PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc Mechanical Engineering
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc/ Postgraduate Diploma
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
Intakes from 2006
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Engineering
Parent Department:
Mechanical Engineering
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.mecheng.ucl.ac.uk/
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time/Flexible learning
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
A minimum of an upper second-class Honours degree from a UK
university in a suitable engineering subject or an overseas
qualification of an equivalent standard. Candidates with qualifications
in other subjects will be considered. Candidates must have studied
fluid dynamics while knowledge of thermodynamics and control is
desirable. Clear evidence must be provided in the application form.
One calendar year full-time or up to five years for those students
electing to take the degree through the flexible learning route
Masters Level (Level 7)
UK SPEC Engineering Council (UK)
QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering (2010)
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Docume
nts/Engineering10.pdf
The first two academic terms consist of taught modules, followed by
examinations just before Easter. The taught part of the course
comprises 7 subject modules, 6 compulsory and one optional. These
modules consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials and example classes.
Each module is assessed by coursework submission alone or a
combination of examination and coursework. Some include oral
presentation of project/assignment work. The second part of the
programme, from Easter to September, is spent on an individual
project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/mecheng/our-courses/postgraduate/mechanical
Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc Mechanical Engineering Examination Board
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
IMechE, IMarEST
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit: AY
2016-17
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aims and objectives of this programme are to take well qualified students (those having a good bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering or allied subject) and to equip them with skills of analysis and design such that
they can be employed as professional engineers in virtually any sector of the mechanical engineering industry.
More specifically to provide:
(i) an advanced knowledge of topics in mechanical engineering, and in associated engineering and scientific
disciplines over a broad range of specialist subjects,
(ii) an awareness of the context in which engineering operates, in terms of safety, environmental, social and
economic aspects, and
(iii) a wide range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills that will allow students to develop careers in
research, industry and other professional areas of the economy.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
 the underpinning mathematics and engineering
science associated with a career in mechanical
engineering.
 engineering principles, quantitative methods,
mathematical and computer modelling to enable
them to exercise their engineering disciplines
effectively.
 specific subject areas and associated research
directed towards advanced and emerging
technologies, as well as developing an
understanding of concepts from a range of areas
peripheral to mechanical engineering.
 design as applied to conceptual and system
engineering problems.
 codes of practice, standards and quality issues
as applicable to a career as a professional
engineer, with an awareness of intellectual
property issues and of environmental, legal and
ethical issues within the modern industrial world.
 project management skills appropriate for a
career in engineering and an understanding of
the application of these skills in a commercial
and/or research environment.
 the characteristics of engineering materials,
equipment and processes and an awareness of
basic mechanical workshop practices.
 the requirement to communicate effectively in
both formal report writing and in oral
presentations.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The knowledge and understanding outlined above is
acquired through a combination of lectures, tutorials,
individual and group projects, practical laboratory work
and coursework assignments, in some case involving
computational analysis.
Assessment:
Assessment is through a combination of written and
oral examinations and assessed coursework. In all
courses in which there is an examination scheduled at
the end of the second term, the examination normally
constitutes 65% of the overall mark. In some courses,
such as Advanced Computer Applications in
Engineering, the assessment is entirely based on the
assessment of the coursework as there is no written
examination paper. Coursework assessment varies
from course to course and includes the evaluation of
laboratory reports, technical reports, problem solving
exercises, project reports, assessment of
computational and modelling skills, oral presentations
and viva-voce examinations.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
 to identify and define a mechanical engineering
problem that may be unfamiliar and generate
practical as well as innovative solutions
 the ability to apply appropriate methods to model
such solutions and assess the limitations of the
method.
 the ability to successfully undertake a design or
research project, taking account of constraints
such as time, cost, health and safety as well as
environmental issues.
 associated with rational and objective decision
making arising from conducting a substantial
engineering based research project.
 the ability to make general evaluations of
commercial risk.
 the ability to identify and implement appropriate
information and communication technology
solutions.
 the means to develop and exercise written and
oral communication skills in preparation for a
professional engineering career.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The knowledge and understanding outlined here is
acquired through a combination of lectures, tutorials,
individual project and group projects, design and/or
research projects, practical laboratory work and
coursework assignments.
Assessment:
As indicated in section A above.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
 successfully undertake a major design or
research project, taking account of constraints
such as time, cost, health and safety as well as
environmental issues.
 make general evaluations of commercial risk.
 identify and implement appropriate ICT
solutions.
 develop and exercise written and oral
communication skills in preparation for a
professional engineering career.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
These practical skills are acquired through individual
projects and group projects, practical laboratory work
and coursework assignments.
Assessment:
These skills are evaluated from the assessment of lab.
reports, technical reports, problem solving exercises,
assessment of computational skills, tests and oral
presentations and, where necessary, viva-voce
examinations.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
 develop and exercise written and oral
communication skills in preparation for a
professional engineering career.
 work effectively as a member of a small team.
 arrange appropriate work schedules to meet
specified deadlines.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
These skills are acquired through, individual projects
and group projects, practical laboratory work and
coursework assignments.
Assessment:
As indicated in section C above.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Engineering10.pdf
 UK Engineering Council UK-SPEC: http://www.engc.org.uk/ecukdocuments/internet/document%20library/UKSPEC.pdf
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr A R Greig
Name(s):
Date of Production:
November 2006
Date of Review:
16 September 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
16 September 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
16 September 2014
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
24 November 2014