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
Accreditations
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.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject
or
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
A-levels additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
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 an additional required subject (minimum grade A), 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:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)
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 an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics and either physics or further mathematics.
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.
BTEC
BTEC additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics or applied mathematics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and an additional required subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Required Principal subjects include mathematics and either physics or further mathematics.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject
or
AA from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject, and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateorA*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) orA*A from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) , and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics or electronics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8.5/10 in mathematics and grade 8.5/10 in physics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton 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.
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject or A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
A-levels additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
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 an additional required subject (minimum grade A), 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: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)<br>
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 an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics and either physics or further mathematics.
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.
BTEC
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.
BTEC additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and an additional required subject at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics or applied mathematics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and an additional required subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Required Principal subjects include mathematics and either physics or further mathematics.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject or AA from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject, and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateorA*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) orA*A from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) , and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics or electronics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8.5/10 in mathematics and grade 8.5/10 in physics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton 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.
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
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 SystemVerilog, a state-of-the-art hardware description language.
To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.
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. One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH3082
This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical systems move and deform when subjected to external forces. It first introduces the fundamental laws covering particle dynamics, before progressing to rigid body dynamics in b...
To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.
To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module introduces and develops the knowledge in fundamental electromagnetics for second year Electrical and Electronic Engineering students. The course presents the basic concepts of electromagnetic theory from a physical and application points of vi...
The module aims to provide a detailed understanding of the representation and analysis of dynamic systems, and their solution. It goes on to apply this to simple circuit problems as well as to mechanical systems. Vibration problems in mechanical systems a...
To develop knowledge of the analysis of linear continuous-time systems. To introduce the basic analysis and design tools for electronic system control and communications engineering. To provide a comprehensive foundation for Part III/IV signal processing,...
- To introduce the students to fundamental concepts and principles of operation of various types of electrical machines. - To equip students with basic experimental and modelling skills for handling problems associated with electrical machines. - To giv...
- To develop knowledge for materials at the extreme ends of the conductivity range, i.e. insulators and superconductors. - To develop knowledge of material response to electrical fields, i.e. polarisation and conduction in dielectrics. - To introduce to...
The aims of this module are to: - Give students a solid grounding in mathematical methods and ideas in areas relevant to applications in engineering: Fourier series, Fourier transforms, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and eigenfunctions, linear ordinary differ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The module provides an overview of relevant topics in mechanical power transmission and methodology of vibration analysis for such mechanical assemblies. The main objective of the module is to learn methods of analysis and design of machines and their ...
The individual project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging enginee...
- To introduce the students to fundamental concepts relating to the design and management of modern electrical power systems. - To develop amongst the students an awareness of technical problems associated with operation of such systems. - To teach the ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.
This module covers the aspects of design and operation of modern automobile systems. It discusses the structure, dynamics, electrical and electronics systems (including data flow) as well as handling and control of modern vehicles. While the focus of disc...
This module will provide students with an introduction to management and law – knowledge and skills which can be applied to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. The learning outcomes address: managerial decisions, commercial aspects of eng...
Bionanotechnology is the study of biology, in particular biological machines, and the application of biological building blocks to solve engineering challenges and create new areas of technological development. Learning about the structure and function of...
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...
Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...
This module is intended for anyone interested in pursuing in more detail the space part of aerospace engineering. It looks at each of the key subsystems of a spacecraft in detail. It also introduces the overall theme of space systems engineering by emphas...
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
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:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
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 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
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 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Thomas Andritsch is the course leader.
Careers
Our BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Almost every field of engineering involves a combination of mechanical engineering and electronics, so you’ll have plenty of options for mechatronics jobs. You could become an aerospace, automotive or railway engineer. Or, you could develop robotics for industrial or manufacturing purposes.
Southampton’s mechatronics courses have an excellent reputation in industry, giving you an advantage when you enter the job market. Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates tend to go straight into jobs in high-tech companies.
The transferable skills you gain will also be welcome in a range of other sectors. Our alumni have joined professions such as law and finance, and have started their own companies. This degree is also a firm foundation for further study at master's or PhD level.
You can get placements and employment with local, national and international employers with our help.
Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:
-
Apple
-
McLaren
-
Samsung
-
Sony
-
Microsoft
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.
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.
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
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
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