Masters Degrees (Composite)

The Composite Materials research degrees are part of a forward-thinking area of research in the school. We have close links with the Northwest Regional Development Agency and other leading companies such as, Quickstep, a manufacturer of autoclave processing equipment, as well as a large number of suppliers in the aircraft industry.

Active research

Current research covers interfacial phenomena in composite materials, natural composites and rapid composites manufacture. The deformation mechanics of a range of high performance synthetic reinforcement fibres for composites are explored, as are those of natural and regenerated cellulose fibres. In the later case the main emphasis is on understanding the relationships between the microstructure and molecular structure of these materials and their mechanical properties. Molecular dynamics modelling together with experimental studies have been used to gain an improved insight into the behaviour of natural fibres.

Northwest Composites Centre

We are actively involved with the Northwest Composites Centre, a collaboration which incorporates researchers from several schools in the university, together with colleagues from the University of Liverpool, University of Bolton and Lancaster University covering a wide range of polymer and metallic composites. The hub of this activity is based here at the School of Materials, established through a £2.1m grant from NWDA, and has facilities for rapid processing of composites through a variety of new technologies, including microwave and radio frequency heating as well as Quickstep. There are also extensive facilities for the characterisation of composites.

There are a large number of researchers working in the centre, nearly all on the rapid processing of composites with a view to improving the cycle time and properties of composites. These involve not just the use of rapid curing techniques, but also textile structures for next generation 3 D composites. The evaluation of these materials is also an important part of the projects and therefore supported by state-of-the-art equipment.

Facilities

To underpin the research and teaching activities, we have established state-of-the-art laboratories, which allow comprehensive characterisation and development of materials. These facilities range from synthetic/textile fibre chemistry to materials processing and materials testing.

To complement our teaching resources, there is a comprehensive range of electrochemical, electronoptical imaging and surface and bulk analytical facilities and techniques.

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About the course

Polymers and polymer composites are increasingly important in our everyday life and can be found everywhere around us. At the same time, more and more high-performance speciality polymers and polymer nanocomposites have been developed for advanced engineering, plastic electronics, biomedical applications.

Bringing together expertise from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Chemistry, and further supported by the Polymer Centre, the UK’s largest single-university academic network in the field of polymers, this course will provide you with a thorough understanding of advanced topics on polymer and composite science and engineering.

A welcoming department

A friendly, forward-thinking community, our students and staff are on hand to welcome you to the department and ensure you settle into student life.

Your project supervisor will support you throughout your course. Plus you’ll have access to our extensive network of alumni, offering industry insight and valuable career advice to support your own career pathway.

Your career

Prospective employers recognise the value of our courses, and know that our students can apply their knowledge to industry. Our graduates work for organisations including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, the National Nuclear Laboratory and Saint-Gobain. Roles include materials development engineer, reactor engineer and research manager. They also work in academia in the UK and abroad.

90 per cent of our graduates are employed or in further study 6 months after graduating, with an average starting salary of £27,000, the highest being £50,000.

Equipment and facilities

We have invested in extensive, world-class equipment and facilities to provide a stimulating learning environment. Our laboratories are equipped to a high standard, with specialist facilities for each area of research.

Materials processing

Tools and production facilities for materials processing, fabrication and testing, including wet chemical processing for ceramics and polymers, rapid solidification and water atomisation for nanoscale metallic materials, and extensive facilities for deposition of functional and structural coatings.

Radioactive nuclear waste and disposal

Our £3million advanced nuclear materials research facility provides a high-quality environment for research on radioactive waste and disposal. Our unique thermomechanical compression and arbitrary strain path equipment is used for simulation of hot deformation.

Characterisation

You’ll have access to newly refurbished array of microscopy and analysis equipment, x-ray facilities, and surface analysis techniques covering state-of-the-art XPS and SIMS. There are also laboratories for cell and tissue culture, and facilities for measuring electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties.

The Kroto Research Institute and the Nanoscience and Technology Centre enhance our capabilities in materials fabrication and characterisation, and we have a computer cluster for modelling from the atomistic through nano and mesoscopic to the macroscopic.

Stimulating learning environment

An interdisciplinary research-led department; our network of world leading academics at the cutting edge of their research inform our courses providing a stimulating, dynamic environment in which to study.

Teaching and assessment

Working alongside students and staff from across the globe, you’ll tackle real-world projects, and attend lectures, seminars and laboratory classes delivered by academic and industry experts.

You’ll be assessed by formal examinations, coursework assignments and a dissertation.

Core modules

Polymer Characterization and Analysis; Polymer Materials Science and Engineering; Polymer Chemistry; Biopolymers and Biomaterials; research project.

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Course Description

Structural Design aims to provide an understanding of aircraft structures, airworthiness requirements, design standards, stress analysis, fatigue and fracture (damage tolerance) and fundamentals of aerodynamics and loading. The suitable selection of materials, both metallic and composite is also covered. Manufacturers of modern aircraft are demanding more lightweight and more durable structures. Structural integrity is a major consideration of today’s aircraft fleet. For an aircraft to economically achieve its design specification and satisfy airworthiness regulations, a number of structural challenges must be overcome. This course trains engineers to meet these challenges, and prepares them for careers in civil and military aviation.

Overview

This course is suitable for students with a background in aeronautical or mechanical engineering or those with relevant industrial experience.

The Structural Design option consists of a taught component and an individual research project.

In addition to management, communication, team work and research skills, each student will attain at least the following outcomes from this degree course:
- To build upon knowledge to enable students to enter a wide range of aerospace and related activities concerned with the design of flying vehicles such as aircraft, missiles, airships and spacecraft
- To ensure that the student is of immediate use to their employer and has sufficient breadth of understanding of multi-discipline design to position them for accelerated career progression
- To provide teaching that integrates the range of disciplines required by modern aircraft design
- To provide the opportunity for students to be immersed in a 'Virtual Industrial Environment' giving them hands-on experience of interacting with and working on an aircraft design project.

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. The minimum standard expected from a number of accepted courses are as follows:

IELTS - 6.5
TOEFL - 92
Pearson PTE Academic - 65
Cambridge English Scale - 180
Cambridge English: Advanced - C
Cambridge English: Proficiency - C

In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low.

