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:
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the development of an energy-harvesting carpet
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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:
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fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer
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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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level mathematics and A in an additional required A-level subject.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
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.
Other requirements
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
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
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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:
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Apple
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McLaren
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Samsung
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Sony
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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
