Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year)
(MEng) Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year)
Entry for 2025
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to produce engineering graduates who are equipped for success and leadership potential in graduate careers which require expertise in mechanical engineering such as in the energy, automotive, transport, marine, construction and aerospace industries. It aims to engender the ability to integrate knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, computer-based methods, design, the economic, social and environmental context, and engineering practice to solve
a substantial range of engineering problems, some of a complex nature. Much of this ability is acquired through individual and interdisciplinary group projects which benefit from industrial involvement. Design is an essential component and spans specification, conceptual development, design embodiment, final design, manufacture, marketing and sales. A distinctive characteristic of the course is the general engineering focus of the first year, which aims to provide a solid foundation of engineering knowledge to equip the graduate for work in multidisciplinary teams.
Course Learning Outcomes
The aim of this course is to produce engineering graduates who are equipped for success and leadership potential in graduate careers which require expertise in mechanical engineering such as in the energy, automotive, transport, marine, construction and aerospace industries. It aims to engender the ability to integrate knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, computer-based methods, design, the economic, social and environmental context, and engineering practice to solve
a substantial range of engineering problems, some of a complex nature. Much of this ability is acquired through individual and interdisciplinary group projects which benefit from industrial involvement. Design is an essential component and spans specification, conceptual development, design embodiment, final design, manufacture, marketing and sales. A distinctive characteristic of the course is the general engineering focus of the first year, which aims to provide a solid foundation of engineering knowledge to equip the graduate for work in multidisciplinary teams.
Course learning outcomes
1. (SM1m) A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in mechanical and related engineering disciplines, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies
2. (SM2m) Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in mechanical and related engineering disciplines, and to enable them to apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of engineering problems
3. (SM3m) Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of mechanical and related engineering disciplines and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively
4. (SM4m) Awareness of developing technologies related to mechanical engineering.
5. (SM5m) A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to mechanical engineering, and an appreciation of their limitations
6. (SM6m) Understanding of concepts from a range of areas, including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them in engineering projects
7. (EA1m) Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes
8. (EA2) Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques
9. (EA3m) Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches, and understanding their limitations, in order to solve engineering problems and implement action
10. (EA4m) Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex engineering problems
11. (EA5m) Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
12. (EA6m) Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems
13. (D1) Understand and evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics
14. (D2) Investigate and define the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standards
15. (D3m) Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies
16. (D4) Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal
17. (D5) Plan and manage the design process, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes
18. (D6) Communicate their work to technical and non-technical audiences
19. (D7m) Demonstrate wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations
20. (D8m) Demonstrate the ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs
21. (EL1m) Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical production in engineering, a knowledge of professional codes of conduct, and how ethical dilemmas can arise
22. (EL2) Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes
23. (EL3m) Knowledge and understanding of management techniques, including project and change management, that may be used to achieve engineering objectives, their limitations, and how they may be applied appropriately
24. (EL4) Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate
25. (EL5m) Awareness of the relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health & safety, contracts, intellectual property rights, product safety and liability issues, and an awareness that these may differ internationally
26. (EL6m) Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques, and an ability to evaluate commercial risk
27. (EL7m) Understanding of the key drivers for business success, including innovation, calculated commercial risks and customer satisfaction
28. (P1) Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, application and development of technology, etc.)
29. (P2m) Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components
30. (P3) Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills
31. (P4) Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources
32. (P5) Knowledge of relevant legal and contractual issues
33. (P6) Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
34. (P7) Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement
35. (P8) Ability to work with technical uncertainty
36. (P9m) A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments
37. (P10m) Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints
38. (P11m) Understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader
39. (G1) Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities
40. (G2) Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
41. (G3m) Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis
42. (G4) Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader
Full-time course composition
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.