Mechanical Engineering MSc

Why choose this course?

This course will broaden and deepen your understanding of mechanical design engineering, modern materials application and advanced manufacturing technology. Teaching is through lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies, and presentations. Through your choice of modules, you can tailor the course to your career ambitions. You will have the opportunity to analyse and solve a real-world engineering problem using cutting-edge technologies. These include finite elements modelling and analysis (FEM/FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mechanism design analysis and control (CAE).

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year Delivered in one-week blocks September 2024, January 2025
Full time 2 years including professional placement Delivered in one-week blocks plus placement year September 2024, January 2025
Part time 2 years Delivered in one-week blocks September 2024, January 2025

Important: if you are an international student requiring a Student Route visa to study in the UK you will also need an ATAS certificate for this course.

Location Roehampton Vale

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You will gain the latest technological knowledge and industrial management skills that the industry demands.
  • The course meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) if you already have an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons).
  • Through an individual research-based project, you will be able to specialise in a chosen field.

Accreditation

The MSc will meet, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng(Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.

Find out more about Further Learning by visiting the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website.

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 website for more information about accredited degrees.

Further learning details are available on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website.

What you will study

The programme is structured so that students have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of mechanical design engineering, modern materials application and advanced manufacturing technology. It is built on a comprehensive use of advanced computer-based mechanical engineering design analysis and problem solving using cutting-edge technologies such as finite elements analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mechanism design analysis and control. Students are also able to gain the management and business skills necessary to take on leadership roles in major engineering projects.

The course is delivered with the support of external industrial speakers who bring their experience into the classroom so that students can learn how real problems can be solved using the techniques they have learned in the lectures. Innovative teaching methods, with the aid of a virtual learning platform, are used inside and outside the classroom to enhance the students' learning experience.

One of the main features of the course is that many of its subject materials are highly research oriented and taught by active and internationally-recognised research academics in the Faculty. This gives students the additional opportunity to deepen their subject interest by selecting a research-based project dissertation. 

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Modules

Professional placement

Core modules

Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics

15 credits

This module extends your knowledge and skills beyond the basic fluid mechanics methods which are normally introduced at early undergraduate level, and to provide a theoretical and analytical introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD.

The module also provides you with advanced computational knowledge in fluid dynamics, therefore enhancing your employment potential in a wide range of industries.

Advanced Structural Analysis

15 credits

The finite element analysis is a numerical method for solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics. Currently, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is widely used in engineering design of advanced structures. In FEA, mathematical assumptions are made for solving problems. Advanced structures are also highly prone to vibration due to their flexible nature while experiencing dynamic loads, if undetected can result in catastrophic failures. A structure could have several bending and torsional modes and with every mode there will be a corresponding natural frequency, damping ratio and mode shape. It is therefore important to be able to analytically predict these parameters.

This module covers introduction to FEA and structural dynamics. For FEA basic theory, and analysing stresses, deflections, and temperatures are covered. For structural dynamics, the primary parameters associated with vibration are identified; these include natural frequencies, damping, mode shapes and responses under operating dynamic loads. Examples of good practice for safe and effective application are presented.

This module will be particularly applicable for engineers and scientists who want to understand the fundamental theory of FEA and structural dynamics and gain understanding of underlying theories behind these techniques.

Advanced Engineering Materials

15 credits

This module is designed to develop your in-depth understanding of material science and engineering in relation to advanced materials, development techniques and coatings, together with materials selection methods employed by engineering consultants. The module aims to deepen your understanding of the relationships of material design, manufacturing processes and material properties by providing examples from various applications.

Computational Mechanical Design and Analysis

30 credits

Engineering design is at the heart of what professional engineers do. Currently computers and software are used in the design and manufacture of advanced products and processes. Modern products have complex construction and shape, and in general analytical solutions are not available for their designs. The designers inevitably use finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity analysis in many fields such as mechanical design, automotive, aerospace, biomechanics, etc and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the behaviour of complex fluid flows encountered in typical engineering applications.

In this module you will be introduced to FEA and CFD for solving advanced mechanical design problems by means of practical workshops using commercial FEA and CFD software. The commercial software ANSYS Workbench is used in this module; however, the underlying themes of the module are generic.

The first half of the module aims at introducing the principles of the modelling statics and dynamics problems with FEA and to critically assess and evaluate the results. In the second half of the module, you will become familiar with how to use computational fluid dynamics software to solve design problem related to fluids and heat transfer.

Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability

30 credits

Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge required to select and justify a research topic and then to plan and execute that research project. Research is a broad topic covers a variety of activities that range from undertaking a project as part of an academic programme, through research and development in the commercial environment, to acquiring information to inform projects undertaken as part of routine business practice. This module introduces research in these contexts and allows you to develop your own research plan. As part of the module, you will consider setting research questions and determining hypotheses, acquire relevant information and data, apply suitable analytical techniques, and evaluate the significance and potential applications of their research findings. You will also develop your innovation skills through a combination of workshops and team working, resulting in submission of an innovation proposal aimed to address UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The module covers many practical aspects surrounding research in the commercial environment including intellectual property and professionalism, and sustainability is embedded throughout the module both in course content and via development of the innovation proposal.

