Degree Programme
The following is a summary of the features of the Mechanical Engineering (Singapore) degree programme. For full details of the degree course, including modules and eligibility, see the SIT website.
Click on the link to view a copy of the 2012/2013 Degree Programme Handbook (PDF: 1MB).
Key features
- A degree programme which enables you to convert your Diploma-level or similar qualifications to a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree with the right skills for today’s industry due to advanced standing given to polytechnic graduates with Diplomas providing APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)
- High-quality tuition from research-active academics employed by Newcastle University’s School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering qualification awarded by an internationally recognised institution: Newcastle University, UK
- All Newcastle University degrees are accredited by professional engineering institutions - the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) - to ensure industrial relevance. The Singapore degree is not yet accredited due to the formalities of the process but accreditation is being pursued.
- Opportunity for an overseas study experience at Newcastle’s UK campus
- Candidates with good grades (as defined in the degree programme regulations and handbook) shall be eligible to continue their studies at MEng or MSc level at Newcastle University
Course outline and content
This degree focuses on producing engineers who can analyse in depth and apply the results of their analysis in the real world, giving the mix of general and specific skills that are sought by companies. The degree covers all aspects of manufacturing: management (of innovation and new product introduction and of operations and systems), enabling technologies and underpinning engineering science, design for manufacture, materials and processes, sensors and robotics.
The degree has six closely inter-related strands, all but one running both years, and culminates in a major individual project which draws all the strands together:
- Design for manufacture
- Manufacturing systems and the business context
- Materials and materials processing
- Electro-mechanical systems
- Thermal systems engineering
- Numerical and analytical methods
Academic year
The academic year is fully aligned with the academic year in Newcastle, starting in September and ending in June, using the same examination periods and the same Examination Boards as the students studying in Newcastle.
Teaching and assessment
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each, with an assessment period at the end of each (January and May/June). You study 120 credits in each year of the programme. Every 10 credits is approximately 100 hours of total study time (timetabled class hours and private study). Assessment generally occurs at the end of each semester and is a mixture of written, practical and continuous assessment.
We teach our degree programmes through a combination of lectures, tutorials, assignments and practical work, supplemented by independent guided study. Coursework, including laboratory and computer work, is important throughout to emphasise the practical applications of the theory. In the second year of the programme students undertake a major 30-credit individual project focused on mechanical design or manufacturing engineering.
Entrance requirements
This programme is particularly designed for engineering diploma graduates or holders of equivalent qualifications: you can view a list of relevant Singapore Polytechnic Diplomas at the SIT website (click on the "eligibility" tab). Students who do not have an appropriate qualification in engineering drafting and CAD will be required to undertake an additional non-credit bearing course in engineering drafting and CAD.
We consider each applicant on an individual basis, taking into account the information on your application including past academic performance and potential. We have a very positive approach to mature candidates seeking to return to higher education. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your position if you have any doubts or require any further details or clarification.
Employment opportunities
Newcastle University has an impressive track record for its Newcastle graduates rising to senior positions in Singapore organisations. Now this degree opportunity is being offered in Singapore itself. Newcastle Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering graduates enter careers including research and development, design, manufacturing and consultancy, as well as purchasing, quality assurance, customer support and technical sales. Job sectors include transport, health, defence, manufacturing, energy and many more. A number of students also progress to postgraduate study to pursue research into new technologies.