Mechanical Engineering

This specialist engineering programme will equip you with the skills required to be a modern mechanical engineer. It focuses on the latest techniques and technologies used in mechanical engineering, teaching you how to apply these to complex contemporary problems.

You will gain a range of computational skills which will enable you to analyse systems using numerical methods, simulation and optimisation techniques. Sustainability is also emphasised throughout the programme and you will be encouraged to consider responsible solutions to modern day challenges.

The programme is supported by internationally leading research projects in areas such as nano-scale materials engineering, biomedical engineering, 3D analysis from CT scans for prosthetic bone replacement surgery, additive layer manufacturing for high specification applications with aerospace metals, and application and recycling of polymers and composites.

The programme has been designed for mechanical engineers who want to progress their careers, and will be submitted for accreditation to be assessed as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. This will enable graduates to apply for CEng registration through membership of an appropriate Professional Engineering Institution, for example the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), following an assessment of their subsequent professional development and experience.

 

The MSc degree programme is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a Masters (Further Learning) degree, and hence aims to contribute towards graduates becoming professionally qualified engineers in the UK, with international recognition. This programme is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. Graduates may apply for CEng registration through membership of an appropriate Professional Institution following an assessment of their subsequent professional development and experience.

To provide you with knowledge/skills in the field of modern mechanical engineering and current developments and future directions in fields such as smart structures or devices and novel materials for application into mechanical engineering. This fits with modern practice in industry where knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines is required. The programme offers a mixture of theoretical and practical topics at the advanced level.

To generate in you an enthusiasm for the application of mechanical engineering into real world situations, an understanding of how modern mechanical engineering can be enhanced by knowledge and skills from materials engineering and to involve you in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and scholarship.

To develop research skills, personal skills and core academic skills which will prepare you for a wider range of employment opportunities.

To prepare for further research in the area of Mechanical Engineering.
 

Your MSc Mechanical Engineering programme is a 1 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 1 ‘Stage’.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.  

Exit Awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.

Postgraduate Diploma: At least 120 credits of which 90 or more must be at NQF level 7.

Postgraduate Certificate: At least 60 credits of which 45 or more must be at NQF level 7.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site

https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

You may take Option Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site.

https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

Credit

The programme consists of 180 credits.  The pass mark for award of credit in an individual PG module is 50%.

Condonement

This programme is accredited by a PSRB under licence from the Engineering Council. Therefore, the latest Engineering Council regulations on condonement apply to this programme. Please find further details in the TQA Manual here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/specialprovisionsforprogrammeswithaccreditationlicencedbytheengineeringcouncil/

Assessment and Awards

The award will normally be based on at least 180 credits of which 150 or more must be at NQF level 7

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Postgraduate Degrees

Distinction   70%+

Merit            60-69%

Pass            50-59%

Full details of  PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Entry requirements for this programme can be found on the Postgraduate Study Page.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements and English Language requirements of the University of Exeter.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

The MSc Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the  Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The accredited MSc will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme that do not also have an appropriately accredited Honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualification for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their qualifications individually assessed through the Individual Case Procedure if the wish to progress to CEng.