Mechanical Engineering

Course overview

Our MSc Mechanical Engineering is tailored for chartership and accredited* by iMechE. This generalist programme is perfect for any graduated student with a STEM background, is a cornerstone to diverse sectors and guarantees a solid foundation. This is a well-established master's programme, boasting high student satisfaction in PTES and setting the stage for innovation in cutting-edge technology. This programme is tailored to a more applied and industrial focused setting, with many industry links to give our students a chance to build their portfolio of work and be work-ready from the go.

You will dive into the intricacies of mechanical systems, gaining not only academic knowledge for Chartered Engineer status but also honing teamwork and communication skills. Regular reviews keep the curriculum aligned with industrial practices, offering specialisation options in computational modelling, sustainable engineering, or engineering design for a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience.

"The university's emphasis on academic and practical learning has provided me with hands-on experience, allowing me to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world engineering challenges. As a result, I am confident in my ability to use the latest engineering tools and techniques to solve everyday engineering problems".

Imran Arshad

MSc Mechanical Engineering

Graduate

Why Mechanical Engineering at Aston University?

Professionally accredited*

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and meets the educational requirements of Chartered Engineer

Hands on Learning

Gain hands-on experience through CDIO & project-based learning, student centred learning, and lectures from industrial partners

Excellent Overall Satisfaction

100% overall satisfaction in PTES survey result for this programme in 2022-2023

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

Why Study a Postgraduate Degree at Aston University?

Meet the Mechanical Engineering team

Meet our Mechanical Engineering staff and get an insight into Mechanical Engineering at Aston!

Course description

Master the future of engineering with our MSc Mechanical Engineering—chart a diverse career path in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and more.

What we will provide
This course is delivered by our Design, Mechanical and Biomedical teams in state-of-the-art laboratories. On this course you will have access to a wide range of teaching expertise with a large team of over 30 who have specialisms in many different areas. This will allow you to have flexibility to focus on your preferred area when it comes to optional modules and final dissertations.

What you will provide
Students on this programme will thrive if they have existing mathematical skills, problem-solving and an aptitude to learn and develop themselves. You must be willing to work within teams, collaborating with students from other disciplines, which will prepare you for the working world.

What skills we teach
Students will acquire essential skills like project management, research, and dissertation projects. Optional modules cover specialist subjects like sustainable energy, fluid-structure interactions, and smart sensors and control systems. This wide variety of subject areas will give you the opportunity to explore different career paths available to you, allowing you to choose your own specialism.

Career prospects
Graduates of this programme enjoy expansive career prospects in diverse engineering sectors, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, biomedical, and design. With a broad skill set, doors open for opportunities across various fields, ensuring a wealth of engineering possibilities are available for you. Previous graduates have gone on to successful positions in reputable companies such as Mercedes and Jaguar Land Rover

Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Discover What's Possible with Careers and Placements

You'll find support from our award-winning Careers and Placements Team as you seek your placement. They assist with CVs, applications, and mock interviews. You will be able to engage in industry seminars and networking alongside one to one coaching.

How you will learn

We adopt a contemporary and inventive teaching approach, structured around CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate), endorsed by 150 leading technical institutions worldwide. Integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, our curriculum prepares you effectively for real-world challenges.
You will learn through a range of different methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all subject areas. Methods include lectures, laboratory work, presentations as well as individual and group projects.

Throughout the year we run a range of extracurricular events, competitions, and projects available for you to get involved in. Some of these include projects like ‘Wavemakers’ held within reading week which has in recent years been in partnership with industry. You will be invited to collaborate with others on projects for the Design Factory Birmingham, where companies set real-world challenges and you will gain experience as well as vital industry contacts. There are over 130 clubs and societies you can engage in across the university.

What you will learn

Throughout the programme, you'll cultivate a profound understanding of scientific principles, mastering the testing and critical evaluation of concepts. Utilizing engineering analysis and computational methods, you'll assess the potential success of applications. Beyond technical expertise, the curriculum emphasises business strategy, operations, and project management, developing skills in risk management and effective teamwork.

The main subject areas explored and skills developed throughout the postgraduate programme are:

Sustainable Energy, Research Project
Smart Sensors and Control Systems
Fluid-Structure Interactions
Design for Manufacturing Assembly

Optional modules of your choice offer specialised insights into New Engines and Alternative Fuels, Advanced Manufacturing Processes, and Machine Learning, providing a well-rounded education for future engineering leaders.

Facilities

Students will use state-of-the-art mechanical and design equipment including;

Machine lab and workshop
3D printing and model shop
Biomedical lab
Energy lab (renewable and clean energy)
Materials lab (material characterisation and testing equipment, composites and functional material preparation)
Mechanics lab (statics and dynamics equipment, vibration testing equipment)
Robotics and autonomous systems (including robotic arms, drones, AutoPod)
Computer lab (with specialist software including Ansys, MATLAB, SolidWorks, etc)

Course objectives

Develop performance prediction skills required in the modern engineering environment, especially design, performance estimation and optimisation processes
Enables you to derive predictive models for demanding engineering areas, where experiments are not feasible or are too expensive
Provides you the opportunity to apply the state-of-the-art methods to industrially-relevant products, components or systems
Explore the process of design and development and the value of the design and evaluation cycle.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Smart Sensors and Control Systems	15
Machine Learning	15
Renewable Energy	15
Fluid-Structure Interaction	15
New Engines and Alternative Fuels	15
Aston Global Advantage	15
Multiphysics System Design	30
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation	60
Total	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Synthesise by demonstrating comprehensive understanding of scientific principles and applying principles from current research to analyse problems in the student’s chosen specialisation (either computational modelling, sustainable engineering, or engineering design)
Integrate knowledge and comprehensive understanding of engineering concepts by critically evaluating the validity of these concepts and their effective application to engineering projects.
Evaluate appropriate engineering analysis and computational methods and assess their limitations in solving complex challenges and developing new technologies
Design processes and methodologies with the ability to implement innovative design methods for products, systems, or components to fulfil new needs adapted to unfamiliar situations.
Judge their activities being aware of the commercial and social contexts and the legal and ethical constraints under which they will be expected to operate.
Demonstrate knowledge and comprehensive understanding of business, engineering and project management practices, by evaluating their limitations and how these can be applied to the student’s chosen specialisation.
Critique current engineering practice, by evaluating current practice using a wide range of engineering materials and components and reflect on likely new developments.
Able to apply engineering techniques taking into account a range of commercial and industrial constraints including the management of any associated risks.
Work effectively within an engineering team, exercising initiative and personal responsibility as a contributing team member or leader.
Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work, critically evaluate their own work, plan self-learning and improve performance as the foundation for life-long learning.

Entry requirements

You will need to have obtained a first or second-class Honours Degree from a UK academic organisation or an equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University in engineering, physical science, mathematics or a related subject or overseas equivalent

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Masters Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,000

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral exams as well as practical work-based competencies such as log bookkeeping, teamwork evaluation, reports, presentations, and portfolios.

Career prospects

Completing this programme broadens your career horizons across diverse engineering sectors like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, biomedical, and design. Armed with versatile skills, numerous opportunities await across fields, providing a rich array of engineering possibilities. Past graduates secured thriving in positions such as Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Technical Engineer, Project Manager and Consultant for renowned companies like Mercedes, Network Rail, BAE Systems and Jaguar Land Rover.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Mechanical Engineering MSc at Aston University?

If you’re looking to develop your career and gain the skills you need to move into senior management in the engineering or manufacturing sectors, this course could be for you.

Does the accreditation matter?

Yes. Working towards accreditation with your professional body means that you are among the best in your field. The MSc Mechanical Engineering is accredited* by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and meets the educational requirements of Chartered Engineer (CEng

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham