Mechatronic Engineering
MEng (Hons)

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

• September 2022

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:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

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.

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.

Introduction to Electronic and Mechatronic Engineering

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce students to studying Electronic and Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programme.

Analogue and Digital 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. It will also introduce the field of digital electronics, with simple combinational logic circuit analysis and simplification

Mechanical Systems & Analysis 1

Year: 1

Status: C

Analysis of statics and dynamics systems are a key foundation for mechanical and mechatronic engineers. This module provides fundamental concepts and principles in order to solve static and dynamics problems, and gives a solid methodology and framework in order to tackle new and unfamiliar problems.

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.

The Global Engineer

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce students to working in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world problem and present their solution to an audience of their tutors and peers.

Year two

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.

Analogue and Digital 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.

Mechatronics 1

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides an understanding of the concepts and use of mechatronic systems and of the instrumentations, actuator, sensors, 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 and Microcontrollers

Year: 2

Status: C

This module will equip students with necessary knowledge and hardware-software design skills needed to design/implement microcontroller based embedded systems.

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.

Mechanical Systems and Analysis 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

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

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

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.

Communications circuit design

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module enables the student to undertake complete analogue communications circuit design problems.

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).

Embedded Systems

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

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

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

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.

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.

Signal Processing and Data Analysis

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module provides a knowledge of analogue and digital signal processing of simple level systems;

with particular application to basic signals generated by biological systems.

Power Electronics

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module addresses important aspects the control and conversion of electrical energy using power electronics devices, their efficiency, power dissipation and thermal control.

German for International Engineering

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

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

Year five

Electronic Systems Design

Year: 5

Status: C

This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate electronic systems.

Research Methods and Management

Year: 5

Status: C

A module which integrates lectures with group activities in the study of the basics of research methods and management processes. The student will consolidate their learning of research methodologies, management processes, data processing, literature review, report and dissertation writing.

MEng Final Year Dissertation

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

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.

Microwave and RF Design

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module will equip the student with a deeper knowledge of microwave and RF circuit design and provide an understanding of how practical microwave devices are implemented in integrated circuit form for deployment in modern communication systems.

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.

Advanced Automation and Control

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module covers some advanced control theories including: Lyapunov and function analytic techniques for nonlinear systems stability analysis, sliding mode, concept of fault diagnosis, computer-aided control systems design using optimal and robust control methods, and aspects of control research.

MEng Final Year Dissertation

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

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.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

To provide participants with the capability to improve the competitiveness of companies through entrepreneurship practice and new product and/or process innovation. A major team design project is addressed derived from a real problem from within a local/global manufacturing company. Material covered is supported through tutorial, lecture and workshop sessions as appropriate.

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 four subjects at Higher Level and one subject at Ordinary Level. English Grade H6 or above (HL) or Grade 04 or above (Ordinary Level) if not sitting at Higher Level. 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

• View tariff point chart

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.

• English language requirements
• Your country

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

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

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.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

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.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2022

Contact

Course Director: Dr Robert J McMurray

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6176

E: rj.mcmurray@ulster.ac.uk

Admissions Contact: Ruth McKeegan

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6134

E: rm.mckeegan@ulster.ac.uk

Admissions Service:

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6309

E: admissionsjn@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Engineering

Disclaimer

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.