About this course

Gain the skills to design intelligent machines, from electric vehicles to large-scale industrial robots. You’ll learn how to design systems that rely on mechanical elements, electrical power, sensing and control. The growing complexity of electro-mechanical systems has led to a need for engineers with this skill set, so you’ll have excellent job prospects when you graduate.

You’ll develop your engineering skills and gain specialist knowledge in an area of mechatronics that interests you. This includes the latest research developments in fields such as energy harvesting, sensors and mechatronics in healthcare. You’ll work in fully equipped electronics labs and a high-spec computer lab.

The projects typically involve experimental work or the development of a prototype system. The wide range of topics on offer reflect our academics’ research interests, so you’ll be supervised by an expert in your chosen field. Past projects include:

the development of an energy-harvesting carpet
use of a capaciflector (a sensor that enables robots to avoid collisions) to build a heart monitor

You’ll undertake practical work throughout the degree, including lab work and projects that involve designing and building mechatronics components and systems.

This mechatronic engineering degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of:

fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer
partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

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.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

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

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicats

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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 as follows:
AAC including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

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.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

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

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicats

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

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

Year 1 and 2 modules are similar across our electronic and electrical engineering degree courses and provide a grounding in essential topics.

In your third year, you’ll have the freedom to shape your mechatronics degree to suit your interests.

Year 1 overview

Year 1 modules will introduce you to the fundamentals of mechanics, electronics, programming and electrical engineering, laying the foundation for your specialist studies.

You'll also develop your practical skills. You’ll build processing boards in the labs and write programs for a microcontroller.

Year 2 overview

As the course progresses, you’ll cover mechatronics essentials, such as control and communications, electrical machines, mechanical power transmission, and power systems technology. You’ll work in a group to design, build and evaluate an autonomous robot.

You’ll also be able to choose optional modules, enabling you to deepen your knowledge of key aspects of mechatronics. Alternatively, you could apply your learning to fields such as space systems engineering or bionanotechnology.

Year 3 overview

In your final year, you’ll develop your practical skills and gain specialist knowledge in an area of mechatronics that interests you. Projects typically involve experimental work or the development of a prototype system.

The wide range of topics on offer reflects our academics’ research interests, so you’ll be supervised by an expert in your chosen field. Past students have worked on projects like:

the development of an energy-harvesting carpet
the use of a capaciflector (a sensor that enables robots to avoid collisions) to build a heart monitor

You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules to take alongside the project. These include robotic systems and operational research.

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

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Circuits

To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.

Digital Systems

To introduce digital system design, the principles of programmable logic devices, the implementation of combinational and sequential circuits, and the principles of hardware design using industry standard hardware design tools.

ELEC Part One Laboratory Programme

This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on an ELEC degree programme. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they learn in their other modules, and to provide them with transferrable, subject-based a...

Electronic Systems and Devices

To introduce the physical and electronic properties of materials that underpin semiconductors and semiconductor devices that underpin modern electronic technology. To develop and understanding of electronic devices in circuits, to provide a range of cir...

Engineering Mathematics

This course explores the use of mathematics as a toolbox for engineers need in order to calculate, model, visualise and design systems. The focus is on solving physical problems via equations, both analytically and numerically using computation, along wit...

Fields, Forces and Materials

This module introduces fundamental concepts in electric fields, electromagnetism and mechanics, as a foundation for more advanced topics in electromagnetic theory and mechanics. It also equips students with basic techniques of engineering electromagneti...

Introduction to Signals, Control and Communications

This module is focused on developing the basics of Signals, Control and Communications: • To introduce the underpinning elements of signal processing. • To develop an approach to the modelling of dynamic electromechanical and electronic systems • To i...

Mathematics

This course is designed to develop fundamental mathematical skills which engineers need in order to tackle a wide variety of engineering and design problems. There is a particular focus on developing an understanding of mathematics as a toolbox through pr...

Programming

To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.

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:

Study time

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

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

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:

52%

Written exam

31%

Coursework

17%

Practical exam

Academic support

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

Course leader

George Callender is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Commercial awareness
Self-management
Confidence
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
EDI leadership
Adaptability
Problem solving
Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Information and Communication,

Manufacturing,

Education,

Finance and Insurance,

Public Administration and Defence,

Scientific and Technical.

Careers directly related to this course:

Electronic engineer
Design and development engineer
Technology analyst
Systems engineer
Telecommunications engineer
Controls engineer
Robotics engineer
Armed forces engineer officer
Software developer

Wider career opportunities:

Project manager
Security analyst
Secondary school teacher
Data analyst
Financial analyst
Patent attorney
Consultant

Example job titles of Southampton BEng Mechatronic Engineering graduates*:

Automated system validation engineer
Controls engineer
Consultant
Officer cadet
Electrical design engineer
Electronics consultant
Project manager

Job prospects for BEng Mechatronic Engineering graduates

£37k

Average professional salary

95%

In a skilled profession or further study

100%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

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 to help fund your studies.

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

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: HH36
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

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

Related courses

Mechatronic Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Electrical and electronic engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

MEng

Aerospace Electronic Engineering

BEng

Aerospace Electronic Engineering

b

MEng

Biomedical Engineering

BEng

Biomedical Engineering

e

BEng

Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communications

m

MEng

Mechatronic Engineering (BEng)

About this course

Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Learn more about this subject area

Electrical and electronic engineering

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

Mature applicats

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

Mature applicats

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules