MSc Mechanical Engineering
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A good degree (normally a 2:2) |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A good degree (normally a 2:2) |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Mechanical Engineering at Exeter?
- Learn about the latest techniques and technologies used in mechanical engineering, and how to apply these to complex contemporary problems in a way that’s sustainable and responsible
- Gain a range of computational skills enabling you to analyse systems using numerical methods, simulation and optimisation techniques
- Teaching is supported by internationally-leading research in areas including nano-scale materials engineering, biomedical engineering, additive layer manufacturing and application and recycling of polymers and composites
- Facilities include our microscopy suite, where full training is offered on a range of imaging techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Focused Ion Beam, X-Ray and CT scanner
- Get support in finding an industry or academic project that will become the subject of your dissertation.
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Contact
Programme Director: Dr Julian Londono Monsalve
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
MSc Mechanical Engineering at the University of Exeter.
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
Specialist facilities include microscopy suite, aerodynamics and fluids laboratories, additive manufacturing workshop and vibration testing rigs
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
Apply the latest techniques and technologies to complex problems sustainably
MSc Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The accredited MSc Mechanical Engineering will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.
Entry requirements
All applicants are considered individually on merit although we usually require a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This programme is modular and flexible, carrying 180 credits in total and offering flexibility in choice of modules studied.
MSc Mechanical Engineering consists of seven core engineering modules totalling 150 credits, which includes the 60-credit Engineering MSc project, and two 15-credit optional modules.
The programme begins in September each year and the taught elements are concluded by May. The Engineering MSc project, under the personal supervision of a research expert in the chosen area, continues until September.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
You must select 15 credits from Optional Module Group 1 and 15 credits form Optional Module Group 2
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Advanced CFD | 15 | |
| Sustainable Engineering | 15 | |
| MSc Dissertation | 60 | |
| Additive Manufacturing | 15 | |
| Advanced Finite Element Analysis | 15 | |
| Data-Centric Engineering | 15 | |
| Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management | 15 | |
ECMM148: Advanced CFD
The governing equations of fluid mechanics, the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE), are complex and non-linear, and thus cannot be solved analytically for anything but the simplest possible cases. To solve more complex problems of real engineering interest, we typically use computational methods, solving the NSE, or equations derived from these, numerically using high performance computers. This is known as Computational Fluid Dynamics, or CFD, and is now a key tool in the development and design of almost any product which involves fluids, including but not limited to; cars, aircraft, ships, engines and power plants, renewable energy devices such as wind or tidal turbines, and many others beside. CFD can be extended to incorporate other physical processes; multiphase flow, chemical reactions and combustion, interaction with deforming or rigid structures; and can thus be applied to analyse problems in a range of industries in areas such as chemical engineering and biomedical problems.
ECMM163: Sustainable Engineering
Sustainable engineering concerns the design or operation of systems with the aim of reducing energy demand, resource extraction and carbon emissions with the goal of minimising the impact on the environment. By transforming any sector to be more sustainable, it can play a major role in reducing the threat of climate change. But as a practising engineer you must also be aware of the wider role that sustainability plays for example in equality diversity and inclusion issues. This module discusses the interdependency between changes required across all activities of human life across all scales. This module will make you think across disciplines with the goal of evaluating sustainability on a whole system basis including resource supply and demand, energy supply and demand and sustainable management.
This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of the complexities which arise from considering sustainability and the need to tackle the issue from an interdisciplinary perspective. This module aims to provide some of the tools required to assess sustainability as well as the ability to critically analyse the extent to which a product, building, industry or service could be considered to be sustainable.
ECMM164: MSc Dissertation
This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.
You will be required to solve a research or industrially-related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the MSc programme you are registered for. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words (max. 80 pages, including references and appendices) that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects and will be required to express your two preferences. Alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader / potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to explore if they offer required technical rigour and research challenge. You will be encouraged to discuss your preferences with relevant academic staff before we allocate projects. As part of the research project, you are expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study. There is no formal taught component in the module, apart from the writing support lectures and the suggested regular meetings with your supervisor.
ENGM001: Additive Manufacturing
This module is dedicated to additive manufacturing, focusing on parts that are fabricated through additive processes (powder or filament – metallics, polymer or composites) versus the conventional, subtractive methods. As we approach a time where resources scarcity and clean/carbon neutral manufacturing technologies are amongst the key business drivers in many engineering sectors, this module aims to introduce you to the digital manufacturing processes, materials, design and applications.
The syllabus will provide you with in-depth knowledge of additive manufacturing processes for metallics, polymers and composites, from principles of operation to fundamentals of material processing including rheology (powder and polymer melt), sintering mechanisms and models, crystallization characteristics. Properties and green credentials of the technology will also be discussed.
AIMS - intentions of the module:
ENGM003: Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is an important tool for mechanical engineers that is used in analysis, optimisation, and design of material and engineering components. This course will provide you with a deeper knowledge in numerical techniques ranging from FD to FEA at the frontiers of modern engineering research. This module will give you more insight how numerical techniques such as FD and FEM work and how to solve advanced problems numerically and to understand the underlying mathematical challenges of solving such problems. You will learn about the concept of finite difference and FEA and how it is derived from numerical methods, starting from FD to Galerkin FEA method. In Labs you will use MATLAB to solve numerical engineering problems e.g. heat equation, stress distribution etc.
This module aims to:
- Introduce advanced topics in finite difference and finite element methods and how to use this knowledge in analysis, design and optimization of complex engineering problems.
- Introduce the fundamental of continuum mechanics and how we use it in advanced nonlinear problems.
- Provide detailed understanding of geometric and materials nonlinearity such as contact analysis, hyper-elasticity, elasto-plasticity.
- Provide detailed knowledge of numerical techniques and how to use it to solve advanced problems.
ENGM010: Data-Centric Engineering
The next decade will see a step changes in data-driven technology, impacting all aspects of engineering and industry. By exploiting data being generated presents enormous engineering opportunities to transform both system design and control.
This module focuses on the logic, algorithms, and frameworks that are essential to tackle real-world data and the grand challenges of modern data-driven engineering applicable to the domains such as materials, patient-specific medicine, virtual prototyping, and sustainability.
The module will introduce the students to mathematical foundations and state-of-the-art methods in probabilistic modelling, Bayesian analysis, and probabilistic machine learning.
The module aims at providing a course in mathematical foundations and advanced methods for data-centric engineering at the frontiers of the research of interest at the University of Exeter.
ENGM039: Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management
The knowledge you gain within this module will enhance your ability of the use of mathematical modelling techniques, computer simulation, and machine learning to tackle modern operations and supply chain management problems, as well as, to make informed strategic decisions.
This module aims to deliver an in-depth understanding of operations research, computer simulation, and machine learning to analyse and solve important managerial problems in engineering by using operational research methods, simulation modelling, and machine learning techniques. The knowledge you gain on this module will help you to appreciate a range of associated courses, especially in manufacturing and service system modelling and simulation, operations and supply chain analysis, Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT and digital twins of manufacturing and supply chain processes.
The module will train you to use specific software tools in linear programming and discrete event simulation . This module will also aim to provide you with hands-on experience within the Exeter Digital Enterprise System (ExDES) laboratory using the Industry 4.0 demonstrator, IoT gateway and its associated software.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Research Methodology | 15 | |
| Sustainable Manufacturing | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Managing Competitive Strategy | 15 | |
ECMM410: Research Methodology
On this module, you will get an introduction to the methods used in scientific research, including finding research articles, critical review, peer review, presentation skills and literature synthesis. In the lectures, there is a strong emphasis on student engagement, and you should be prepared to stand up in front of the class and discuss things you have read.
The aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the soft skills you need to carry out research, such as communication, literature review and critical thinking. Because of the mix of different subjects, it is not possible to cover hard skills such as statistical analysis, because individual students will have a different baseline and have varying requirements for their work.