We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date).

Core Modules

The taught programme for the Structural Design masters is generally delivered from October to March. After completion of the four compulsory taught modules, students have an extensive choice of optional modules to match specific interests.

Core:
- Fatigue Fracture Mechanics and Damage Tolerance
- Finite Element Analysis (including NASTRAN/PATRAN Workshops)
- Design and Analysis of Composite Structures
- Structural Stability

Optional:
- Loading Actions
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Aircraft Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Stability and Control
- Aircraft Performance
- Detail Stressing
- Structural Dynamics
- Aeroelasticity
- Design for Manufacture and Operation
- Initial Aircraft Design (including Structural Layout)
- Airframe Systems
- Aircraft Accident Investigation
- Crashworthiness
- Aircraft Power Plant Installation
- Avionic System Design
- Flight Experimental Methods (Jetstream Flight Labs)
- Reliability, Safety Assessment and Certification
- Sustaining Design (Structural Durability)

Individual Project

The individual research project aims to provide the training necessary for you to apply knowledge from the taught element to research, and takes place from January to September.

Recent Individual Research Projects include:
- Review, Evaluation and Development of a Microlight Aircraft
- Investigation of the Fatigue Life of Hybrid Metal Composite Joints
- Design for Additive Layer Manufacture
- Rapid Prototyping for Wind Tunnel Model Manufacturing.

Group project

There is no group project for this option of the Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc.

Assessment

Taught modules (20%); Individual Research Project (80%)

Career opportunities

The AVD option in Structural Design is valued and respected by employers worldwide. The applied nature of this course ensures that our graduates are ready to be of immediate use to their future employer and has provided sufficient breadth of understanding of multi-discipline design to position them for accelerated career progression.

Graduates from the have gone onto pursue engineering careers in disciplines such as structural design, stress analysis or systems design. Many of our former graduates occupy very senior positions in their organisations, making valuable contributions to the international aerospace industry.

Many of our graduates occupy very senior positions in their organisations, making valuable contributions to the international aerospace industry. Typical student destinations include BAE Systems, Airbus, Dassault and Rolls-Royce.

For further information

On this course, please visit our course webpage - http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/Courses/Masters/AVD-Option-in-Structural-Design

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Composite materials are increasingly replacing traditional metallic components in several industrial applications, such as aerospace engineering, wind turbine blades and the automotive industry. This MSc provides you with an in-depth theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of advanced composite materials.

The programme is based in the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS), one of the world's leading centres in composite materials, which houses a number of state-of-the-art composites manufacturing facilities.

ACCIS has strong industrial and research links with companies like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE Systems and GE Aviation as well as government research labs such as the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the European Space Agency and the US Army International Technology Centre.

Programme structure

Core subjects
-Composites Design and Manufacture
-Smart Materials
-Nanocomposites and Nano engineering
-Research Skills
-Elements of Polymer Composites

And either:
-Advanced Composites Analysis or
-Structures and Materials

after discussion with the programme director.

Optional units
You will select from a list of options which will include the following:
-Engineering Design for Wind and Marine Power
-Nonlinear Structural Dynamics
-Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing
-Structural Engineering 4
-Advanced Techniques in Multi-Disciplinary Design
-Nonlinear Behaviour of Materials
-Nature's Materials - Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Sustainability

Project
To complete the programme you will carry out a research project, which may be either academically or industrially led.

Careers

Graduates from this programme could enter a career in one of the rapidly growing composites-related industries, such as aerospace, marine, automotive and wind turbine, materials testing/manufacturing or in engineering consultancy sectors. Some of our MSc graduates continue to PhD study, either at Bristol or other relevant PhD programmes.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Materials Engineering at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

Engineering at Swansea University has key research strengths in materials for aerospace applications and steel technology. As a student on the Master's course in Materials Engineering, you will be provided with the depth of knowledge and breadth of abilities to meet the demands of the international materials industry.

Key Features of MSc in Materials Engineering

Through the MSc Materials Engineering course you will be provided with training and experience in a broad range of topic areas, including metallurgy and materials selection, modern methods used for engineering design and analysis, the relationship between structure, processing and properties for a wide range of materials, materials and advanced composite materials, structural factors that control the mechanical properties of materials, and modern business management issues and techniques.

The MSc Materials Engineering course is an excellent route for those who have a first degree in any scientific or technical subject and would like to become qualified in this field of materials engineering.

MSc in Materials Engineering programme is modular in structure. Students must obtain a total of 180 credits to qualify for the degree. This is made up of 120 credits in the taught element (Part One) and a project (Part Two) that is worth 60 credits and culminates in a written dissertation. Students must successfully complete Part One before being allowed to progress to Part Two.

The part-time scheme is a version of the full-time equivalent MSc scheme, and as such it means lectures are spread right across each week and you may have lectures across every day. Due to this timetabling format, the College advises that the scheme is likely to suit individuals who are looking to combine this with other commitments (typically family/caring) and who are looking for a less than full-time study option.

Those candidates seeking to combine the part-time option with full-time work are unlikely to find the timetable suitable, unless their job is extremely flexible and local to the Bay Campus.

Modules

Modules on the MSc Materials Engineering course can vary each year but you could expect to study:

Composite Materials

Polymer Processing

Environmental Analysis and Legislation

Communication Skills for Research Engineers

Simulation Based Product Design

Aerospace Materials Engineering

Structural Integrity of Aerospace Metals

Ceramics

Environmental Analysis and Legislation

Physical Metallurgy of Steels

Accreditation

The MSc Materials Engineering course at Swansea University is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.

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.

Facilities

Our new home at the innovative Bay Campus provides some of the best university facilities in the UK, in an outstanding location.

Within Engineering at Swansea University there are state-of-the-art facilities specific to Materials Engineering.

- Comprehensive computer systems for specialist and general purposes.

- World-leading equipment for characterisation of the mechanical properties of metallic, ceramic, polymeric and composite materials.

- Extensive range of laboratories housing scanning electron microscopes with full microanalysis and electron backscatter diffraction capabilities.

Careers

Materials engineering underpins almost all engineering applications and employment prospects are excellent.

