MSc Mechanical Engineering: January Start
ENG031-F-UOB-MX-01 Full-time
- Awarding Institution
- University of Bolton
- Teaching Institution
- University of Bolton
- HECOS Code
- 100190
- Language Of Study
- English
- Notes:
Professional Accreditation
None Associated with this programme
Programme Awards
| Title | Type | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's Degree (MSc) | Final Award | Level 7 | Mechanical Engineering |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) | Exit or Fallback Award | Level 7 | Mechanical Engineering |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) | Exit or Fallback Award | Level 7 | Mechanical Engineering |
Benchmark Statements
The following benchmark statements apply to this programme:
- QAA Subject Benchmark Statement-Engineering (2015)
- QAA Characteristics Statement Master’s Degree February 2020
Internal and External Reference Points
- UK Quality Code for Higher Education
- The University of Bolton awards framework
Other Points of Reference
- UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) at Chartered Engineer (CEng) level
- The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP)
- Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), Guidelines for MSc Programmes
- The Institution of Mechanical Engineering Accreditation Guidelines (2020)
General Entry Requirements
You are normally expected to have successfully completed an honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and have appropriate work experience. You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.Additional Criteria
- Normally, you should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2) in an engineering-related subject
- If English is not your first language you will need to complete a Secure English Language Test at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with no less than 5.5 in any band
- Your application will also be considered if you have alternative equivalent qualifications with extensive relevant work experience
Additional Admission Matters
There are no additional Admission Matters associated with this Programme.
Aims of the Programme
The principal aims of the programme are to:
- Enable understanding of concepts relevant to mechanical engineering, some from outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively, including in mechanical engineering projects
- Develop ability to use fundamental mechanical engineering knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
- Develop knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies in mechanical engineering and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations
- Develop awareness that mechanical engineering activities should promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate
- Develop advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of mechanical engineering materials and components
- Enable planning of self-learning and improvement of performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Distinctive Features of the Programme
- The mechanical engineering Master’s programme has been designed for both full-time and part-time students. The experience that each group of students bring to the program is extremely useful.
- Learning in small class size allows students to benefit from a high level of contact with lecturers and personal tutors.
- Advanced research skills are developed through work-based project modules and a dissertation
- Staff delivering the programme have industry experience and a strong commitment to research
- There is potential to publish research findings at conference in a formal environment.
- It is planned that formal links with relevant engineering professional bodies will be pursued.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge & Understanding
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:
- Relevant comprehensive scientific principles of the specialisation. (SM7M)
- Concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering. (SM9M)
- Design processes and methodologies. (D10M)
- The need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering. (EL8M)
- The need to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which Engineers operate. (EL9M)
- Management and business practices, their limitations, and how these may be applied in the context of the particular specialisation. (EL10M)
- Relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of the particular specialisation. (EL12M)
- A wide range of engineering materials and components. (P12M)
Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Have a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the specialisation. (SM8M)
- Evaluate concepts relevant to the discipline critically and to apply the concepts effectively, including in engineering projects. (SM9M)
- Use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies. (EA5M)
- Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies. (D9M)
- Promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques in engineering activities where appropriate. (EL11M)
- Critically appraise current practice and its limitations, and demonstrate some appreciation of likely new developments. (P9M)
Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations. (EA6M)
- Compile and analyse research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools in tackling unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods. (EA7M)
- Apply and adapt design processes and methodologies in unfamiliar situations. (D10M)
- Generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs. (D11M)
- Make general evaluations of risk issues in the context of the particular specialisation, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk. (EL13M)
- Apply engineering techniques, taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints. (P10M)
- Understand different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader. (P11M)
Transferable, Key or Personal Skills
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)
- Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (G2)
- Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis (G3M)
- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader (G4)
- Clearly communicate complex ideas either verbally and/or in writing, and construct coherent arguments using language appropriate to your programme of study.
Programme Structure
The programme comprises six 20 credit taught modules and a 60 credit masters project.
