Mechanical Engineering MSc
Subject and course type
- Engineering, Electronics and Robotics
- Postgraduate
Get your career off to a roaring start with the Mechanical Engineering MSc course from ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. The course meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng), if you already have an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons).
You are reading:
Explore the science of designing, manufacturing and maintaining machinery
Gain the technological knowledge and industrial management skills the industry demands.
Our Mechanical Engineering MSc course will broaden your understanding of mechanical engineering design, modern materials application and advanced manufacturing technology. As well as improving your technical skills and knowledge, the programme will also develop your professional, analytical and management skills. For example, you will gain communication, teamwork, IT and problem-solving skills.
The course also enables you to specialise in a field of interest during an individual research-based project. This opportunity can be an excellent selling point when seeking a job or promotion.
Plus, at our Roehampton Vale campus, the £4 million Hawker Wing provides improved learning and teaching facilities for students and staff. You will also have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- 3D printing machines for printing polymers, composites, ceramics and metals
- Automotive testing facilities
- Materials testing lab equipped with various mechanical testing, fatigue test, and microscopy
- Dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs with latest computational software
I selected ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ because it offers excellent engineering tools, module options and lecture content. The facilities in the workshops and laboratories are also impressive. Since graduating, I have achieved IEng status and also successfully designed, manufactured and launched my own consumer product into the UK marketplace.
Why choose this course
On our Mechanical Engineering MSc programme, each module combines a stimulating mix of lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies and presentations. Through your choice of modules, you can tailor the course to your career ambitions.
During your Industrial Project Review and Analysis, you will have the opportunity to analyse and solve a real-world engineering problem using cutting-edge technologies. These include finite element modelling and analysis (FEM/FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and mechanism design, analysis and control as part of computer-aided engineering (CAE).
Many of our staff are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies. Current research projects at the Applied Engineering Research Centre cover CFD and fire modelling, applied engineering, manufacturing, and material processing and surface engineering.
Our lively research culture is also reflected in regular activities and seminars. Recent examples include nanoengineered coatings for leading-edge protection of wind turbine blades, interphase cellulosic bio-nanocomposites and fire behaviour in ventilated compartments using CFD. We've also recently covered mechanical and biological performance in bone tissue engineering, and heat transfer in laser-induced heating and melting of metal particles.
Accreditations
The MSc meets, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
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). 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.
Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational basis for CEng registration.
Graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for CEng registration. As such, they will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.
Find out more about Further Learning by visiting the .
Check the for more information about accredited degrees
Course content
The programme is structured so that students have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of mechanical design engineering, modern materials application and advanced manufacturing technology. It is built on a comprehensive use of advanced computer-based mechanical engineering design analysis and problem solving using cutting-edge technologies such as finite elements analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mechanism design analysis and control. Students are also able to gain the management and business skills necessary to take on leadership roles in major engineering projects.
The course is delivered with the support of external industrial speakers who bring their experience into the classroom so that students can learn how real problems can be solved using the techniques they have learned in the lectures. Innovative teaching methods, with the aid of a virtual learning platform, are used inside and outside the classroom to enhance the students' learning experience.
One of the main features of the course is that many of its subject materials are highly research oriented and taught by active and internationally-recognised research academics in the Faculty. This gives students the additional opportunity to deepen their subject interest by selecting a research-based project dissertation.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Please note: Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
Core modules
30 credits
Engineering design is at the heart of what professional engineers do. Currently computers and software are used in the design and manufacture of advanced products and processes. Modern products have complex construction and shape, and in general analytical solutions are not available for their designs. The designers inevitably use finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity analysis in many fields such as mechanical design, automotive, aerospace, biomechanics, etc and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the behaviour of complex fluid flows encountered in typical engineering applications.
In this module you will be introduced to FEA and CFD for solving advanced mechanical design problems by means of practical workshops using commercial FEA and CFD software. The commercial software ANSYS Workbench is used in this module; however, the underlying themes of the module are generic.
The first half of the module aims at introducing the principles of the modelling statics and dynamics problems with FEA and to critically assess and evaluate the results. In the second half of the module, you will become familiar with how to use computational fluid dynamics software to solve design problem related to fluids and heat transfer.
60 credits
Drawing on previous knowledge and experience, the dissertation module allows you to study an area of interest within your chosen field in significant depth. In undertaking the dissertation, you will develop not only a deeper understanding of your subject area but will also be able to demonstrate a high level of autonomy in terms of project dissertation planning and management. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and, through your own efforts, apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The main output from the module is a final report but the option is available for you to prepare their work in the format of an article suitable for submission to a relevant conference or journal.
30 credits
Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge required to select and justify a research topic and then to plan and execute that research project. Research is a broad topic covers a variety of activities that range from undertaking a project as part of an academic programme, through research and development in the commercial environment, to acquiring information to inform projects undertaken as part of routine business practice. This module introduces research in these contexts and allows you to develop your own research plan. As part of the module, you will consider setting research questions and determining hypotheses, acquire relevant information and data, apply suitable analytical techniques, and evaluate the significance and potential applications of their research findings. You will also develop your innovation skills through a combination of workshops and team working, resulting in submission of an innovation proposal aimed to address UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The module covers many practical aspects surrounding research in the commercial environment including intellectual property and professionalism, and sustainability is embedded throughout the module both in course content and via development of the innovation proposal.
15 credits
This module extends your knowledge and skills beyond the basic fluid mechanics methods which are normally introduced at early undergraduate level, and to provide a theoretical and analytical introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD.
The module also provides you with advanced computational knowledge in fluid dynamics, therefore enhancing your employment potential in a wide range of industries.
15 credits
The finite element analysis is a numerical method for solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics. Currently, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is widely used in engineering design of advanced structures. In FEA, mathematical assumptions are made for solving problems. Advanced structures are also highly prone to vibration due to their flexible nature while experiencing dynamic loads, if undetected can result in catastrophic failures. A structure could have several bending and torsional modes and with every mode there will be a corresponding natural frequency, damping ratio and mode shape. It is therefore important to be able to analytically predict these parameters.
This module covers introduction to FEA and structural dynamics. For FEA basic theory, and analysing stresses, deflections, and temperatures are covered. For structural dynamics, the primary parameters associated with vibration are identified; these include natural frequencies, damping, mode shapes and responses under operating dynamic loads. Examples of good practice for safe and effective application are presented.
This module will be particularly applicable for engineers and scientists who want to understand the fundamental theory of FEA and structural dynamics and gain understanding of underlying theories behind these techniques.
15 credits
This module is designed to develop your in-depth understanding of material science and engineering in relation to advanced materials, development techniques and coatings, together with materials selection methods employed by engineering consultants. The module aims to deepen your understanding of the relationships of material design, manufacturing processes and material properties by providing examples from various applications.
Optional modules
15 credits
This module covers advanced CAD and CAM techniques in conceptual design and manufacture and is heavily focussed on rapid manufacturing methods involving mould design, machining tool path optimisation and full machining simulation verification, and machining collision avoidance subjects will also be covered.
15 credits
This module provides high level view on the design of mechatronic and automation systems. Applications and types of such systems are discussed. Main components of mechatronic design are introduced, including mechanical design through specialised software, sensors and actuators, control design, and software development for real-time implementation. Theoretical material is illustrated by practical laboratory sessions on real-time design, using industrial standard, state-of-the-art equipment. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with your work on your final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
Graduates from this course typically progress to roles in the white goods industries and automotive and manufacturing sectors, such as:
- mechanical engineer
- project engineer
- design engineer
- quality engineer
- maintenance engineer
- automotive engineer
Work placement scheme
This course, like many postgraduate courses at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 18% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 88%; exams 12%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Mechanical Engineering MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to interview, they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
The skills I have gained in CAD/CAM and financial resourcing can be directly transferred to the workplace and help towards gaining Chartered Engineer status. I would recommend investing in a postgraduate qualification to anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and commercial awareness.
I'm now a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer within the R&D department at Formula One Management where I develop mechanical solutions to support F1 broadcasting activities.
