Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• The aim of the programme is to provide a postgraduate programme to give broadening and deepening modules in a field of engineering relevant to and tailored to each student’s working needs.
• Postgraduate students are intended to receive appropriate grounding in relevant engineering skills and their practical assessment according to industrial needs.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Benchmark statements for Engineering.

Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Liaison Committee which meets annually.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the capabilities and limitations of modern technology appropriate to a particular industry.
• Understand capabilities and limitations of computer based methods.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Select appropriate mathematical methods and apply them in complex engineering situations.
• Use scientific principles to solve unfamiliar engineering problems.
• Model and analyse complex engineering systems.
• Undertake independent research under supervision.
• Apply appropriate engineering management practices.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate essential skills such as decision-making processes and other facets of a rational approach to managing complex engineering projects.
• Apply effectively a wide range of engineering methods.
• Collect and analyse objective data and draw pertinent conclusions.
• Select and use appropriate computer based tools.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Generate and analyse data to solve complex engineering problems.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the use of IT tools in engineering.
• Coordinate presentation techniques and information to maximum effect.
•  Learn new concepts and communicate them to engineering and non- specialist persons.

4. Programme structure

4.1 Students are required to select taught modules from the list below. Students are responsible for consulting with the programme administrator to ensure their selected modules do not clash. Modules denoted by * are provided through distance learning. All other modules are taught in one-week blocks.

School  of Electronic & Electrical Engineering 

WolfsonSchool of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Department of Materials

* denotes module studied through distance learning.

The School reserves the right to offer or withdraw any module or amend the list of modules. Not all modules may be available in any one session. Students may take any other modules from the University’s postgraduate catalogue of modules subject to their availability and the agreement of the Programme Director. 

4.2          MSc Project Module

All part-time students take project module MMP504. Project submission should normally be within three years of registration on the project module. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Candidates who have the right of re-assessment in a module may be offered an opportunity to be re-assessed in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• The aim of this programme is to provide post graduate education and experience in the field of manufacturing technologies and their management.
• This is intended to provide the basis for effective careers as technologists and managers who can meet the challenges of rapidly changing global manufacturing industries

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Benchmark statements for Engineering.

Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Liaison Committee which meets annually.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The generic nature of design and the phases and activities within the overall design process.
• The role of human mental processes in design.
• The relationships between design manufacturing and commerce and the principles of new product development.
• Management and business practices (including finance, design management and quality).
• Basic company accounting.
• Sustainable development, environmental legislation, resource conservation and design for the environment in a company context.
• Design and programming of CNC machine tools.
• Manufacturing system layouts.
• Manufacturing control systems.
• The organizational aspects of manufacturing systems
• The modern global enterprise and its organisation.
• The effect of national culture upon business performance.
• IT infrastructure for global operation and the virtual enterprise.
• The principles of Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Tooling, and Rapid Manufacture; their applications and limitations.
• The role and limitations of integrated software support systems for product design.
• The capabilities of Product Data Technology.
• Lean and agile operations’ philosophies.
• Six sigma systems.
• Modern distribution systems.
• Demand management.
• Team management techniques and practices.
• The role and limitations of integrated software support systems for product design
• The influence of characteristic spatial- and time scales within manufacturing systems
• The physics of manufacturing systems
• Techniques appropriate for modeling the physics- and organizational aspects of manufacturing systems
• Knowledge integration issues within manufacturing systems
• Types of advanced automation systems, along with the relative merits of different systems and their lifecycle support.
• The appropriate methods for analysis and optimisation of laser processing.
• Design and programming for computer numerical control.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the broad range of influences and activities within the design process and explain their significance.
• Evaluate technical and commercial risk and make decisions based on available information.
• Identify solutions to engineering problems from a sustainability/environmental standpoint.
• Evaluate machine tool designs.
• Design manufacturing cells/systems for new/existing products.
• Specify and implement a manufacturing system.
• Create an appropriate organisation for global business.
• Select on the basis of application and limitations, the most appropriate “rapid” technology.
• Evaluate the most appropriate software to support concurrent engineering activity.
• Specify and design an appropriate lean/agile business or distribution system.
• Evaluate mass-customisation systems.
• Identify the physical principles underpinning various manufacturing processes, select appropriate modeling techniques and identify the resulting information flows
• Select manufacturing processes to achieve required product/component attributes
• Propose and justify methods for the integration of manufacturing processes within a higher level manufacturing system based on required information flows
• Use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging manufacturing technologies

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to: 

• Use the design process to plan and carry out projects.
• Plan and implement reorganisation of a company for increased effectiveness.
• Select and conduct experimental procedures to support analysis.
• Generate new ideas and develop and evaluate a range of solutions.
• Programme various automation systems.
• Use some of the various rapid prototyping systems and processes.
• Use appropriate CAE techniques to generate tooling.
• Use modern information modelling techniques for decision support systems.
• Design in detail a lean and/or agile business system.
• Given the required product/component attributes, propose and justify the key elements of an appropriate manufacturing system.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Plan and monitor multi-disciplinary projects.
• Appreciate the central role of design within engineering.
• Communicate effectively and make presentations of a technical/business nature to achieve maximum impact.
• Identify methods to assist in innovation, teamworking and engineering communication.
• Demonstrate competence in using computer based engineering techniques.
• Analyse and understand complex engineering problems.
• Use teamworking skills.
• Explain the integration of lean/agile systems.

4. Programme structure

  4.1. The modules comprising the programme are: 

4.1.1 The School reserves the right to withdraw or make amendments to the list of subjects at the beginning of each session. 

4.1.2  Students may exchange any of the normal modules with modules from another Programme with the agreement of the Postgraduate Programme Director.

4.2 Projects

The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor nominated by the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI Postgraduate Awards for candidates who have the right of re-examination to undergo re-assessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• The aim of the programme is to provide a postgraduate programme in the field of engineering design.
• The programme is intended to enable working effectively in an engineering design role, be that role in the design of products, processes or systems, at either management, overall, or detail levels.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Benchmark statements for Engineering.

Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Liaison Committee which meets annually.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The generic nature of design and the phases and activities within the overall design process.
• The role of human mental processes in design.
• The relationships between design, manufacturing and commerce and the principles of new product development.
• Methods available to designers and their roles and limitations within the design process.
• Specific methods applicable to marketing, innovative design and critical evaluation of design.
• Scientific principles of structural analysis.
• The role and limitations of finite element modelling and structural analysis.
• Best practice and new techniques in CAE and related computer analysis.
• Management and people centred issues relating to CAE.
• Management and business practices (including finance, design management and quality).
• Basic company accounting.
• Sustainable development, environmental legislation, resource conservation and design for the environment in a company context.
• The importance, difficulties and methods of user centred design.
• The approach, methods and skills of industrial designers and ergonomists.
• The application of design techniques specific to particular products and processes.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the broad range of influences and activities within the design process and explain their significance.
• Evaluate technical and commercial risk and make decisions based on available information.
• Address human factors considerations in new product design.
• Identify appropriate methods and techniques for use at different stages and situations in the design process.
• Analyse engineering problems to assist in the product design process.
• Model and analyse engineering structure.
• Identify solutions to engineering problems from a sustainability/environmental standpoint.
• Contribute to the innovative development of a new product.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Use the design process to plan and carry out projects.
• Plan and implement reorganisation of a company for increased effectiveness.
• Make effective use of graphical and modelling techniques for design development and communication.
• Adopt strategies for non-quantifiable design issues.
• Apply effectively design methods within the new product design process.
• Select suitable computer based techniques for engineering design problems.
• Use range of computer based techniques for engineering design problems.
• Select and conduct experimental procedures to support analysis and design.
• Design a new product with suitable analysis and critical evaluation.
• Generate new ideas and develop and evaluate a range of solutions.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Plan and monitor multi-disciplinary projects.
• Appreciate the central role of design within engineering.
• Communicate effectively and make presentations of a technical/business nature to achieve maximum impact.
• Interact with industrial designers and ergonomists within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Identify methods to assist in innovation, teamworking and engineering communication.
• Demonstrate competence in using computer based engineering techniques.
• Analyse and understand complex engineering problems.
• Adopt systematic approach to integrating design requirements, materials and structures.
• Use teamworking skills to enhance design process.
• Use time and resources effectively.

