Overview
Newcastle University is home to world-leading and innovative mechanical engineering research. You’ll be taught by leaders in their field, giving you an enhanced learning experience.
You’ll enjoy research-led teaching and access to state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll learn from researchers solving problems of global importance, who are engaged with industry and working across disciplines.
Our Mechanical Engineering MSc programme is for graduates in:
- mechanical or mechanical-related engineering (eg automotive, aeronautical or design)
- mathematics
- physics
- a related discipline
The flexible nature of this programme allows you to specialise in one of three streams:
- Mechatronics
- Mechanical
- Material
These specialist streams are designed to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations.
This technical course integrates advanced theory and practice that is shaped by industry. Core elements of the MSc will enable you to research:
- model engineering structures
- mechanical systems
Mechatronics stream:
You’ll:
- gain an understanding of industrial automation, programmable logical controllers (PLCs) and robotics
- gain knowledge and understanding of networking and open communication solutions for automation and FMS cell applications
- acquire knowledge and understanding of key mechatronic concepts and their specific applications to the robust design of mobile robotic systems
- apply mechanical principles to a range of drive systems, assemblies and components with particular reference to transport applications
Mechanical stream:
You’ll:
- develop essential skills and understanding of the design of mechanical power transmissions
- gain an understanding of modern energy storage and handling systems including the advantages and limitations of such systems
- identify and evaluate design for human systems integration
- apply mechanical principles to a range of:
- drive systems
- assemblies and components with particular reference to transport applications
Material stream:
You’ll:
- develop essential skills and understanding of the design of mechanical power transmissions
- gain an understanding of lifetime prediction and design for reliability and transfer skills to wider engineering and environmental situations
- understand the development of materials, manufacturing processes and surface engineering requirements of different components used in energy applications
- develop knowledge and skills for the selection and control of appropriate joining technologies for industrial applications with emphasis on:
- welding
- adhesive bonding
- brazing
- soldering
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll learn core skills in:
- Computer Aided Design
- finite element analysis
- computer programming
- robotics and Arduino
- problem solving
- teamwork
- effective communication and presentation (group work/report writing/oral presentation)
- planning and organisation
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering (20 credits)
- Core Skills (20 credits)
If you have studied on a BEng Mechanical Engineering programme at Newcastle University, you shall replace Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering with the following compulsory module:
- Control of Electric Drives (20 credits)
You will also take the following compulsory modules:
- Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics (20 credits)
- Linear Controller Design & State Space with Matlab Applications (20 credits)
- Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics (20 credits)
- Vehicle Dynamics (20 credits)
- MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering (60 credits)
Compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering (20 credits)
- Core Skills (20 credits)
If you have studied on a BEng Mechanical Engineering programme at Newcastle University, you shall replace Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering with the following compulsory module:
- Control of Electric Drives (20 credits)
You will also take the following compulsory modules:
- Design of Mechanical Power Transmissions (20 credits)
- Energy Sources and Storage (20 credits)
- Human Centered Design and Engineering (20 credits)
- Vehicle Dynamics (20 credits)
- MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering (60 credits)
Compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering (20 credits)
- Core Skills (20 credits)
If you have studied on a BEng Mechanical Engineering programme at Newcastle University, you shall replace Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering with the following compulsory module:
- Modelling Materials and Processes (20 credits)
You will also take the following compulsory modules:
- Design of Mechanical Power Transmissions (20 credits)
- Lifetime Prediction and Design for Reliability (20 credits)
- Advanced Materials for Energy Applications (20 credits)
- Joining Technology (20 credits)
- MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering (60 credits)
How you’ll learn
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You’ll engage with fellow students across all key engineering disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
Our teaching covers a broad range of subjects and typically consists of:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical lab/workshop sessions
- group work
- Arduino basics
You’ll be taught the key technical skills required in the sector allowing you to put theory into practice.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Lab exercise
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- PC examination
- Practical lab report
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
MSc Project and Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering
You’ll engage in an extended, in-depth study. This will allow you to:
- participate in mainstream engineering work
- develop both engineering and organisation skills crucial in the modern industrial work place
Project work can range from fundamental studies in areas of basic engineering science to practical design, make and test investigations.
