MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials

Key facts

  • Start date: January & September
  • Accreditation: Institution of Mechanical Engineers and provides a route for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
  • Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; up to 36 months part-time (September start only)

Study with us

  • aimed at those who wish to study advanced topics in mechanical engineering with a focus on materials
  • have the opportunity to take modules in general skills such as project management and risk analysis
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Why this course?

This course is aimed at those who wish to study advanced topics in mechanical engineering with a focus on materials.

It provides an in-depth technical understanding of advanced mechanical engineering topics. You'll also gain generic skills in order to contribute effectively in developing company capabilities.

The course is designed to make you more employable and also satisfies the Further Learning requirements necessary to obtain Chartered Engineer status.

This course is particularly suitable for graduate engineers in the following sectors:

  • chemical, petrochemical & process engineering
  • design engineering
  • power generation
  • manufacturing
  • oil & gas
  • renewable energy

Tool drum of revolving lathe

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

You’ll have the opportunity to select technical and specialist classes.

Compulsory classes

You’ll study three compulsory classes:

  • Engineering Composites
  • Polymer & Polymer Composites
  • Industrial Metallurgy

Other specialist instructional modules

These focus on different technical aspects allowing you to tailor learning to your individual needs. When choosing technical modules, you’ll discuss the options with the course co-ordinator. These include:

  • Pressurised Systems
  • Aerodynamic Performance
  • Aerodynamic Propulsion Systems
  • Systems Engineering 1 & 2
  • Machine Dynamics
  • Machinery Diagnosis & Condition Monitoring
  • Spaceflight Mechanics
  • Advanced Topics in Fluid Systems Engineering 
  • Spaceflight Systems
  • Materials for Power Plant
  • Gas & Steam Turbines

Faculty-wide generic instructional modules

You’ll choose three faculty-wide generic modules which satisfy the broader learning requirements for Chartered Engineer status. You'll choose from:

  • Design Management
  • Project Management
  • Sustainability
  • Finance
  • Risk Management
  • Environmental Impact Assessment

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

Our facilities include many laboratories and research centres including:

We have local access to a 3,500-node region supercomputer.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and provides a route for you to achieve Chartered Engineer status.

Learning & teaching

Teaching methods include lectures and practical exercises. Site visits are also arranged.

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Course content

A typical selection of classes offered on the programme are outlined below. Please note that these classes may be subject to change.

Engineering Composites

The promise claimed for new materials in engineering is most likely to be realised through the use of composites and ceramics. This class aims to give a basic understanding of modern composite materials and an appreciation of predictive modelling and design implications when composites are applied to engineering structures. The main composite manufacturing processes will be outlined.

Polymer & Polymer Composites

Polymer and polymer composite materials have been increasingly used in modern engineering applications such as aerospace, automotive, construction, marine, oil and gas. This class provides background knowledge of polymer and a basic understanding of modern polymer composites. The class will be balanced between science and engineering.

Industrial Metallurgy

Students will develop an understanding of applied industrial metallurgy. Topics include material selection, properties of metals and alloys, characterisation methods, welding engineering, heat treatment and degradation processes.

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.

Aerodynamic Performance

This module introduces students to the principles of experimental aerodynamics and computational aerodynamics performance assessment. It also provides an introduction to the importance of aeroelastic phenomena on aerodynamic design. A range of analysis techniques will be used to develop an understanding of the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and industrial aerodynamic problems.

Aerodynamic Propulsion Systems

The principles of propulsion systems for aircraft and rockets are covered. Throughout the class, the overall procedure and methodology for designing a propulsion device, starting from the aircraft concept and the associated engine requirements, through to the aero-thermal design of engine components is presented and discussed. Students will develop an understanding of the overall design process and the performance of aerospace propulsion systems.

Machinery Diagnosis & Condition Monitoring

Condition monitoring and fault detection in structures and machinery plays an important part in the maintenance and protection of equipment, and has come to the fore since the recent advances in computer-based systems. This class provides an understanding of Condition Monitoring (CM) and its relevance to industry. Particular attention is paid to vibration-based health monitoring and signal (time series) analysis.

Spaceflight Mechanics

This class is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of spaceflight mechanics, including both orbit and attitude dynamics. The classic two-body problem is solved then used to investigate various modes of orbit transfer and attitude stabilisation for both spin- and 3-axis stabilised spacecraft. The various elements of the class will be brought together to illustrate the mission analysis and design process.

Advanced Topics in Fluid Systems Engineering

Complex fluid flow and heat transfer problems are central to many advanced fluid engineering systems often at the cutting-edge of modern engineering. These include human biological flows, multiphase flows, micro- and nano- scale flows. In all of these our physical understanding is limited, which limits our engineering design ability. This class gives students the opportunity to identify and explore a number of advanced topics in heat transfer and fluid flow.

Spaceflight Systems

This class is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of spaceflight systems. An overview of the complete spacecraft lifecycle from proposal, through delivery and operations is covered, along with the function and purpose of the spacecraft sub-system level components. The various elements of the class are brought together through the production of competitive proposals for a typical spaceflight system development program.

Materials for High Temperature Applications

This module gives students a thorough introduction to the materials science and metallurgy that underpins the design of power plant. 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.

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.

Design Management

This module provides a structured introduction to the Design Management process, issues and tools. Topics include Integrated Product Development, and the different approaches and aspects to design development including concurrent engineering, team engineering, product management, design management, distributed design, and decision support. Other topics cover the design activity, team and management organisational structures, key issues concerning design complexity, and design performance and innovation.

Project Management (10 credits)

This module provides students with skills relating to the use of engineering practices in Project Management with particular respect to the effective and efficient use of resources. The syllabus includes an introduction to project management techniques and project control, project networks including critical path analysis, procedural and graphical presentation techniques, an introduction to Contract Law and project budgetary control.

Risk Management (10 credits)

Under Health and Safety legislation, and under the wider European Post-Seveso Directives, it is mandatory for many industries to carry out risk assessments with the aim of showing that risk is As Low As Reasonably Practicable. This module introduces the fundamental techniques of risk analysis and risk-informed decision making. Students will learn the general principles of methods and their place in risk management, as well as the chance to develop skills in applying these methods to variety of engineering examples.

Financial Engineering (10 credits)

This module introduces elements of financial engineering that are applied to reduce risk of business insolvency and enhance the financial robustness of business enterprises. Questions addressed include: What is the best strategy for survival and growth?; What are the options for financing investment projects both in the private and public sectors of an economy?; How would the financial engineer propose to combine loan capital and equity capital to raise funds for an investment initiative; How would he/she advise his/her company/organization to build its investment portfolio to ensure financial security in volatile market conditions?

Sustainability

This module provides students with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. The social, environmental, and economic impact of development strategies will be identified and the mitigation of negative impacts discussed. Topics covered include shifting world views with respect to technology and ecology, green politics, climate change, sustainable development and limits to growth.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering but open to all MSc and MEng students across the University, introduces the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.

The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment of individual projects (project EIA), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations. Participants evaluate the quality of Environmental Statements (or EIA Reports) and of the EIA process using the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) methodology.

The class discusses how EIA can be used a pro-active design tool for projects and how it can contribute to the enhancement of environmental, social and health issues. Students are also introduced to key principles of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and biodiversity net gain (BNG). Class has the contribution of key practitioners in the field and includes different case studies, such as proposed onshore and offshore windfarms.

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 equivalent professional qualification. A lower class degree may be considered with relevant work experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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.

Engineering graduates, particularly Mechanical Engineers, are in demand from recruiting companies. This course is designed to meet industrial demand for qualified staff in the area of Mechanical Engineering. This course is particularly suitable for Graduate Engineers in the following sectors:

  • Chemical, Petrochemical & Process Engineering
  • Design Engineering
  • Power Generation
  • Manufacturing
  • Oil & Gas
  • Renewable Energy

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Apply

During the application process, you're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:

  • certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications
    • if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
  • certified degree certificate for all qualifications
    • if still studying, provide this after completing the 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 2024

Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials

MSc
full-time
Start date: Sep 2024

Start date: Sep 2024

Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials

MSc
part-time
Start date: Sep 2024

Start date: Jan 2025

Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials (January intake)

MSc
full-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials

MSc
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials

MSc
full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Jan 2026

Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Materials (January intake)

MSc
full-time
Start date: Jan 2026

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Contact us

Faculty of Engineering

Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484

Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

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 tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

£10,800

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£10,800

Republic of IrelandIf 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

£28,250

Additional costs

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

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.