Mechanical Engineering MSc
Why choose this course?
This course will broaden and deepen your understanding of mechanical design engineering, modern materials application and advanced manufacturing technology. Teaching is through lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies, and presentations. Through your choice of modules, you can tailor the course to your career ambitions. You will have the opportunity to analyse and solve a real-world engineering problem using cutting-edge technologies. These include finite elements modelling and analysis (FEM/FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mechanism design analysis and control (CAE).
| Mode | Duration | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | September 2024, January 2025, September 2025 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | September 2024, January 2025, September 2025 |
| Part time | 2 years | September 2024, January 2025, September 2025 |
Important: if you are an international student requiring a Student Route visa to study in the UK you will also need an ATAS certificate for this course.
| Main Location | Roehampton Vale |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- You will gain the latest technological knowledge and industrial management skills that the industry demands.
- The course meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) if you already have an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons).
- Through an individual research-based project, you will be able to specialise in a chosen field.
Accreditation
The MSc will meet, in part, the 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, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.
Find out more about Further Learning by visiting the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information about accredited degrees.
Further learning details are available on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website.
What you will study
The programme is structured so that students have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of mechanical design engineering, modern materials application and advanced manufacturing technology. It is built on a comprehensive use of advanced computer-based mechanical engineering design analysis and problem solving using cutting-edge technologies such as finite elements analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mechanism design analysis and control. Students are also able to gain the management and business skills necessary to take on leadership roles in major engineering projects.
The course is delivered with the support of external industrial speakers who bring their experience into the classroom so that students can learn how real problems can be solved using the techniques they have learned in the lectures. Innovative teaching methods, with the aid of a virtual learning platform, are used inside and outside the classroom to enhance the students' learning experience.
One of the main features of the course is that many of its subject materials are highly research oriented and taught by active and internationally-recognised research academics in the Faculty. This gives students the additional opportunity to deepen their subject interest by selecting a research-based project dissertation.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Professional placement
Core modules
Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
15 credits
This module extends your knowledge and skills beyond the basic fluid mechanics methods which are normally introduced at early undergraduate level, and to provide a theoretical and analytical introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD.
The module also provides you with advanced computational knowledge in fluid dynamics, therefore enhancing your employment potential in a wide range of industries.
Advanced Structural Analysis
15 credits
The finite element analysis is a numerical method for solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics. Currently, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is widely used in engineering design of advanced structures. In FEA, mathematical assumptions are made for solving problems. Advanced structures are also highly prone to vibration due to their flexible nature while experiencing dynamic loads, if undetected can result in catastrophic failures. A structure could have several bending and torsional modes and with every mode there will be a corresponding natural frequency, damping ratio and mode shape. It is therefore important to be able to analytically predict these parameters.
This module covers introduction to FEA and structural dynamics. For FEA basic theory, and analysing stresses, deflections, and temperatures are covered. For structural dynamics, the primary parameters associated with vibration are identified; these include natural frequencies, damping, mode shapes and responses under operating dynamic loads. Examples of good practice for safe and effective application are presented.
This module will be particularly applicable for engineers and scientists who want to understand the fundamental theory of FEA and structural dynamics and gain understanding of underlying theories behind these techniques.
Advanced Engineering Materials
15 credits
This module is designed to develop your in-depth understanding of material science and engineering in relation to advanced materials, development techniques and coatings, together with materials selection methods employed by engineering consultants. The module aims to deepen your understanding of the relationships of material design, manufacturing processes and material properties by providing examples from various applications.
Computational Mechanical Design and Analysis
30 credits
Engineering design is at the heart of what professional engineers do. Currently computers and software are used in the design and manufacture of advanced products and processes. Modern products have complex construction and shape, and in general analytical solutions are not available for their designs. The designers inevitably use finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity analysis in many fields such as mechanical design, automotive, aerospace, biomechanics, etc and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the behaviour of complex fluid flows encountered in typical engineering applications.
In this module you will be introduced to FEA and CFD for solving advanced mechanical design problems by means of practical workshops using commercial FEA and CFD software. The commercial software ANSYS Workbench is used in this module; however, the underlying themes of the module are generic.
