Advanced Product Design Engineering Masters (MSc)

This course, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), focuses on the latest technology in modern CAD/CAM/CAE/PLM applications to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of rapid design and manufacture of a new product from a single computer terminal, without the need for lengthy prototype and test cycles. Implementing this technology is essential in today's global marketplace, where survival relies on being first to market.

• Teaching in many technical modules is backed up by appropriate hands-on experience and workshops, which can be transferred directly to your working environment.
• Academic teaching is complemented by visits from industry experts. You will also have plenty of opportunities to attend relevant technical seminars, both within and outside the University.
• You can tailor your course to enhance your career ambitions through your module choices and the project dissertation gives you the opportunity to choose a field of study in which to establish yourself as a specialist.

What will you study?

This programme is structured to provide you with the latest developments in this still-evolving discipline, and focuses on providing you with hands-on experience of the latest computing applications throughout the entire product development cycle. The course covers a range of topics from 3D solid modelling and the techniques required to extend the capabilities of a 3D modelling system to gaining practical and theoretical knowledge of analytical computer tools by using finite element analysis (FEA) techniques. It also examines the importance of modern materials in advanced manufacturing processes, as well as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and application of rapid prototyping technologies. Additionally, the programme enables you to gain the entrepreneurship, management and business skills necessary to take on leadership roles in major product design engineering projects.

The project dissertation challenges you to investigate a theoretical area in depth and also to undertake a real-world product design problem-solving project.

This degree has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) degree.

Those students with an IEng accredited, or unaccredited, undergraduate degree will have their undergraduate programme modules reviewed by IMechE, upon completion of this MSc, and may be required to take further learning (if any) for CEng registration.

See www.imeche.org for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Please check the Engineering Council course search for more information.

Students are required to complete a total of eight taught modules, which comprise six core and two option modules. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management

• Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management

  The module is designed to provide the student with the research skills and techniques necessary to select and justify a research topic, plan project execution, use various resources to carry out a literature search and successfully complete the project and other module assignments on the course. It further develops the students' knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It supports students in producing proposals for enterprise ideas such as new products or services, or innovations in existing processes or organisations. Concepts of total quality management to enhance quality of products and processes in an industrial setting are presented and application of supporting quality tools and techniques are discussed.

  
   
• Computer Integrated Product Development

• Computer Integrated Product Development

  This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of some of the fundamental computing technologies that support the engineering product development process. Technologies covered include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Modelling and Analysis (FEM/FEA) and Mechanism Design and Simulation tools available within Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technologies. The module also develops both an understanding of the role of these technologies within Product Data Management (PDM) systems and the role of PDM itself as one of the key enablers for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).

  
   
• Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

• Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

  This module develops your understanding of the techniques required to extend the capabilities of a 3D solid modelling system by using the embedded application program interface available in many Windows compliant products.

  This enables you to develop an additional functional capability by accessing the modelling kernel within the CAD system and integrating functions across multiple systems (typically databases). This is achieved using Visual Basic as a programming language.

  
   
• Individual Project Dissertation

Option modules

• Industrial Operation Management and Resources Simulation
• Green Engineering and Energy Efficiency

• Green Engineering and Energy Efficiency

  This module is designed to reflect the imperative to reduce the production of carbon dioxide emissions and growing concerns about rising costs of fossil fuels both due to change in political developments and continuous depletion of fossil fuels worldwide. In the wake of high energy demands it is essential to develop and evaluate alternative energy systems. The renewables energy systems and related policies for secure attractive investment conditions, for new entrants and entrepreneurs in the whole value chain for a broad range of technologies is a subject for present and future energy needs. Eventually this is to design an environmentally benign product, analyse and improve eco-performance or eco-efficiency of a product and perform the life cycle analysis.

  
   
• Mechatronics Design and Automation

Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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