Mechanical Engineering – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Teaching and learningThis programme will normally consist of a 120 credit research project and an additional 60 credits of taught content, creating a standard 180 credit Postgraduate MSc Programme. The duration of the programme will be one year.

The programme is divided into two phases. In semester one (September-January), four taught modules to the equivalent of 60 credits are taken and assessed. These modules are chosen from a selection offered by the school from our current PG taught programmes. The modules should be agreed by both the student and research supervisor prior to enrolment on this programme and would include a research methodology module. Upon successfully completing the taught phase of the programme, students will progress onto the research phase to work full-time on the chosen research project (February-August). This programme is therefore designed to allow students to combine masters level taught modules with research skills and training development.

Course aims The programme is designed for postgraduate students who seeks to:

* Pursue a career in research and/or teaching both in the UK and other countries
* Pursue a career in industry or commerce
* Further their professional knowledge and standing, by studying and carrying out research in engineering

There is emphasis in the course on self-motivation, particularly when undertaking the dissertation. Students are strongly encouraged to build on the formal teaching, by studying preprints, published papers and conference proceedings, attending seminars, presentation and group meetings in order to expand and develop their knowledge of their field and other areas of engineering.

The aims of the lecture modules are to develop and expand the student's knowledge and understanding of their chosen research area.

The aims of the research project are to develop:

* The ability to work independently and constructively within a research group in the laboratory or theory environment
* Intellectual and communication skills necessary to present and articulate research findings in verbal and written formats
* Skill of numerical manipulation and statistical analysis of data using sophisticated software

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the MSc programme, a successful student will be able to:

* Critically assess a project to evaluate the best strategy to achieve the desired outcome.
* Plan and manage a research project to appropriate timescales and respond and adapt to changing circumstances.
* Use sophisticated computer software to analyse data.
* Link the research findings into knowledge obtained variously, in lectures, read in journals, encountered in the laboratory or obtained by the student from self-questioning, from the lecturers, supervisors and from other research group colleagues (including other students).