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Advanced Mechanical Engineering (MSc) (2022 Entry)

About this taught graduate course

Course overview

Our Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc focuses on the key skills required by the modern mechanical engineer.

You will develop the versatility and depth of knowledge to deal with new and unusual challenges across a wide range of disciplines, within engineering and beyond. Teaching is underpinned by research in automotive systems, biomedical engineering, solid and fluid mechanics, electrical and thermal energy systems, energy conversion/storage and sustainable cities.

You will also complete an individual research project – an in-depth experimental, theoretical or computational investigation of a topic chosen by you in conjunction with your academic supervisor.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

A minimum of a 2:ii undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant branch of engineering or science.

Maths requirement

All applicants will be expected to know the prescribed mathematical concepts shown on our Engineering web page. The onus is on the individual to ensure that they understand the required material in order to cope easily with the course.

We are looking for competence in the majority of mathematics that is taught in the first and second year of an undergraduate Engineering or Physics course. We reserve the right to request that you undertake a short online test assessment.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.


Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Core modules

Individual Project

This module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have independently contributed primary data and/or a new analysis of secondary data, within your chosen advanced research topic.

Projects will be highly variable in nature to reflect the range of topics within the programmes of study but all will provide you with an opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes. Thus, projects may entail experimentation, modelling, analysis and literary survey skills to develop advanced skills in the discovery and occasionally creation of new knowledge. The module also offers the chance for you to pursue curiosity driven work guided by an academic supervisor.

Mechanical Engineering Group Design

The design projects aim to give you the experience of working within a team, and parallels the way engineers often work in industry. You will integrate your knowledge and understanding in order to specify and solve a substantial Mechanical Engineering problem (or user need), through the creation and development of a product, process or system. The project also allows you to develop your understanding of project management, time management, ethics, sustainability, health and safety, risk, regulatory requirements, and intellectual property rights. You will also develop effective communication and leadership skills.

Research Methods and Professional Skills

The module aims to equip you with the research skills necessary to support masters’ level learning in engineering and facilitate engagement with the individual project through equipping you with a broad research skill set. In addition, this module will provide you with the professional and team skills to support the course and your career in engineering.

Computational Fluid Dynamics

The aim of this module is to provide a fundamental understanding of important numerical techniques in computational fluid dynamics and to establish a critical view on the use of CFD as part of the design process. This module offers an increased depth and range of specialist knowledge in computational fluid dynamics required by IMechE.

Precision Engineering and Microsystems

This module aims to provide a rigorous understanding of first-principles mechanical design applied at the limits of practical performance. You will be introduced to ideas and methodologies suited to precise dimensional and positional control and to miniaturization that are essential to modern technology, e.g. in the large UK instrumentation sector, as sub-systems for use in aerospace, automotive, etc. Additionally, this module provides insights into the science and practice of metrology.

Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems

This module aims to deliver an overview of important techniques of engineering dynamics, and providing insight into advanced knowledge in kinematics, kinetics, and vibrations. The dynamics of engineering systems important to modern engineering applications such as spatial mechanisms and robots are examined. The complexities of kinematic and kinetic analysis of fully 3D motion will provide an appropriate challenge for the Master's level course.

Heat Transfer Theory and Design

Heat Transfer Theory and Design provides a knowledge of heat transfer that is of vital importance in many industrial sectors from process industries, through vehicles, etc., power plant, to building technology.


Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

  • Fundamental Fluid Mechanics for Mechanical Engineers
  • Finite Elements Methods
  • Renewable Energy
  • Biomechanics

Teaching

The degree comprises eight taught modules and a project. The individual research project is an in-depth experimental, theoretical or computational investigation of a topic chosen by you in conjunction with your academic supervisor.

Previous project titles include: CFD for electric car battery cooling system design; Developing and testing an improved solar thermal collector (for hot water); Modelling and simulation of biological control systems.


Class sizes

Class sizes for lectures, practical laboratory sessions and seminars vary depending on the number of students taking the module.


Typical contact hours

The MSc degree (totalling 180 credits) comprises:

  • Eight taught modules (15 credits each)
  • A research project (60 credits)

The typical workload for a 15-credit module is as follows:

  • 20-30 hours of lectures/seminars
  • 5 hours of laboratory work
  • 45 hours of private/directed study
  • 70 hours of assessed work

The research project is valued at 60 credits and students should plan to execute around 600 hours of work towards the completion of the project dissertation.


Assessment

A combination of coursework and written examinations.


Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Your career

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including:

  • AECOM
  • BAE Systems
  • BT
  • Morgan Sindall
  • Mott MacDonald
  • Proto Labs
  • TSP Projects
  • Volvo Cars Corporation
  • They have pursued roles such as:
  • Business, research and administrative professionals
  • Civil engineers
  • Design and development engineers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Quality control and planning engineers

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Options in Engineering
  • Meet an Engineer
  • Engineering, Science and Technology Fair
  • Considering a PhD in the STEM Subjects
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

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Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

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