4. Programme structure

4.1 The modules comprising the Programme are: 

4.1.1 The School reserves the right to withdraw or make amendments to the list of  subjects at the beginning of each session.

4.1.2  Students may exchange any of the normal modules with modules from another Programme with the agreement of the Postgraduate Programme Director.

4.2 Projects

The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is  an individual project under the direction of a supervisor nominated by the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Candidates who have the right of re-assessment in a module may be offered an opportunity to be re-assessed in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aims of the programme are to enable students to:

• Evaluate and use appropriate design methods to solve design problems.
• Undertake effective design of machine elements and design for assembly.
• Integrate the application of engineering design methods with manufacturing technology principles.
• Apply the principles of quality management and lean and agile manufacturing to engineering operations.
• Apply operational planning methods to organisational planning and control.
• Apply strategic and marketing analysis to determine the business orientation of a company.
• Plan, conduct and report research on an aspect of engineering design and manufacture.
• Apply academic theory, knowledge and work experience to identify, define and solve real-life engineering design and manufacturing problems.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The programme outcomes have been formulated with reference to the QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering and Management and QAA guidelines on the quality assurance of distance learning. Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Liaison Committee which meets annually.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The design methods and techniques used during product innovation, and the fundamental principles that underpin the design of mechanical components.
• The analysis and specification of business strategy, taking account of international competition.
• The application of lean and agile concepts to manufacturing businesses and distribution chains.
• The ideas and techniques of design for assembly applied to product development in an integrated manner from design to manufacture.
• The basic techniques of marketing management applied to engineering organisations, with a focus on product innovation and development.
• The principles of numerical control in manufacturing technology, including basic processes and programming and flexible manufacturing systems.
• The principles of operations management, including the planning and control and application of business-wide information systems.
• The application of modern quality management practices to the operation of technical organisations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Explain the influence of external and internal organisational issues on strategy and describe appropriate strategies.
• Explain the marketing planning process and its interdependence on the level of organisational quality management.
• Specify and design an appropriate lean or agile business system for a company.
• Evaluate alternative approaches to the planning and control of manufacturing operations and assess their effectiveness.
• Explain the various design methods and techniques and their use during the design process.
• Explain basic theoretical techniques appropriate to the design of a wide range of mechanical components.
• Evaluate various machine tool and manufacturing cell designs from the viewpoints of construction, capability and control architecture.
• Explain design-for-assembly methods and their application in an integrated product design and manufacture process.
• Reason critically, gather, analyse and use engineering design and manufacture data and information, and apply concepts and methodologies.
• Synthesise current theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering design and manufacture.
• Learn through a process of identifying their own needs, planning to meet these needs and evaluating the outcomes, thereby identifying new needs, and so on.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Use strategic analysis tools and techniques to analyse the strategic orientation of a company.
• Apply marketing tools and techniques to analyse a company’s marketing planning activities and product portfolio.
• Detail the design of a lean or agile system and integrate a lean or agile system with other manufacturing systems.
• Apply mathematical and computer-based operational planning methods to organisational planning and control.
• Analyse the static and dynamic accuracy of a machine tool and use computer aided part programme systems for NC programming.
• Apply engineering design methods and techniques effectively in design projects.
• Combine suitable mechanical components into the design of a mechanical system.
• Evaluate a product concept or design using established design for assembly methods and evaluate manual versus automatic assembly.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Hold informed discussions with engineering colleagues about engineering design and manufacture issues, and present appropriate plans and proposals.
• Solve engineering design and manufacture problems in a logical and systematic manner.
• Present a case for the choice of manufacturing systems, including for example lean or agile, quality, manufacturing technology and operations management issues.
• Report on the suitability of mechanical components in the design of an overall system.
• Communicate effectively and professionally using written and oral skills.
• Manage workload and time effectively.
• Use an action-learning approach to study and work towards life-long learning.
• Learn and work independently.
• Use appropriate IT tools and techniques.