The first half of the module aims at introducing the principles of the modelling statics and dynamics problems with FEA and to critically assess and evaluate the results. In the second half of the module, you will become familiar with how to use computational fluid dynamics software to solve design problem related to fluids and heat transfer.
Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability
30 credits
Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge required to select and justify a research topic and then to plan and execute that research project. Research is a broad topic covers a variety of activities that range from undertaking a project as part of an academic programme, through research and development in the commercial environment, to acquiring information to inform projects undertaken as part of routine business practice. This module introduces research in these contexts and allows you to develop your own research plan. As part of the module, you will consider setting research questions and determining hypotheses, acquire relevant information and data, apply suitable analytical techniques, and evaluate the significance and potential applications of their research findings. You will also develop your innovation skills through a combination of workshops and team working, resulting in submission of an innovation proposal aimed to address UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The module covers many practical aspects surrounding research in the commercial environment including intellectual property and professionalism, and sustainability is embedded throughout the module both in course content and via development of the innovation proposal.
Dissertation
60 credits
Drawing on previous knowledge and experience, the dissertation module allows you to study an area of interest within your chosen field in significant depth. In undertaking the dissertation, you will develop not only a deeper understanding of your subject area but will also be able to demonstrate a high level of autonomy in terms of project dissertation planning and management. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and, through your own efforts, apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The main output from the module is a final report but the option is available for you to prepare their work in the format of an article suitable for submission to a relevant conference or journal.
Optional modules
Advanced CAD/CAM Systems
15 credits
This module covers advanced CAD and CAM techniques in conceptual design and manufacture and is heavily focussed on rapid manufacturing methods involving mould design, machining tool path optimisation and full machining simulation verification, and machining collision avoidance subjects will also be covered.
Industrial Robotics
15 credits
This module provides high level view on the design of mechatronic and automation systems. Applications and types of such systems are discussed. Main components of mechatronic design are introduced, including mechanical design through specialised software, sensors and actuators, control design, and software development for real-time implementation. Theoretical material is illustrated by practical laboratory sessions on real-time design, using industrial standard, state-of-the-art equipment. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with your work on your final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.
Professional placement
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Mechanical Engineering at Kingston
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
The assessment strategy is designed to support your learning experience. Assessment criteria are clear, transparent and explicit and the scope of each assessment is discussed with students within modules. The course employs a combination of assessment methods will be used throughout the course. These elements include module assignments, module examinations, in-class tests, experiment reports, industrial visit reports, seminars, verbal presentations and the project dissertation.
Each module leader is responsible for ensuring that the method of assessment reflects the aims and learning objectives of the module, is demanding and stimulating and at the appropriate master level. Formative assessments are embedded into the delivery pattern of all the modules and are designed to help students learn more effectively by giving them feedback to improve their performance and feed forward towards summative assessments. Reflective practice by students and feedback from designated Personal tutors will also form part of the formative assessments. Group activities are an important part of the course teaching and assessment strategy where students learn and improve through peer feedback.
The individual project provides a challenge to the candidate to undertake a real world problem because most projects are industrially orientated. Students will be given close guidance to select a project which is relevant to the chosen field. During the project, the student will be expected to apply the knowledge learnt during the course to achieve agreed deliverables, whilst satisfying any given constraints. Key skills in communication, presentation, literature search, problem analysis, project planning, report writing and solution justification are all part of the learning objectives defined in the field.
Coursework are mainly submitted electronically on the CANVAS of each module. You are reminded of the faculty policy for the late submission of coursework. Any work submitted up to a week late will be capped at minimum 50%, anything submitted later than this will receive a zero mark.
Formula Student competition
Join this course at Kingston and you too could join the KU e-Racing team and help it drive for success in Formula Student year after year. It's a great chance to apply theory to a real workplace project, enjoy the thrills of appearing at a major racing circuit and have something amazing to add to your CV.
About Formula Student
IMechE's Formula Student is the largest annual student motorsport event in the world. It is delivered in partnership with key industry players including Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Shell, National Instruments and Mercedes-AMG Petronas. Ross Brawn OBE (Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team) is the patron and the event is entered by 141 university teams from 34 countries across the globe.
