A general advanced mechanical engineering course particularly relevant to the energy and transport sectors, including mechanical engineering design and assessment. Students will learn project management, design, computer-aided engineering, operation and optimisation of machinery, structural mechanics and integrity.
At a glance
- Start dateFull-time: October. Part-time: October
- DurationOne year full-time; two-three years part-time
- DeliveryTaught modules 40% Group Project 20% Individual Research Project 40%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
Who is it for?
Advanced Mechanical Engineering at Cranfield is unique in that it offers you a broad range of mechanical engineering projects with the added component of a management flavour. This provides the opportunity for you to enhance your mechanical engineering skill with a view to developing your career in the management of large engineering projects.
In addition to management, communication, team work and research skills, you will attain at least the following learning outcomes from this degree course:
- Demonstrate knowledge, fundamental understanding and critical awareness of advanced mechanical engineering techniques necessary for solutions in the transport and energy sectors
- Demonstrate systematic knowledge across appropriate advanced technologies and management issues to provide solutions for international industries and/or research organisations
- Demonstrate the ability to acquire, critically assess the relative merits, and effectively use appropriate information from a variety of sources.
Why this course?
The MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering is differentiated from other courses available primarily by its industrial context through the strong links we have with national and international industry. We build our industrial links through research and consultancy, which allows us to provide practical and current examples to help illustrate learning throughout the course.
This course is also available on a part-time basis for individuals who wish to study whilst remaining in full-time employment. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments. We are very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offer a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This MSc programme benefits from a wide range of cultural backgrounds which significantly enhances the learning experience for both staff and students.
Informed by Industry
This degree is particularly industrially focused; although the course does not at present have an industrial advisory board, the course staff are heavily involved in industrially funded and oriented research and development.
The Head of Department, for example, sits on the IMechE Offshore Engineering committee, two BSI committees, the Engineering Integrity Society and is Chairman of the International Ship and Offshore Structures Congress Offshore, Renewable Energy Committee. Course content is reviewed annually by the course team and project/group work is by and large related to the Department's industrially funded research.
Your teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield’s leading academic experts including:
Dr Maurizio ColluProfessor Feargal Brennan
Dr Athanasios Kolios
Dr Ali Mehmanparast
Dr Takafumi Nishino
The course also includes visiting lecturers from industry who will relate the theory to current best practice. In recent years, our students have received lectures from industry speakers including:
Dr Amir Chahardehi - Senior Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue Engineer at Atkins
Chris Hill - Chris has 17 years of experience at the Solutia UK Ltd (formerly Monsanto) site in Newport, South Wales where he has been employed first as a Project Engineer, but more recently as a Control Systems Engineer.
Stephen Carver - Lecturer in project management in the Project Management Group, School of Management, and Director of the Management for Technology programme and the MBA Communications Course.
Professor John Sharp, Visiting Professor to the Offshore Technology Centre, lecturing on UK Offshore regulations and the application of risk base regulations to offshore hazards. He has more than 20 years experience in the offshore industry including a period as Head of Research in the Offshore Safety Division of HSE.
Course details
The taught programme for the Advanced Mechanical Engineering masters is generally delivered from October until March and is comprised of eight compulsory taught modules. Students on the part-time programme will complete all of the compulsory modules based on a flexible schedule that will be agreed with the Course Director.
Group project
The group project undertaken between October and April enables you to put the skills and knowledge developed during the course modules into practice in an applied context while gaining transferable skills in project management, teamwork and independent research. You will put in to practice analytical and numerical skills developed in the compulsory modules.
The aim of the group project is to provide you with direct experience of applying knowledge to an industrially relevant problem that requires a team-based multidisciplinary solution. You will develop a fundamental range of skills required to work in a team including team member roles and responsibilities, project management, delivering technical presentations and exploiting the variety of expertise of each individual member. Each group will be given an industrially relevant assignment to perform. Industry involvement is an integral component for the group project, to give you first-hand experience at working within real life challenging situations.
It is clear that the modern design engineer cannot be divorced from the commercial world. In order to provide practice in this matter, a poster presentation will be required from all students. This presentation provides the opportunity to develop presentation skills and effectively handle questions about complex issues in a professional manner. All groups submit a written report and deliver a presentation to the industry partner.
Part-time students are encouraged to participate in a group project as it provides a wealth of learning opportunities. However, an option of an individual dissertation is available if agreed with the Course Director.
Recent group projects include:
- Preliminary design of an offshore floating wind turbine
- Multi-disciplinary design of an high speed marine vehicle with aerodynamic surfaces
- Design optimisation of the drive train for a vertical axis wind turbine.
Individual project
The aim of the individual research project is to provide you with direct experience in undertaking a research/development project in a relevant industrial or research area. You will make a formal presentation of your findings to a panel of academics and industry experts and submit a research thesis.
The individual research project component takes place from March to August.
For part-time students it is common that their research thesis is undertaken in collaboration with their place of work and supported by academic supervision.
Recent individual research projects include:
- Comparison of a panel method and Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method to estimate the aerodynamic coefficients of a profile flying in ground effect
- The stress shielding effect of cracks in loaded components
- Review and modelling of heave and roll motion passive damping systems for offshore floating support structures for wind turbines.
Assessment
Taught modules 40% Group Project 20% Individual Research Project 40%University Disclaimer
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the core modules and some optional modules affiliated with this programme which ran in the academic year 2017–2018. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2018 entry. All modules are subject to change depending on your year of entry.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Fluid Mechanics and Loading
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
To provide a theoretical and applied understanding of fluid mechanics and fluid loading on structures. |
| Syllabus |
Principles of fluid dynamics: Dynamics of floating bodies: from simple hydrostatics to complex dynamic response in waves. |
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Advanced Control Systems
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
To introduce methodologies for the design of control systems for industrial applications. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Risk and Reliability Engineering
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
To introduce the principles of risk management and reliability engineering and solve relevant engineering problems through widely applied methods and tools. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Engineering Stress Analysis: Theory and Simulations
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
This module brings together theoretical and computational stress analysis through Finite Element simulations, allowing students to appreciate how the two disciplines interact in practice and what their strengths and limitations are. The examination of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for various practical applications (e.g. engineering components, composite structures, rotating disks, cracked geometries) in conjunction with relevant case studies will allow students to combine theoretical understanding with practical experience in order to develop their skills to model and analyse complex engineering problems. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Renewable Energy
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
To introduce the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques and tools for modelling, simulating and analysing practical engineering problems with hands on experience using commercial software packages used in industry. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Power Generation Systems
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
Understanding of the principles of operation, configuration, characteristics and key implementation issues of various types of power plant. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Structural Integrity
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
To provide an understanding of pertinent issues concerning the use of engineering materials and practical tools for solving structural integrity and structural fitness-for-service problems. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Management for Technology
| Module Leader |
|
|---|---|
| Aim |
The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisations products, innovation, programmes, operations and strategy is paramount, especially in today’s turbulent commercial environment with its unprecedented pace of technological development. Demand for ever more complex products and services has become the norm. The challenge for today’s manager is to deal with uncertainty, to allow technological innovation and change to flourish but also to remain within planned parameters of performance. Many organisations engaged with technological innovation struggle to find engineers with the right skills. Specifically, engineers have extensive subject/discipline knowledge but do not understand management processes in organisational context. In addition, STEM graduates often lack interpersonal skills. |
| Syllabus |
|
| Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
|
Fees and funding
European Union students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year and the 2018 to 2019 academic year will still have access to student funding support. Please see the UK Government’s announcement (21 April 2017).
Cranfield University welcomes applications from students from all over the world for our postgraduate programmes. The Home/EU student fees listed continue to apply to EU students.
| MSc Full-time | £8,500 |
| MSc Part-time | £1,635 * |
| PgDip Full-time | £6,500 |
| PgDip Part-time | £1,635 * |
| PgCert Full-time | £3,250 |
| PgCert Part-time | £1,635 * |
Fee notes:
- The fees outlined apply to all students whose initial date of registration falls on or between 1 August 2018 and 31 July 2019.
- All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period agreed at their initial registration.
- A deposit may be payable, depending on your course.
- Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
- Fee eligibility at the Home/EU rate is determined with reference to UK Government regulations. As a guiding principle, EU nationals (including UK) who are ordinarily resident in the EU pay Home/EU tuition fees, all other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees.
For further information regarding tuition fees, please refer to our fee notes.
| MSc Full-time | £19,000 |
| MSc Part-time | £19,000 ** |
| PgDip Full-time | £15,200 |
| PgDip Part-time | £15,200 ** |
| PgCert Full-time | £7,600 |
| PgCert Part-time | £11,310 ** |
Fee notes:
- The fees outlined apply to all students whose initial date of registration falls on or between 1 August 2018 and 31 July 2019.
- All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period agreed at their initial registration.
- A deposit may be payable, depending on your course.
- Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
- Fee eligibility at the Home/EU rate is determined with reference to UK Government regulations. As a guiding principle, EU nationals (including UK) who are ordinarily resident in the EU pay Home/EU tuition fees, all other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees.
For further information regarding tuition fees, please refer to our fee notes.
Funding Opportunities
To help students in finding and securing appropriate funding we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs. Visit the funding finder.
GREAT China Scholarship
The GREAT Cranfield University Scholarship China is jointly funded by Cranfield University and the British Council. Two scholarships of £11,000 each for Chinese students are available.
We have a limited number of scholarships available for candidates from around the world applying for the 2017 intake. Scholarships are awarded to applicants who show both aptitude and ability for the subject they are applying. Find out more about the Cranfield Scholarship
Postgraduate Loan from Student Finance EnglandA Postgraduate Loan is now available for UK and EU applicants to help you pay for your Master’s course. You can apply for a loan at GOV.UK
Santander MSc ScholarshipThe Santander Scholarship at Cranfield University is worth £5,000 towards tuition fees for full-time master's courses. Check the scholarship page to find out if you are from an eligible Santander Universities programme country.
Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing CountriesStudents from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship which includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for Master’s study.
Future Finance Student LoansFuture Finance offer student loans of up to £40,000 that can cover living costs and tuition fees for all student at Cranfield University.
Erasmus+ Student LoansThis new loan scheme for EU students is offered by Future Finance and European Investment Fund and provides smart, flexible loans of up to £9,300.
Chevening ScholarshipsChevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s at Cranfield university. The scholarship includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for Master’s study.
Commonwealth Shared ScholarshipStudents from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK can apply for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship which includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for Master’s study, jointly supported by Cranfield University.
Cranfield Postgraduate Loan Scheme (CPLS)The Cranfield Postgraduate Loan Scheme (CPLS) is a funding programme providing affordable tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time UK/EU students studying technology-based MSc courses.
Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia)Cranfield offers competitive scholarships for Mexican students in conjunction with Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) in science, technology and engineering.
BPP-Tech Scholarships
The following industry scholarships, worth up to £1,500, are available to the candidates applying to the MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering:
- One “BPP-Tech Excellence in Energy Studies” partial tuition fees scholarship, sponsored by BPP-Tech (www.bpp-tech.com)
- One “BPP-Cables Sustainable Futures” partial tuition fees scholarship, sponsored by BPP-Tech (www.bpp-tech.com)
IMechE is offering a number of postgraduate research Scholarships worth up to £6,500 to graduates with a 2:1 honours IMechE accredited BEng(Hons) degree to allow them to undertake an IMechE accredited Masters degree.
IGEM Postgraduate Masters ScholarshipThe Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) is offering postgraduate Masters Scholarships worth £6,500 to those studying an Engineering Council accredited degree.
Royal Aeronautical SocietyThe Royal Aeronautical Society offer Centennial Scholarships and British Aviation Group Scholarships.
Entry requirements
A first or second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, physics or an engineering discipline. Other recognised professional qualifications or several years relevant industrial experience may be accepted as equivalent; subject to approval by the Course Director.
Applicants who do not fulfill the standard entry requirements can apply for the Pre-Masters programme, successful completion of which will qualify them for entry to this course for a second year of study.
English Language
If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. Our minimum requirements are as follows:
- IELTS Academic - 6.5 overall
- TOEFL - 92
- Pearson PTE Academic - 65
- Cambridge English Scale - 180
- Cambridge English: Advanced - C
- Cambridge English: Proficiency - C
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English III - minimum overall score of pass
In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low.
We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date).
Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking a IELTS for UKVI test.
Applicants who do not already meet the English language entry requirement for their chosen Cranfield course can apply to attend one of our Presessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. We offer Winter/Spring and Summer programmes each year to offer holders.
Your career
Industry driven research makes our graduates some of the most desirable in the world for recruitment. The MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering takes you onto a challenging career in industry, government or research. The course reflects the strengths and reputation of Cranfield particularly in the energy, transport and management sectors. Graduates of this course have been successful in gaining employment in the following roles:
- Mechanical Design Engineer at Siemens
- Production Line Supervisor & Lean Implementer at GKN Land Systems
- Staff Engineer at BPP Technical Services Ltd working on offshore oil and gas engineering.
- Engineer at Det Norske Veritas
- Management Associate at BMW Group UK Limited
- Project Engineer at BASF Coatings S.A.
Applying
Online application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at this time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.
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