects and applications, such as electro-mechanical system modelling, technological advances and usage of sensors and actuators, Real Time concepts and embedded systems, and robot control algorithms. This module content provides awareness and preparation for a wide range of career opportunities in the automation, manufacturing, and electronic engineering industries, and for further study and research in Mechatronics.
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.
Plus, choose one module from:
Artificial Intelligence (Advanced Mech Eng)
Throughout this module, you will explore the role of artificial intelligence in control applications. You will look at practical experiences of using techniques, such as fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and evolutionary computing in engineering applications.
Energy Utilisation (Advanced Mech Eng)
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.
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)
Something exciting is on its way in 2023.
Our new North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) will be 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 will be 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.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Mechanical engineering is a gateway to influencing the structures and systems that support everyday life. Equipped with advanced engineering knowledge and skills, you will be able to pursue careers in a wide range of industry sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy generation and manufacturing.
As a course graduate, you may choose to apply your skills working in computer aided product design and development, computer modelling and simulation, materials engineering industries and automation in manufacturing companies.
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.
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 a relevant engineers honours degree at 2:2 or above, in subjects such as aeronautical, mechanical, civil or structural engineering.
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
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,990.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00per year |
| Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,665 per 30 credits |
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.