Employment can be found in a very wide range of sectors, ranging from large-scale materials production through to R&D in highly specialised advanced materials in industries that include aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, sports, and energy generation, as well as consultancy and advanced research.

Materials engineering knowledge is vital in many fields and our graduates go on to successful careers in research and development, product design, production management, marketing, finance, teaching and the media, and entrepreneurship.

Links with Industry

The internationally leading materials research conducted at Swansea is funded by prestigious organisations including:

Rolls-Royce

Airbus

Tata Steel

Rolls-Royce

The Institute of Structural Materials at Swansea is a core member of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Materials.

This venture supports a wide ranging research portfolio with a rolling value of £6.5 million per annum addressing longer term materials issues.

Airbus

Over £1m funding has been received from Airbus and the Welsh Government in the last three years to support structural composites research and development in the aerospace industry and to support composites activity across Wales.

Tata Steel

Funding of over £6 million to continue our very successful postgraduate programmes with Tata Steel.

Other companies sponsoring research projects include Akzo Nobel, Axion Recycling, BAE Systems, Bayer, Cognet, Ford, HBM nCode, Jaguar Land Rover, Novelis, QinetiQ, RWE Innogy, Timet, TWI (Wales), as well as many smaller companies across the UK.

These industrial research links provide excellent opportunities for great research and employment opportunities.

Research

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 ranks Engineering at Swansea as 10th in the UK for the combined score in research quality across the Engineering disciplines.

The REF assesses the quality of research in the UK Higher Education sector, assuring us of the standards we strive for.

The REF shows that 94% of research produced by our academic staff is of World-Leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*) quality. This has increased from 73% in the 2008 RAE.

Research pioneered at the College of Engineering harnesses the expertise of academic staff within the department. This ground-breaking multidisciplinary research informs our world-class teaching with several of our staff leaders in their fields.

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Could you see yourself designing high performance bikes, working with racing car teams or producing ground breaking medical components? You could follow in the footsteps of some of our graduates and begin shaping your own exciting career in mechanical engineering.

You will distinguish yourself professionally with a degree accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3) for Chartered Engineer status. You can apply to either of these institutions for membership as a Chartered Engineer.

Key features

-Open the door to a successful future. Our graduates have gone on to work for Ferrari, Honda, British Cycling, Rolls-Royce, Williams Grand Prix Engineering, Activa, Babcock Marine, Princess Yachts and more.
-Primed for your career: 82 per cent of our students are in a professional or managerial job six months after graduation. (Source: unistats)
-Benefit from an optional 48 week paid work placement.
-Distinguish yourself professionally with a degree accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3) for Chartered Engineer status. You can apply to either of these institutions for membership as a Chartered Engineer.
-Develop a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and materials science.
-Choose from specialist modules in composites engineering, design and manufacture.
-Experience modern laboratory facilities for practical work which is a core part of the degree.
-Benefit from working on industrially relevant problems within composite materials and design of composite structures.

Course details

Year 1
In Year 1, you’ll acquire a sound foundation in design, mechanics, materials, electrical principles, thermo-fluids, mathematics and business, learning by active involvement in real engineering problems. You‘ll undertake a popular hands-on module in manufacturing methods. Modules are shared with the MEng and BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and the MEng and BEng (Hons) Marine Technology.

Core modules
-MECH120 Skills for Design and Engineering (Mechanical)
-THER104 Introduction to Thermal Principles
-BPIE115 Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation
-MECH117 Mechanics
-MECH118 Basic Electrical Principles
-A5MFT1 Mech BEng 1 MFT Session
-MATH187 Engineering Mathematics
-MATS122 Manufacturing and Materials
-MECH121PP Team Engineering (Engineering Design in Action)

Year 2
In Year 2, you’ll build your knowledge of composite materials in preparation for specialist modules in the final year. The central role of design integrates with other modules like structures and materials. You'll also study modules on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, business dynamics, mathematics and control and quality management.

Core modules
-BPIE215 Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation
-CONT221 Engineering Mathematics and Control
-HYFM230 Fluid Mechanics 1
-STRC203 Engineering Structures
-MECH232 Engineering Design
-MFRG208 Quality Management l
-MATS234 Materials
-THER207 Applied Thermodynamics
-STO208 Business for Engineers

Optional placement year
In Year 3, you're strongly encouraged to do a year’s work placement to gain valuable paid professional experience. We will support you to find a placement that is right for you. Our students have worked for a variety of companies from BMW Mini, Bentley, Babcock Marine to NASA. A successful placement could lead to sponsorship in your final year, an industrially relevant final year project, and opportunities for future employment.

Optional modules
-BPIE335 Mechanical Engineering Related Placement

Year 4
In Year 4, you’ll specialise in composites design, engineering and manufacture. You’ll undertake an group design project. Additional modules of study include statistics and quality management. You'll also develop your knowledge and skills through an in-depth project on a topic of your choice.

Core modules
-HYFM322 Computational Fluid Dynamics
-MFRG311 Quality Management II
-MATS347 Composites Design and Manufacture
-PRME307 Honours Project
-MATS348 Composites Engineering
-MECH340 Engineering Design

Final year
In your final year, you'll extend your existing skills in engineering design, analysis and control theory. Broaden your knowledge by studying subjects such as entrepreneurship, advanced information technology, robotics and marine renewable energy. You’ll also work in a design team with students from other engineering disciplines working on projects such as design, materials and environmental issues related to bioenergy production, gas/nuclear power stations, energy from the sea and eco villages.

Core modules
-MECH532 Applied Computer Aided Engineering
-MECH533 Robotics and Control
-MECH534 Product Development and Evaluation
-MAR528 Mechanics of MRE Structures
-PRCE513 Interdisciplinary Design
-MECH544 Data Processing, Simulation and Optimisation of Engineering Systems

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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Offered as part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Full-time and part-time students study a number of one-week short-course modules comprising lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorials.

The modules cover metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials, bonding, surfaces, corrosion, fracture, fatigue, analytical techniques and general research methods. Each module is followed by an open book assessment of approximately 120 hours.

There is also a materials-based research project, which is made up of the Research Project Planning and the Project modules.

