Overview
So much of our everyday life is influenced by engineered products. As a mechanical engineer you’ll design, develop, operate and manufacture products and parts across a range of sectors. Mechanical engineering opens up a wide range of local, national and international career opportunities and as a Master of Engineering you’ll graduate in a prime position to take advantage of being a Chartered Engineer.
Careers
Mechanical engineering is possibly the most enabling discipline in engineering, dealing with materials, static and dynamic analysis, structural design, renewable energies, thermal engineering, product quality assurance, and manufacturing.
You'll have the opportunity to work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, renewable energies, 3D printing, and almost any product development and product-related application.The average salary for a mechanical engineer is £29,987* per year which significantly increases as you progress in to senior design and project management roles. *Payscale.com
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
In addition to our links with industry, our Employability Service and Placements Team provide numerous opportunities to gain experience and employment through internships and career fairs. You can also take advantage of mentoring schemes, CV and interview preparation sessions.
Modules & assessment
Year 1: Level 4
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IT and Research
This module is intended to be both preparatory and supportive, building a strong foundation for learning and later development. You will gain Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for information management and presentation purposes. You will be encouraged to use contemporary ICT methods for research and for the production and presentation of reports, in a style suitable both for your university coursework and the commercial environment. You will also develop skills in carrying out desk top research and self-directed study. -
Manufacturing
This module provides you with a basic understanding of manufacturing and joining processes. It gives the insight to the need of selecting the most appropriate manufacturing process in terms of technological feasibility and cost for a component. It explores the necessity to ensure, where possible, that the component design can be manufactured most efficiently and economically by a chosen technology. You will be introduced to modern equipment such as CNC machine and will have the opportunity to plan and make a component or product. Typical machine processes such as milling and turning will be introduced. You will conform to the regulations relating to safe workshop practice. About fifty per cent of the module will be based on practical design, plan and manufacture of a component or product. On the practical side, you can work either as a group or individually depending on the complexity of the product you make. But the final report is to be an individual work and includes critical evaluation of the product design, generation of alternative manufacturing processes and final recommendations. -
Introduction to Engineering Materials
We will introduce you to the structure and properties of a range of engineering materials. This includes a review of typical load extension curves and their interpretation and you will carry out tensile tests on engineering materials to support and extend the classroom teaching. You will be introduced to the atomic structure of metals and non-metals as a lead into an understanding of the factors that influence the physical properties of materials. Alloying of metals will be explored via equilibrium diagrams and structure will be determined from given information. You will develop your skills in gathering and interpreting scientific information via a series of laboratory experiments. This will involve the use of metallurgical inspection equipment as well as common testing equipment. Our module is supported by a well-equipped metallurgical laboratory serviced by technical staff. -
Introduction to Mechatronics
This module covers the components of a Mechatronics system that include sensors, electrical as well as mechanical systems integrated together via computer programming. It is intended to build a solid foundation through theoretical concepts (in-class lectures) and their practical applications (laboratory sessions). Microcontroller and microprocessors will be introduced along with different types of sensors (such as proximity, distance, force and temperature) and their usage in the real world. This aspect will then be integrated by introducing the fundamentals of electrical actuation systems such as relays, solenoids and motors (stepper, DC, AC etc). -
Electronic Principles for Robotics
A wide range of electronic components in analogue or digital applications are covered such as filters, operational amplifiers, Schmidt triggers, comparators, counters, flip flops and all digital gates. An assembly of these components towards a robotic control system are explained and demonstrated. The module also covers fundamentals of DC and AC electronic circuit analysis. -
Mathematics for Engineering 1
You will gain a solid background in mathematical techniques and analysis in order to pursue a degree course in technology or engineering studies. The module will help you to assess your existing mathematical skills and develop the core mathematical skills, knowledge and techniques needed in order that elementary scientific and engineering problems may be solved. Matrices and determinants, and their use in solving simultaneous equations are introduced. Problems involving elementary probability theory are solved. In the complex plane, de Moivre's theorem is introduced and used to find powers and roots. The techniques of calculus - differentiation and integration - and their applications are introduced. Numerical integration is explored.
Year 2: Level 5
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Dynamics and Fluid Mechanics
This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering principles, encompassing solid and fluid mechanics. It is intended to provide a sound theoretical basis for the analysis and synthesis of mechanical engineering systems. The module will review fundamentals of mechanical dynamics, fluid mechanics, and basic heat transfer. Dynamics relating to Newton's laws of motion are also discussed and applied. Fundamental understanding and applications of fluid mechanics, fluid statics, and Bernoulli’s equation are introduced as well as various classifications of fluid flow and concept of laminar and turbulent flow. -
Statistics and Process Quality Assurance
Gain the knowledge and confidence to use statistical techniques in industrial applications for process control and problem solving. You will focus on quality management systems and standards as well as quality improvement techniques, including Pareto, cause effect diagrams, Shewhart cycles. You will consider constructs and interprets statistical process control (SPC) charts and learn how to selects the appropriate chart for a given application. Finally, you will build confidence in probability and statistics and improve your skills in sampling, graphical representation of data, binomial and Poison and normal distributions, measures of location and spread and expected values. Overall, you will get an appreciation of the wider aspects of quality management that are vital to the survival of all organisations. -
Mathematics for Engineers 2
You will be introduced to the techniques that lie behind the solution of engineering problems. The methods tend to be hidden within software, you will gain an insight into the techniques, their application and their limitations so that you can make informed judgements on reliability of software solutions. Calculus is extended to partial differentiation and its applications and Laplace transforms and matrices are considered in depth. A statistics section is also included applied to the numerous areas of civil engineering which use these techniques. You will be prepared to undertake appropriate analysis in areas such as hydraulics, geotechnics, structural analysis and design. -
Computer-Aided Solid Modelling
You will build on your previous CAD experience to create more complex solid part models and consider advanced aspects of CAD in this module. We will look at assemblies made up of a number of parts and sub-assemblies, and use the feature-based parametric modelling technique which automates the design and revision procedures by the use of parameters. You will be introduced to the methods for modelling sculptured surfaces that are seen in plastic mouldings and transition elements, checking moving parts in an assembly, and analysing animation and their mechanisms. -
Applied Mechanics
This module will give you a fundamental understanding of applied mechanics, focusing on its application. We will study the static and dynamic of particles and rigid bodies under the influence of forces. Worked examples will enable you to become familiar with, and to grasp important concepts and principles, including pin-jointed frames and beams with various support systems, frictional motion on dry plain and inclined surfaces, and concept of shear force and bending moment diagram. -
Materials and Processes
You will develop on the learning outcomes covered in our Introduction to Engineering Materials module and review the use of equilibrium diagrams as an aid in predicting the structures of binary alloys under equilibrium cooling conditions. The module includes the atomic structure of engineering materials in predicting their behaviour in terms of physical and mechanical properties. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium structure of metals will be investigated in the laboratory in order to predict long term behaviour. The use of metals and non-metals under repeated loading cycles, the fracture toughness and creep resistance is explored in order to design components able to withstand a variety of service requirements. The economics of manufacture will cover the most optimum method of manufacturing with engineering materials and the effect of the processing on its structure. You will conduct laboratory experiments where you will be using a variety of test equipment and will be expected to complete full technical reports as part of your assessment. A technical visit will also form part of the module in order to witness industrial design processes and testing procedures. -
Engineering Design
This module is designed to develop the students’ ability to establish a need and design a product and processes working as part of a design team. Students consider marketing elements, cost and payback period, technological obstacles, ethical, regulatory and legal elements of the product and processes and the end user needs to develop a design thinking framework and produce product design and process brief. The product design and development stages such as concept generation and selection as well as feasibility studies are performed by students within groups. Detailed design methods and design for manufacture and assembly are taught and experienced by students. While the advanced use of 3D design software is vital, areas such as design strategies for 3D printing are explored, in some cases leading to rapid prototyping of the final product. Product lifecycle management, sustainability and environmental issues, adaptability to market change, intellectual property, and innovation management are part of materials covered in this module.
Year 3: Level 6
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Project Management for Technologists
Immerse yourself in the planning, operations research techniques, scheduling, quality, people and management skills involved in projects. You will think about the variety of techniques available that could be used for the control of projects and gain insight to the theoretical underpinning concepts of these techniques. You will reflect on just what these issues are and what future developments might be envisaged, both in specific work place context and in a general professional development context. -
Computer-Aided Engineering
Get 'hands on' experience with the latest industry-standard software. This module will introduce you to computer aided engineering as applied in industry, with emphasis on the analysis, manufacture and testing of a simple component. -
Modelling and Simulation for Operations Management
You will gain the tools and techniques to analyse the supply chain, using a computer simulation system. You will cover the need for advanced analysis tools in the manufacturing industry as the pace of change is accelerating and the competition is getting tougher. You will compare common supply chain decision support systems that include back of the envelope calculation, use of spreadsheets, queuing theory and simulation. The ability of simulation to represent systems with stochastic nature and its ability to see the system as a whole, considering the relationships and interactions between elements and the embedded logic is discussed. Simulation software is used to build valid shop floor models which may be subjected to varying influencing parameters. The output from the simulation models is used to assess performance. The performance of a supply chain can then be predicted and optimum operating conditions determined. -
Research Methods and Individual Project (Civil and Mechanical Engineering)
Carry out an individual piece of research in civil or mechanical engineering. You will write a literature review of current knowledge in your chosen topic area, formulate a research question and collect data. You will get the support of our specialist academics via supervision, tutorials and classroom sessions. You will also spend time identifying your achievements and skills and create a plan for progression with the production of a CV and exit plan.
Year 4: Level 7
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
Assessment
We will use a range of assessment methods to check your academic and practical progress throughout your study. These includes exams, essays and reports, work related to practical classes and demonstrations, log books, presentations, computer models, and posters.
Our focus in assessment is your learning, therefore we thrive to have a clear brief of assessment in all modules. We’ll support you through each semester with formative feedback on your progress and provide a fair assessment procedure.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Chelmsford
Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK & EU students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,700
Entry requirements
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