MSc Engineering
Who is it for?
Engineering graduates seeking to enhance their knowledge, expertise and skills in Engineering and
are interested in an industry focused course supported by experts in areas such as engineering
control, modelling and sustainability.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The Masters provides a qualification for recent UK Engineering graduates and equivalently qualified
international students. It assumes that applicants will have a broad engineering background, which
it then builds on.
All modules are 20 credit modules except for the dissertation which is a 60 credit module. An MSc is
awarded on successful completion of 180 credits (6 x 20 credit modules + 1 x 60 credit dissertation
module). There are 5 compulsory modules and candidates choose 2 of 4 designated modules,
labelled with an * below.
Learning methods will be varied and include seminar and case study discussions, lectures and
practical sessions. The course has a strong industrial focus in the method of delivery, this includes
evaluation of case studies, industrial talks and visits and the potential to undertake an extended field
visit or placement. The University is supported by a range of engineering companies which form
part of the Northants Engineering Training Partnership (NETP), the following link provide further
details http://www.netpengineering.co.uk/.
This very specialist course ensures that students are given the attention they deserve from staff who
are approachable and helpful with a wide range of specialist backgrounds in both research and
consultancy.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to make use of the 3D immersive technology that is
available in the School of Science and Technology to model and simulate engineering systems.
COURSE CONTENT
The course covers the broad range of topics that would be expected of a modern engineer. The
modules include:
MODULES INCLUDE

Mathematical Modelling: designed to provide students with the opportunity to study the
principles and techniques of deterministic, stochastic and differential equation based
mathematical modelling, to enable students to perform standard mathematical methods
and techniques to solve modelling problems and how to apply them to real-life problems.

System Dynamics and Vibration: Opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the
theory and practice concerning advanced analysis of the dynamic behaviour of mechanical
systems. The theory will be illustrated with engineering examples and case studies and using
state of the art computer simulation tools and laboratory facilities.

Professional Practice for Technologists: Designed to gain an understanding of a range of
topics and issues faced by professional engineers, including legal factors, project
management practices, health and safety, individual effectiveness and quality practices.
This theory illustrated through a range of industrial case studies and will be largely
discussion based.

Computer Aided Analysis and Visualisation of Mechanical Systems: Designed to provide an
opportunity for students to study advanced numerical algorithms for computer-aided
analysis and design of complex multibody dynamics systems. The lectures will be illustrated
with practical examples using technical computing and visualization methods, including
participation in interactive demonstrations of the 3D modelling and virtual prototyping
facilities.

Individual Engineering Project: Provides an opportunity for students to undertake an in
depth technical research project on a topic of their choice enabling them to enhance their
research skills and technical knowledge.

Advanced Control Technology* Designed to provide an opportunity for students to study
multi-variable and state models and design of advanced control systems to ensure desirable
properties. The lectures will be illustrated with practical examples using typical industrial
problems.

Condition Monitoring* The development of inspection methodologies requires a
comprehensive understanding of material behaviour and degradation. This module provides
the opportunity for the student to specialize in performing sophisticated and automated
inspection techniques, data interpretation and analysis for a wide range of applications.
Electrochemical, environmental and metallurgical considerations will be an important part of
this study area.

Sustainable Manufacture* Designed to provide students the skills required to assess and
improve the environmental footprint of a product. A range of different tools, standards and
labels are compared to enable students to compare products in terms of energy, materials,
manufacture and use.

Intelligent Systems* The underpinning concepts of intelligent systems are introduced,
followed by examples of how intelligent systems are used in applications such as games,
robots, engineering and the internet. A ‘hands-on’ problem-based approach is taken through
the module.
Students must take all compulsory modules plus two designated modules ‘*’ denotes designated
modules
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is by coursework, oral presentations, group work, practical reports, critical reviews and
end-of-stage exams and all students undertake a substantial individual research project.
ATTENDANCE
The course commences in September and January of each year and runs for a full calendar year,
taught over three terms. In two of the terms, students study three taught modules and complete the
dissertation in the final term. Attendance is 1 – 1.5 days per week, students can study one day per
week but this is dependant upon designated modules chosen.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Within Engineering, and associated industries, there is a need for well qualified individuals.
This has produced a demand for flexible individuals with relevant knowledge and expertise.
Companies of all sorts now require professional Engineers to design, acquire, install, operate, and
manage Engineering systems. The career opportunities for graduates from this course are, therefore,
very good.
FEES
For fees and funding options please visit http://www.northampton.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding
Some students who have previously studied at the University may be entitled to a discount on their
study fees, there may also be a possibility for a scholarship. Please speak to the course leader (Dan
Bailey) for further details.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally hold a recognised first or second class honours degree from a UK university
or international equivalent in a relevant subject area. It is assumed that students will have
knowledge of Engineering from almost any discipline (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing)
and are interested in developing their Engineering skills in the area of modelling, control and
sustainability. If applicants hold the standard entry qualifications they might still be eligible to apply
if they have sufficient industry experience and some level of qualification, usually HND level.
All applications will be considered by the course leader who will assess whether the applicants
would be sufficiently able to meet the challenges of the course. Students for whom English is not the
first language will be required to demonstrate that they meet the minimum English language
requirement of IELTS 6.5.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, or for further information, please contact study@northampton.ac.uk