The MSc in Advanced Materials is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) when a Project is undertaken.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over five academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a compulsory Project.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Introduction to Materials Science
• Research Methods
• Research Project Planning
• Project
• Introduction to Composite Materials Science
• Characterisation of Advanced Materials
• Introduction to Physical Metallurgy
• Polymers: Science, Engineering and Applications
• Structural Ceramics and Hard Coatings
• Surface Analysis: XPS, Auger and SIMS
• Materials Under Stress
• The Science and Technology of Adhesive Bonding
• Composite Materials Technology
• Corrosion Engineering
• Nanomaterials
• Advanced Materials Independent Study (part-time only)
• Advanced Materials Project (part-time only)
• Project (part-time only)

Educational aims of the programme

• To provide students with a broad knowledge of the manufacture, characterisation and properties of advanced materials
• To address issues of sustainability such as degradation and recycling
• To equip graduate scientists and engineers with specific expertise in the selection and use of materials for industry
• To enable students to prepare, plan, execute and report an original piece of research
• To develop a deeper understanding of a materials topic which is of particular interest (full-time students) or relevance to their work in industry (part-time students) by a project based or independent study based thesis

Programme learning outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

• The different major classes of advanced materials
• Routes for manufacturing and processing of advanced materials
• Characterisation techniques for analysing bonding and microstructure
• Mechanical, chemical and physical properties of advanced materials
• Processing -microstructure - property relationships of advanced materials
• Material selection and use
• Appropriate mathematical methods

Intellectual / cognitive skills

• Reason systematically about the behaviour of materials
• Select materials for an application
• Predict material properties
• Understand mathematical relationships relating to material properties
• Plan experiments, interpret experimental data and discuss experimental results in the context of present understanding in the field

Professional practical skills

• Research information to develop ideas and understanding
• Develop an understanding of, and competence, in using laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Apply mathematical methods, as appropriate

Key / transferable skills

• Use the scientific process to reason through to a sound conclusion
• Write clear reports
• Communicate ideas clearly and in an appropriate format
• Design and carry out experimental work

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Would you like to stand out in the employment job market by advancing your current qualification to master’s level?

The MSc Mechanical Engineering course will provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in key aspects of mechanical engineering. Throughout the duration of this course you will develop a critical awareness of ethical and environmental considerations, in addition to learning about advanced mechanical engineering practice and theory.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), this course fully meets the academic requirements to become a Chartered Engineer.

At a time when there is an international shortage of mechanical engineers there has never been a better time to enter this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

This course can also be started in January - for more information, please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/mechanical-engineering-msc-ft-dtfmez6/

Learn From The Best

You’ll be taught by tutors who have many years of experience in the various aspects of the engineering industry. Their experience, combined with their on-going active research, will provide an excellent foundation for your learning.

The quality of their research has put Northumbria University among the UK’s top 25% of universities for the percentage of research outputs in engineering that are ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. (Research Excellence Framework 2014.)

Our reputation for quality is reflected by the range and depth of our collaborations with industry partners. We’ve built up numerous industrial links during the 50+ years that we’ve been offering engineering courses. These links help ensure high quality placements and collaborative projects.

Northumbria has the advantage of being located in the North East of England, which is a centre of manufacturing and technical innovation. As well as Nissan, the region’s #1 company, there is a strong concentration of automotive, engineering, chemicals, construction and manufacturing companies.

Teaching And Assessment

The initial semesters of this course focus on taught subjects that cover topics such as computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multidisciplinary design and engineering optimisation, composite materials and lightweight structures, advanced stress and analysis and thermo-mechanical energy conversion systems.

Teaching is primarily delivered by lectures, seminars and workshops, all of which are assessed by methods such as assignments, exams and technical reports. All of this course’s assessments have been devised to closely mirror the outputs required in a real working environment.

On completion of the taught modules you will undertake a substantial piece of research related to an area of mechanical engineering that particularly interests you. Our teaching team will be on-hand to offer support and guidance throughout every stage of your course.

Module Overview
KB7001 - Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7006 - Composite Materials and Lightweight Structures (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7008 - Advanced Stress and Structural Analysis (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7030 - Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7042 - Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7043 - Multidisciplinary Design & Engineering Optimisation (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7052 - Research Project (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

Throughout the duration of your course you will have access to our dedicated engineering laboratories that are continuously updated to reflect real-time industry practice.

Our facilities include mechanical and energy systems experimentation labs, rapid product development and performance analysis, materials testing and characterisation, 3D digital design and manufacturing process performance.

You will be given the opportunity to get hands-on with testing, materials processing, moulding, thermal analysis and 3D rapid manufacture to help you create the products and systems required for the projects you will work on during your course.

Your learning journey will also be supported by technology such as discussion boards and video tutorials. You will also participate in IT workshops where you will learn how to use the latest industry-standard software.

Videos of lectures will on many occasions be made available through Panopto video software to further support teaching delivery.

You will also have access to all Northumbria University’s state-of-the-art general learning facilities such as dedicated IT suites and learning areas.

Research-Rich Learning

When studying at Northumbria University you will be taught by our team of specialist staff who boast a wealth of multi-dimensional expertise.

Our teaching team includes a dynamic mix of research-active industrial practitioners, renowned researchers and technologists, whose combined knowledge ensures you leave with an in-depth understanding of key mechanical engineering practice and research.

You will be encouraged to undertake your own research–based learning where you will evaluate and critique scientific papers and write research-based reports based on the information gathered.

We aim to regularly welcome industry specialists to deliver guest lecturers to further enable you to understand real-world issues and how they link to the concepts, theories and philosophies taught throughout your course.

The department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering is a top-35 Engineering research department with 79% of our outputs ranked world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest UK-wide research assessment exercise (REF2014, UoA15). This places us in the top quartile for world-leading publications among UK universities in General Engineering.

Give Your Career An Edge

The MEng Mechanical Engineering course will equip you with all of the skills required to progress within the engineering industry and competition of your master’s degree will give you a competitive edge thanks to the additional skills and knowledge you will acquire.

Our accreditation with the IMechE ensures that this course’s content is in-line with the latest developments within this sector, making our course highly valued by employers.

By completing this course you will have completed the academic requirement to become a Chartered Engineer, a status that is associated with improved employability and higher salaries.

