Mechanical Engineering MSc
Develop your knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering with the opportunity to specialise in mechanical engineering, mechatronics or material streams.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2024
Overview
Newcastle University is home to world-leading and innovative mechanical engineering research. You'll be taught by leaders in their field, giving you an enhanced learning experience.
You'll experience research-led teaching and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. You'll learn from researchers solving problems of global importance. They're engaged with industry and working across disciplines.
Our Mechanical Engineering MSc programme is for graduates in:
- mechanical or mechanical-related engineering (eg automotive, aeronautical or design)
- mathematics
- physics
- a related discipline
The flexible nature of this programme allows you to specialise in one of three streams:
- Mechatronics
- Mechanical
- Material
This technical course integrates advanced theory and practice that is shaped by industry. Core elements of the MSc will enable you to research:
- model engineering structures
- mechanical systems
The flexible nature of this programme allows you to specialise in one of three streams:
- mechatronics
- mechanical
- material
The Mechanical Engineering master's has three specialist streams to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations.
Mechatronics stream:
You'll:
- gain an understanding of industrial automation, programmable logical controllers (PLCs) and robotics
- gain knowledge and understanding of networking and open communication solutions for automation and FMS cell applications
- acquire knowledge and understanding of key mechatronic concepts and their specific applications to the robust design of mobile robotic systems
- apply mechanical principles to a range of drive systems, assemblies and components with particular reference to transport applications
Mechanical stream:
You'll:
- develop essential skills and understanding of the design of mechanical power transmissions
- gain an understanding of modern energy storage and handling systems including the advantages and limitations of such systems
- identify and evaluate design for human systems integration
- apply mechanical principles to a range of:
- drive systems
- assemblies and components with particular reference to transport applications
Material stream:
You'll:
- develop essential skills and understanding of the design of mechanical power transmissions
- gain an understanding of lifetime prediction and design for reliability and transfer skills to wider engineering and environmental situations
- understand the development of materials, manufacturing processes and surface engineering requirements of different components used in energy applications
- develop knowledge and skills for the selection and control of appropriate joining technologies for industrial applications with emphasis on:
- welding
- adhesive bonding
- brazing
- soldering
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you'll learn
You'll learn core skills in:
- Computer Aided Design
- finite element analysis
- computer programming
- robotics and Arduino
- problem solving
- teamwork
- effective communication and presentation (group work/report writing/oral presentation)
- planning and organisation
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 127KB).
Compulsory modules:
If you have studied on a BEng Mechanical Engineering programme at Newcastle University, you shall replace the modules above with the following compulsory modules:
You will also take the following compulsory modules:
The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 127KB).
Compulsory modules:
If you have studied on a BEng Mechanical Engineering programme at Newcastle University, you shall replace the modules above with the following compulsory modules:
You will also take the following compulsory modules:
The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 127KB).
Compulsory modules:
If you have studied on a BEng Mechanical Engineering programme at Newcastle University, you shall replace the modules above with the following compulsory modules:
You will also take the following compulsory modules:
How you'll learn
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You'll engage with fellow students across all key engineering disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
Our teaching covers a broad range of subjects and typically consists of:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical lab/workshop sessions
- group work
- Arduino basics
You'll be taught the key technical skills required in the sector allowing you to put theory into practice.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Lab exercise
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- PC examination
- Practical lab report
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
MSc Project and Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering
You'll engage in an extended, in-depth study. This will allow you to:
- participate in mainstream engineering work
- develop both engineering and organisation skills crucial in the modern industrial work place
Project work can range from fundamental studies in areas of basic engineering science to practical design, make and test investigations.
You'll combine the skills, knowledge and understanding gained from the modules you've undertaken and develop your research skills on a relevant topic.
General areas for project work include:
- design and manufacture
- thermo-fluid dynamics
- materials
- robotics
- microelectronic-Mechanical Systems
- mathematical and computational engineering modelling
Some research may be undertaken in collaboration with industry.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Lecturer
Degree Programme Director
Areas of expertise:
- computer modelling of microstructural damage evolution in rail steels
- computer programming (including devices) in C/C++ and Python
- Python scripting and 3D geometric modelling in ANSYS Spaceclaim
Director of Business and Engagement
Director of Design Unit, Gear Technology Centre
Areas of expertise:
- mechanical power transmissions
- gear manufacturing, characterisation and analysis techniques
- enhanced gear performance
Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) - design and characterisation
- biosensors
- graphene
- autonomous robotics
Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- precision manufacturing
- micro machining
- precision machine design
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- corrosion
- electrochemistry
- engineering failures
Cookson Group Chair of Eng Materials
Areas of expertise:
- materials and manufacturing
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- aerogel composites for carbon capture and thermal management in commercial buildings
- Reducing the Costs of Marine Renewables via Advanced Structural Materials (ReC-ASM)
Your development
You'll develop skills in:
- mechanical engineering principles, practices, materials, components and systems
- research and information retrieval
- critical evaluation and effective application
- current and developing practices in the field
In addition you'll:
- analyse structures and stress calculation
- solve differential equations in MATLAB (data analysis, algorithm and modelling platform) with dynamic simulation
- explore data analysis and visualisation in MATLAB and Python
- develop skills in engineering design and analysis in CAD and FEA
Your future
Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.
Industry links
We have strong industrial links through our research and degree programmes. They address engineering challenges facing both industry and society. This provides you with many benefits:
- industry guest lectures
- projects
- employment opportunities (with added support from our Careers Service)
Graduate destinations
As a graduate you will have enhanced skills and knowledge. This prepares you for a wide range of careers across mechanical engineering and other engineering sectors, including:
- manufacturing
- renewable energy
- transport
- logistics
- defence
- health
This course also provides a route into PhD level study.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
There are a range of dedicated facilities across campus that will support your studies and enhance your learning experience, including:
- CNC workshop facilities
- access to PCs with support for specialist software including MATLAB, Python, CAD and FEA
Our specialist facilities include:
- 3D motion capture
- x-ray diffraction
- robotics
- micro-electromechanical systems
- dedicated biomaterial and biotribology labs
- railway systems
- gear manufacture and testing
- nanomeasurement
- engine testing
- artificial joint testing
You'll have access to design, manufacture and material facilities for:
- materials testing and failure analysis
- product development and mechanical testing
- metrology
- pultrusion, filament winding, resin infusion and vacuum bag moulding
- selective laser sintering and fused deposition modelling
- full-scale rail vehicle and track investigations at NewRail's regional office and working railway centre, Barrow Hill test site
You'll have access to fluid dynamics and thermal systems facilities:
- high performance computing facilities
- Water Tunnel and Wind Tunnel
- Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
- Hot Wire Anemometry Facilities
- IC engine test bench
- high pressure and high temperature combustion vessel
Stephenson Building
The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
School of Engineering
School Admissions Team
Email: soe.admissions@ncl.ac.uk
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