Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - with or without Applied Research

This is a specialist programme which develops your knowledge and understanding of key theories and methods that underpin mechanical engineering, and their intelligent application to solving industrial problems. This includes development of new technologies to meet engineering challenges of the future.

Driven by our industrial work and research, the course draws upon the heritage of mechanical engineering in the region and internationally recognised research in areas such as aerospace composites, polymers, advanced metal forming, and nanotechnology.

You will build your skills and knowledge in finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics, advanced manufacturing and design optimisation of mechanical systems (with the opportunity to specialise in manufacturing systems), computer-aided engineering for managers, polymer technology, composite optimisation, product process optimisation, entrepreneurship, and quality improvement.

You will demonstrate advanced depth and integration of specialist mechanical engineering knowledge by successfully undertaking 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.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page" below.

Year one
Research Methods and Management
A module which integrates lectures with group activities in the study of the basics of research methods and management processes. The student will consolidate their learning of research methodologies, management processes, data processing, literature review, report and dissertation writing.

Intelligent Manufacturing
Two of the most important developments in manufacturing in the 21st century are Additive Manufacturing and the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industrie 4.0). In this module, students will be introduced to these two strands of advanced manufacturing and will develop the skills and knowledge to engage with these concepts in an industrial context.

Advanced Thermal Fluid Sciences and CFD
This module in thermal fluid sciences covers external flow, turbulence and heat transfer and an introduction to CFD modelling and

Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems
Finite Element Analysis is an increasingly important tool that engineering organisations use to aid decision making in the design process. This module introduces students to the design process and methodologies commonly used in the modelling and analysis of complex mechanical systems.

Manufacturing systems
This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed.

Masters Dissertation
This module is designed to enable students to develop and demonstrate the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete a Masters level dissertation.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering
This module is optional
To provide participants with the capability to improve the competitiveness of companies through entrepreneurship practice and new product and/or process innovation. A major team design project is addressed derived from a real problem from within a local/global manufacturing company. Material covered is supported through tutorial, lecture and workshop sessions as appropriate.

Quality Improvement
This module is optional
This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered.

Research Project
This module is optional
A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Part-time students working as professionals in industry are often involved in work which is entrepreneurial in nature. As a result they frequently gain knowledge, techniques and skills, and acquire expertise, which is equivalent to work at post-graduate level. This module is designed to provide a framework within which such personal development and achievement can be recognised by the award of academic credit.

Work based learning
This module is optional
A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Part-time students working as professionals in industry are often required to do work which is academically challenging. As a result they frequently gain knowledge, techniques and skills, and acquire expertise, which is equivalent to work at post-graduate level. This module is designed to provide a framework within which such personal development and achievement can be recognised by the award of academic credit.

Polymer Technology
This module is optional
At the end of the module the student should be able to critically appraise alternative thermoplastic conversion and fabrication processing routes. Through analysis of processing behaviour, they should be capable of developing appropriate strategy for selection of conversion routes for a range of representative material systems and applications in terms of total economics and quality enhancement.

Composite Engineering
This module is optional

At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be in a position to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability.

Process Product Optimisation
This module is optional
At the end of the module the student should be capable of critically assessing the complete polymer or composite system. Using modelling and analysis techniques, they should be capable of designing the complete system to meet a specific performance requirement, thus removing much of the trial and error from the practice.

To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University's General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

These vary depending on the course and are detailed online.

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 English is not your first language this course requires a minimum English level of IELTS (academic) 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent.

Visit ulster.ac.uk/englishrequirements for more details.

This course is open to international (non-EU) students (full-time only).

For full entry requirements please see "Course Web Page" below.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).

Full-Time/Part-Time. Applied Research available full-time only.

Career options
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.