With its real-world bias, Formula Student is viewed by the motor industry as the standard for engineering graduates to meet. In fact, many high-profile motorsports engineers have participated in Formula Student whilst at university including Andrew Shovlin, chief race engineer of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and James Painter, engineering lead of vehicle integration working on the BLOODHOUND land speed record.
KU e-Racing shines at Silverstone
The week after the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel raced at the British Grand Prix, students from around the world competed in their own motorsport event at Silverstone in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' Formula Student competition. Kingston University's KU e-Racing proved to be the only UK team with a viable electric vehicle – read about how the team got on.
You can also see the KU e-Racing car being assembled, the chassis being constructed and the car being transported to Silverstone, as well as glimpses of the business presentation made as part of the University's entry. Produced by students Karam Rajaby and Joseph Bannister (Television and Video Technology BSc (Hons)), Amy Nicole Tinker (Media Technology BSc (Hons)); and Luka Stokic (Automotive Engineering BSc (Hons)).
Watch out for their full-length documentary on Formula Student.
Kingston motorsport
Students on this course can also get involved with the successful Kingston University motorsport team.
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry-informed, ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.
The Department has strong links with industry leaders, including Delphi, Lotus Engineering, MAN and Thales. Many of our innovative, hands-on projects involve students as well as academics and receive national and global coverage.
Our applied approach to teaching is supported by dedicated laboratories for mechanical, automotive and motorsport engineering, including wind tunnels, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and manufacturing machinery, a fully-equipped materials lab, engine test cells, an automotive diagnostics lab featuring the latest industrial software packages, and a modern electronics/robotics lab with the recent addition of a robot and electronic equipment from National Instruments.
Our courses encompass applications from all areas of engineering, providing our students with the knowledge and flexibility they need to work across many industries, both in the UK and overseas.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
Our modern teaching environment
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- rolling roads;
- automotive testing facilities;
- a Lotus Exige; and
- cars and motorcycles built by engineering students.
We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.
Fees for this course
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
After you graduate
Students progress to roles such as mechanical engineer, project engineer, design engineer, quality engineer, maintenance engineer and automotive engineer, working in white goods industries and the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
What our graduates say
What this course offers you
- The Mechanical Engineering course provides a strategic overview of engineering and management issues.
- It will develop your professional, analytical and management skills, as well as improving your technical skills and knowledge. For example, you will gain communication, teamwork, IT and problem-solving skills.
- Each module combines a stimulating mix of lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies and presentations.
- You usually take the Industrial Project Review and Analysis in industry. This gives you the opportunity to solve a real-world engineering problem.
- Input from industry experts complements the teaching throughout the course.
- You can choose to study the course full-time or part-time to fit in with work commitments. September and January start dates give you extra flexibility.
- We regularly review all our postgraduate courses to make sure that they are up-to-date, reflect industry needs and are comparable to other university courses.
Links with business and industry
How the engineering staff work with industry partners
Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries. Some examples include work with:
- Matra-Marconi Space Ltd
- Ericsson
- Balfour Beatty
- The National Health Service
- British Gas.
Our Industrial Advisory Committee reviews and advises industrial activities. The Committee acts as a forum for discussing teaching, research and consultancy to industry.
Industrial project review
This course features an industrial project review and analysis module, which is designed to be taken in industry. It gives you the chance to address a real-world problem in an engineering environment. Throughout the course, academic teaching is complemented by input from industry experts.
Research areas
Engineering research
Many academic staff are engaged in a range of research and consultancy activities funded by the Research Councils, the European Union, the government, trade unions and industry. These activities ensure our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
Research centres
Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
Current research projects at the Applied Engineering Research Centre cover the following areas:
- CFD and fire modelling
- applied engineering
- manufacturing
- material processing and surface engineering.
Extra activities for this course
There are always interesting activities taking place at Kingston and exciting opportunities to take advantage of.
Our lively research culture is reflected in our regular seminars. Recent examples include:
- International Conference on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.
- Recent Advances in the Micromechanics of Ductile Fracture.
- Environmental Degradation in Adhesively Bonded Structures.
- Modelling of Deformation and Failure of Polymers: Why is Bridging of Length and Time Scales Necessary?
- Why Bolt It When You Can Bond It? The Gluing Evolution.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
