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mechatronics-msc

Mechatronics and Robotics MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Learn to effectively communicate across a range of disciplines to deliver optimised engineering solutions using a multidisciplinary mechatronics approach. Developed to meet the needs of a demanding industry, this course is accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)*, meaning you will graduate with a widely recognised qualification.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive community. That’s why most of our postgraduate taught students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You will benefit from more regular assessments and feedback, a better study-life balance, and a simplified timetable that provides more time for work, professional development, caring responsibilities, and everything else that's important to you. Our block-taught courses are informed by industry practice, often accredited by professional bodies, and are delivered by passionate and talented academics, who will help you develop the skills to achieve your goals.

Read more about block teaching

Overview

The field of Mechatronics and Robotics is recognised as a skill shortage area. Such skills will be critical to the industrial and economic growth of industries in the Western World and developing nations. Graduates from this course can expect enhanced technological skills, which will improve their career prospects.

The course aims to take graduates from a single discipline background and develop them into multidisciplinary engineers capable of working in the Mechatronics and Robotics field, which will meet the demand from industry to produce engineers who can operate in the industry at the highest level. The graduates from this course will attain broad base technological knowledge and skills to integrate the engineering disciplines enabling them to design and develop integrated products and systems, and to operate efficiently in the modern business environment.

The course involves broadening studies to prepare students from different backgrounds with the required subject specific knowledge; a good grasp of the Mechatronics-based approach, concept, tools and methods for design and development of Mechatronics and Robotics based products and solutions. The modules cover Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Vision; Engineering Business Environment and Research Methods; Control, Instrumentation and Digital Signal Processing; Embedded Systems, Programming and System Integration.

Key features

  • Accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)*, which means you will benefit from the highest quality teaching and graduate with a recognised qualification.
  • Mechatronic engineers are in high demand as more industries seek to make advances across a range of disciplines.
  • Access our excellent facilities, including specialised mechanical, electrical and electronic laboratories, as well as spaces dedicated to the manufacture of student designs.
  • Boost your employability with a year-long work placement**, gaining valuable industry experience to enhance your practical and professional skills.
  • Our graduates have forged successful careers in a range of industries including robotics and automation systems, manufacturing, machine vision, automotive, aerospace, material processing, energy and power. They are employed as engineers and project managers for roles in design, research and product development.
  • Benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff, who are part of the school's Institute of Engineering Sciences, and who are active in cutting-edge research consultation with industry. Our research informs our teaching, ensuring the course is aligned the latest developments in the sector.
Accredited Programme Web Small1052

*This programme is currently under review for accreditation from the 2024 intake onwards. It will go forward for CEng (further learning) accreditation by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in 2024. Formal accreditation can only be granted after an accreditation visit and approval from the IET’s Academic Accreditation Committee.

**Country restrictions apply

 

“During my time on the course I furthered my knowledge in programming, mechatronic systems, dynamics and control and digital signal processing. I also developed my skills in research, communication, leadership and machining. The course challenged me to improve from every aspect, which has given me the skills to do well in my chosen career path.”

Matthew Cooper, graduate

Scholarships:

DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International Scholarships

Find out about available scholarships and country specific fee discounts for international students. 

 

 

More courses like this:

Electronic Engineering MSc

Engineering Management MSc

Mechanical Engineering MSc 

DMU has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

  • UK
  • EU/International

Duration: 12 months (September start), 16 months (January start)

Start date: September, January

Course code: H73072

Fees and funding:

2023/24 full-time fees for UK students: £9,000 per year.

2024/25 full-time fees for UK students: £9,500 per year.

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Duration: 12 months (September start), 16 months (January start)

Start date: September, January

Course code: H73072

Fees and funding: 

2023/24 full-time tuition fees for EU and international students: £17,100 per year.

2024/25 full-time tuition fees for EU and international students: £17,600 per year.

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

If you have no formal academic qualifications but do have extensive industry experience we will consider your application on an individual basis.

