This degree programme will bring together aspects of all branches of engineering that contribute to mechatronics, notably mechanical, electrical, electronic and control engineering.

Year 1

In your first year you will take courses in mathematics and study engineering fundamentals including applied mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, properties of materials and electronics. These courses will form a solid foundation for development later in the degree programme and are supported by individual drawing and practical skills and group project and laboratory work.

Year 2

In your second year you will continue to study mathematics and fundamental engineering courses linking the mechanical and electrical domains which form the basis for the study of mechatronics.

Year 3

In your third year you will develop knowledge and skills in electronic system design, real-time programming and control systems. This is combined with study of mechanical, instrumentation and data systems to develop the interdisciplinary skills necessary to undertake a mechatronic group design project.

Years 4 and 5

The main route to becoming a fully chartered engineer is through the MEng degree, which usually takes five years. The BEng degrees remain popular and can normally be completed in four years. To become a fully chartered engineer with a BEng degree requires further study after graduation, which can be done part-time from work. Your selection for BEng or MEng depends on your progress record in your first three years.

In your fourth and fifth years you will undertake a range of courses in engineering including courses in control, robotics and mechatronic systems. In addition you will take courses in the professional practice of engineers which include activities such as developing business plans, understanding the professional and legal requirements of being a professional engineer, and management.

In your final year you will undertake a major individual project which, for the MEng degree, may be undertaken in industry or on an industry-supported topic. The final year is completed with the study of a range of in-depth technical courses.

In fourth year you will take part in a multidisciplinary integrated system design project. As this project requires aspects of several major disciplines of engineering, you will work in teams alongside students of other engineering disciplines.

The School of Engineering has excellent links with industry. Our major national and international joint research programmes are key providers of student projects and placements. Many engineering employers are involved in the University’s prestigious Club 21 work-experience programme, which offers well-paid summer placements and, in some cases, sponsorship.

You will be able to apply to spend one year of your academic studies abroad at an accredited partner university. This would typically be in third year for BEng, or fourth year for MEng, students.

MEng students will also be able to work on their final-year project at overseas institutions.

Graduates from this Mechatronics degree programme will have the interdisciplinary approach necessary to achieve the coherent integration of electronics, control, software and mechanical engineering. There is increasing industry demand for graduates who can work in an interdisciplinary engineering environment.

Graduates from the School of Engineering are always in demand and are well represented in manufacturing companies and a wide range of industries in this country and abroad. In addition, the skills our graduates will acquire are readily transferable to other spheres of activity. Some of our graduates can be found in the service industries and other areas of the business community.