Course overview

Mechanical engineering is at the heart of modern technology and as a result in the increasing use of computers in the various stages of development, from the initial design through to the manufacturing stage, mechanical engineers must understand the underlying theory if they are to be able to use these computing tools effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, many problems facing society over the next few years (e.g. the inevitable energy crisis) will involve mechanical engineers using all their skills and ingenuity to solve them. Therefore, the demand for more highly skilled mechanical engineers is always present. This course therefore aims to:

• give you an overview of mechanical engineering management issues from a number of perspectives and provide an advanced understanding of materials, processes and the operation of manufacturing systems
• enable you to undertake an advanced treatment of core mechanical engineering disciplines, numerical modelling and simulation of engineering systems using finite element analysis and appreciate the national and international environment in which you are likely to work
• develop key skills such as working in groups, use of IT, independent learning, research methods and formulation of projects
• enable in-depth studies of applications using our research strengths and the Regional Centre for Manufacturing Industry
• develop your skills and abilities in both the use and underlying theory of state-of-the-art techniques and manufacturing processes, utilising our strong links with companies and the investigation of real industrial problems

Professional accreditation

The course has been accredited as suitable 'further learning' by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering Technologists (IET), leading to chartered engineer status.

Course content

In order to equip you to work as a mechanical engineer in a broad spectrum of mechanical engineering business activity management, research, design and development roles, you will study:

• Structural Integrity: contemporary approaches are applied to the evaluation of mixed mode fracture and fatigue failure. Dynamic plastic responses of structures and the performance of composite structures are evaluated.
• Industrial Control Systems: mathematical representation of control system models is developed principally using Laplace transforms. System behaviour and simulation is analysed with practical case studies, leading to control system specifications.
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes: modern processes and techniques are evaluated, including rapid prototyping/manufacture. Material selection is incorporated with particular emphasis on modern composite materials including eco-friendly options using natural fibres.
• Energy Management: incorporates energy conservation practice, thermal plant analysis, including combined heat and power systems and the study of biomass combustion.
• Structural Application of Finite Elements: the use of finite element analysis techniques and software applied to structural problems is developed. Modelling with both isotropic and orthotropic materials is investigated, as well as such topics as cracking in dissimilar materials and composite laminates.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics: a practical case study analysis approach is used for model formulation and CFD simulation. Fundamental principles are used to appraise the results of CFD analysis of problems with industrial applications.
• Individual Project: a strong feature of the course is the individual project, which comprises a third of the course. We encourage students to undertake projects in industrial companies, but we can also use our extensive resources and staff skills to undertake projects within the University.

Teaching and assessment

The School of Engineering has a long and distinguished history of running both undergraduate and postgraduate engineering courses. Apart from our responsibility to you, we also have a positive role to play in advancing local industry by housing the Regional Centre for the Manufacturing Industry (RCMI), which contains cutting-edge equipment used both for teaching and introducing local companies to new, innovative technologies.

The School is particularly proud of the outcome of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which has recognised and placed MDE amongst the top research active departments in the UK. Research at MDE has been assessed as internationally recognised at the level of 85 per cent with 45 per cent of the research assessed as internationally excellent. This research excellence underpins the high quality of teaching, learning and project implementation of our Master?s courses.

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials (personal and academic), laboratory, computer and project-based work, by our enthusiastic team of lecturers who have a wide range of industrial and research experience.

Assessment is geared towards the subject matter in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. It takes many forms and will include examinations, dissertations, assessed coursework and laboratory work.

Career prospects

When you graduate from this course you could find employment in a wide range of mechanical engineering-based careers, such as design, research and development and manufacturing.

Facilities and features

Lectures and tutorials are complemented with a range of activities using our state-of-the-art computer facilities and laboratories. We have a wide range of rapid prototyping and laser scanning measuring equipment used for research and development, including nanotechnology, which is used for composite material manufacture and testing. You will also have access to a wide variety of computer hardware with industrial-standard software, including Pro Engineer.

Our extended library is open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time. It provides a variety of information to help with study and research and has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks, which can be accessed across campus, from home or wherever there is an internet connection.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Mechanical Engineering are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: School of Engineering (ENG)
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 2555
Email: technology.admissions@port.ac.uk