Employability is embedded throughout all aspects of your course and you will leave with enhanced key skills such as communication, computing and teamwork.

Your Future

Mechanical Engineering overlaps with a number of engineering disciplines meaning there are many career paths available to you once you have completed this course.

Many graduates choose to pursue a career in the expansive engineering sector, in roles such as designers, analysts, project managers or consultants.

You may also wish to progress your knowledge to PhD level and this course will provide you with a solid foundation that you can easily build on and advance to an even higher level.

Engineering is a growth industry and currently there is a shortage of engineers. 90% of our graduates are in work or study within six months of graduating and, of those in work, 80% are employed in a professional or managerial job (Unistats 2015).

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Why take this course?

This course is designed to respond to a growing shortage of workforce in mechanical engineering sectors. It intends to equip our students with relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills for their engineering competencies and careers. Students have a chance to broaden and deepen their knowledge in wide range of mechanical engineering subjects. This enables our students to undertake an advanced treatment of core mechanical engineering disciplines such as design and critical evaluation of structural integrity, computation fluid dynamics, advanced materials, energy and control systems.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Use simulation and modelling application software for virtual design and manufacturing
Utilise our strong links with companies and investigate real industrial problems to enhance your understanding of the profession
Tie in the topic of your individual project with one of our research groups and benefit from the expertise of our actively researching academics

What opportunities might it lead to?

This course has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). It will provide you with some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Design
Research and development
Product manufacture
Project management

Module Details

You will study several key topics that will help equip you to work as a mechanical engineer in a broad spectrum of mechanical engineering business activity management, research, design and development roles. You will also complete a four-month individual project tailored to your individual interests that can take place in our own laboratories or, by agreement, in industry.

Here are the units you will study:

Structural Integrity: Contemporary approaches are applied to the evaluation of mixed mode fracture and fatigue failure. Dynamic plastic responses of structures and the performance of composite structures are evaluated.

Industrial Control Systems: This unit covers mathematical representation of control system models is developed principally using Laplace transforms. System behaviour and simulation is analysed with practical case studies, leading to control system specifications.

Advanced Materials: This unit is designed to deal with a wide range of advanced materials for engineering applications. Teaching will address analytical and numerical methods to assess the strength, stiffness, toughness, non-linearity behaviours, vibration and failures of engineering materials for component and structure design.

Energy Systems: This unit is designed to study the principles and techniques of operation of thermodynamics and combustion systems, as well as the provision and management of energy. The current and future requirements and trends in energy production and consumption are addressed.

Structural Application of Finite Elements: The use of finite element analysis techniques and software applied to structural problems is developed. Modelling with both isotropic and orthotropic materials is investigated, as well as such topics as cracking in dissimilar materials and composite laminates.

Computational Fluid Dynamics: A practical case study analysis approach is used for model formulation and CFD simulation. Fundamental principles are used to appraise the results of CFD analysis of problems with industrial applications.

Individual Project: A strong feature of the course is the individual project, which comprises a third of the course. We encourage students to undertake projects in industrial companies, but we can also use our extensive resources and staff skills to undertake projects within the University.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials (personal and academic), laboratory sessions and project work. The course has a strong practical emphasis with a significant amount of your time spent our laboratories. We pride ourselves on working at the leading-edge of technology and learning practices.

A range of assessment methods encourages a deeper understanding of engineering and allows you to develop your skills. Here’s how we assess your work:

Written examinations
Coursework
Laboratory-based project work
A major individual project/dissertation

Student Destinations

The demand for more highly skilled mechanical engineers is always present and it is generally accepted that there is a current shortage of engineers.

When you graduate from this course you could find employment in a wide range of mechanical engineering-based careers, such as design, research and development and manufacturing. You could work for a large company, in the Armed Forces or in one of the many small companies within this sector. You could even start your own specialist company.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Mechanical engineer
Product design engineer
Aerospace engineer
Application engineer

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New aircraft and other challenging engineering applications are becoming increasingly dependent upon the unique capabilities of high performance composite materials.

This course addresses the broad field of advanced composites and is presented by experts in the field from the College, other universities, major aerospace companies and government research organisations.

It will appeal to graduates of engineering, materials science, physics or chemistry.

You will develop an outstanding knowledge of composite technology allowing them to take up specialist roles in industry and research.

For full information on this course please see:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus/facultiesanddepartments/aeronautics/composites

For details on making an application and fees please see:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/pg/admissions

For information about scholarships and bursaries please see:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/pg

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IN BRIEF:

• Emphasis on feedback control, robotics, flight control and discrete event manufacturing control
• Real opportunities for career progression in to the automation industry
• Programme designed using Engineering Council benchmarks
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

The overall objective of this course is to add value to your first degree and previous relevant experience by developing a focused, integrated and critically aware understanding of underlying theory and current policy and practice in the field of control systems engineering.

The course is control systems focused, with the emphasis on control systems theory together with a range of control applications including industrial control (SCADA), intelligent control, flight control and robotic control. The control systems approach provides continuity in learning throughout the one year of study.

COURSE DETAILS

This course has been awarded accredited status by both the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for 2010 to 2014 intake cohorts as meeting the exemplifying academic benchmark for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for students who also hold an accredited BEng Honours degree. Candidates who do not hold an appropriately accredited BEng Honours degree will gain partial exemption for CEng status; these candidates will need to have their first qualification individually assessed if they wish to progress onto CEng registration.

Professional registration and Institution membership will enhance your career in the following ways:

• Access to continuous professional development
• Careers advice and employment opportunities
• Increased earning potential over the length of your career
• International recognition of your qualifications, skills and experience
• Evidence of your motivation, drive and commitment to the profession
• Networking opportunities

On completion of the course you should have a critical awareness and understanding of current problems in control engineering, techniques applicable to research in the field of control systems and how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field of control systems. You should also be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialists.

TEACHING

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops and laboratory activities.

ASSESSMENT

• 35% examinations
• 65% coursework (labs, reports, dissertation)

FACILITIES

Mechanical Lab – This lab is used to understand material behaviour under different loading conditions and contains a tensile test machine and static loading experiments – typical laboratory sessions would include tensile testing of materials and investigation into the bending and buckling behaviour of beams.

