Professional engineering institutions now require engineers to have at least an MEng or MSc qualification for Chartered Engineer status. And with many high-tech engineering companies now operating pan-European and globally, Master's level qualifications are often considered essential for career development. The MSc Mechanical Engineering is designed to allow BEng and BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduates, and those from related disciplines, to top up qualifications through the MSc-route equivalent of an MEng Mechanical Engineering. The Department of Engineering Design and Mathematics has a longstanding reputation for offering IMechE-accredited BEng (Hons) and MEng Mechanical Engineering degrees, alongside a range of MSc programmes in related specialised subjects. Graduates with an in-depth understanding of engineering design and analysis, and the ability to appreciate the challenges of managing complex operations, are in high demand. This course is designed to meet that demand, and to bridge the skills and knowledge gaps for BEng or BSc graduates, and make them more employable. With its foundations in mechanical engineering, this course is a great opportunity to learn how to develop advanced solutions to engineering problems using the latest computer tools and simulations. It also addresses a need for people who work well in project teams, and an extended piece of independent research is a significant part of the course.

An accredited Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering provides an essential stepping stone for any mechanical engineer aspiring to take their career to the highest level. Mechanical engineers are vital to society and the economy. For example, they're often involved in making maximum use of high-capital plants and operations such as power stations, oil refineries, chemical plants and hospitals.