Mechatronic Engineering is a multidisciplinary field combining electronic, mechanical, computer and control engineering.
Mechatronics unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to develop simpler, more economical and reliable systems.
This BEng Hons course has been designed with employers to prepare students for a wide range of industrial electronic and mechanical roles.
Using a connected programme of study, which will allow you to build on the knowledge you gain in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within industry.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Core to this degree is the Industrial Placement, in which you will take up employment in an engineering company, within the UK or worldwide. This industrial placement provides an important real world context for your studies and also allows you to gain relevant industrial experience, which is beneficial when applying for graduate positions.
Students who maintain a high enough standard within the first two years of the course have the option to transfer to the MEng Mechatronic Engineering.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Duration and Mode of Attendance
Four years (including placement year).
Attendance
Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week between 09.15 am and 5.15 pm. There are no timetabled activities on Wednesday afternoons.
Teaching Methods and Assessment
Formal lectures are supplemented by tutorials and laboratory investigations, as appropriate. Practical ‘hands on’ laboratory sessions are an integral part of many modules throughout all years. Case studies and group mini-project work are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.
Assessment
Generally, a combination of continuous assessment and examination is employed in each module. Continuous assessment includes class tests, library and laboratory based assignments, and individual and group project work. Some modules across all years are continuously assessed.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the language and terminology of mathematics, together with the mathematical techniques from algebra, calculus and statistics that are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.
Year: 1
Status: C
Students will be introduced to the basic aspects of software development through the use of the Python programming language. An emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of the types of programming used in Engineering and beyond, rather than depth in each specific area. Students will learn about objects, modules and code re-usability and self-documentation. They will be encouraged to take a platform independent approach to development and choose their own tools. They should complete the module with a basic knowledge of the development landscape in terms of tools and techniques.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will provide an introduction to semiconductor devices and their application in electronic circuits such as power supplies, voltage regulators and simple amplifier circuits. It will also introduce the field of digital electronics, with simple combinational logic circuit analysis and simplification
Year: 1
Status: C
Analysis of statics and dynamics systems are a key foundation for mechanical and mechatronic engineers. This module provides fundamental concepts and principles in order to solve static and dynamics problems, and gives a solid methodology and framework in order to tackle new and unfamiliar problems.
Its content includes: Basic and derived units, static equilibrium, statically stressed systems, theory of torsion and bending, kinematics of a particle and kinetics of a particle. Those theoretical and practical principles required within each topic area will be developed in lectures and applied in assignments and tutorials.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to working in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world problem and present their solution to an audience of their tutors and peers.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to studying an Engineering programme at Ulster University
and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programme.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the theoretical concepts and use of feedback-control systems. Theoretical studies are supported by the use of appropriate PC-based analysis and design simulation packages.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module considers further component and system level analysis and design of analogue and digital electronic circuitry, appropriate to fields such as computing, communications, signal processing and instrumentation.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the concepts and use of mechatronic systems and of the instrumentations, actuator, sensors, and feedback-control system components necessary for such systems. Theoretical studies are supported by the use of appropriate PC-based analysis and design packages.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will equip students with necessary knowledge and hardware-software design skills needed to design/implement microcontroller based embedded systems.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to introduce engineering students to the basic principles of algorithmic programming, and the solution of engineering problems using MATLAB and Simulink.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an extension of the fundamental principles of Dynamics and Statics and Strength of Materials in relation to mechanical engineering and provides a methodology for their practical application.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module will provide knowledge relating to embedded systems from programming to interfacing and relating IoT based applications. More importantly, the focus will be to increase skills of students to develop a design from a paper to a prototype level.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides a final year course in Mechatronics. Topics covered include: Examples of mechatronic systems; modelling of mechatronics systems; programmable-logic controllers; design the digital frequency and time measurement systems; analysis and design of feedback and modern control systems.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides a knowledge of analogue and digital signal processing of simple level systems;
with particular application to basic signals generated by biological systems.
Year: 4
Status: C
This Research Methods and Management module provides the student with a scaffolded learning experience on a series of pertinent engineering management topics including cyber-security and its mitigation, EDI issues and building inclusive teams, and project management tools and techniques. The reflective learning log will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the impact of contemporary issues in the management of engineering projects and workplace practices. The written report will will be based on a comprehensive literature review/design study of the student's final year capstone project.