Dissertation

60 credits

Drawing on previous knowledge and experience, the dissertation module allows you to study an area of interest within your chosen field in significant depth. In undertaking the dissertation, you will develop not only a deeper understanding of your subject area but will also be able to demonstrate a high level of autonomy in terms of project dissertation planning and management. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and, through your own efforts, apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The main output from the module is a final report but the option is available for you to prepare their work in the format of an article suitable for submission to a relevant conference or journal.

Optional modules

Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

15 credits

This module covers advanced CAD and CAM techniques in conceptual design and manufacture and is heavily focussed on rapid manufacturing methods involving mould design, machining tool path optimisation and full machining simulation verification, and machining collision avoidance subjects will also be covered.

Industrial Robotics

15 credits

This module provides high level view on the design of mechatronic and automation systems. Applications and types of such systems are discussed. Main components of mechatronic design are introduced, including mechanical design through specialised software, sensors and actuators, control design, and software development for real-time implementation. Theoretical material is illustrated by practical laboratory sessions on real-time design, using industrial standard, state-of-the-art equipment. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with your work on your final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.

Professional placement

Professional Placement

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Work placement scheme

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in partial fulfilment of the academic requirements for chartered engineer status, and/or suitable industrial experience. Mechanical engineering, manufacturing, aerospace/aeronautical engineering, civil engineering must include modules such as stress analysis and/or structures. Degrees in material science and product design will be considered.
  • We will consider applicants not requiring Matching Section under SARTOR 3 but interested in advanced study at MSc level on an individual basis. Typically these applicants must have a relevant good honours level degree and/or industrial experience.

Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

The assessment strategy is designed to support your learning experience. Assessment criteria are clear, transparent and explicit and the scope of each assessment is discussed with students within modules. The course employs a combination of assessment methods will be used throughout the course. These elements include module assignments, module examinations, in-class tests, experiment reports, industrial visit reports, seminars, verbal presentations and the project dissertation.

Each module leader is responsible for ensuring that the method of assessment reflects the aims and learning objectives of the module, is demanding and stimulating and at the appropriate master level. Formative assessments are embedded into the delivery pattern of all the modules and are designed to help students learn more effectively by giving them feedback to improve their performance and feed forward towards summative assessments. Reflective practice by students and feedback from designated Personal tutors will also form part of the formative assessments. Group activities are an important part of the course teaching and assessment strategy where students learn and improve through peer feedback.

The individual project provides a challenge to the candidate to undertake a real world problem because most projects are industrially orientated.  Students will be given close guidance to select a project which is relevant to the chosen field. During the project, the student will be expected to apply the knowledge learnt during the course to achieve agreed deliverables, whilst satisfying any given constraints. Key skills in communication, presentation, literature search, problem analysis, project planning, report writing and solution justification are all part of the learning objectives defined in the field.

Coursework are mainly submitted electronically  on the CANVAS of each module. You are reminded of the faculty policy for the late submission of coursework. Any work submitted up to a week late will be capped at minimum 50%, anything submitted later than this will receive a zero mark.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 270 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1230 hours

18% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 1
  • Coursework: 88%
  • Exams: 12%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Formula Student competition

Join this course at Kingston and you too could join the KU e-Racing team and help it drive for success in Formula Student year after year. It's a great chance to apply theory to a real workplace project, enjoy the thrills of appearing at a major racing circuit and have something amazing to add to your CV.

About Formula Student

IMechE's Formula Student is the largest annual student motorsport event in the world. It is delivered in partnership with key industry players including Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Shell, National Instruments and Mercedes-AMG Petronas. Ross Brawn OBE (Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team) is the patron and the event is entered by 141 university teams from 34 countries across the globe.

With its real-world bias, Formula Student is viewed by the motor industry as the standard for engineering graduates to meet. In fact, many high-profile motorsports engineers have participated in Formula Student whilst at university including Andrew Shovlin, chief race engineer of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and James Painter, engineering lead of vehicle integration working on the BLOODHOUND land speed record.

KU e-Racing shines at Silverstone

The week after the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel raced at the British Grand Prix, students from around the world competed in their own motorsport event at Silverstone in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' Formula Student competition. Kingston University's KU e-Racing proved to be the only UK team with a viable electric vehicle – read about how the team got on.

You can also see the KU e-Racing car being assembled, the chassis being constructed and the car being transported to Silverstone, as well as glimpses of the business presentation made as part of the University's entry. Produced by students Karam Rajaby and Joseph Bannister (Television and Video Technology BSc (Hons)), Amy Nicole Tinker (Media Technology BSc (Hons)); and Luka Stokic (Automotive Engineering BSc (Hons)).

Watch out for their full-length documentary on Formula Student.

Kingston motorsport

Students on this course can also get involved with the successful Kingston University motorsport team.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry-informed, ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.

The Department has strong links with industry leaders, including Delphi, Lotus Engineering, MAN and Thales. Many of our innovative, hands-on projects involve students as well as academics and receive national and global coverage.

Our applied approach to teaching is supported by dedicated laboratories for mechanical, automotive and motorsport engineering, including wind tunnels, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and manufacturing machinery, a fully-equipped materials lab, engine test cells, an automotive diagnostics lab featuring the latest industrial software packages, and a modern electronics/robotics lab with the recent addition of a robot and electronic equipment from National Instruments.

Our courses encompass applications from all areas of engineering, providing our students with the knowledge and flexibility they need to work across many industries, both in the UK and overseas.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Facilities

Our modern teaching environment  

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:

  • rolling roads;
  • automotive testing facilities;
  • a Lotus Exige; and
  • cars and motorcycles built by engineering students.

We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software.

The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc full time £10,900
  • MSc part time £5,995

International 2024/25

  • MSc full time £16,900
  • MSc part time £9,295

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24

  • MSc full time £9,860
  • MSc part time £5,423

International 2023/24

  • MSc full time £15,800
  • MSc part time £8,690

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

3D printing

It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

After you graduate

Students progress to roles such as mechanical engineer, project engineer, design engineer, quality engineer, maintenance engineer and automotive engineer, working in white goods industries and the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

What our graduates say

I chose Kingston because the course content was right for the business and myself. The module delivery was excellent for part-time students which enabled me to plan my work efficiently and minimise my time away from the office.

My work with Thales is varied and I am still learning every day building on both my technical and commercial knowledge. The projects I work on can be hugely rewarding, designing a product and seeing it through to manufacture and testing is very satisfying.

The skills I have gained in CAD/CAM and financial resourcing can be directly transferred to the work place and help towards gaining Chartered Engineer status. I would recommend investing in a postgraduate qualification to anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge of mechanical engineering principals and commercial awareness. 

David Cockrem

I selected Kingston University because it offered excellent engineering tools, module options and lecture content, with input from industry guest lecturers. The teaching modules were delivered in one-week blocks which suited me and my employer.

For my thesis, Dr Redha Benhadj-Djilali guided me throughout and provided quality direction and motivation to achieve outstanding results. The impressive facilities in the workshops and laboratories also helped me complete my research.

Since graduating, I have achieved IEng status and also successfully designed, manufactured and launched my own consumer product into the UK marketplace. I am now a Principle Mechanical Design Engineer within the R&D department at Formula One Management where I develop mechanical solutions to support F1 broadcasting activities.

Bob Bhatti

What this course offers you

  • The Mechanical Engineering course provides a strategic overview of engineering and management issues.
  • It will develop your professional, analytical and management skills, as well as improving your technical skills and knowledge. For example, you will gain communication, teamwork, IT and problem-solving skills.
  • Each module combines a stimulating mix of lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies and presentations.
  • You usually take the Industrial Project Review and Analysis in industry. This gives you the opportunity to solve a real-world engineering problem.
  • Input from industry experts complements the teaching throughout the course.
  • You can choose to study the course full-time or part-time to fit in with work commitments. September and January start dates give you extra flexibility.
  • We regularly review all our postgraduate courses to make sure that they are up-to-date, reflect industry needs and are comparable to other university courses.

Links with business and industry

How the engineering staff work with industry partners

Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries. Some examples include work with:

  • Matra-Marconi Space Ltd
  • Ericsson
  • Balfour Beatty
  • The National Health Service
  • British Gas.

Our Industrial Advisory Committee reviews and advises industrial activities. The Committee acts as a forum for discussing teaching, research and consultancy to industry.

Industrial project review

This course features an industrial project review and analysis module, which is designed to be taken in industry. It gives you the chance to address a real-world problem in an engineering environment. Throughout the course, academic teaching is complemented by input from industry experts.

Research areas

Engineering research

Many academic staff are engaged in a range of research and consultancy activities funded by the Research Councils, the European Union, the government, trade unions and industry. These activities ensure our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Research centres

Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Current research projects at the Applied Engineering Research Centre cover the following areas:

  • CFD and fire modelling
  • applied engineering
  • manufacturing
  • material processing and surface engineering.

Extra activities for this course

There are always interesting activities taking place at Kingston and exciting opportunities to take advantage of.

Our lively research culture is reflected in our regular seminars. Recent examples include:

  • International Conference on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.
  • Recent Advances in the Micromechanics of Ductile Fracture.
  • Environmental Degradation in Adhesively Bonded Structures.
  • Modelling of Deformation and Failure of Polymers: Why is Bridging of Length and Time Scales Necessary?
  • Why Bolt It When You Can Bond It? The Gluing Evolution.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.