Validated Modules
| Title | Module Code | COE1 |
|---|---|---|
| Research Skills and Project Management | MSE7001 | C |
| Advanced Engineering Modelling and Analysis | MSE7002 | C |
| Smart Engineering Systems | MSE7003 | C |
| Product Innovation and New Technologies | MSE7004 | C |
| Individual Major Project | MSE7005 | C |
| Advanced Thermal Power and Energy Systems | AME7008 | C |
| Mechanics, Materials and Manufacture Processes | AME7009 | C |
1Core, Optional, Elective
Learning & Teaching Strategies
The taught modules are delivered using a range of learning and teaching methods including: lectures, seminars, workshops, practical case study based on industrial problems and physical applications, lab sessions and tutorials. Delivery will be supported by computer-based engineering modelling and simulation using commercial packages, e.g. Matlab/ANSYS/SolidWorks software, and online discussions. These are reinforced by guest lectures and online discussions and activities posted on the VLE. The dissertation is delivered via workshops, independent learning and tutor support, which may be face to face or through the VLE and other suitable technologies. This programme adopts a blended style of learning and teaching including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.
Learning Activities (KIS entry)
| Course Year | Level 3 | HE4 | HE5 | HE6 | HE7 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 25% |
| Guided independent study | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 75% |
| Placement/study abroad | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy for the programme is designed to ensure that you achieve the overall aims and learning outcomes of the programme and the learning outcomes for individual modules. The types of assessment you will be required to complete are formative and summative. Formative assessments are activities that do not contribute to your overall module grade. They are however an integral part of the learning strategy for a module and you are required to complete them. They will be marked and you will receive feedback on your level of achievement. Summative assessments are those assessment activities for which the marks will contribute to the overall module grade. You will also receive feedback on these assessments so that you will know what you have done well and where you can improve. Several different forms of assessment are employed on the programme including group and individual projects and assignments, individual and group presentations, discussions, unseen time-constrained examinations, submission of the products of design processes (calculations, specifications, drawings and models), report and essay submissions, seminar presentations, written and oral examinations. All components of assessment must be passed with a minimum mark of 50%.
Assessment Methods (KIS entry)
| Course Year | Level 3 | HE4 | HE5 | HE6 | HE7 |
| Written exams | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 40% |
| Coursework | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 60% |
| Practical Exams | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Assessment regulations
Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes apply to this programme.
The following variations apply:
All components of assessment must be passed with a minimum mark of 50%
Grade Bands & Classifications
Master's Degree
Regulations can be found at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx
Role of External Examiners
External examiners are appointed for all programmes of study. They oversee the assessment process and their duties include: approving assessment tasks, reviewing assessment marks, attending assessment boards and reporting to the University on the assessment process.
Support for Student Learning
- The programme is managed by a Programme Leader
- Welcome Week introduces the student to the University and their programme
- Each student has a Personal Tutor who is responsible for support and guidance
- Personal Development Planning integrated into all programmes
- Feedback is available on formative and summative assessments
- The Student Centre provides a one-stop shop for information and advice
- Comprehensive guidance is available from the University Student Support Services including housing and accommodation advice, counselling, financial and careers advice, and support via the University disability team
- The Chaplaincy where Chaplains and Pastoral Assistants are available from different traditions, faiths and world-views
- Library and IT services are a very good source of advice and support with excellent study skills sessions and materials
- There are Student Liaison Officers attached to each School
- The Students' Union advice services
- Programme Handbooks and Module Guides which provide information about the programme and University regulations
- The opportunity to develop skills for employment
- English language support for international students
- The online Student Information – Policy Zone provides all regulatory and policy information in one place
Methods of Evaluating & Enhancing the Quality of Learning Opportunities
- Student Staff Liaison Committees
- Module evaluations by students
- Programme and University Student Surveys
- Annual quality monitoring and action planning through Programme Plans including data analysis, Subject Quality Enhancement Plans, School Quality Enhancement Plans, University Quality Enhancement Plan
- Peer review/observation of teaching
- Professional development programme for staff
- External Examiner reports
Sources of Information
- Student Portal http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/Home.aspx
- Students Union https://www.boltonsu.com/
- External Examiner Report https://www.bolton.ac.uk/Quality/EEE/ExternalExaminersReports/
- Careers http://www.bolton.ac.uk/careers
- Student Information - Policy Zone http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx