Overview
Combining a wide range of industrial, electronic and mechanical engineering skills.
Summary
Mechatronics unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to develop simpler, more economical and reliable systems.
This MEng Hons course has been designed with employers to prepare students for a wide range of industrial electronic and mechanical roles. Expanding upon the knowledge gained in the first four years (3 in study, 1 in industry), this course will allow you to choose specialist subjects in the fifth year. This will allow you to extend your knowledge in an area of interest to you, or an area which will provide further career opportunities.
Using a connected programme of study, which will allow you to build on the knowledge you gain in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within industry.
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About this course
About
Core to this degree is the Industrial Placement, in which you will take up employment in an engineering company, within the UK or worldwide. This industrial placement provides an important real world context for your studies and also allows you to gain relevant industrial experience, which is beneficial when applying for graduate positions.
This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described.
Associate awards
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Attendance
Duration and Mode of Attendance
Full-time: five years (including placement).
Attendance
Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week between 09.15 am and 5.15 pm. There are no timetabled activities on Wednesday afternoons.
Start dates
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Teaching Methods
Formal lectures are supplemented by tutorials and laboratory investigations, as appropriate. Practical ‘hands on’ laboratory sessions are an integral part of many modules throughout all years. Case studies and group mini-project work are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.
Assessment
Generally, a combination of continuous assessment and examination is employed in each module. Continuous assessment includes class tests, library and laboratory based assignments, and individual and group project work. Some modules across all years are continuously assessed.
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.
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.
Engineering Fundamentals
Year: 1
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.
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.
Introductory Software Development
Year: 1
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.
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.
Mechanics 1
Year: 1
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 two
Microcontroller Systems
Year: 2
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: 2
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: 2
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.
Electrical Machines
Year: 2
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.
Electronics 2
Year: 2
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.
Engineering Programming
Year: 2
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: 2
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 three
Industrial Placement
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
International Academic Studies
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year four
Mechatronics 1
Year: 4
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.
Embedded Systems
Year: 4
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.
Mechatronics 2
Year: 4
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.
Industrial Management
Year: 4
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.
German (ab initio)
Year: 4
Status: C
This introductory module is to equip students with a basic linguistic competence and give them confidence in their own language learning abilities. The teaching methods aim at encouraging learner autonomy at the crucial early stages of language acquisition. The research on aspects of contemporary German society is to tune the students' sensitivity to another culture.
Nanotechnology
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
Object Oriented Programming
Status: O
Year: 4
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.
ASICs and digital design
Status: O
Year: 4
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).
Academic placement - Augsburg
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and enables the student to study engineering through the German language and partially fulfills the requirements for being awarded the German Master's Degree in Mechatronic Systems.
Power Electronics and Electrical Drives
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is offered in Augsburg, Germany, and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of Power Electronics and Electrical Machines combined with the required new power semiconductors.
VLSI Design
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of VLSI by design and fabrication of ASIC chips specified to perform signal processing functions.
Control and Automation
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of modern process automation concepts.
Communications
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of digital communication systems.
Mechatronics
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is offered in Germany and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of mechatronics, control and simulation techniques for micro-mechanical systems combined with electronics and bonding technologies to connect both.
Electric Power Systems
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module covers theoretical and practical aspects of electric power systems with a large share of decentralised and renewable generation units.
Mechanical Behaviour of Metallic Materials
Status: O
Year: 4
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 five
MEng Final Year Dissertation
Year: 5
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete an MEng level project and prepares them to be able to contribute positively in their first engineering graduate employment.
An ethos of professionalism can be developed and demonstrated in the way that earlier learned material can be successfully applied in engineering applications; this can continue after graduation and is an essential requirement of a practising Chartered Engineer.
Students are expected to design the project in collaboration with their supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up and presenting their work in the form of an oral/poster presentation and a final written dissertation.
Product Innovation
Year: 5
Status: C
This module aims to provide participants with the capability to improve the competitiveness of companies through new product and/or process innovation. A major team design project is addressed, derived from a real problem from within a local manufacturing company. Material covered is supported through tutorial/lecture sessions as appropriate.
Embedded Systems RTOS Design
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module enables the student to design and implement cost-effective reliable real-time embedded systems that can be shown to meet the current industry performance, reliability and safety standards.
Digital Signal Processing
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms.
Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
The course provides an in depth knowledge of micro-nanodevices, as well as micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Electronic Systems Design
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate electronic systems.
Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
An introduction to the theory of engineering plasticity applied to common sheet metal forming processes. The relevant theories are presented and their application to real industrial processes are emphasised.
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
The A Level requirements are grades ABB to include Mathematics and one from GCE A Level Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering or Electronics.
Desirable Subject Offer - GCE A Level Physics.
Applicants presenting A Level Physics will receive a one grade reduction at the time of offer i.e. BBB.
Applied General Qualifications
The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment accept a range of alternative combinations of qualifications such as:
BTEC Extended Awards
BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile D*DD to include a Distinction in a unit of Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians.
OR
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma in Engineering with DDM overall award grades to include a Distinction in Engineering Principles and Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.
A Levels with;
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma;
BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate. Note: The RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Engineering will satisfy the subject requirement as long as it includes Merit in Engineering Principles and only when presented with Merit in an additional module, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma does not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be considered when presented with A Levels in the specified subjects;
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
The A level(s) and/or the BTEC qualification(s) must be in the specified subject(s) and must have the required mathematical modules.
OCR Nationals and Cambridge Technical Combinations
Do not satisfy the subject entry requirement for this course and will be accepted as grade only when presented with A levels in the relevant subject(s).
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence
Irish Leaving Certificate
128 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Levl or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject Requirements
Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics and one other Higher Level subject from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering, Technology and Design.
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
Tariff point chart
Scottish Highers
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBBC (to include minimum of B in Mathematics and another science subject).
Scottish Advanced Highers
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is BBC (to include Mathematics and a science subject).
International Baccalaureate
Overall International Baccalaureate Diploma requirement for this course is a minimum of 27 points to include 13 at Higher Level and to include minimum grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and grade 5 in another Higher Level science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.
Access to Higher Education (HE)
MEng entry is not available directly from an Access course.
GCSE
GCSE Mathematics Grade C or 4 (or alternative qualification acceptable to the University).
GCSE English Language Grade C or 4 (or alternative qualification acceptable to the University).
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.
Additional Entry Requirements
HND, HNC, Foundation and OCR/Cambridge Technical do not satisfy the subject entry requirements to this course.
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent). Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger
Exemptions and transferability
Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2. Students on the MEng Hons course have the opportunity to transfer to the linked MEng Mechatronic Engineering + German Masters degree course. Transferability is dependent on academic performance and availability of places.
Careers & opportunities
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course are now working for:
- NORBROOK LABORATORIES
- AVX Ltd
- Heartsine Technologies
- Schrader Electronics
- Yelo Ltd
- Boston Scientific
- Seagate Technologies
Job roles
With this degree you could become:
- Design engineer
- Electrionic engineer
- Engineering Project Manager
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 a MEng Hons, first class or upper second class award all satisfy the requirements for a wide range of postgraduate research posts and scholarships in electronic, computing, 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.
Fees and funding
Scholarships, awards and prizes
The Faculty of Computing and Engineering Prize list is available at :
ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/prizes.html
Additional mandatory costs
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
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.