You’ll combine the skills, knowledge and understanding gained from the modules you’ve undertaken and develop your research skills on a relevant topic.
General areas for project work include:
- design and manufacture
- thermo-fluid dynamics
- materials
- robotics
- microelectronic-Mechanical Systems
- mathematical and computational engineering modelling
Some research may be undertaken in collaboration with industry.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Lecturer
Degree Programme Director
Areas of expertise:
- computer modelling of microstructural damage evolution in rail steels
- computer programming (including devices) in C/C++ and Python
- Python scripting and 3D geometric modelling in ANSYS Spaceclaim
Director of Business and Engagement
Director of Design Unit, Gear Technology Centre
Areas of expertise:
- mechanical power transmissions
- gear manufacturing, characterisation and analysis techniques
- enhanced gear performance
Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) – design and characterisation
- biosensors
- graphene
- autonomous robotics
Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- precision manufacturing
- micro machining
- precision machine design
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- corrosion
- electrochemistry
- engineering failures
Cookson Group Chair of Eng Materials
Areas of expertise:
- materials and manufacturing
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- aerogel composites for carbon capture and thermal management in commercial buildings
- Reducing the Costs of Marine Renewables via Advanced Structural Materials (ReC-ASM)
Your development
You’ll develop skills in:
- mechanical engineering principles, practices, materials, components and systems
- research and information retrieval
- critical evaluation and effective application
- current and developing practices in the field
You will also:
- analyse structures and stress calculation
- solve differential equations in MATLAB (data analysis, algorithm and modelling platform) with dynamic simulation
- explore data analysis and visualisation in MATLAB and Python
- develop skills in engineering design and analysis in CAD and FEA
Your future
Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.
Industry links
We have strong industrial links through our research and degree programmes. They address engineering challenges facing both industry and society. This provides you with many benefits:
- industry guest lectures
- projects
- employment opportunities (with added support from our Careers Service)
Graduate destinations
As a graduate you will have enhanced skills and knowledge. This prepares you for a wide range of careers across mechanical engineering and other engineering sectors, including:
- manufacturing
- renewable energy
- transport
- logistics
- defence
- health
Our graduates have gone on to some high-profile employers, including:
- Network Rail
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Nissan
- BAE Systems
- Dyson Ltd
This course also provides a route into PhD level study.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing – Mechanical – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
The course has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
The accreditation is a mark of assurance that the course meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). This will give you some or most of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Accreditation gives you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, many of which require Chartered Engineer status.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
There are a range of dedicated facilities across campus that will support your studies and enhance your learning experience, including:
- CNC workshop facilities
- access to PCs with support for specialist software including MATLAB, Python, CAD and FEA
Our specialist facilities include:
- 3D motion capture
- x-ray diffraction
- robotics
- micro-electromechanical systems
- dedicated biomaterial and biotribology labs
- railway systems
- gear manufacture and testing
- nanomeasurement
- engine testing
- artificial joint testing
You’ll have access to design, manufacture and material facilities for:
- materials testing and failure analysis
- product development and mechanical testing
- metrology
- pultrusion, filament winding, resin infusion and vacuum bag moulding
- selective laser sintering and fused deposition modelling
- full-scale rail vehicle and track investigations at NewRail’s regional office and working railway centre, Barrow Hill test site
You’ll have access to fluid dynamics and thermal systems facilities:
- high performance computing facilities
- Water Tunnel and Wind Tunnel
- Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
- Hot Wire Anemometry Facilities
- IC engine test bench
- high pressure and high temperature combustion vessel
Stephenson Building
The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:
- mechanical or mechanical related engineering (eg automotive, aeronautical, mechatronics, materials or design)
- maths or physics
- any other closely related discipline
Relevant professional experience is desirable, although not essential.
We will consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and significant, relevant professional experience.
