Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

Overview

Driven by the School's industrial work and research, this programme has been designed in response to demand from industry to deliver the skills required to develop new technologies and meet the engineering challenges of the future.



The programme draws upon the heritage of Mechanical Engineering in the region and internationally recognised research within the school in areas such as Aerospace Composites, Polymers, Advanced Metal Forming and Nanotechnology. Such research within the school has led to several successful spinout companies and collaboration with a broad range of industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive, materials handling, marine and energy. Staff teaching on the course have a wealth of industrial experience working with a wide range of companies.



In addition, the MSc programme seeks to allow graduates to demonstrate an advanced depth and integration of specialist Mechanical Engineering knowledge by successfully undertaking and completing a major dissertation based on original research or the implementation of new and advanced processes, procedures and technologies into the industrial environment.



Work placement / study abroad

Part-time students can undertake work based learning modules.

Full-Time Programme

Year One

Research Methods and Management

Intelligent Manufacturing

Advanced Thermal Fluid Sciences and CFD

Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems

Advanced Manufacturing systems

Masters Dissertation

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering - This module is optional

Quality Improvement - This module is optional

Research Project - This module is optional

Work based learning - This module is optional

Polymer Technology - This module is optional

Composite Engineering - This module is optional

Process Product Optimisation - This module is optional



Part-Time Programme

Year One

Intelligent Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing systems

Research Project - This module is optional

Work based learning - This module is optional

Polymer Technology - This module is optional

Composite Engineering - This module is optional



Year Two:

Research Methods and Management

Advanced Thermal Fluid Sciences and CFD

Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering - This module is optional

Quality Improvement - This module is optional

Process Product Optimisation - This module is optional



Year Three

Masters Dissertation

PgDip - Normally, an Honours or non-Honours degree or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route. It is possible to transfer onto the MSc version of the course after successfully completing the PGDip. MSc - Specific details on the admission criteria can be found at the course webpage provided below. Normally, a second class honours degree or better in a relevant engineering, science, physics or technology discipline. Or a postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering or technology discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route.



If you require a Student Route Visa you will need a valid ATAS Certificate

PgDip - Normally, an Honours or non-Honours degree or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route. It is possible to transfer onto the MSc version of the course after successfully completing the PGDip. MSc - Specific details on the admission criteria can be found at the course webpage provided below. Normally, a second class honours degree or better in a relevant engineering, science, physics or technology discipline. Or a postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering or technology discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Students can apply for exemptions for specific modules based on prior learning.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Attendance

Full-time students take four modules per semester for semesters 1 and 2 and then undertake the dissertation during the summer. Part time students generally take two modules per semester but this can be altered as required. Part time students typically attend on Fridays during term time and some of the modules run in the evening.

Start Date: September 2026 and January 2027.

Careers and Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be more employable, particularly in Northern Ireland’s thriving advanced manufacturing, materials and engineering sectors. For those already working in the sector, the MSc is an effective step to career progression or as preparation for PhD studies or research positions.



Another important opportunity for MSc students is the academic career and/or research career through a PhD programme such as those offered in the Engineering Research Institute (ERI) which hosts the MSc programme.



This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described.