4. Programme structure

4.1 The modules comprising the distance learning programme are: 

* by Distance Learning 

4.1.1 With the approval of the Programme Director, up to 40 module credits may be gained from other modules taught on other Masters programmes in the School.  No distinction will be made between block taught and distance learning modules.

4.1.2 The School reserves the right to withdraw or make amendments to the list of subjects at the beginning of each session.

4.2 Projects

4.2.1 The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor nominated by the Programme Director.

4.2.2 For candidates taking the Programme whilst in employment, the supervisors of the Project module will normally include one internal supervisor and one external supervisor who is a senior member of the organisation employing the candidate.  Candidates not in employment will be required to establish an appropriate arrangement with a company in order to do the individual project module.  External supervisors will be asked to certify that the project is based on candidate’s own work.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with the Regulation XXI Postgraduate Awards for candidates who have the right of re-examination to undergo re-assessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• This programme provides postgraduate level education in mainstream Mechanical Engineering.
• Its aim is to enable students to acquire the technical and transferable skills required to succeed in a career in industry or academic research by demonstrating their knowledge and ability at the highest level.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Benchmark statements for Engineering.

Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Advisory Committee which meets annually.

IMechE guidelines for accredited matching sections.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The generic nature of design and the phases and activities within the overall design process.
• The role of human mental processes in design.
• The relationships between design, manufacturing and commerce and the principles of new product development.
• Scientific principles of structural analysis.
• The role and limitations of finite element modelling and structural analysis.
• Principles on non-linear finite element analysis.
• Concepts of simulation of advanced materials and processes.
• Best practice and new techniques in CAE and related computer analysis.
• Management and people centred issues relating to CAE.
• The application of design techniques specific to particular products and processes.
• Methods to analyse and synthesise mechanisms and linkages.
• Robotic manipulators and their control.
• Defining and manipulating mathematical quantities.
• Direct and inverse kinematics and trajectory planning of manipulators.
• Combustion processes and emissions.
• Theoretical fluid flow techniques and computational fluid dynamics.
• Approaches to heat transfer analysis.
• Sustainable development, environmental legislation, resource conservation and design for the environment in a company context.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the broad range of influences and activities within the design process and explain their significance.
• Analyse engineering problems to assist in the product design process.
• Model and analyse engineering structures and complex systems
• Use simulation techniques for the modelling of advanced materials and processes.
• Contribute to the innovative development of a new product.
• Develop solutions for robotic applications.
• Analyse and synthesise linkages and mechanisms.
• Demonstrate problem solving in thermofluids problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Use the design process to plan and carry out projects.
• Effectively apply design methods within the new product design process.
• Select suitable computer based techniques for engineering design problems.
• Use a range of computer based analysis and modelling techniques.
• Select and conduct experimental procedures to support analysis and design.
• Generate new ideas and develop and evaluate a range of solutions.
• Use linkage design and analysis software; use simulation packages for machine linkages and robots.
• Use techniques for the design and analysis of mechanisms.
• Select and use appropriate computer hardware.
• Adapt analytical procedures to suit new or unfamiliar situations.
• Plan and execute simulations and practical tests using appropriate instrumentation.
• Evaluate experimental thermofluid data.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Plan and monitor multi-disciplinary projects.
• Appreciate the central role of design within engineering.
• Demonstrate competence in using computer based engineering techniques.
• Analyse and understand complex engineering problems.
• Adopt systematic approach to integrating design requirements, materials and structures.
• Use teamworking skills and communicate effectively at an advanced technical level.
• Use time and resources effectively.
• Demonstrate logical reasoning working in groups.
• Generate and use technical evidence in the solution of engineering problems.
• Use robotics in real world applications.
• Solve problems through systematic analysis and where necessary learn new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar situations.
• Select and analyse data to solve problems and present data to provide increased understanding.
• Design experiments and analyse data.

4. Programme structure

4.1 The modules comprising the Programme are:

4.1.1 The School reserves the right to withdraw or make amendments to the list of subjects at the beginning of each session. 