Aerodynamics Lab – Contains low speed and supersonic wind tunnels – typical laboratory experiments would include determining the aerodynamic properties of an aerofoil section and influence of wing sweep on the lift and drag characteristics of a tapered wing section.

Composite Material Lab – This lab contains wet lay-up and pre-preg facilities for fabrication of composite material test sections. The facility is particularly utilised for final year project work.

Control & Dynamics Lab – Contains flight simulators (see details below) and programmable control experiments – typical laboratory sessions would include studying the effects of damping and short period oscillation analysis, forced vibration due to rotating imbalance, and understanding the design and performance of proportional and integral controllers.

Flight Simulators

Merlin MP520-T Engineering Simulator    

• This simulator is used to support engineering design modules, such as those involving aerodynamics and control systems by giving a more practical experience of aircraft design than a traditional theory and laboratory approach. As a student, you'll design and input your own aircraft parameters into the simulator before then assessing the flight characteristics.
• The simulator is a fully-enclosed single seat capsule mounted on a moving 2-degree of freedom platform which incorporates cockpit controls, integrated main head-up display and two secondary instrumentation display panels.
• An external instructor console also accompanies the simulator and is equipped with a comprehensive set of displays, override facilities and a two-way voice link to the pilot.

Elite Flight Training System    

• The Elite is a fixed base Piper PA-34 Seneca III aircraft simulator used for flight operations training and is certified by the CAA as a FNPT II-MCC Multi-Crew Cockpit training environment. It has two seats, each with a full set of instrumentation and controls, and European Visuals, so you see a projection of the terrain that you're flying through, based on real geographic models of general terrain and specific airports in Europe.

EMPLOYABILITY

A wide range of control and automation opportunities in manufacturing and engineering companies, opportunities in the aerospace sector.

FURTHER STUDY

There are opportunities to go on to further research study within our CASE control and Intelligent Systems Research Centre.

Research themes in the Centre include:

• Control Engineering
• Railway/Automotive Research
• Computational Intelligence and Robotics
• Biomedical Research
• Energy and Electrical Engineering

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Forensic art encompasses a wide range of subjects, notably facial anthropology and identification, such as two and three-dimensional facial reconstruction, craniofacial superimposition, post-mortem depiction, composite art and age progression.

This highly innovative one-year taught Masters course will encompass all these fields, employing highly specialised tutors from scientific backgrounds alongside experienced forensic art supervisors.

Why study Forensic Art at Dundee?

Forensic Art is the presentation of visual information in relation to legal procedures. A forensic artist may aid in the identification or location of victims of crime, missing persons or human remains, and may facilitate the identification, apprehension or conviction of criminals.

Forensic artists require technical and conceptual art skills alongside comprehensive medical and anatomical knowledge. The course provides training and expertise at the cutting-edge of the forensic art profession

What's so good about studying Forensic Art at Dundee?

You will benefit from the facilities of a well-established art college, whilst appreciating the newly-refurbished laboratories, a dedicated library and access to human material in a modern medical science environment.

The award-winning staff in the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) are amongst the most experienced in the UK in the fields of human identification, forensic anthropology, craniofacial identification and the study of the human body. The core remit of the Centre is the study of anatomy and staff deliver high quality anatomy teaching at all levels, via whole body dissection which allows students to develop a sound knowledge of the human body.

The Centre was awarded a prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education in November 2013. Presented in recognition of 'world class excellence', the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are among the most highly-regarded awards for the UK’s universities and colleges.

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching methods include traditional and online lectures, practical workshops in the studio and dissecting room and small group discussions. These encourage debate around theoretical research-based solutions to current practical problems.

The MSc will be taught full-time over one year (September to August).

How you will be taught

The course is delivered using traditional methods including lectures, practical studio sessions and small group discussions with an encouragement into debate and theoretical solutions to current problems.

What you will study

This highly innovative one-year taught MSc will encompass these fields, employing highly specialised tutors from scientific backgrounds alongside experienced forensic artists.

Semester 1 (60 credits)

In semester 1 the focus is on the study of anatomy through dissection, prosection study, illustration and facial sculpture and applying this to life art practice. Students will also be introduced to research methods and digital media.

Anatomy 1 - Head and Neck (15 credits)

Anatomy 2 - Post Cranial (15 credits)

Life Art (10 credits)

Digital Media Practice (10 credits)

Research Methods (10 credits)

Semester 1 may be also taken as a stand-alone PGCert entitled ‘Anatomy for Artists’.


Semester 2 (60 credits)

Forensic Facial Imaging, Analysis and Comparison (25 credits)

Forensic Art (25 credits)

Medical-Legal Ethics (10 credits)

On successful completion of Semesters 1 and 2 there is an exit award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Art and Facial Identification.

Semester 3 (60 credits) - dissertation and exhibition resulting from a self-directed project undertaken either at the university or as a placement.

How you will be assessed

A variety of assessment methods are employed, including anatomy spot-tests; oral and visual presentations; portfolio assessment of 2D/3D image acquisition and of artwork; written coursework and examination, such as forensic case reports.

Careers

This programme aims to provide professional vocational training to underpin your first degree, so that you can enter employment at the leading edge of your discipline. Career opportunities in forensic art are varied and will depend on individual background and interests.

In forensic art, potential careers exist within the police force and overseas law enforcement. Possible careers include:

Police art & design departments producing law enforcement documents, image enhancement, CCTV surveillance, image collection, staff posters and presentations.
SOCO/CSIs in UK or overseas law enforcement agencies
Facial composite practitioner and witness interview expert in police force
Archaeological artist working with museums, institutes and exhibitions
Facial identification services
Medico-legal artwork
Freelance art applications
Special effects and the media/film world
Academia – teaching or research
PhD research

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The aerodynamics and handling performances of aircraft are amongst the most challenging aspects of aircraft designs.

Take your expertise of the cutting-edge aeronautics industry to the next level with our course - focused on developing your understanding of advanced aerodynamics, materials and technologies.

The MSc in Aeronautical Engineering will enable you to develop a deep understanding and solid skills in aerodynamics and aerodynamic design of aircraft. Grasp detailed knowledge and application principles of composite materials and alloys, critically review and assess the application and practice of advanced materials in modern aircraft.

