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Mechanical Engineering (with Placement) MSc

2023-24

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

18 months with placement

Places available (subject to change)

20

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Knowledge – Learn from our team of professional engineers and technicians with experience in the mechanical engineering field. 
  2. Research – Our team will support your research interests, with very flexible routes to a PhD and laboratories professionally equipped for highly focused research projects. 
  3. Practical Experience – Our team will support you in securing a six-month placement to practice the skills and techniques developed throughout the course. You could work in industry, a research group or within a teaching environment. 

This course is specifically aimed at International students, supporting those wishing to gain practical work based experiential learning. Together with studying your chosen course we are offering you the opportunity to secure a placement* for an additional 6 months, making the course 18 months in length. This allows students with limited experience to put into practice the skills and techniques developed throughout the Master’s degree.

More than 1.8m additional engineers and qualified technicians will be needed by 2025 to meet existing and growing demand for skills across Britain, according to Engineering UK; there is currently a shortfall of at least 20,000 UK-trained engineers every year. The engineering sector as a whole currently accounts for 26% of GDP and more than 5.7m jobs.*

Society today places a huge range of demands on the engineering community, from the desire for ever more sophisticated consumer goods to the challenges imposed by the need for clean forms of power and transport. Faced with these demands, engineering industries in the UK are continually seeking professional engineers with high levels of expertise and skills.

If you are a graduate from an engineering or closely related science discipline and you would like to extend your knowledge, skills and ability to an advanced level, this course can help you achieve this.

By providing you with a greater depth of knowledge and skills in engineering science and expanding your technical skills into previously unfamiliar areas of mechanical engineering and related subjects this course can help you to broaden your skills and knowledge and develop the management know how for you to succeed as a manager within an engineering organisation.

https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/uk-education-system-will-not-fulfil-the-needs-of-the-engineering-sector-by-2025---tata-institution-report Please see the placement section for more details.

Course detail

Professional Development and Research Methods

professional development, you will develop professional skills such as team working, organisation and leadership. You will also get the opportunity to explore a range of research methods and understand how they can be used in your own area of interest. There will be the opportunity to learn about professional registration in Engineering and how you can begin on that journey. You will learn through self directed study of online material supported by interactive seminars and workshops, this will give you ownership of your own learning and help you develop skills for life long learning and continued professional development. The assessment for this module will enable you to put these skills into practice in coursework which challenges your professional development and research skills whilst focussing on broadening your understanding of contemporary challenges in the sector.

Advanced Static Analysis

This module aims to extend your knowledge of the scientific principles used in more advanced static analysis of mechanical components and systems and to understand the role that mathematical and computer based modelling plays in this type of analysis. The module will allow you to gain experience in the use of commercial analysis software to solve non-linear and thermal structural problems. This experience will be gained on leading commercial software packages through the solution of a number of graded problems.

Advanced Dynamic Analysis

The module uses selected topics to give you an advanced understanding of the theory and analytical tools that can be applied to dynamic mechanical systems. You will develop the ability to develop models and analyse complex systems using commercial software packages and to specify appropriate optimisation and mitigation techniques. The module further provides, through theory and practical examples, the means to quantify and solve realistic problems. Laboratory testing of a practical system will be used to provide data to validate models. Fundamentals of acoustics are covered including sound sources and propagation and mitigation of noise. Measurement techniques form part of the investigative nature of the subject and general empirical methodology. Mathematical analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

New Product Development

In this module you will consolidate the skills required to implement and manage the New Product Development (NPD) process within the context of an industrial organisation in order to deliver improvements in the contemporary performance imperatives of quality, speed and price. You will develop your expertise in the evolution, development and exploitation of NPD strategies. You will explore the principles of innovation and creativity to develop an improved understanding of management policies, models, culture and creative practice; and appropriate management methodologies to assess new product ideas, determine feasibility, and define those products to achieve commercial gain. Much of your work will be group-based and interactive and involve a number of industrial case studies illustrating NPD tools and techniques. You will evaluate the importance of customer involvement, teamwork, organisational strategy, knowledge management, intellectual property, and leading-edge methodologies in the context of NPD strategies.

Individual Project

The project provides you with the opportunity required within an MSc to undertake a major programme of advanced independent work. Where possible your project is carried out in collaboration with an industrial company and takes place at the company.

