About this course

We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.

Learn how to create smarter machines, from autonomous robots to self-driving cars. Using advanced mechanical, electrical and control engineering, you'll explore a range of innovative products and systems. The combined skills you'll learn will be highly sought-after within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanics, electrical and control systems. We find it in devices such as:

autonomous robots
self-driving cars
complex construction equipment

This 4-year integrated master's degree provides the core topics you'll need to master mechanical engineering. It then gives you the advanced skills to be able integrate electrical systems and mechanical devices.

As part of this course you can:

gain an in-depth understanding of sensors, instrumentation and signal processing for structural design
take a work placement to boost your academic performance and prepare for your career
explore the growing area of automation and robotics
use our design workshops and studios
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
go on site visits to experience engineering in practice

You can take this course with an additional, year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H3H2 for the Industrial Placement Year option.

We're a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in full, for Chartered Engineer registration.

Accreditations

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Course locations

This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

Select the academic year you want to see entry requirements for

A-levels

A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.

More information about A-levels

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:

A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:

AAA including mathematics and physics with a pass in the physics Practical or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Physics and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics(Applications and Interpretation)

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical

We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels

We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels

Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year

BTEC additional information

There are no additional requirements

or

Select additional entry requirements to display

Other requirements

UK students

International students

Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.

More information about A-levels

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:

A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:

AAA including mathematics and physics with a pass in the physics Practical or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Physics and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics(Applications and Interpretation)

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical

We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level mathematics

We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without A-levels in mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical

Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

BTEC additional information

We accept the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering subjects, alongside A-level mathematics. Please contact Admissions for further details.

or

Select additional entry requirements to display

Other requirements

UK students

International students

Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Modules in the first 2 years explore the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. You’ll gain the skills to apply your theoretical understanding to a wide range of real design problems.

In years 3 and 4 you'll extend your knowledge and skills by taking part in both individual and group projects.

You'll take specialist modules that focus on the integration of electrical and mechanical systems, such as control and instrumentation, and advanced electrical systems.

Year 1 overview

You'll take part in our award-winning induction programme and gain practical experience. Teams of new students work together to design and create. For example, you could take apart and put back together a 4 stroke engine.

The first year provides a background in engineering science, emphasising the mechanical engineering aspects. This includes a workshop training course.

Core modules cover topics such as:

thermofluids
materials
solid mechanics
electrical and electronics systems

You'll develop your design and programming skills, preparing you to design, build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.

Year 2 overview

You'll explore the main mechanical engineering subjects with tailored modules. This includes topics such as:

materials and structures
drives and machines
electronics, drives and control

You'll also take part in a challenging design project, such as designing an autonomous robot or quadcopter.

You can apply to spend a semester abroad at the end of the year. We have several partner institutions that teach modules in English.

Year 3 overview

You'll undertake an individual project that usually takes the form of a design or research exercise.

You'll specialise in mechatronics and take modules including:

manufacturing
automotive mechatronics
control analysis and design

Year 4 overview

You'll take part in a group design project, these are often linked to current research activities or topics that have practical relevance to industry. You'll apply your conceptual engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem.

As a team, you'll develop your ideas through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and manufacture.

You'll also study:

advanced electrical systems
sensors and monitoring

Further optional modules cover topics such as:

implants and devices
fuel cells and batteries
automotive propulsion

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Design and Computing

This course develops your skills in design and computing with practical hands-on engineering to enable you to design, build and test artefacts relevant to your discipline. From the design component of the module you will be introduced to modern comput...

Electrical and Electronics Systems

It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...

Mechanical Systems Analysis

This module builds upon the technical content of the other first year modules and develops skills needed for the professional application of Mechanical Engineering. The ability to solve new challenges through innovation and through application of scientif...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of five inter-dependent, to some e...

ThermoFluids

Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics and Physics A Level

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Electronics, Drives and Control

Practicing Mechanical and Acoustical Engineers require a working knowledge of aspects of electronics, electrical machines and control systems, as these elements are regularly encountered, for example, when instrumenting mechanical/acoustic structures with...

Engineering Management and Law

This module provides students with an introduction to management, accounting and law applicable to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. Emphasis is placed upon introducing managerial knowledge and skills required to apply effective managem...

Fluid Mechanics

This module begins with the introduction and derivation of the fundamental conservation equations for fluid mechanics (mass, momentum and energy). The application of these equations for solving simple flow problems will be demonstrated. This is followed b...

Materials and Structures

This second year module continues to develop the links between structures and materials, building on the fundamentals established in the first year course on mechanics, structures and materials. The relationship between composition, microstructure and pro...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II

The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...

Mechanics, Machines & Vibration

This module will help the students to understand the fundamental concepts in Kinematics and Dynamics of multi-body systems. It provides an understanding of the application of simple mathematical models to vibration problems in engineering using different...

Systems Design and Computing

This module follows on from FEEG1001 Design and Computing where students focus on the design of functional parts. In FEEG2001 students address the design of a system consisting of a number of interacting parts which may include mechanical and electrical p...

Thermodynamics

Enables students to analyse and design advanced power, propulsion, heating and cooling systems using thermodynamic principles.

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Automotive Mechatronics

This module will first be offered in the 2021/22 academic year. This module provides knowledge and understanding of electronics systems of modern road vehicles. Students will become familiar with electro-mechanical and electronic components and systems...

Control and Instrumentation

This module covers topics in classical and modern control analysis and design with a focus on linear time invariant systems. Fundamental design and analysis in the time and frequency domain are reviewed and developed. The properties of discrete-time syste...

Engineering Design with Management

This module will introduce you to the practice of mechanical engineering design as applied to one of a number of contrasting applications. It will also enable you to understand key management topics that are relevant to engineering practice, specifically ...

Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics

This module is aimed at providing the requisite background in solid mechanics and structural vibration. Then, the module concentrates on solving this problem by introducing the Finite Element Method, aiming at providing an understanding of fundamental kn...

Heat Transfer and Applications

This module gives a comprehensive coverage of the classical heat transfer syllables, including steady and transient heat conduction, convection and radiation. While the underlying mathematics are properly elaborated, their conceptual significance and phys...

Individual Project

The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...

Manufacturing and Materials

This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...

You must study the following modules in year 4:

Advanced Electrical Systems

To provide an introduction to power system analysis and an in-depth coverage of power electronics and electric machine operation and design in the context of applications from the fields of renewable energy, marine propulsion and electric vehicles.

Advanced Sensors and Condition Monitoring

This module covers advanced sensors and signal processing techniques for machinery condition monitoring. It discusses the condition monitoring strategies, introduces leading edge sensing methods and advanced signal processing techniques and provide introd...

Group Design Project

This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...

Materials, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management

This module will first be offered in the 2022/23 academic year. This module provides a case study-led approach to topics relevant to contemporary manufacturing and supply chain management processes. The course will apply knowledge of engineering materi...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:

Active Control of Sound and Vibration

This module is to understand the physics of active control. Active control is a method for attenuating undesirable disturbances by introducing secondary sources, whose outputs interfere with the disturbance destructively. Techniques for modelling and anal...

Advanced Computational Methods I

The module is focussed around advanced computational methods incorporating C and compiled languages, computational modelling and software engineering techniques for science and engineering. It builds on lower level courses such as FEEG1001 and FEEG2001 an...

Advanced Finite Element Analysis

This module is aimed at providing exposure to and understanding of advanced, specialist areas of Finite Element Analysis and their underlying Solid/Structural Mechanics concepts. It then concentrates on using this knowledge for solving discipline-specifi...

Applications of Renewable Energy, Storage and Nuclear Energy

This module covers applications of renewable energy, storage and nuclear power. The module is split equally across the three aspects of renewable energy, storage and nuclear power.

Automotive Propulsion

Motorised transport has transformed many aspects of human life over the past 120 years. Today’s automotive engineers, however, face the unresolved challenge of continuing that transformation in a sustainable manner. Therefore this module develops the stud...

Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing

During the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment, patients routinely undergo imaging, measurement and monitoring procedures using a wide range of techniques. Whether it is the automated monitoring of blood pressure of flow, the electrical signals ...

Biomedical Implants and Devices

This module provides an introduction to the ways in which engineering methods are used in the design of a wide range of biomedical implants and devices for the treatment of various human diseases. In particular, you will learn about the design and functio...

Principles of Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells and Batteries

This module covers the aspects of design and operation of modern fuels cells and photovoltaic systems. It discusses the fundamentals, structure, materials and operation of these systems. Students attending this module are expected to have understood th...

Signal Processing

Signals such as audio, music, sonar, image and video convey information about physical quantities that vary over time and space. Signals can, for example, describe acoustic vibrations or radio waves, and thus play an important role throughout engineering....

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

34%

Scheduled learning & teaching

66%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

41%

Written exam

36%

Coursework

23%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Richard Wills is the course leader.

Careers

Our mechanical engineering courses are fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and offer a route to chartered status.

We're also a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).

Our collaboration with Lloyd's Register at our Boldrewood Innovation Campus allows our students to gain industry experience through projects and placements.

As a mechanical engineer specialising in mechatronics, you'll be in demand in high-tech industries. You'll be able to work with smart technologies, such as robotics or other automated and intelligent systems.

Recent mechanical engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:

Aston Martin Lagonda
Babcock
Dyson
ExxonMobil
Rolls-Royce
Siemens
Formula 1 teams

Roles you'll be suited for include:

mechatronics engineer
robotics engineer
mechanical engineer
electronics design engineer
aerospace engineer
control systems engineer
self-driving car engineer

You'll develop transferable skills that are highly sought after in careers outside engineering. These include:

problem-solving
teamwork
communication
IT

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

You can take an Industrial Placement Year as part of this course.

This is an opportunity to apply what you have learned so far on your course, try out a potential career, and develop new skills and experience that will help you stand out to future employers.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £22,760.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.