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MSc Mechanical Engineering with Extended Professional Practice

Professional Accreditations

The MSc Mechanical Engineering course is accredited by IMechE and is accredited as meeting the further learning requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2023 up to and including, the 2025 intake.

About the course

The Extended Professional Practice award provides you with the opportunity of a placement, working in a relevant engineering environment to further develop the knowledge and skills you gain from the taught modules. The placement takes place during the first two semesters of the second year of enrolment, after which you’ll return to complete your MSc Individual Project. It's up to you to secure a suitable placement, although the Careers and Employment service is here to support you throughout the process. 

This programme has been developed to meet the growing need for postgraduate skills within the engineering industry, and the demand for professional development for graduate engineers. The programme integrates mechanical engineering subjects with key generic skills in management and research methods. This approach will help to develop your critical thinking skills as a future engineering manager, or technical specialist enabling you to effectively analyse technical and management issues.

The University of Hertfordshire has a worldwide reputation for excellence in applied mechanical engineering. This international reputation will give you the opportunity to study with graduates from universities worldwide. You will benefit from the expertise of industry guest speakers where relevant.

The programme will:

  • provide education and experience to support your professional employment and career development within the industry
  • focus on the links between engineering analysis and design and supporting management skills management
  • provide a blend of knowledge and application experience through case studies and project work
  • equip you with the theory and practice of relevant subjects, technologies and analytical tools to provide solutions for mechanical and related manufacturing problems.

Why choose this course?

  • During your placement year, you'll gain hands-on industrial experience, applying the skills learned during your studies. 
  • The School has over 50 years experience of teaching mechanical engineering and has established an excellent international reputation in this field.
  • We offer extensive lab facilities for engineering students as well as the latest software packages and wind tunnels.
  • This MSc combines mechanical engineering subjects with key management and research methods.
  • 2nd in the East of England (after Cambridge) for Mechanical Engineering (2023 Complete University Guide).
  • 7th for engineering and technology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024).

What will I study?

The industrial placement award offers the opportunity for you to undertake a period of industrial placement, and so develop your understanding and skills within a professional environment. This award requires the successful completion of at least 30 weeks full-time equivalent placement activity from a maximum of two separate approved placement, neither of which will be normally less than 12 weeks. The Careers and Employment service will actively support you in the placement process, however, the responsibility of securing a suitable placement lies with you. Ultimately, the placement company will select students usually through an interview process. 

The school has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning, where nearly all MSc modules are delivered through a combination of traditional face-to-face teaching and backup tutorials using the University's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic teaching and learning resources, and conduct electronic discussions with staff and other students.

Where will I study?

Learn in Spectra, our new state-of-the-art School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, now open, featuring interactive learning zones. Access modeling, simulation, and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator, automotive workshop (including electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay, and controls testing suite.

Benefit from our Academic Support Hub, designed to enhance your employability and academic skills. Connect with industry mentors offering pastoral support, career guidance, and progression opportunities.

Spectra provides collaborative spaces, including workshops, social areas, and meeting rooms. Designed with the University’s net-zero carbon target in mind, it’s part of our commitment to replacing inefficient older sites.

  • Level 7
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technology15 CreditsCompulsory
    Advanced Thermodynamics and Thermal Systems15 CreditsCompulsory
    CFD & Applications15 CreditsCompulsory
    Dynamics and Performance of Mechanical Systems15 CreditsCompulsory
    FEM & Applications15 CreditsCompulsory
    MSc Professional Work Placement60 CreditsCompulsory
    Data Analytics for Engineers15 CreditsCompulsory
    Integrated Product Engineering15 CreditsCompulsory
    MSc Individual Project (Mechanical)60 CreditsCompulsory
    Preparation for Work Placement0 CreditsCompulsory
    Renewable Energy15 CreditsCompulsory
  • Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MSc Mechanical Engineering - Extended Download
    Programme specifications
    MSc Mechanical Engineering - Extended Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    Yes

    Student experience

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