ENGM023: Sustainable Manufacturing
This module aims to broaden your understanding of how to make “manufacturing” more sustainable. We are currently living in a highly globalised world, in which most of our products are manufactured in one country while sold in another country. In the manufacturing process, huge amounts of energy and materials are consumed, a large amount of waste is generated, and various social concerns are raised. Most of the current production and consumption systems are linear, adopting a “take, make and dispose” model and thereby contributing to the depletion of natural resources. To achieve sustainable growth, firms need to shift from linear to circular economy models. In recent years, new technologies are emerging, the international trading policies are changing, and sustainability issues are becoming more important. It is important to understand how these would affect the manufacturing system and supply chain management.
The module provides you with a comprehensive view of sustainable manufacturing from theories and practices. In this module, you will learn the theoretical concepts of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, and digital solutions for sustainable manufacturing, understanding the cutting-edge challenges in the context of sustainable manufacturing, and use the practical methods/tools to solve problems. Case studies, methods and tools from the latest research will be provided in the module.
BEMM068: Managing Competitive Strategy
In this module you will explore strategy and strategic management from a range of different perspectives. In the current business climate there are many significant issues which organisations and their leaders must navigate successfully to survive and prosper. You will have the opportunity to discuss these sources of dynamism and disorder and to think about how strategy has changed over time with many competing theories and schools of practice emerging to provide solutions to the wicked problems facing strategists. If you aspire to a senior management role, to run your own enterprise, or to work in consultancy, this module will help to prepare you to think strategically and to be able to appreciate the long-term view necessary to set the direction for and successfully lead an organisation in the 21st century.
The module focuses on case method for a majority of the time - so you will be working on a variety of case studies applying theory to real world organisations, diagnosing their problems and discussing the actual decisions facing senior managers in those companies as they search for the best solutions. The skills you gain from this are highly valued by employers and provide a good preparation for some styles of interviews and assessment centres used to recruit graduates.
This module is AI integrated, which means there is an expectation that you will use AI during classes and as part of the assessment process
The aims of this module are to
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory moduless
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| MSc Dissertation | 60 | |
| MSc Industrial Placement | 60 | |
ENGM028: MSc Industrial Placement
This module aims to provide students with experience beyond the theoretical and taught environment of the university by placing them in a real-world industrial setting directly relevant to their development as an experienced professional.
Students will experience every part of an industry career from the searching for and securing a suitable placement, to integrating and assimilating themselves into a team industrial environment and working in that setting for an extended period between 9 and 12 months. This will allow students to develop individual skills not necessarily or explicitly taught but gained from exposure to a real working environment. During this time the module aims to build resilience, reflectivity and self-assurance in students.
You will get the chance to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from taught modules to authentic problem solving in the work place. Collaborating with your work placement employer, you will identify an engineering-based project that will constitute your MSc dissertation. Ideally, the dissertation should be based on the work that you will undertake during the placement, but this is not compulsory.
The placement will involve a substantial technical role in the host organisation. Individual placements are subject to availability and approval by the programme coordinator.
Course variants
Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Placement
- Combine your masters in Mechanical Engineering with work experience in the UK, putting your learning into practice while studying
- Studied over two years, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience by completing a 9-12month work placement in a role relevant to your degree
- Become a sought-after engineering professional with strong technical expertise, as well as excellent management abilities, allowing you to move into high-level management roles
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£14,300 full-time
With Industrial placement (second year) £2,860 full-time
International fees per year:
£30,600 full-time
With Industrial placement (second year) £6,120 full-time
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation.
You will develop transferable skills such as management and communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
A research and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field. Plus, you’ll become actively involved in a research project yourself.
All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Careers
Employer-valued skills
There is considerable demand in the workplace for graduates with knowledge in both a specialist technology area and in management, particularly in the modern tools and techniques to support the management of a dynamically changing engineering business.
We have an established reputation of training tomorrow's great minds, so when it comes to life after graduation you can be confident that you are starting your next professional adventure in a prime, leading position.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
