Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
A student working on an engine part.

This course seeks to produce postgraduates with the versatility and depth of understanding to deal with new and unusual challenges in mechanical engineering, alongside the necessary imagination and creativity to innovate.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT048

Start date

January 2025


Course overview

The MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering is informed by Coventry University’s commercial and academic research in areas such as durability and reliability, light-weighting, renewable energy technologies of wind and hydropower, advanced simulation and future concepts.

  • Our collaborative links with industry facilitate a programme of guest speakers (subject to availability) who will share the latest technological advances, issues and trends, as well as provide opportunities to engage with companies on ‘live’ collaborative projects2.
  • Coventry University offers modern facilities4 in our Engineering and Computing Building. Facilities include a Mercedes AMG Petronas wind tunnel, composites lab, metrology lab, shaker rig, flow lab, engine test cell, automotive workshop, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a full-size Harrier Jet, three further simulators, civil engineering specialist testing equipment, a range of Computerised Numeric Control (CNC) machinery and a laser workshop amongst others.
  • You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

A hand clicks a button with a person on

Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Icon of person sharing information with three others

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Coventry University has a long and prestigious automotive, transport and engineering heritage. Our graduates are employed by automotive vehicle and system manufacturers and design professionals all over the world.

  • This programme is aimed at both new graduates and experienced engineering professionals who wish to develop advanced skills in thermofluids, metrology, design and technology and engineering simulation and analysis.
  • The university’s facilities provide access to a wide range of industry-standard commercial engineering software used for computer-aided design, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. You may have the opportunity to model and analyse engineering systems using stress analysis, heat transfer, dynamics and fluid mechanics.
  • Our current strong links with local industry, which include Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, UNIPART, SAIC, Prodrive, Airbus, Tata, GKN, Ricardo and MIRA, may provide opportunities for industry engagement working on actual projects (subject to availability) which may provide the opportunity to put into practice what you learn, through solving real-life problems. 

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

CMI HE Partner Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.


Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) up to and including the 2025 intakes under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. 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). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). 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.

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in industry.

The accredited MSc will meet, in part, the exemplifying 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 that 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 qualifications individually assessed through the Individual Case Procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.


IMechE Membership Partner

We are a Membership Partner with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Working in collaboration with the IMechE we aim to ensure our engineers and technical teams meet industry-recognised standards of engineering excellence.

We are committed to the professional development of everyone within our organisation, and recognise that professional registration and recognition are crucial in helping our employees and business grow and excel.


What you'll study

You’ll be encouraged to study the principles of engineering, physics and materials science, alongside the design and analysis, modelling and simulation, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems.

The course culminates with your individual project, which provides an opportunity to apply the theories and techniques you have learned during your studies. It may focus on one area of study or involve a combination of subjects.

Past student projects have included the following: development of a computer model of Fiat Punto for pedestrian impact simulation; design of novel bone-implant interface medical devices; analysis of fluid-structure interaction with smoothed particle hydrodynamics and a 3D CFD model analysis of urban air flow around high-rise buildings at the Business Centre of La Défense (Paris).

Your project can be industry-based if you are already working or wish to follow the work placement option2. For example, one project commissioned by the US Air Force studied the effect of fatigue and corrosion on the structural integrity of aging aircraft components. 

Modules

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity2 enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules will incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of the Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

A wide range of teaching methods will be used including:

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Case studies
  • Simulations
  • Individual and group exercises and projects

Many of the modules adopt an Activity-Led Learning (ALL) approach, for example, we might investigate flow patterns in a network of channels by computer simulation using commercial packages to improve the design of a thermofluid system. Alternatively, in a practical learning session, you may develop measurement skills in our modern metrology laboratory.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.


Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Your project-based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 45 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around 1 hour per week and optional workshops supporting your project, which can add around 10 additional hours across your project semester.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include reports, tests, exam, practical coursework and presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

An honours degree (with a minimum of a second-class honours) in a mechanical or automotive related subject or have an equivalent professional background.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. 

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Some international students may require an ATAS certificate to study this course. For further information see our ATAS certificates page.

Typical entry requirements

To enter the course you need to hold an honours degree (with a minimum of a second class honours) in a mechanical or automotive related subject, or have an equivalent professional background.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. 

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)   Request fee information
EU £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

Factory on the floor

Faculty on the factory floor

AME brings together academia, industry, and research and development in a ‘live’ manufacturing environment. Our collaboration with Unipart gives you the opportunity to work with some of the most talented engineering professionals in the UK.
 

High performance engineering centre

High Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC)

Situated on the ground floor of our Engineering and Computing Building, the centre houses flight and driving simulators, a chassis design assembly and test facility, wind tunnels and a fleet of CNC manufacturing machines.

Metals workshop

Metals Workshop

Participate in technical work in a hands-on way. The workshop includes lathes, milling machines, fabrication equipment for sheet metal work, CNC machines, work benches, welding lines and a fitting assembly area.
 


Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • The function, materials, manufacture and assembly of a wide range of engineering products.
  • The principles of engineering science and mathematics and their application and capability in defining and proving the performance of innovative engineering products.
  • Aspects of innovative mechanical design, including the design process, design standards and codes, selection of materials and methods of manufacture.
  • Design tools for optimised performance, reliability, weight, cost and sustainability.
  • Power generation by wind and hydro renewable resources and by conventional gas turbines.

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Develop and test strategies for engineering products involving appropriate instrumentation, experimental methods, and data analysis techniques.
  • Manage people, processes and engineering projects to promote the commercial success of an engineering enterprise.
  • Model and analyse innovative engineering systems using appropriate engineering science and mathematical analysis techniques, such as analysis of aerodynamics, thermodynamic cycles, stress and dynamics.
  • Synthesise solutions to innovative engineering design problems.
  • Select appropriate instrumentation for the functional design of innovative engineering products and systems and to support development and test work.
  • Search for and evaluate information sources to identify information essential to solving engineering problems.
  • Use test equipment and machines, including 20% scale model wind tunnel, composites lab, metrology lab, four-pot shaker rig, flow lab, AVL engine test cell, automotive workshop, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), Modal analysis hardware and software, for experimental work to support product development.
  • Use commercial software in the solution of engineering problems, such noise and vibration, aerodynamic drag and lift and stress analysis.
  • Communicate graphically the design of a component or system through sketches, CAD etc.

A global skills shortage continues to ensure engineers remain among the most in-demand professions. Skilled engineers are increasingly sought after and there just simply are not enough engineers to go around.

A wide range of potential careers could be open to you after successful completion, including the opportunity to work as a mechanical engineer in the automotive and aerospace industries. Mechanical engineers are employed in all sectors of industrial operation; their analytical and management skills are keenly sought in a wider commercial context.

Coventry University has a long and prestigious automotive, transport and engineering heritage and we will actively encourage and support you to make the most of this demand and prepare you for the world of work.

Where our graduates work

Our Engineering master’s courses provide a route into many careers with the global automotive engineering industry. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for ExxonMobil, Airbus, JLR, Bentley, Lotus, Unipart, Aston Martin Lagonda and many OEMs. Others have continued to PHD studies and moved into research. 


How to apply