Students will be expected to manage and design the project in collaboration with their supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up and presenting their work in the form of written submissions.
Year: 4
Status: C
Each student taking this module will carry out an individual project on a topic relevant to their degree of study. Students will be expected to design the project in collaboration with a nominated supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up results in the form of a final written report.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module extends the students understanding of the design and creation of software structures using an object-oriented paradigm. The programming language is C++ which is of particular relevance to engineering students.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module enables the student to undertake complete analogue communications circuit design problems.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will introduce the building blocks of the digital circuits and approaches to analyse, synthesis, verify and test the digital circuits using EDA tools and relating hardware (e.g. FPGA).
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
BBC to include Grade B in one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Double Award Science/Applied Science.
or
BCC to include one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.
See the GCSE subject and grade requirements below, including specific Mathematics grade required depending on the GCE A level subject presented.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM to include a Merit in Engineering Principles and Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
Essential Subjects:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7588/6)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (RQF) (601/7589/8)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (RQF) (601/7587/4)
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
Essential Subjects: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma must include a Merit in Engineering Principles and Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7580/1)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (RQF) (601/7582/5)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (RQF) (601/7579/5)
Essential Subjects: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate must include Merit in Engineering Principles.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (RQF) (601/7584/9)
The BTEC qualification must be in an Engineering subject area and include the required modules and/or the A Level must be in one of the specified subjects (see A Level section).
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals do not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be accepted when presented with an A Level in one of the specified subjects (please refer to A level section).
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject Requirements
Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics at minimum Grade H5 and one other HL subject at minimum Grade H6 from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering or Technology and Design.
Grades BBCCC (to include a minimum of BB in Mathematics and a Science subject).
Grades CCD (to include Mathematics and a science subject).
Overall profile is a minimum of 25 points to include 12 at Higher Level and to include minimum grade 5 in Mathematics and another Higher Level science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.
Overall profile of 63% and 63% in NICATS Mathematics module (Level 2) in an Engineering/Science/Technology (120 credit Access course) (NI Access Course).
Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit in an Engineering/Science/Technology (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course). GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics is also required.
Alternative Mathematics qualifications acceptable to the University will be considered for the Mathematics requirement.
Other Access courses considered individually, please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
our Equivalence Entry Checker..
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.
GCSE pass Grade A/7 in Mathematics (or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University) if offering GCE A-Level Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Engineering or Electronics. Otherwise GCSE pass Grade C/4 in Mathematics (or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University) is required.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC
Pass HNC with overall Distinction in an Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering subject for year 1 entry only. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND - Year One Entry
Pass HND in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical or Electrical/Electronic Engineering subject. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND - Year Two Entry
Pass HND with overall Merit in an Engineering, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering subject to include a Merit in either Level 4 or Level 5 Analytical Methods, Level 4 Engineering Maths or Level 5 Further Maths module. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass Foundation Degree in a relevant subject area with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules and 50% in the Level 4 Mathematics module within the Foundation Degree. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required. Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.
For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker..
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link General Entry Requirements.
Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2. Students on the BEng Hons course who demonstrate exceptional performance have the opportunity to transfer to the linked MEng Mechatronic Engineering or MEng Mechatronic Engineering + German Masters degree courses. Transferability is dependent on academic performance and availability of places.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Job prospects in a wide range of engineering industries are excellent with the majority of graduates finding employment within four months of graduation. Graduates with a BEng Hons, first class or upper second class award all satisfy the requirements for a wide range of postgraduate research posts and scholarships in electronic, computing, mechatronic and biomedical engineering.
Mechatronic Engineering graduates have career opportunities within a wide range of sectors, including semiconductors, power, renewable energy, software, hardware design, embedded systems, control, automation, manufacturing, product design and development.
The industrial placement year is a significant, formative period for our mechatronics students. Involvement in the practice of engineering in an industrial setting will develop your engineering, transferable and personal skills and significantly enhance your employability on graduation. All students are therefore required to undertake a (paid) industrial work placement - normally in year 3 of the programme.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Follow the links fo the Faculty of Computing and Engineering.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
