Overview
With a broad programme of study, graduates have opportunities for employment in a range of engineering disciplines, from Electronic to Mechanical.
Important notice – campus change
Students will complete the next academic year (2020/21) on the Jordanstown campus *
Thereafter, from 2021, they may transition campuses.
Precise timings will be communicated as we progress through the final stages of the build of the enhanced Belfast campus.
*subject to COVID-19 restrictions and on-line learning provision
Find out about the campus transition
Summary
This course will allow you to develop an understanding of electronic and mechanical engineering from programming and embedded systems to mechanics and CAD. Utilising a connected programme of study, allowing you to build upon your knowledge gained in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within the electronic and mechanical industry.
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About this course
About
This course will allow you to develop an understanding of electronic and mechanical engineering from programming and embedded systems to mechanics and CAD. Utilising a connected programme of study, allowing you to build upon your knowledge gained in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within the electronic and mechanical industry.
Mechatronic Engineering graduates have career opportunities within a wide range of sectors, including semiconductors, power, renewable energy, software, hardware design, embedded systems, control, automation, manufacturing, product design and development.
Attendance
Duration and Mode of Attendance
The duration of the course is in the range of four to seven years, depending on exemption from Level 4 and 5 modules (Years 1 and 2 of equivalent full-time course) and the rate of study. On average students complete study at half the rate of a full-time student, completing 60 credits out of the 120 credits which make up each year of the equivalent full-time course. The maximum study load is 40 credits per semester.
Attendance
Attendance is part-time, day-time and typically requires one full day or two half days per week for 12 teaching weeks each semester. The attendance requirements may vary from semester to semester.
Start dates
Content
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Belfast campus
A globally recognised hub of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Important notice – campus change
Students will complete the next academic year (2020/21) on the Jordanstown campus *
Thereafter, from 2021, they may transition campuses.
Precise timings will be communicated as we progress through the final stages of the build of the enhanced Belfast campus.
*subject to COVID-19 restrictions and on-line learning provision
Find out about the campus transition
Accommodation
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
Student support
At Student Support we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student support
Address
Ulster University
York Street
Belfast
County Antrim
BT15 1ED
T: 028 7012 3456
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Engineering Mathematics
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the language and terminology of mathematics, together with the mathematical techniques from algebra, calculus and statistics that are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.
Electronics 1
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will provide an introduction to semiconductor devices and their application in electronic circuits such as power supplies, voltage regulators and simple amplifier circuits.
Professional Studies
Year: 1
Status: C
This modules makes students aware of the relevant professional, ethical, legal, and sustainability issues associated with being a professional engineer. Induction in how to study at university is included at the start of the module. Assessment is a combination of individual report, class test and team group report.
Year two
Engineering Fundamentals
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides the fundamental principles mechanical and electrical technologies and provides a methodology for their practical application. The module covers topics such as: Statics and Strength of Materials, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Linear DC Circuits, Energy Storage and AC Circuits.
Introductory Software Development
Year: 2
Status: C
Students will be introduced to the basic aspects of software development through the use of the Python programming language. An emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of the types of programming used in Engineering and beyond, rather than depth in each specific area. Students will learn about objects, modules and code re-usability and self-documentation. They will be encouraged to take a platform independent approach to development and choose their own tools. They should complete the module with a basic knowledge of the development landscape in terms of tools and techniques.
Mechanics 1
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides the fundamental principles of Dynamics, Statics and Strength of Materials in relation to mechanical engineering and provides a methodology for their practical application. Its content includes: Basic and derived units, static equilibrium, statically stressed systems, theory of torsion and bending, kinematics of a particle and kinetics of a particle. Those theoretical and practical principles required within each topic area will be developed in lectures and applied in assignments and tutorials.
Year three
Microcontroller Systems
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is designed to enable students to be able to implement intelligent digital systems based on microcontroller technology.
Control Theory & Applications
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the theoretical concepts and use of feedback-control systems. Theoretical studies are supported by the use of appropriate PC-based analysis and design simulation packages.
Engineering Analysis
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides a strong basis in important analytical techniques from algebra and calculus and statistics, which are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.