Advanced CAD

This module introduces you to the principles and applications of computer aided design (CAD) within industry. It considers an advanced 3D design package to allow mechanical and visual design to be carried out. You will also look at modern approaches to automation of the design process and topology optimisation for parts manufactured using additive manufacturing. The module provides hands-on experience of a high-level 3-D CAD system from part design to assembly, drawings and design automation. It also provides you with an understanding of the role, concepts and application of 3-D CAD systems in industry.

Quality Systems and Measurement

This module will build upon your previously acquired understanding of Operations Management, Quality Assurance and Control, together with the statistical techniques employed in probability theory. During the course of this module, you will develop further expertise necessary to implement and operate Quality Systems, Maintenance Regimes and Reliability Trials and support New Product Introductions. You will explore the role of Quality Systems in the introduction of New Products. You will also learn about the importance of ensuring that products are problem-free in their early life to become established on the market.

Advanced Thermofluids

Fluid dynamic forces acting on a fluid handling system affect the performance effectiveness of the system. This module considers an advanced study of fluid flows relevant to industrial fluid handling systems such as vehicles, turbomachines and pipeline systems. Modern vehicles will be studied to highlight the subtle design features being employed to reduce drag, provide deliberate vortices, or create a predictable down-force on the vehicles. The design features related to turbomachines and the pipelines are also discussed in detail. Additionally, the module considers an optimised design for various systems considered including engine cooling systems, in-car air conditioning, turbo-machines and piping systems. We will introduce you to an appropriate commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package and its use for design of an optimised system.

Project and Finance Management

This module aims to develop your understanding of the strategic aspects of programme and project management and its role in adding competitive advantage to an organisation. The module enables you to gain a firm grounding in the principles, processes, tools and techniques that underpin programme and project management. It also aids you to develop a systematic understanding of the purposes and uses of financial information, together with the ability to use quantitative skills to improve performance management and decision making within an organisation. Emphasis is placed upon the need for competence in project planning and control. Team-working, communication and risk management skills are developed by means of group activity. Extensive use is made of project management and simulation software.

Professional Development and Practice

This module provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your professional practice during your Masters degree by undertaking a period of development through study or by working with a company, research group or within a teaching environment in the UK or overseas. This module encourages you to reflect on your technical, personal and professional development experiences, and to identify your learning from these experiences.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are normally:

  • An Honours degree (2:1 or above) in a Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Systems related subject or a closely related Science subject area or equivalent professional qualification
  • Applicants with other appropriate profession qualifications will be considered on an individual basis

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Why study with us?


Hear from our academic staff and students to discover what it's like to study as a Postgraduate Student at the University of Huddersfield.

Placements


This course provides you with the chance to undertake a 6 month placement at the end of the taught element. This may be by working in a company, a research group or within a teaching environment. A placement can help you build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course.

The placement is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with work experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding a suitable placement opportunity. Students will have access to online learning materials to pick up advice on CVs, cover letters, speculative applications, online applications, and interviews. In addition, students will have access to the placement drop-in sessions for one-to-one advice and have a mock interview.

Student life

Enhance your career


Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as engineering consultant, engine air specialist – technical specialist and line trial engineer in organisations including Atkins Ltd, Cummins Turbo Technologies Ltd and Optimas Solutions.**

* Percentage of graduates from the School of Computing and Engineering who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 18/19, UK domiciled graduates)

**Source: LinkedIn

88.2%*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Computing and Engineering, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Support Office: a one stop shop for students studying within the School. The team deal with every aspect of student life from enrolment, module queries, timetabling, exams, assessments, course-related committees and graduation. They are the first place to go with any query, and they can also signpost to other support networks.

Student Guidance Office: provides guidance about how students can develop their academic study skills and learning development. The team provide support with academic skills including research and project planning, referencing and paraphrasing, essay writing, critical thinking, understanding assessments and the presentation of academic work. Common learning development topics include, developing effective study habits, time management, how to manage deadlines, plan, structure and organise work and understanding the University regulations and systems.

Technical Support: technicians support our students across each department. Based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge they are on hand to advise and guide, students can access our technician’s expertise during lectures and seminars as well as during self-study. A technical Helpdesk is also available to all students within the School of Computing and Engineering to help troubleshoot any computer issues or to borrow hardware and software.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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