Mechanical Engineering MSc

Core modules

• Computer Aided Engineering Analysis

  Gain experience of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as applied in industry with emphasis on the analysis, manufacture and test of components, assemblies and processes. Our module is predominantly 'hands on' and employs industry-standard linear static and non-linear software. We will also cover the validation of the FEA models and the estimating of product life.

• Engineering Quality Management

  You will be provided with a critical awareness and an in-depth understanding of the principles of modern quality management and its application in an engineering context. Our module explores the origins of quality management and the development of Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma and international standards, such as ISO 9000. You will develop an understanding of various quality management tools and their implementation in engineering applications.

• Automation and Robotics

  In this module we will focus on the area of smart automation technology and robots in conjunction with intelligent systems and adaptive machine communication. You will benefit from a comprehensive overview of technical aspects and the state-of-the art methods in design and operation, acquiring knowledge and concepts for automation, programming and interaction of these intelligent systems in Flexible Manufacturing cell. We will also give further consideration of their adaptability to change of settings. You will explore the capabilities, limitations and future trends in robot systems in order to specify and plan robot installations with major phase in design and operation of automated industrial applications for manufacturing functions.

• Computational Fluid Dynamics

  Gain a systematic, in-depth understanding and critical awareness of advanced fluid mechanics and numerical methods. We will develop your knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry can be used to create and translate knowledge to solve challenging problems in the discipline. You will also gain a conceptual understanding of the subject, enabling you to critically evaluate research and state of the art technology to create a critical awareness of current problems and to develop new vision, at the forefront of academic knowledge.

• Innovative Product Design and Manufacture

  You will be provided with an in-depth knowledge of innovative design methods together with time compression technologies that will reduce the time of delivering new products to market. You will use a range of design tools to apply innovative design methods and to improve the design of an existing product, such that it can be manufactured and assembled at a minimum cost and yet maintain the level of quality and reliability demanded by customers. Tools such as 3-D solid modelling and engineering software tools will be extensively used throughout the module. Our module will also enable you to plan the method of manufacture of a product using suitable modern manufacturing and prototyping methods. You will be introduced to modern equipment, such as CNC machines, rapid prototyping machines and automated inspection.

• Advanced Materials and Structural Integrity

  Learn to understand the advanced concepts of material processes and their importance in the mechanical behaviour, integrity and performance of structures. We will cover durability concepts involving fatigue, crack generation and stress flow in the parts initially, and later extend the concepts to include structural analysis and stability evaluation of mechanical systems. We will explain the concept of non-linear behaviour of engineering materials as a common phenomenon in the structural behaviour of load-bearing members. The module is formed within industrial needs and standards to highlight the necessity of feasible and applied part design.

• Research Design and Methods

  Gain an in-depth understanding of the theories and methods of research and research design and develop a theoretical and practical foundation in research for your major project/dissertation. You will get an understanding of a range of approaches to research, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, together with an understanding of a number of specific research methods. You will develop your knowledge of research design in order to critically consider the design for your research project, including preparing your proposal and considering ethics and ethical issues. You will develop a theoretical and practical foundation from which to develop your Masters Level Major Project/Dissertation.

• Masters Project

  You'll chose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within our department (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 12,000 words.