MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Mechanical Engineering (Online Learning)

Key facts

  • Start date: September
  • Accreditation: Meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
  • Study mode and duration: MSc: 36 months part-time
    PgDip: 24 months part-time
    PgCert: 12 months part-time
  • Graduate recruitment: Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering is targeted for graduate recruitment by over 60 companies

Study with us

  • study in your own time using online materials via video, podcasts, webinars and presentations
  • complete an individual project with an industry theme or aligned to engineering research at Strathclyde
  • benefit from specialist technical classes to tailor your learning needs
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Why this course?

Our online learning course enables you to complete a Masters degree online, without studying at our Glasgow campus. This means you can study while balancing your work and family commitments. This option is suitable for students located anywhere in the world.

Modules are taught using online material (by video, podcasts, webinars and presentation), meaning you can study at a time that suits you.

You’ll have full access to all class materials and will be able to chat with your class tutors and fellow students via email, online forums and live web chats. We also have dedicated staff who can answer any questions you have, supporting you through your studies.

Students working in the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering department's wind tunnel

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

Students select from a combination of specialist and generic modules. The specialist modules focus on different technical aspects allowing tailored learning to suit individual needs. The generic modules provide other skills which are considered necessary for professional engineers.

A list of optional classes available as online learning can be found in the 'course content' tab.

To qualify for the MSc, students undertake an individual project which allows study of a selected topic in depth, normally industry-themed or aligned to engineering research at Strathclyde.

Individual project

MSc students take on an individual project which allows study of a selected topic in-depth. This may be an industry-themed project or one aligned to engineering research at Strathclyde.

Facilities

As an online learning student, you'll have access to the University library online. You can borrow online books and download academic papers and journals. The library also offers a postal service for online learning students.

Chat to a student ambassador

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

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Course content

You'll take 180 credits made up of 120 credits of taught modules and 60 credits individual project. The part-time MSc course spans 36 months (typically) as follows:

  • Year 1 - 60 credits of taught classes
  • Year 2 - 60 credits of taught classes
  • Year 3 - 60 credits dissertation

Optional classes

You can personalise your curriculum by choosing from the taught modules below. They're arranged by the semester in which they're available to help you design your curriculum.

Please note: available modules are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

You can personalise your curriculum by choosing from the taught modules below. They're arranged by the semester in which they're available to help you design your curriculum.

Please note: available modules are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Semester 1

Pressurised Systems

This class aims to introduce the subject of industrial Pressurised Systems and ensure competency in the use of Standards and Design Codes. Pressurised Systems are inherently dangerous since they contain stored energy which must be carefully controlled. A methodology is set down whereby a range of pressurised components can be designed, manufactured, installed and operated to a high degree of safety.

Materials for High Temperature Applications

This module gives students a thorough introduction to the materials science and metallurgy that underpins the design of high temperature applications. This will build on basic concepts to give an appreciation for the theory of alloy design and strengthening mechanisms, including an understanding of the importance of fracture and creep.

Introduction to Open Source Computational Dynamics

This module is intended for those who have either no prior experience of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or students who only have experience of using commercial CFD codes and would like to investigate an open source CFD code that is used predominantly for research. It aims to introduce the principles and application of numerical simulation of fluid flows and to underpin the theoretical foundations by applying a CFD code to realistic flow problems.

Applied Metallurgy

This module aims to develop an understanding of the applied metallurgy of principal engineering alloys, to include structure & properties of metals and alloys, metal extraction, diffusion theory, heat treatments, welding engineering and typical degradation mechanisms.

Project Management

This module aims to provide you with skills relating to the use of engineering practices in project management. There's a focus on the effective and efficient use of resources.

Semester 2

Structural Integrity

This module aims to introduce students to the concepts and principles of Structural Integrity and Structural Integrity Assessment, in particular assessment of failure of metal structures by ductile collapse, fracture, fatigue and creep.

Boiler Thermal Hydraulics

This module aims to provide core knowledge of the modern conventional power plant boiler and to develop a critical awareness of the operation, design and integration of the key components that comprise a boiler system.

Nuclear Power Systems

This module aims to provide core knowledge of nuclear power plant engineering and to develop a critical awareness of the nuclear basics, reactor basics, reactor operation and design, waste disposal, and key issues relating to health and safety.

Gas & Steam Turbines

This module gives students an advanced knowledge of applications of both steam and gas turbines within the power generation industry. The module includes details of power-plants that have been developed specifically to integrate gas turbines such as (gas turbine exhaust gas) heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) used in combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants.

Degradation of Metals and Alloys

This module aims to develop an understanding of the degradation processes that are responsible for eventual in-service destruction of metals and alloys. The module will focus on the fundamental mechanisms and prevention strategies related to corrosion, erosion and corrosive wear.

Aerodynamics in C

This module aims to introduce students to the principles of programming in a high level programming language such as C# by writing programs to simulate the flow field around objects using inviscid aerodynamics.

Additional modules covering topics such as metallurgy, dynamics, electrical power systems, and project management are under development for future academic years.

For MSc students after taught modules are successfully passed.

Individual Project

In this part of the course, students undertake supervised, individual project work, with the award of MSc being made on the basis of an acceptable thesis submission.

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Entry requirements

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Academic requirements / experience

Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in engineering or physical sciences, or an equivalent professional qualification.

Lower degree classifications might be considered if there is strength elsewhere (for example, relevant work experience, excellent final project/dissertation, very strong academic letter of reference, very strong application statement linking with career goals).

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Fees & funding

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

£5,100 (per 60 credits)

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£5,100 (per 60 credits)

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£5,100 (per 60 credits)

Additional costs

Optional textbooks and printed materials, estimated maximum cost of £100 for duration of course.

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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International students

We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Careers

We work closely with the University's Careers Service. They offer advice and guidance on career planning and looking for and applying for jobs. In addition, they administer and publicise graduate and work experience opportunities.

Whether you're planning to progress your career into engineering management, redevelop yourself as an engineer or move into a new industry – a masters degree will expand your career opportunities.

Potential sectors

High-calibre mechanical engineers are in demand throughout the world. This course is designed to meet industrial demand for qualified staff in the area of mechanical engineering. It's particularly suitable for graduate engineers in the following sectors:

  • aerospace
  • automotive
  • biomedical
  • construction
  • manufacturing
  • power
  • railway
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Apply

During the application process, you must upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we will not be able to process your application:

  • certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications. If you're still studying, please provide your individual semester mark sheets to date
  • certified degree certificate for all qualification. If youre still studying, please provide this after completing your qualification
  • provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
  • if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
  • a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
  • a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate) 
  • names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees

Start date: Sep 2025

Advanced Mechanical Engineering (online learning)

MSc
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Advanced Mechanical Engineering (online learning)

PG Diploma
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Advanced Mechanical Engineering (online learning)

PG Certificate
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

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Contact us

Faculty of Engineering

Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484

Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk