MSc Mechanical Engineering Design

This programme will enable you to develop your career to an advanced level of design management in most industrial sectors. It will also support your progression to registration as a Chartered Engineer.

• Year 1

• The programme involves 180 credits of study at Level 7 with flexibility to meet your individual development needs. The core modules are complemented by negotiated study and a 60-credit design dissertation project.

  During the first two semesters of this one-year programme you will explore systems design, product modelling, design management, and the strategies and tactics of modern design practice. You will develop competency in computer-aided engineering and design practice through a project-based learning approach and learn about design research and the methods used to create new insights and understanding of design science.

  In the final semester you will complete a 60-credit dissertation project that allows you to carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and demonstrate innovation and creativity in the development of novel solutions to challenging problems.

  During the programme you will start recording and planning your professional development to assist any future application for CEng registration.

  Core modules

  ENGR501
  Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development

  You will use a methodical approach to engineering research that helps identify and define projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. You will plan your research project and select ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. Your progression towards professional registration will be appraised and plans made for your personal development.

  PROJ517
  MSc Dissertation

  You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.

  MECH558
  Design for Excellence 40 credits

  In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.

  100% Coursework

  ENGR503
  Computer Aided Engineering 20 credits

  This module will develop a fundamental understanding of contemporary finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques as applied within the engineering design process. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of validated and verified approaches to computer-aided engineering analysis and their implementation in analysing complex, practical engineering problems.

  100% Coursework

  MECH559
  Advanced Materials Engineering & Nanotechnology 20 credits

  This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of a wide range of contemporary engineering materials (advanced metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  Optional modules

  MECH549
  Medical Engineering and Biomechanics

  This module will develop specialised knowledge and understanding required for designing medical devices and implants used in medical engineering applications and biomechanical systems; evaluate the selection of appropriate materials and appraise material-tissue interactions; develop computer aided analytical techniques to evaluate behaviour and performance of medical devices and biomechanical systems.

  MAR541
  Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems 20 credits

  In this module students will learn how offshore renewable energy converters operate and the engineering challenges they must overcome. The mechanics behind wave energy, tidal energy and offshore wind energy converters will be studied. Students will also gain experience in modelling the behaviour of these devices, using both industry or other standard software and physical modelling in the COAST laboratory.

  100% Coursework

MSc Mechanical Engineering Design programme specification_7437

A 2:2 BEng (Hons) degree or a 2:1 BSc (Hons) degree in mechanical engineering or other closely related discipline, with a demonstrable aptitude for design from workplace experience or study.

If you have considerable professional experience and can evidence an academic ability to undergraduate degree levels you may also be considered.

If you have overseas qualifications you can check your comparability with the UK equivalent through ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service.

If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

ATAS is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme which was introduced by the British government to certify students from outside the EU who wish to study or conduct research in Britain in certain sensitive technology-related fields. For selected courses, obtaining a valid ATAS certificate is a requirement for gaining visa approval so should be taken seriously as part of any application. Areas related to ATAS include chemistry, engineering, physics, biophysics, metallurgy and microbiology. ATAS is used at all British universities and is enforced by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. More information.

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.