Modules
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.
Year one
Engineering Mathematics
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.
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to studying Mechanical Engineering at Ulster University and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programme.
Design and CAE 1
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals in the use of a modern 3D CAD system to create robust 3D part modules using an introductory range of feature types. This module provides an introduction to product design specification, design, build and analysis/testing of a product as part of a design project, working as part of a team.
Mechanical Systems & Analysis 1
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.
The Global Engineer
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.
Materials and Manufacturing 1
Year: 1
Status: C
A module which integrates lectures with practical sessions in the study of the basics of common manufacturing methodologies and the behaviour of engineering materials. The student will consolidate their learning of the interaction among materials, manufacturing methods, quality and workshop safety. Production of a working electro-mechanical product will deepen knowledge and develop basic skills for selected manufacturing processes. Candidates will critique their work to improve the product design and select appropriate production processes for batch manufacture.
Year two
Design of Electro-Mechanical Systems
Year: 2
Status: C
The understanding of electrical power systems, AC and DC motors including selection, performance and analysis; plus their relevance to mechanical drive systems.
Thermal Fluid Sciences
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to the principles behind fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Emphasis is placed on the application of this theory to everyday items, ranging from relatively simple devices such as pumps, pipes, bicycles, refrigerators and heating systems through to internal combustion engines, hydroelectric power stations, gas turbines and steam engines.
An understanding of how fluids flow, and the forces that result, along with knowledge of energy and how it can be transformed and made more useful are the intended outcomes of this module. It will enable students to continue their study of thermal fluid sciences at a higher level if desired.
Design and CAE 2
Year: 2
Status: C
The module considers creativity in design; product innovation; technical and non-technical aspects of design; sustainability; design analysis techniques for economic product manufacture and assembly; functional analysis; visual design; value engineering; safety and reliability through design projects; manufacturing processes; assembly techniques; market intelligence; component and product inspection and testing. This module builds on the fundamentals of 3D solid part modelling with the introduction of more advanced solid modelling tools, assembly modelling, creation of 2D drawings and incorporation of all these tools and features within a design project, working as part of a team.
Materials and Manufacturing 2
Year: 2
Status: C
The module uses a blended approach to provide a sound understanding of the underpinning chemistry and microstructure of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. How materials properties are controlled by processing techniques and the environmental impact of materials is also considered. In addition, a programme of industrial visits exposes students to a wide variety of production scenarios and processes.
Quality and Operations
Year: 2
Status: C
The module teaches the basics of Operations and Quality. The Operations elements looks at the processes that produce the goods and services sold by the company in addition to optimising facility location and layout. The module also teaches topics such as stock control and scheduling.
The Quality part of the module covers the relevance and application of Quality principles and techniques to the manufacturing environment. Discussion of current topics in Quality Management and Quality Improvement is supported by study of the fundamentals of ISO 9001, Statistical Process Control, Measurement System Analysis and Non-Destructive testing. This module prepares the student to contribute to these challenging activities in their early employment.
Mechanical Systems and Analysis 2
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.
Year three
Industrial Placement
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.
International Academic Studies
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 four
Control for Mechanical Engineers
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the theoretical concepts and use of feedback-control systems in mechanical engineering.
Design and Industrial Applications 3
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is based on the execution of an industrially generated major design project through multi-disciplinary team activity involving aspects of: project management, market analysis, specification, concept design, budget costing, decision making, detail design, production planning, manufacturing requirements and product costing.
Mechanical Systems and Analysis 3
Year: 4
Status: C
This course provides students with an understanding of how solid engineering respond to different types of loading factors. For this, theoretical and practical principles required in static, dynamic and FEA disciplines will be taught in lectures and applied in assignments, laboratory sessions and tutorials. These will allow students to assess and deliver a solution for a variety of practical mechanical systems.
German for International Engineering
Year: 4
Status: C
This introductory module is to equip students with a basic linguistic competence and give them confidence in their own language learning abilities. The teaching methods aim at encouraging learner autonomy at the crucial early stages of language acquisition. The research on aspects of contemporary German society is to tune the students' sensitivity to another culture
Functional Biomaterials
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the composition, function and application of synthetic and natural biomaterials in the context of the medical implant devices they are used to fabricate. The approach taken highlights the important materials science issues involved in the provision of these systems. The increasing importance of functional biomaterials to the provision of enhanced medical implant devices that can more effectively replace damaged and/or diseased tissues and organs is also addressed.
Nanotechnology
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
Control and Automation
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of modern process automation concepts.
Mechatronics
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is offered in Germany and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of mechatronics, control and simulation techniques for micro-mechanical systems combined with electronics and bonding technologies to connect both.
Microeconomics
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers the incentives and decision making processes of different market participants. Students learn to use economic concepts in order to evaluate the consequences of current economic developments for making decisions.
Environmental Engineering
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces environmental issues, key aspects and provides coverage of science, technology, design, regulations and management systems pertaining to environmental protection, resource conservation and alternative energy sources.
Manufacturing technology
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module involves the technology of fixed automation; computer numerical control; materials handling; low cost automation; computer integrated manufacturing; industrial robot technology; robot applications; automated inspection and advanced robotics.
MEMS Materials and System Simulation
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of modern MEMS concepts.
Advanced CAE
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides a practical, hands-on experience of Computer Aided Engineering in the context of industrial design and manufacturing. It focuses on advanced part modelling techniques, assembly modelling, creating associative links, good modelling practice, collaboration and interoperability, design documentation, 3D printing, surface modelling, photorealistic rendering, dynamic simulation and Finite Element Analysis. It involves the utilisation of an integrated, state-of-the-art MCAD suite, along with the teaching of the general principles of the aforementioned technologies.
Year five
Research Methods and Management
Year: 5
Status: C
A module which integrates lectures with group activities in the study of the basics of research methods and management processes. The student will consolidate their learning of research methodologies, management processes, data processing, literature review, report and dissertation writing.
MEng Final Year Dissertation
Year: 5
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete an MEng level project and prepares them to be able to contribute positively in their first engineering graduate employment.
An ethos of professionalism can be developed and demonstrated in the way that earlier learned material can be successfully applied in engineering applications; this can continue after graduation and is an essential requirement of a practising Chartered Engineer.
Students are expected to 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 an oral/poster presentation and a final written dissertation.
Advanced Thermal Fluid Sciences and CFD
Year: 5
Status: C
This module in thermal fluid sciences covers external flow, turbulence and heat transfer and an introduction to CFD modelling and
Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
The course provides an in depth knowledge of micro-nanodevices, as well as micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
To provide participants with the capability to improve the competitiveness of companies through entrepreneurship practice and new product and/or process innovation. A major team design project is addressed derived from a real problem from within a local/global manufacturing company. Material covered is supported through tutorial, lecture and workshop sessions as appropriate.
Intelligent Manufacturing
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
Two of the most important developments in manufacturing in the 21st century are Additive Manufacturing and the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industrie 4.0). In this module, students will be introduced to these two strands of advanced manufacturing and will develop the skills and knowledge to engage with these concepts in an industrial context.
Manufacturing systems
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed.
Quality Improvement
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered.
Computer Aided Engineering for Managers
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module provides a concise and application based overview of current computer aided engineering systems by providing a detailed summary of current rapid-prototyping and manufacturing processes, multi-axis advanced manufacturing technologies, digital inspection and simulation. The application of CAE to enhance the product lifecycle will be the fundamental objective of this module. The integration of these systems from new product introduction (NPI) through to digital inspection will be addressed.
Polymer Technology
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
At the end of the module the student should be able to critically appraise alternative thermoplastic conversion and fabrication processing routes. Through analysis of processing behaviour, they should be capable of developing appropriate strategy for selection of conversion routes for a range of representative material systems and applications in terms of total economics and quality enhancement.
Composite Engineering
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be in a position to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability.
Standard entry conditions
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.
A level
ABB to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering or Electronics.
OR
BBC if presenting A Level Physics in addition to Mathematics
NOTE:
Applicants for the MEng Hons Mechanical Engineering course, not eligible for entry to the MEng, will automatically be considered for entry to the BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering course both at offer making stage and once results have been received.
Applied General Qualifications
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile DDM to include a Distinction in Engineering Principles and a Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.
A Levels with;
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate combined with A Levels Mathematics and one other specified A Level (please refer to A Level section).
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering will satisfy the subject requirement as long as it includes Distinction in Engineering Principles combined with A Level Mathematics and one other A level.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering to include Distinction in Engineering Principles and Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics combined with a specified A Level (please refer to A Level section)
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma does not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be considered when presented with A Levels in the specified subjects;
The A level(s) must include Mathematics plus an A Level in a specified subject and/or the BTEC Level 3 qualification(s) must be in the specified subject(s) and must have the required modules.
OCR Nationals and Cambridge Technical Combinations
Do not satisfy the subject entry requirement for this course and will be accepted as grade only when presented with A levels in the relevant subjects.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/equivalence
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 - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence
Irish Leaving Certificate
128 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.
Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics at minimum H5 and one other Higher Level subject at minimum Grade H6 from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering, Technology and Design.
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
Tariff point chart
Scottish Highers
Grades BBBBC (to include minimum of BB in Mathematics and another science subject).
Scottish Advanced Highers
Grades BBC (to include Mathematics and a science subject).
International Baccalaureate
Overall profile is minimum of 27 points to include 13 at Higher Level and to include minimum grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and grade 5 in another Higher Level science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.
Access to Higher Education (HE)
MEng entry is not available directly from an Access course.
GCSE
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 at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics (or alternative qualification acceptable to the University).
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
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.
Additional Entry Requirements
HND, HNC, Foundation and OCR/Cambridge Technical do not satisfy the subject entry requirements to this course.
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent). Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger
If you require a Student Route Visa you will need a valid ATAS Certificate
Exemptions and transferability
Students who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to year 1 modules may be considered for direct entry to Year 2.