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.
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
MSc Mechanical Engineering Design
| Programme code | 7437 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Course type | Full-time, Part-time route available |
| Study location | Plymouth |
Engineering design is the creative activity that forms technical solutions to everyday problems. This MSc is for graduate engineers who are motivated to advance their knowledge, skills and understanding of modern engineering design practice. You'll explore the methods, tools and technologies used by engineering designers, while advancing your professional competency and readiness to tackle complex engineering challenges.
Meet the lecturers
10 October 2025, starts at 12:00 noon (UK time)
Careers with this subject
This programme will enable you to develop your career to an advanced level of design management in most industrial sectors. It will also support your progression to registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Course details
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Year 1
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Embark on an exciting journey with our MSc Mechanical Engineering Design programme to enhance your professional development and transferable skills! This 180-credit MSc programme is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring you
get the most out of your learning experience.In the first two semesters, you'll develop deeper insights to core proficiencies in engineering design, advanced materials and nanotechnology along with research methods for continuing professional development; you'll delve into design research and learning methods that drive innovative solutions to challenging engineering problems. Boost and complement your skills through our selection of dynamic, project-based learning approaches, from our world leading research in renewable energy subjects, contemporary use of FEA and CFD through computer-aided engineering, designing medical devices and biomechanical systems, to nuclear applications for science and engineering.The most exciting part of your year is your dissertation project! This where you get to apply the skills and knowledge you've gained to explore a topic that truly fascinates you. Imagine diving deep into a subject you're passionate about, uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of your understanding. This hands-on engineering research challenge is your opportunity to develop a profound expertise in an area that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations.Core modules
ENGR501
Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development 20 creditsShape your dissertation project with a methodical approach to research, ensuring it is both innovative and impactful. You'll plan practical work in our specialist labs and select appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to enable you to produce credible findings. Also, you'll map out your personal development pathway toward professional registration, setting the foundation for your future success.
100% Coursework
PROJ517
MSc Dissertation 60 creditsThis module enables students to undertake an independent research project, applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout their MSc studies. Under academic supervision, students will apply appropriate methodologies, carry out in-depth analysis, and present their findings in a well-structured dissertation that demonstrates critical thinking, technical ability, and academic rigour.
100% Coursework
MECH558
Design for Excellence 40 creditsAdvance your engineering design skills by working in a team to create innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions to complex, real-world challenges. Use CAD and CAE tools to optimise technical performance across the product lifecycle. Validate your solution by building and testing a working prototype using our modern lab facilities. This module tests your perseverance to attend to the smallest of details!
100% Coursework
MECH559
Advanced Materials Engineering & Nanotechnology 20 creditsIn this module you will explore the forefront of material science with a strong focus on nanotechnology and its transformative impact on engineering. Gain in-depth knowledge of advanced materials - including metals, polymers, composites and ceramics. You will analyse product failures, assess alternative materials, and apply eco-design principles to drive sustainable, high-performance solutions.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
Optional modules
MECH549
Medical Engineering and BiomechanicsGain the in-depth knowledge essential to the modern medical engineer for designing innovative medical devices and implants used in biomedical and biomechanical systems. Explore material selection and how materials interact with human tissues. Apply computer-aided analysis to assess implant performance and behaviour in real-world medical engineering applications.
ENGR503
Computer Aided Engineering 20 creditsYou will develop a fundamental understanding of numerical simulation techniques for use in engineering design and analysis. Emphasis is placed on the importance of rigorous interpretation of verified methods in computer-aided engineering (CAE), with a focus on finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), applied to complex engineering problems.
100% Coursework
MAR541
Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems 20 creditsDiscover how offshore renewable energy systems work in this module. You'll explore the mechanics behind wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy converters and investigate the engineering challenges they face. Develop practical skills through modelling and simulation using industry-standard software, and test designs in the cutting-edge COAST laboratory for real-world insight.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
NUC5000
Going Nuclear: Nuclear Applications for Science and Engineering 20 creditsThis module provides essential skills and understanding needed to excel in the nuclear industry, from fundamentals of nuclear fission and fusion to more intricate topics such as reactor functionality, safety, and nuclear waste management.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
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:
Entry requirements
A 2:2 BEng (Hons) degree or a 2:1 BSc (Hons) degree in mechanical engineering or other closely related discipline, with a demonstrable aptitude for design from workplace experience or study.
If you have considerable professional experience and can evidence an academic ability to undergraduate degree levels you may also be considered.
If you have overseas qualifications you can check your comparability with the UK equivalent through UK ENIC, who provide an advisory service.
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
tariff glossary
.
Course requires ATAS
ATAS is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme which was introduced by the British government to certify students from outside the EU who wish to study or conduct research in Britain in certain sensitive technology-related fields. For selected courses, obtaining a valid ATAS certificate is a requirement for gaining visa approval so should be taken seriously as part of any application. Areas related to ATAS include chemistry, engineering, physics, biophysics, metallurgy and microbiology. ATAS is used at all British universities and is enforced by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. More information.
Fees, costs and funding
| 2025-2026 | 2026-2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,350 | £11,700 |
| International | £20,400 | £21,000 |
| Part time (Home) | £630 | £650 |
Find out more about your eligibility for a postgraduate loan
You may now be eligible for a government loan of over £11,000 to help towards the cost of your masters degree.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
How to apply
When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our
application guidance.
Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the
additional support the University provides
.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our
how to apply
information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the
student regulations, policies and procedures
page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
Progression routes
International progression routes
The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more about the
University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)
or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
What is engineering design?
Facilities and labs
Babbage Building: where engineering meets design
“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
Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility is home to the
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
and offers additional space for the
School of Art, Design and Architecture
.
and offers additional space for the
MAterials and STructures (MAST) Research Group
Our research group explores many aspects of structural, mechanical, marine, composites and civil engineering.
Practical, research-based teaching helped me to grow and inspire change
“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.”
MSc Mechanical Engineering Design allowed Ram Kushawaha to engage deeply with his interests and set him on a path to a PhD
Graduate profiles
“I gained a great foundation to step into the medical devices industry with confidence”
Simon Prince graduated with an MSc Advanced Engineering Design and now works as a Design & Development Engineer at Creo Medical.
“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!”
Providing recyclable face shields for frontline staff
Academics in the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics have worked with Plympton-based Prestige Packaging to design and manufacture an initial batch of 20,000 face shields.
Each shield's frame and strap are made from a folding boxboard that is 100% recyclable, 100% compostable and made from FSC-certified wood products. The anti-fog, anti-glare, see-through visor is made from a type of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is 100% recyclable and can be returned back into the production cycle.
The shields comply with EU Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/403 for PPE, meaning they have been approved for use by healthcare workers, first responders and other personnel involved in the efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus, and avoid its further spread, and can now carry the CE mark.
Athena Swan Silver
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.
People
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![Dr Antony Robotham Visiting Specialist]( "Dr Antony Robotham")
Dr Antony Robotham
Visiting Specialist
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![Mr Christopher Pass Technical Specialist (Energy)]( "Mr Christopher Pass")
Mr Christopher Pass
Technical Specialist (Energy)
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![Dr Maozhou Meng Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering]( "Dr Maozhou Meng")
Dr Maozhou Meng
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
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![Dr Alexander Besinis Associate Professor in Mechanical and Medical Engineering]( "Dr Alexander Besinis")
Dr Alexander Besinis
Associate Professor in Mechanical and Medical Engineering
Meet our school technical staff
Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.