MSc Mechanical Engineering Design at University of Plymouth

About

Year 1
Embark on an exciting journey with our MSc Mechanical Engineering Design programme to enhance your professional development and transferable skills! This 180-credit MSc programme is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring you
get the most out of your learning experience.
In the first two semesters, you'll develop deeper insights to core proficiencies in engineering design, advanced materials and nanotechnology along with research methods for continuing professional development; you'll delve into design research and learning methods that drive innovative solutions to challenging engineering problems. Boost and complement your skills through our selection of dynamic, project-based learning approaches, from our world leading research in renewable energy subjects, contemporary use of FEA and CFD through computer-aided engineering, designing medical devices and biomechanical systems, to nuclear applications for science and engineering.
The most exciting part of your year is your dissertation project! This where you get to apply the skills and knowledge you've gained to explore a topic that truly fascinates you. Imagine diving deep into a subject you're passionate about, uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of your understanding. This hands-on engineering research challenge is your opportunity to develop a profound expertise in an area that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations.

Core modules

ENGR501
Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development 20 credits

Shape your dissertation project with a methodical approach to research, ensuring it is both innovative and impactful. You'll plan practical work in our specialist labs and select appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to enable you to produce credible findings. Also, you'll map out your personal development pathway toward professional registration, setting the foundation for your future success.

100% Coursework

PROJ517
MSc Dissertation 60 credits

This module enables students to undertake an independent research project, applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout their MSc studies. Under academic supervision, students will apply appropriate methodologies, carry out in-depth analysis, and present their findings in a well-structured dissertation that demonstrates critical thinking, technical ability, and academic rigour.

100% Coursework

MECH558
Design for Excellence 40 credits

Advance your engineering design skills by working in a team to create innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions to complex, real-world challenges. Use CAD and CAE tools to optimise technical performance across the product lifecycle. Validate your solution by building and testing a working prototype using our modern lab facilities. This module tests your perseverance to attend to the smallest of details!

100% Coursework

MECH559
Advanced Materials Engineering & Nanotechnology 20 credits

In this module you will explore the forefront of material science with a strong focus on nanotechnology and its transformative impact on engineering. Gain in-depth knowledge of advanced materials - including metals, polymers, composites and ceramics. You will analyse product failures, assess alternative materials, and apply eco-design principles to drive sustainable, high-performance solutions.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

Optional modules

MECH549
Medical Engineering and Biomechanics

Gain the in-depth knowledge essential to the modern medical engineer for designing innovative medical devices and implants used in biomedical and biomechanical systems. Explore material selection and how materials interact with human tissues. Apply computer-aided analysis to assess implant performance and behaviour in real-world medical engineering applications.

ENGR503
Computer Aided Engineering 20 credits

You will develop a fundamental understanding of numerical simulation techniques for use in engineering design and analysis. Emphasis is placed on the importance of rigorous interpretation of verified methods in computer-aided engineering (CAE), with a focus on finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), applied to complex engineering problems.

100% Coursework

MAR541
Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems 20 credits

Discover how offshore renewable energy systems work in this module. You'll explore the mechanics behind wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy converters and investigate the engineering challenges they face. Develop practical skills through modelling and simulation using industry-standard software, and test designs in the cutting-edge COAST laboratory for real-world insight.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

NUC5000
Going Nuclear: Nuclear Applications for Science and Engineering 20 credits

This module provides essential skills and understanding needed to excel in the nuclear industry, from fundamentals of nuclear fission and fusion to more intricate topics such as reactor functionality, safety, and nuclear waste management.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

^{The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.}

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Mechanical Engineering Design Programme Specification_7437

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

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 UK ENIC, 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.

English language requirements

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

Course requires ATAS

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.

Career

Careers with this subject

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.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 21,000

Application Fee

GBP

MSc Mechanical Engineering Design

University of Plymouth

University of Plymouth

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines