Mechatronic Engineering - MEng (Hons)

2024/25 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Master of Engineering with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

School:

School of Engineering

Campus:

Belfast campus

Start date:

September 2024

With this degree you could become:

  • Mechatronic Engineer
  • Electrionic Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Engineering Project Manager
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Systems Engineer

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Sensata Technologies
  • Heartsine Technologies
  • Yelo Ltd
  • Boston Scientific
  • Seagate Technologies

Overview

Mechatronic Engineering is a multidisciplinary field combining electronic, mechanical, computer and control engineering.

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.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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 2024

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.

Teaching, learning and assessment

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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. 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 assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

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.

Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) 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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - 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 2022-2023.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation (Opens in a new window)  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing (Opens in a new window)  

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

ABB to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering or Electronics.

or

BBC if presenting A Level Physics in addition to Mathematics.

NOTE:
Applicants for the MEng Hons Mechatronic Engineering course, not eligible for entry to the MEng, will automatically be considered for entry to the BEng Hons Mechatronic Engineering course both at offer making stage and once results have been received.

Applied General Qualifications

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Award profile of DDM to include a Distinction in Engineering Principles and Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

Essential Subjects:

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7588/6)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (RQF) (601/7587/4)

We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.

Essential Subjects: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma must include a Distinction in Engineering Principles and Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7580/1)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (RQF) (601/7579/5)

The A Level must be in one of the specified subjects (please refer to A Level section).

Essential Subjects: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate must include Distinction in Engineering Principles.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (RQF) (601/7584/9)

The A Level(s) must include Mathematics plus an A Level in a specified subject (please refer to A Level section) and/or the BTEC qualification(s) must be in an Engineering subject area and include the required module.

OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals do not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be accepted when presented with an A Level in one of the specified subjects (please refer to A level section).

To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/equivalence

We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements

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 Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Course Specific Subject Requirements

Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics at minimum Grade H5 and one other Higher Level subject at minimum Grade H6 from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering or Technology and Design.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBBC (to include minimum of BB in Mathematics and another science subject).

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades BBC (to include Mathematics and a science subject).

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is 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

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.

GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics (or alternative qualification acceptable to the University).

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.

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:

  • Sensata Technologies
  • Heartsine Technologies
  • Yelo Ltd
  • Boston Scientific
  • Seagate Technologies

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Mechatronic Engineer
  • Electrionic Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Engineering Project Manager
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Systems Engineer

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.

Work placement / study abroad

Core to this degree is the Industrial Placement, in which you will take up (paid) employment in an engineering company, within the UK or worldwide, normally in year 3 of the programme.

The industrial placement provides an important real-world context for your studies and also lets you gain relevant industrial experience, which is beneficial when applying for graduate positions.

In addition, students can select to study for a semester in the University of Applied Sciences in Augsburg in the Bavarian region of Germany. This study abroad period is normally in semester 2 of year 4.

Professional recognition

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.

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.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2024

Fees and funding

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,750.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,250.00

International Fees

£16,320.00

Scholarships, awards and prizes

The Faculty of Computing and Engineering Prize list is available at :

Ulster University Student Prizes

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. 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 Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.