About this course

This course is full and closed to new applications. Search similar degrees in related courses or by browsing our course finder.

This integrated mechatronic engineering master's course will get you ready to take the lead in developing tomorrow’s intelligent machines and devices. It’s designed to meet the high demand for graduates with advanced mechanical and electrical engineering skills. The course includes management and legal training, preparing you for your career ahead - whether you go into robotics, flexible manufacturing or any other discipline in this fast-moving field.

This programme has the same curriculum as our 3-year BEng Mechatronics degree, but includes an additional year. This is when you’ll study mechatronics in greater depth and develop your professional skills. It also has a strong focus on practical work, including the design and build of an autonomous robot.

This MEng Mechatronic Engineering master's 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 a Chartered Engineer.

Year in industry

This course is full and closed to new applications. Search similar degrees in related courses or by browsing our course finder.

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial studies placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Mechatronic Engineering with Industrial Studies
UCAS code: H36H

You'll spend this extra year at one of our partner companies, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

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 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA or AAAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A*)

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

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: AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics, 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 either physics, electronics or further mathematics or A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 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

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.

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.
or
D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including 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 will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

RQF BTEC

Additional information

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

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

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

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)

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 electrical and electronic degree courses, and provide a grounding in essential topics.

In years 3 and 4 you’ll have the freedom to shape your 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 year 3 you can choose to look at more specialist areas such as bionanotechnology, robotics systems or automobile systems. You could also study a language.

Throughout the year, you’ll also work on your individual project. This is an opportunity for you to analyse a problem and then design a solution. You'll implement and test your design.

Year 4 overview

In your final year, a wide choice of modules means you can tailor your learning to suit your interests.

You'll also be part of a group design project, where you’ll gain real-world experience working for an industry or academic customer. Past projects have included:

an alternative to the traditional safety cut-out switch for powerboats
an automated greenhouse for urban farming
a data-security system for the Ministry of Defence

You can also spend a semester abroad through the Erasmus scheme.

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

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Digital Systems and Microprocessors

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.

Electrical Materials and Fields

Electronic Circuits

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

Electronic Systems

Mathematics for Electronic and Electrical Engineering

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

Mechanics

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...

Programming

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

Solid State Devices

To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Applied Electromagnetism

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...

Circuits and Systems

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...

Control and Communications

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,...

Electrical Machines

- 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...

Engineering Design

Materials

- 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...

Mathematics for Electronics & Electrical Engineering Part II

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...

Power Electronics and Drives

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Engineering Management and Law

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...

Fluids and Mechanical Materials

Mechanical Power Transmission and Vibration

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 ...

Part III Individual Project

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...

Power Systems Technology

- 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:

Advanced Partial Differential Equations

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.

Automotive Chassis and Powertrain

This module will first be offered in 2021/22. This module introduces students to the design of safe and eco-friendly vehicles for road transportation in the twenty-first century. Different aspects of design and operation of modern automobile systems wi...

Control System Design

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...

Robotic Systems

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...

Space Systems Engineering

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...

You must study the following module in year 4:

Group Design Project

This module provides an introduction to intensive group project work in collaboration with an industrial or academic customer. Students work in groups of at least four people on a project typically based on an idea from an industrial partner, or from an a...

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

Applied Control Systems

This module will introduce the student to key topics within control and signal processing, developing understanding through a combination of theoretical content and practical application. The theoretical content is focussed in a number of key themes wi...

Bio/Micro/Nano Systems

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of a range of biomolecular, microscale and nanoscale systems and devices, including sensors. The module consists of practical work on three different systems, involving construction and characterisation wit...

Biologically Inspired Robotics

This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...

High Voltage Insulation Systems

This module provides a systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of issues related to the management and design of high voltage insulation systems. The course introduces a number of topics related to the design and testing of insulation...

Individual Research Project

The Individual Research Project is a 7.5 ECTS credit masters level module undertaken by independent study that allows students to demonstrate mastery of an advanced aspect of their discipline, including critical evaluation of current research and research...

Medical Electrical and Electronic Technologies

Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip

This module teaches the basics of the behaviour of fluids in microsystems, specifically focussing on the interaction of fundamental physical mechanisms and the design of microfluidic devices. It also reviews and analyses the state of the art in applied mi...

Microsensor Technologies

This module presents a broad overview of microsensor technologies, including the basic principles of measurement systems and the scaling effects arising from system miniaturisation. The practical component, assessed by a Lab Report, involves the design an...

Modelling with Differential Equations

The emphasis of this module is on the methods required to develop mathematical models using differential equations to understand physical problems. The module involves both conventional lectures as well as discussion lectures. The discussion lectures comp...

Nonlinear Control of Aerospace Systems

Modern (and future) aircraft employ a variety of nonlinear techniques to both design control systems and perform analysis of the arising closed-loop. This is due to the fact that aircraft dynamics are fundamentally nonlinear and also, with the widespread ...

Numerical Methods

Often in mathematics, it is possible to prove the existence of a solution to a given problem, but it is not possible to "find it". For example, there are general theorems to prove the existence and uniqueness of an initial value problem for an ordinary di...

Power Distribution: Design, Operation and Protection

This module introduces students to fundamental issues in the design and operation of electricity transmission and distribution networks. There is a particular focus on understanding how to specify equipment, including through the use of power flow modell...

Power Electronics for DC Transmission

The syllabus will be based upon several topics relating to the use of power semiconductors and components in power systems. The course starts with considerations of the individual power electronic devices, before moving on to their use as part of an HVDC ...

Power Generation: Technology and Impact on Society

The module content allows students to 1) Appreciate the role of electric power in the modern world – Size of the industry 2) Understand current power demands and projected increase – Geographic location – Seasonal and daily variations 3)...

Power System Dynamics, Stability and Control

Electric power systems are one of the most important assets of any nation and are responsible for the nation’s assured and non-stop electricity supply. This module provides an overview of the power engineering tools of dynamic modelling, stability analysi...

Power Systems Operation and Economics

- To introduce fundamental concepts relating to the design, analysis, economics and management of modern electrical power systems. - To develop awareness of the technical problems associated with operation of such systems. - To gain analytical and numer...

Wireless Networks

This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How...

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 and practical 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

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). When you graduate from this course you'll meet the educational requirements for IET Chartered Engineer status.

Most of our graduates go straight into graduate-level mechatronics jobs in high-tech companies. You’ll be equipped to work in any field of engineering that combines mechanical engineering and electronics. For example, you could choose to go into:

aerospace or railway engineering
work on self-driving car technologies
design biomedical devices

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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

Students on this degree course are encouraged to spend 20 weeks in industry, usually as two 10-week summer placements. Alternatively, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a year-long paid placement in an engineering organisation.

During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional engineering experience.

Between years 2 and 3, or between years 3 and 4, you can apply to take an industrial placement year with one of our partner companies. This will allow you to graduate with a MEng degree with Industrial Studies. This option is open to both UK and international students.

You'll also be able to increase your employability by learning a foreign language and taking advantage of the study abroad placement available in the fourth year.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £25,000.

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 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 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.

Mechatronic Engineering (MEng)