You will have access to our state-of-art Merlin flight simulator for design and testing your aircraft and will learn and use cutting-edge design, analysis and simulation software: MATLAB/Simulink, CATIA v5, ANSYS, and ABAQUS. You will also have access to subsonic and supersonic wind tunnel facilities and rapid prototyping facilities.

Key Course Features

-Wrexham Glyndŵr University is located nearby to one of the largest aircraft company in the world, Airbus and also has close links with aviation industries, such as Rolls-Royce, Raytheon and Magellan.
-The MSc in Aeronautical Engineering is accredited by Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), Institute of Engineering Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and provides you with the required training for registering for Chartered Engineer status.

What Will You Study?

FULL-TIME STUDY (SEPTEMBER INTAKE)
The taught element, Part One, of the programmes will be delivered in two 12 week trimesters and each trimester has a loading of 60 credits.

You will cover six taught modules which include lectures, tutorials and practical work on a weekly basis. The expected timetable per module will be a total of 200 hours, which includes 40 hours of scheduled learning and teaching hours and 160 independent study hours.

Part Two will then take a further 15 weeks having a notional study time of 600 hours. During this time the student will be responsible for managing his/her time in consultation with an academic supervisor.

FULL-TIME MODE (JANUARY INTAKE)
For the January intake, students will study the three specialist modules first during the second trimester from January to May. The three core modules will be studied in the first trimester of the next academic year from September to January.

On successful completion of the taught element of the programme the students will progress to Part Two, MSc dissertation to be submitted in April/May.

PART-TIME MODE
The taught element, part one, of the programmes will be delivered over two academic teaching years. 80 credits or equivalent worth of modules will be delivered in the first year and 40 credits or equivalent in the second year. The part time students would join the full time delivery with lectures and tutorials/practical work during one day on a weekly basis.

The dissertation element will start in trimester 2 taking a further 30 weeks having a total notional study time of 600 hours. During this time the student will be responsible for managing his/her time in consultation with an academic supervisor.

AREAS OF STUDY INCLUDE:
-Engineering Research Methods
-Sustainable Design & Innovation
-Engineering Systems Modelling & Simulation
-Advanced Composite Materials
-Applied Aerodynamics
-Flight Dynamics & Controls
-Dissertation

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Assessment and Teaching

You will be assessed throughout your course through a variety of methods including portfolios, presentations and, for certain subjects, examinations.

Career Prospects

The courses will give you the chance to advance your career to management levels. You might also consider consultancy, research and development, testing and design positions within the aeronautical industry. Airbus is a classic example of an employer excelling in this field in the north Wales region.

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

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IN BRIEF:

• Great employer demand for graduates of this course
• Access to excellent facilities including over 20 wind tunnels and a DC10 jet engine
• Accredited course by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, giving you the opportunity to achieve chartered engineer status
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

The aerospace industry is at the forefront of modern engineering and manufacturing technology and there is an expanding need for highly skilled chartered Aerospace Engineers.

If you are looking to pursue a career in aerospace engineering this course will enable you to apply your skills and knowledge of engineering devices and associated components used in the production of civil and military aircraft, spacecraft and weapons systems.

This module has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. On graduation you be able to work towards Chartered Aerospace Engineer status which is an independent verification of your skills and demonstrates to your colleagues and employers your commitment and credentials as an engineering professional.

TEACHING

The course will be taught by a series of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops and laboratory activities.

Some modules will include a structured factory visit to illustrate the processes and techniques and to enable investigations to be conducted.

Engineers from the industry will contribute to the specialist areas of the syllabus as guest lecturers.

ASSESSMENT

The coursework consists of one assignment, and two laboratory exercises.

• Assignment 1: Control design skills. (30%)
• Laboratory 1: Feedback control design skills and system modelling skills. (10%)
• Laboratory 2: Flight dynamics (10%)
• The first 5 assignments are of equal weighting of 10%, assignment 6 has a weighting of 20%
• Assignment1: Matlab programming skills assessed.
• Assignment2: Simulink/ Matlab for control programming skills assessed.
• Assignment3: Matlab simulation skills assessed.
• Assignment4: Matlab integration skills assessed.
• Assignment5: Matlab matrix manipulation knowledge assessed.
• Assignment 6: Aerospace assembly techniques.

FACILITIES

Mechanical Lab – This lab is used to understand material behaviour under different loading conditions and contains a tensile test machine and static loading experiments – typical laboratory sessions would include tensile testing of materials and investigation into the bending and buckling behaviour of beams.

Aerodynamics Lab – Contains low speed and supersonic wind tunnels – typical laboratory experiments would include determining the aerodynamic properties of an aerofoil section and influence of wing sweep on the lift and drag characteristics of a tapered wing section.

Composite Material Lab – This lab contains wet lay-up and pre-preg facilities for fabrication of composite material test sections. The facility is particularly utilised for final year project work.

Control Dynamics Lab – Contains flight simulators (see details below) and programmable control experiments – typical laboratory sessions would include studying the effects of damping and short period oscillation analysis, forced vibration due to rotating imbalance, and understanding the design and performance of proportional and integral controllers.

Flight Simulators

Merlin MP520-T Engineering Simulator    

• This simulator is used to support engineering design modules, such as those involving aerodynamics and control systems by giving a more practical experience of aircraft design than a traditional theory and laboratory approach. As a student, you'll design and input your own aircraft parameters into the simulator before then assessing the flight characteristics.
• The simulator is a fully-enclosed single seat capsule mounted on a moving 2-degree of freedom platform which incorporates cockpit controls, integrated main head-up display and two secondary instrumentation display panels.
• An external instructor console also accompanies the simulator and is equipped with a comprehensive set of displays, override facilities and a two-way voice link to the pilot.

Elite Flight Training System    

• The Elite is a fixed base Piper PA-34 Seneca III aircraft simulator used for flight operations training and is certified by the CAA as a FNPT II-MCC Multi-Crew Cockpit training environment. It has two seats, each with a full set of instrumentation and controls, and European Visuals, so you see a projection of the terrain that you're flying through, based on real geographic models of general terrain and specific airports in Europe.

EMPLOYABILITY

This is a highly valued qualification and as a graduate you can expect to pursue careers in a range of organizations around the world such as in aerospace companies and their suppliers, governments and research institutions.

FURTHER STUDY

You may consider going on to further study in our Engineering 2050 Research Centre which brings together a wealth of expertise and international reputation in three focussed subject areas.

Research at the centre is well funded, with support from EPSRC, TSB, DoH, MoD, Royal Society, European Commission, as well as excellent links with and direct funding from industry. Our research excellence means that we have not only the highest calibre academics but also the first class facilities to support the leading edge research projects for both post-graduate studies and post-doctoral research.

Visit http://www.cse.salford.ac.uk/research/engineering-2050/ for further details.

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Would you like to stand out in the employment job market by advancing your current qualification to master’s level?

The MSc Mechanical Engineering course will provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in key aspects of mechanical engineering. Throughout the duration of this course you will develop a critical awareness of ethical and environmental considerations, in addition to learning about advanced mechanical engineering practice and theory.

In the second year, for one semester, you’ll undertake an internship, study in another country or join a research group. This valuable experience will enhance your employability and further develop your theoretical and practical skills.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), this course fully meets the academic requirements to become a Chartered Engineer.

At a time when there is an international shortage of mechanical engineers there has never been a better time to enter this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Learn From The Best

You’ll be taught by tutors who have many years of experience in the various aspects of the engineering industry. Their experience, combined with their on-going active research, will provide an excellent foundation for your learning.

The quality of their research has put Northumbria University among the UK’s top 25% of universities for the percentage of research outputs in engineering that are ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. (Research Excellence Framework 2014.)

Our reputation for quality is reflected by the range and depth of our collaborations with industry partners. We’ve built up numerous industrial links during the 50+ years that we’ve been offering engineering courses. These links help ensure high quality placements and collaborative projects.

Northumbria has the advantage of being located in the North East of England, which is a centre of manufacturing and technical innovation. As well as Nissan, the region’s #1 company, there is a strong concentration of automotive, engineering, chemicals, construction and manufacturing companies.

Teaching And Assessment

The initial semesters of this course focus on taught subjects that cover topics such as computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multidisciplinary design and engineering optimisation, composite materials and lightweight structures, advanced stress and analysis and thermo-mechanical energy conversion systems.

Teaching is primarily delivered by lectures, seminars and workshops, all of which are assessed by methods such as assignments, exams and technical reports. All of this course’s assessments have been devised to closely mirror the outputs required in a real working environment.

On completion of the taught modules you will undertake a substantial piece of research related to an area of mechanical engineering that particularly interests you. Our teaching team will be on-hand to offer support and guidance throughout every stage of your course.

The Advanced Practice semester will be assessed via a report and presentation about your internship, study abroad or research group activities.

Module Overview
Year One
KB7001 - Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7006 - Composite Materials and Lightweight Structures (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7008 - Advanced Stress and Structural Analysis (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7030 - Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7042 - Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7043 - Multidisciplinary Design & Engineering Optimisation (Core, 20 Credits)

Year Two
KB7052 - Research Project (Core, 60 Credits)
KF7005 - Engineering and Environment Advanced Practice (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

Throughout the duration of your course you will have access to our dedicated engineering laboratories that are continuously updated to reflect real-time industry practice.

Our facilities include mechanical and energy systems experimentation labs, rapid product development and performance analysis, materials testing and characterisation, 3D digital design and manufacturing process performance.

You will be given the opportunity to get hands-on with testing, materials processing, moulding, thermal analysis and 3D rapid manufacture to help you create the products and systems required for the projects you will work on during your course.

Your learning journey will also be supported by technology such as discussion boards and video tutorials. You will also participate in IT workshops where you will learn how to use the latest industry-standard software.

Videos of lectures will on many occasions be made available through Panopto video software to further support teaching delivery.

You will also have access to all Northumbria University’s state-of-the-art general learning facilities such as dedicated IT suites and learning areas.

Research-Rich Learning

When studying at Northumbria University you will be taught by our team of specialist staff who boast a wealth of multi-dimensional expertise.

Our teaching team includes a dynamic mix of research-active industrial practitioners, renowned researchers and technologists, whose combined knowledge ensures you leave with an in-depth understanding of key mechanical engineering practice and research.

You will be encouraged to undertake your own research–based learning where you will evaluate and critique scientific papers and write research-based reports based on the information gathered.

We aim to regularly welcome industry specialists to deliver guest lecturers to further enable you to understand real-world issues and how they link to the concepts, theories and philosophies taught throughout your course.

The department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering is a top-35 Engineering research department with 79% of our outputs ranked world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest UK-wide research assessment exercise (REF2014, UoA15). This places us in the top quartile for world-leading publications among UK universities in General Engineering.

Give Your Career An Edge

The MEng Mechanical Engineering course will equip you with all of the skills required to progress within the engineering industry and competition of your master’s degree will give you a competitive edge thanks to the additional skills and knowledge you will acquire.

Our accreditation with the IMechE ensures that this course’s content is in-line with the latest developments within this sector, making our course highly valued by employers.

By completing this course you will have completed the academic requirement to become a Chartered Engineer, a status that is associated with improved employability and higher salaries.

Employability is embedded throughout all aspects of your course and you will leave with enhanced key skills such as communication, computing and teamwork.

The Advanced Practice semester will help you develop a track record of achievement that will help you stand out from other job applicants.

A two-year master’s course, like this one, will carry particular weight with employers. They’ll understand that you’ll have a deeper understanding of topics as well as more hands-on practical experience.

Your Future

Mechanical Engineering overlaps with a number of engineering disciplines meaning there are many career paths available to you once you have completed this course.

Many graduates choose to pursue a career in the expansive engineering sector, in roles such as designers, analysts, project managers or consultants.

You may also wish to progress your knowledge to PhD level and this course will provide you with a solid foundation that you can easily build on and advance to an even higher level.

Engineering is a growth industry and currently there is a shortage of engineers. 90% of our graduates are in work or study within six months of graduating and, of those in work, 80% are employed in a professional or managerial job (Unistats 2015).

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