 

 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

Academic expertise

 
  • Embedded Systems & System Integration
  • Machine Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
  • Engineering Business Environment and Research Methods
  • Digital Signal Processing, Control, and Instrumentation 
  • Individual Project

 

See detailed module descriptions


Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

 

 

Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials and laboratories. You will be expected to undertake self-directed study.

 

 

 

 

Contact and learning hours

For taught sessions you will attend eight modules with a total of 48 hours (four hours per week for 12 weeks each), with eight hours per module per week of average additional self-directed study. For the individual project you normally will spend 13 weeks working five days (eight hours per day) a week to complete it, and have one hour per week contact time with your supervisor.

 

Academic staff teaching on this course are part of the school’s Institute of Engineering Sciences. As part of your studies, you will be offered opportunities to work on projects with researchers within the faculty that are engaged in high-class, leading-edge research, industrial collaboration and consultancy with industry.

 

 

 

 

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
Placements
 

Facilities

Our main mechanical laboratory is a large open-plan space designed to accommodate the study of thermo-fluids, solid mechanics and dynamics. It also hosts an area with machine tools for the manufacture of student designs. 

Engine test cell

This purpose-built engine testing facility measures engine performance and emissions. Typical student projects include running the engine with alternative fuels, such as biofuels, to test performance and emission characteristics.

Energy  laboratory

Equipped to teach a wide range of thermo-fluid applications including air-conditioning and heat-pumps, this laboratory also enables students to conduct fundamental experiments such as measuring thermal conductivity.

Materials science laboratory

Boasting a range of tools for material microstructure examination and properties testing. Equipment includes microscopes and various properties testers for tensile testing, fatigue testing, wear testing, corrosion testing, hardness testing and impact testing.

 Dynamics and control laboratory

A laboratory dedicated to the study of gyroscope theory, vibration theory, no-linear control, inertia bending and more.

Robotics Laboratory

The new robotics laboratory includes a wide range of robots used in research and industrial applications. From small size Dobot Magician Arm to middle size Cobot (collaborative robot) Franka Emika to a larger robotic arm UR5, we have robotic arms of various sizes equipped with different end-effectors (Robotiq, OnRobot, Vacuum suction) that can be used in various industrial settings and tasks. In addition, the robotics laboratory has a mobile robot (Turtlebot) for service robot applications.

Design Studios

You will also have access to computer laboratories  equipped with CAD and Finite Element Modelling Software. The primary packages used are CREO and AUTODESK Simulation for FEA modelling.  

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year*, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement. 

Engineering students have previously secured placements with firms such as Cummins, Network Rail and Caterpillar. 

*Country restrictions apply

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DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons, helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK-based activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Previous Mechatronics students had the chance to explore the application of aerodynamics in wind turbines at a three-day workshop at Lodz University of Technology in Poland. During the trip, students also visited the Science and Technology Centre at the former Lodz power plant. Student Nicola Falciani said: “It was an amazing experience, especially eye-opening to see how and what engineering students study in Poland.” 

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Graduate careers

Multidisciplinary engineers are sought-after worldwide in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, manufacturing and product development.

The diverse variety of specialist modules on the course prepare students for these industries, and provide opportunities to pursue careers in areas of design, research and development, marketing, sales, production management and quality control. Our recent engineering graduates are working for companies such as Toyota, Cummins Generator Technologies, Ricardo (McLaren Performance Engines), and JCB.

This degree also acts as a springboard for students wishing to continue their studies by pursuing an PhD in Mechatronics.

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DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

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Graduate careers

Graduates enjoy exciting career opportunities from a wide range of industries. These include robotics and automation, machine vision, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consumer products, material processing, energy and power. They are likely to be employed as engineers, senior engineers and project leaders or managers for roles in design and development, research and development, electromechanical, automation and control, manufacturing, product development, field support and maintenance, system integration, commissioning and installation, test and verification, or any engineering role where understanding interdisciplinary issues with insights is vital. 

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