PgC/PgD/MSc Mechatronics

Award type: for engineering/ technology graduates

Mode of study: Full-time
Campus: Stafford

About the Course

The MSc award in Mechatronics covers the latest state-of-the-art computer based analysis
and design techniques. The course has been designed to provide the graduate with an in-
depth insight into the key technological areas that are driving mechatronic system design.
The course is based around the application of electrical, mechanical and electronic
engineering specialisms to the analysis, synthesis, design and application of mechatronic
systems such as robotics, automation and industrial process control.

Advanced software tools such as ProEngineer Wildfire, ANSYS FEA, DFMA and advanced
hardware such as 3D laser scanning, Rapid Prototyping systems, analogue and digital
system analysis and design software will be used for design exercises.

The computer based design and analysis approach is backed up by clear explanations of the
underlying theoretical principles.

Course structure
The course consists of a taught programme followed by an individual project. The taught
programme is based on eight modules. Normally these modules are taken over two
semesters for the full time route.
Semester 1 runs from September to January and Semester 2 from February to June. Study
of the MSc normally commences in September. The possibility of an optional industrial
placement either between semester one and two or between the taught programme and the
individual project is also available with may involve working in another European country.

Modules Offered:
• Research Methods
• Technical paper Authoring
• Design Technologies
Solid modelling with Pro-Engineer
Advanced surface modelling
Mathematics of CAD systems
Rapid prototyping
Reverse engineering
• Advanced Design Strategies
Design for Assembly, Manufacture & Environment
6 Sigma Design
Engineering materials selection
• Structural Integrity
Structural Analysis using ANSYS Finite Element Analysis software
• Energy Management Studies
Principles of Heat Transfer
Design Principles for Heat Exchangers
Practical Analysis of Peltier Device and Heat Pump
• Control Systems Design
• Analogue Systems and Instrumentation
Feedback Theory
Current Mode Operational Amplifier
Filter Design
Signal Flow Graph
Phase Locked-Loop
High Frequency Device
 • Digital Signal Processing
FIR & IIR digital filter design
Multi-rate processing & over sampling
Mixed analogue-digital signal processing
Adaptive filtering & sub-band coding
2D image processing
DSP devices and architecture
• Embedded Real Time Systems

Awards and duration

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) - at least 60 credit points must be accrued over 1 semester
(typically 18 weeks)
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) - at least 120 credit points over 2 semesters (typically 36 weeks)

Both based on modules taken from the taught programme. Each module carries 15 credit
points.

To meet the requirements for the award of Masters Degree (MSc), a candidate must have
accrued a total of 180 points including 60 points for a successful project submission. This can
be completed in one calendar year without the industrial placement or two years with the
placement.

Entry requirements
Normal requirements are at least a UK second class honours degree or equivalent in a
related engineering or technology discipline.

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will
be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to
the challenge of postgraduate work.

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough
to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is
normally required.

Fees 2007/2008

Home & EU £3330

Overseas £9175

All taught Engineering MSc programmes have been accredited by the Institution of
Engineering & Technology as providing the educational requirement for Incorporated
Engineer (C.Eng) registration.