Electronics 2
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers further component and system level analysis and design of analogue and digital electronic circuitry, appropriate to fields such as computing, communications, signal processing and instrumentation.
Year four
Electrical Machines
Year: 4
Status: C
Electrical services: the operation and application of transformers, AC and DC motors including selection, electromagnetic fields, circuits and electronics. Lighting systems. Students will also conduct laboratory experiments and undertake pratical laboratory based projects.
Engineering Programming
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is designed to introduce engineering students to the basic principles of algorithmic programming, and the solution of engineering problems using MATLAB and Simulink.
Mechanics 2
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides an extension of the fundamental principles of Dynamics and Statics and Strength of Materials in relation to mechanical engineering and provides a methodology for their practical application.
Year five
Mechatronics 1
Year: 5
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the concepts and use of mechatronic systems and of the instrumentation, actuator, and feedback-control system components necessary for such systems. Theoretical studies are supported by the use of appropriate PC-based analysis and design packages.
Mechatronics 2
Year: 5
Status: C
This module provides a final year course in Mechatronics. Topics covered include: Examples of mechatronic systems; modelling of mechatronics systems; programmable-logic controllers; design the digital frequency and time measurement systems; analysis and design of feedback and modern control systems.
Nanotechnology
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
Object Oriented Programming
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module extends the students understanding of the design and creation of software structures using an object-oriented paradigm. The programming language is C++ which is of particular relevance to engineering students.
Mechanical Behaviour of Metallic Materials
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
The module commences with a revision of the basic principles of stress and strain, leading to elasticity, tensile testing and plastic behaviour. It then proceeds to address more advanced topics including, micro and macroscopic deformation mechanics and their influence on material performance. It concludes with an introduction to the mechanical forming of materials.
Year six
Final Year Project
Year: 6
Status: C
Each student taking this module will carry out an individual project on a topic relevant to their degree of study. Students are expected to design the project in collaboration with a nominated supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up the results in the form of a final dissertation.
Embedded Systems
Year: 6
Status: C
This module will provide knowledge relating to embedded systems from programming to interfacing and relating IoT based applications. More importantly, the focus will be to increase skills of students to develop a design from a paper to a prototype level.
Industrial Management
Year: 6
Status: C
This module provides an insight to key areas of management within organisations; operations management, strategic management and human behaviour within organisations. Teaching methods include lectures, guided discussions and seminars.
ASICs and digital design
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
This module will introduce the building blocks of the digital circuits and approaches to analyse, synthesis, verify and test the digital circuits using EDA tools and relating hardware (e.g. FPGA).
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A level
You will normally be in full-time employment in an engineering capacity regarded as satisfying the industrial training requirements of the equivalent full-time courses. You should have attained a high level of performance in a Higher National Diploma/Higher National Certificate in an appropriate engineering subject, or a Bachelor of Technology degree, or hold an equivalent qualification.
You will be required to satisfy the Course Committee that you have the support of your employer for release to attend the courses.
The Faculty of Computing and Engineering does not accept students with Essential Skills in Application of Number as the only mathematics qualification.
GCSE
GCSE profile of Grade C in English Language and Mathematics or above (or equivalent).
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Exemptions and transferability
Exemptions and Transferability
Accelerated entry to the course is given through exemption from level-4 and level-5 modules on an individual basis. Subject to the availability of places, students may transfer at the appropriate time, i.e. at the end of level 4 or level 5, to the equivalent full-time programme.
Careers & opportunities
Career options
Job prospects in a wide range of engineering industries are excellent with the majority of graduates finding employment within four months of graduation. Graduates with BEng Hons, first class or upper second class award all satisfy the requirements for a wide range of postgraduate research posts and scholarships in, electronic, mechanical, mechatronic, and biomedical engineering.
Mechatronic Engineering graduates have career opportunities within a wide range of sectors, including semiconductors, power, renewable energy, software, hardware design, embedded systems, control, automation, manufacturing, product design and development.
Professional recognition
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Disclaimer
- The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
- Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
- If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
- The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
- The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
Additional information for students from United Kingdom