4.1.2 Students may exchange any of the taught modules listed above with modules from another Programme within the School with the agreement of the Postgraduate Programme Director.

4.2 Projects

4.2.1 The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor nominated by the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Candidates who have the right of re-assessment in a module may be offered an opportunity to be re-assessed in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide opportunities for students to acquire vocationally relevant knowledge and understanding, and to develop appropriate skills, values and attributes such that they are able to usefully contribute to sustainable product and process design at a professional level upon graduation.
• To advance the understanding of sustainable engineering and its application to improvements in process efficiency and product design that enhance physical and economic performance, and improve business, environmental and sustainability performance.
• To develop and foster both analytical and creative abilities through individual and team-based experiences and learning.
• To enable students to develop effective communication skills, including those required for verbal, visual and technical presentation.
• To provide opportunities for students to develop and apply appropriate skills to the improvement of process efficiency and in the creation of sustainable product designs.
• To enhance students’ careers and employment opportunities.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Benchmark statements for Engineering.

Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Liaison Committee which meets annually.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The nature of the Innovation process.
• The generic nature of design and the phases and activities within the overall design process.
• The role of human mental processes in design.
• Sustainable development, resource conservation and design for the environment in a company context.
• The principles and practice of environmental policy, legislation and management.
• Sustainable product design, design strategies, quantitative- and qualitative design guides and related concepts
• Design for disassembly, recycling, re-use, re-manufacturing and serviceability
• The principles and application of life-cycle assessment (LCA).
• Demonstrate their knowledge of different types of business models and the implications these have on the consumption of resources
• Explain the fundamental requirements of sustainable business models and evaluate existing business against these criteria
• Analyse the difficulties in making a transition to a sustainable business approach and formulate solutions for these problems
• Demonstrate understanding of the role society in new business approaches
• Types of waste, waste management legislation and directives, product assessment for end of life opportunities
• Energy measurement and modelling, renewable and non-renewable energy systems
• Energy management and efficiency in manufacturing
• Carbon offsetting and carbon seuestration

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the creative and intellectual basis of design and problem solving
• Appreciate the broad range of influences and activities within the design process and explain their significance.
• Develop solutions to problems through the application of engineering knowledge and understanding, including technical- and commercial risk
• Innovate through the synthesis of ideas from wide ranging sources
• Create, define, explain and apply criteria and parameters that contribute to environmental impacts
• Analyse products and processes, identifying their environmental impacts
• Define and apply solutions to problems through application of engineering knowledge and understanding
• Analyse problems and synthesise solutions to environmentally detrimental business activities using gained knowledge and tools
• Apply life-cycle assessment to reduce product and process environmental impact.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Use the design process to plan and carry out projects.
• Apply engineering techniques taking account of industrial and commercial constraints
• Explain the business implication and necessity to meet environmental standards
• Produce an environmental policy for a commercial purpose
• Apply life-cycle assessment methodologies to improve product and process environmental performance.
• Select and use appropriate design tools to support sustainable product design.
• Perform basic energy and modelling processes
• Compare and contrast business models
• Research for information to develop ideas further
• Apply engineering techniques taking account of industrial and commercial constraints

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Plan and monitor multi-disciplinary projects.
• Appreciate the central role of design within engineering.
• Access, organise and analyse information from a range of sources.
• Communicate effectively and make presentations of a technical/business nature to achieve maximum impact.
• Indentify methods to assist in innovation, team-working and engineering communication.
• Demonstrate competence in using computer based engineering techniques, specifically for LCA and sustainable product design.
• Analyse and understand complex and unfamiliar engineering problems.
• Use team-working skills.
• Solve general problems through systematic analysis and design methods
• Assess given information, make value judgements about it and use it in the solution of an unfamiliar problem

4. Programme structure

4.1 Degree Modules

The modules comprising the Programme are: 

4.1.1 All full-time students take the Project module MMP501. Part-time students take the project module MMP504.

4.1.2 The School reserves the right to withdraw or make amendments to the list of subjects at the beginning of each session.

4.1.3  Students must take modules MMP437, MMP409, MMP420 and MMP421 to be eligible for the award of the MSc in Sustainable Engineering but may exchange any of the other taught modules listed above with modules from another Programme with the agreement of the Postgraduate Programme Director. 

4.2  Projects

4.2.1 The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor nominated by the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Candidates who have the right of re-assessment in a module may be offered an opportunity to be re-assessed in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aim of the programme is to provide a postgraduate programme in the field of Mechatronics.  The programme is intended to enable working effectively in integrated product design as either product champion or at management level.  The programme will empower the industrialist to include interdisciplinary integration particularly in the field of embedding microprocessor and microcontroller technology into products and processes.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• Benchmark statements for Engineering.
• Industry input to steer programme content and delivery has been through an Industrial Liaison Committee which meets annually.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The generic nature of design and the phases and activities within the overall design process.
• The role of human mental processes in design.
• The relationships between design manufacturing and commerce and the principles of new product development.
• Scientific principles of structural analysis.
• The role and limitations of finite element modelling and structural analysis.
• Best practice and new techniques in CAE and related computer analysis.
• Management and people centred issues relating to CAE.
• The application of design techniques specific to particular products and processes.
• Microprocessor architectures and interfacing, analogue circuits, actuators, sensors, digital control applications, PLC controllers, software design and system integration to solve complex engineering problems.
• Technical software development.
• Methods to analyse and synthesise mechanisms and linkages.
• Robotic manipulators and their control.
• Defining and manipulating mathematical quantities.
• Direct and inverse kinematics and trajectory planning of manipulators.
• Mathematical methods/algorithms used in digital image processing including an appreciation of limitations and applications.
• Appropriate scientific principles applied to industrial machine vision problems.
• Current and future practice in industrial machine vision.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the broad range of influences and activities within the design process and explain their significance.
• Analyse engineering problems to assist in the product design process.
• Model and analyse engineering structures and complex systems.
• Contribute to the innovative development of a new product.
• Demonstrate design reasoning and problem solving in the context of software design and implementation, and an understanding of electronic hardware.
• Demonstrate working from a requirement specification to analyse, design and implement a computer-based system.
• Develop solutions for robotic applications.
• Analyse and synthesise linkages and mechanisms.
• Select suitable image processing algorithms, industrial capabilities and limitations of computer based digital image processing.
• Demonstrate innovation in solving industrial machine vision problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Use the design process to plan and carry out projects.
• Apply effectively design methods within the new product design process.
• Select suitable computer based techniques for engineering design problems.
• Undertake circuit simulation and design.
• Use range of computer based analysis and modelling techniques.
• Select and conduct experimental procedures to support analysis and design.
• Generate new ideas and develop and evaluate a range of solutions.
• Demonstrate circuit construction, integrated hardware troubleshooting, software realisation and debugging, and logical fault finding.
• Design and implement a modest computer based system.
• Use linkage design and analysis software; use simulation packages for machine linkages and robots.
• Use techniques for the design and analysis of mechanisms.
• Simulate, analyse and modify electromechanical control systems.
• Apply a wide range of digital image processing methods to problems.
• Select and use appropriate computer hardware.
• Adapt analytical procedures to suit new or unfamiliar situations.
• Plan and execute simulations and practical tests using appropriate instrumentation.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Plan and monitor multi-disciplinary projects.
• Appreciate the central role of design within engineering.
• Demonstrate competence in using computer based engineering techniques.
• Analyse and understand complex engineering problems.
• Adopt systematic approach to integrating design requirements, materials and structures.
• Use teamworking skills to enhance design process.
• Use time and resources effectively.
• Demonstrate logical reasoning working in groups.
• Generate and use technical evidence in the solution of engineering problems.
• Use robotics in real world applications.
• Solve problems through systematic analysis and where necessary learn new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar situations.
• Select and analyse data to solve problems and present data to provide increased understanding.
• Design experiments and analyse data.

4. Programme structure

4.1 The modules comprising the Programme are:

4.2 All full-time students take the Project module MMP501 and the integration project MMP502. 

      Part-time students take the project module MMP500. 

4.3 The School reserves the right to withdraw or make amendments to the list of subjects at the beginning of each session.

4.4 Students may exchange any of the normal modules with modules from another Programme with the agreement of the Postgraduate Programme Director.

4.5 The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor nominated by the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Candidates who have the right of re-assessment in a module may be offered an opportunity to be re-assessed in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

To produce future research leaders to tackle the major national and international challenges over the next 15 years in implementing new high-value manufacturing technologies within UK industry by bridging the gap between basic research and technology commercialisation. Key technology themes for prioritisation (within the key automotive, aerospace and electronics sectors) have been identified in net shape processes, surface engineering, ultra low cost tooling, advanced material processing, assembly integration, intelligent automation and through-life digital engineering. 

To introduce students to key engineering topics relevant to high-value manufacturing technologies. 

To prepare graduates who are capable of operating in multi-disciplinary teams and who have the skills to analyse the overall economic context of their projects and to be aware of the social and ethical implications.  

To develop students’ understanding in a particular specific area of interest by undertaking a research based project in association with appropriate university research groups and in conjunction with industry.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ);

Engineering subject benchmark statement;

University Learning and Teaching Strategy;

EC (UK)  Specification for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC);

Industrial Advisory Committee for the Engineering Doctorate Centre;

Good Practice in Developing Collaborative Provision at Nottingham University

Collaborative Provision Policy at Birmingham University

Policy on Collaborative Provision at Loughborough University

(http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/legislation/docs/POL_Collaborative_Provision.pdf, http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/goodpracticeguide/goodpracticeindevelopingcollaborativeprovision.aspx, http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/policy/aqp/appendix/22/index.htm).

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

K1        The fundamental challenges and capabilities in high-value, advanced manufacturing engineering 

K2        The theoretical background of the specialist area(s) of manufacturing relevant to the research undertaken 

K3        The application of advanced technical skills, allied with management and professional skills in an industrial context so as to contribute to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches 

K4        The techniques and practice of management in a manufacturing business environment 

K5        The social and economic, environmental and regulatory impact of advanced technologies

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1        Understand a research problem and develop an appropriate research methodology 

C2        Critically appreciate and synthesise information from a broad range of sources to aid decision making for system, process or product improvement 

C3        Select and apply appropriate analytical, manufacturing engineering principles and methods to model and analyse problems in advanced manufacturing 

C4        Source and critically evaluate information from academic papers, patents, technical manuals and industrial sources 

C5        Plan investigations both in the field and in laboratory situations

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

P1        Develop knowledge of appropriate research and professional skills 

P2        Select and apply appropriate methods and techniques to solve problems 

P3        Prepare and deliver technical presentations individually or within a professional team 

P4        Plan, schedule, project manage and execute in-depth investigations individually or within a team 

P5        Employ a range of computer-based packages associated with CAD, CAM, IT, project planning and control of manufacturing 

P6        Use relevant specialist manufacturing process equipment

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1         Generate new ideas and develop and evaluate a range of solutions

T2         Adopt a critical approach for research investigation

T3         Enhance written and verbal communication skills through reports and presentations and clearly communicate research conclusions

T4         Work effectively and independently within multidisciplinary teams 

T5         Enhance the ability to plan and manage projects effectively 

T6         Make appropriate use of specialist software packages

4. Programme structure

4.1  Introduction

All Research Engineers who are registered on the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programme are required to register for and satisfy the regulations for the curriculum-based component of the programme. The purpose of the taught modules is to develop knowledge and understanding of a number of technical, business and management subjects as a pre-requisite to the research element of the EngD award.

The curriculum-based component of the programme will normally require a total modular weight of 180 (including the Postgraduate Research Dissertation at 60 credits) taken from the range of postgraduate modules offered by the three Universities within the Manufacturing Engineering Doctoral Centre (MEDC) (Nottingham (N), Loughborough (L) and Birmingham (B)).

Candidates who have previously studied appropriate Level 7 (MSc) material, already possess an appropriate MSc or have appropriate industrial experience may be allowed in exceptional circumstances to reduce the curriculum-based component of the programme. Eligibility for a reduced curriculum-based component will be decided on an individual basis by the MEDC Management Group.

All candidates shall register at the beginning of their programme and subsequently at the beginning of each academic year for the modules which they are taking in that year, subject to their satisfactory progress in research and the extension of their registration for the Degree of EngD in accordance with the Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research. Candidates are not eligible to register for modules whilst they remain in debt to the university.

4.2  Content

The programme has a number of special features as a consequence of the multi-university nature of the MEDC. The Research Engineers (REs) will register at one of the three universities, but in order to maintain the integrity of the Centre all REs in each cohort will attend an initial full-time core training period of one semester duration. The core training semester will also include compulsory but non-assessed activities within the induction period.

The modular credits taken in the core training period will comprise 65 credits of compulsory modules offered by the three universities. The total taught element credits will be made up to 120 by specialist training modules which can be taken at any of the partner universities. There are three themes within the specialist modules, and REs are normally expected to take a minimum of 10 credits from each of these three themes. However to ensure that the correct number of credits are achieved the REs have to ensure that they take at least one of the Loughborough based 15 credit optional modules.

Specialist modules can be undertaken at any preferred time during the programme  subject to local prerequisite requirements.

The selection of elective modules should be discussed and agreed with the Research Engineer’s supervisor(s) and the appropriate Programme Director.

4.2.1   Core Modules

Year 1 - (total modular weight 65)

4.2.2   Elective Modules - (total modular weight 55)

Optional modules may be chosen from the module catalogues of the universities of Nottingham, Loughborough and Birmingham. All module choice is subject to the approval of the Programme Director and the delivering institution(s) and/or department(s). Choice should normally be restricted to postgraduate modules (level 7) and should normally be chosen from the selection listed below. Most modules are delivered either as block-taught modules lasting 3 to 5 days or in Distance Learning format (indicated by § after the module code).  

The research engineer is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of optional module choice can be incorporated into their individual timetable. Choice of optional modules is significantly affected by timetabling constraints and is also subject to availability, prerequisite, preclusive and student number restrictions. Any difficulties arising from optional module choice will not normally be considered as the basis of a claim for impaired performance.

Engineers must select a minimum 10 credits from each of the Management and Professional Development and Contextual skills groups and a minimum of 20 credits from the Advanced Technical skills group. There is no restriction on numbers of credits selected from a specific university but at least one 15 credit module from Loughborough must be taken to ensure total credits of 120. The choice of electives will be made in discussion with the research project supervisor and training manager to provide sufficient background material for the research theme.  

The majority of elective modules are delivered in one-week intensive blocks. The modules indicated with an * are taught weekly during a semester.

4.2.3   Project and Research Training - (total modular weight 60)

The Research Project Portfolio: Part 1 should normally be completed in year 1, and the Research Project Portfolio: Part 2 should normally be completed in year 2.

These Project and Research Training modules can be considered as the Masters Project for purposes of the award of MSc.

Three copies of the Research Project Portfolio (Parts 1 and 2) must be lodged with the Programme Director on or before the second anniversary of registration.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1   Candidates who have completed part or all of the curriculum based element of their programme but who subsequently do not complete the requirements for the award of EngD may be eligible for the for the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Science (MSc). The credit for these awards must have been accumulated as part of the curriculum-based component of the programme. Candidates who have, because of their previous study or experience, been allowed to reduce the curriculum-based component of the programme may not qualify for an award. The normal eligibility of candidates on the Programme for these awards and for distinction where appropriate, will be in accordance with Regulation XXI.

5.2 The PGCert, PGDip or Degree of MSc shall be awarded in Manufacturing Engineering.

5.3   The Loughborough-based curriculum-based component of the EngD programme, including the Project and Research Training components, shall be assessed in accordance with the procedures set out in Regulation XXI.

5.4   Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination in Loughborough modules to be reassessed, where suitable modules are available, during the University's Special Assessment Period.

5.5   Candidates will be eligible to progress on the EngD programme when they have accumulated 180 credits from the curriculum-based component within the period of time specified in paragraph 1.3 of these Regulations, except where exemption has been granted in accordance with paragraph 1.4 of these Regulations.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification