What is engineering design?
Programme leader Dr Antony Robotham shares insight into the principles and content of the popular programme with engineering design practice at its core.
ENGR501
Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development
You will use a methodical approach to engineering research that helps identify and define projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. You will plan your research project and select ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. Your progression towards professional registration will be appraised and plans made for your personal development.
MECH539
Computer Aided Engineering
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary finite element analysis (FEA), kinematic analysis, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques applied in the context of the engineering design process. The module will put emphasis on the importance of validated and verified approaches to computer aided engineering analysis and associativity with the CAD model of the technical system.
MECH551
Advanced Materials Engineering & Nanotechnology
This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glass and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.
PROJ517
MSc Dissertation
You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.
MECH558
Design for Excellence
40 credits
In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.
100% Coursework
MAR536
Mechanics of ORE Structures
20 credits
This module will cover engineering aspects of offshore renewable energy conversion. The module comprises lectures and tutorials, invited industry lectures, a field trip visit to a marine engineering company and a wave energy converter performance experiment in the COAST lab.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MECH549
Medical Engineering and Biomechanics
This module will develop specialised knowledge and understanding required for designing medical devices and implants used in medical engineering applications and biomechanical systems; evaluate the selection of appropriate materials and appraise material-tissue interactions; develop computer aided analytical techniques to evaluate behaviour and performance of medical devices and biomechanical systems.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 |
---|---|---|
Home | £10,700 | £11,350 |
International | £19,800 | £20,400 |
Part time (Home) | £590 | £630 |
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
International progression routes
Programme leader Dr Antony Robotham shares insight into the principles and content of the popular programme with engineering design practice at its core.
“The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
The teaching method at the University of Plymouth was completely different to what I was used to, as it was more practical and research-based than theoretical.
After leaving Plymouth I joined Creo Medical as a Design and Development Engineer. The MSc Advanced Engineering Design course helped me to stand out and has benefited me greatly while I have been here. The medical engineering module in particular gave me a great foundation to step into the medical devices industry with confidence; I have been working on the development of electrosurgical devices to treat cancer tumours. I really thought it was a fantastic course that was made accessible during a difficult year for study, and I really enjoyed it!
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in October 2020 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.