This course has been developed in close partnership with employers, focused on development skills that employers specifically demand.
WHY MIGHT YOU WANT TO DO THIS COURSE?
The programme is designed to meet the needs of the growing and diverse engineering sector. It aims to attract students who have completed a Level 6 degree in engineering or a related discipline, and who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in mechanical engineering and management. The programme also caters to students who have relevant work experience in the engineering sector, and who seek to gain a formal qualification that recognises their prior learning and achievements.
COURSE CONTENT
The programme aims to produce apprentices with competency and skills that include the latest advances in engineering disciplines of energy and power, manufacture and design. In addition to covering the latest engineering technology, you will be equipped with the creative, commercial, business and management skills that are necessary to be an innovator, entrepreneur and industry leader.
PLEASE NOTE:
This HLA is a work / study programme so you will already be in employment, or have a firm offer of employment from a company in the sector that supports your application.
This HLA is fully funded by the DfE. Places are limited. Applicants and their employers must demonstrate commitment, and ensure enough time is allocated, to attend and complete the course.
Mechanical Engineering with Management Higher Level Apprenticeship highlights
World Class Facilities
The School has a range of unique laboratory facilities for turbomachinery, advanced composites manufacturing, engine catalysis, industrial-scale materials processing, large-scale structural and materials testing, thermal and chemical analysis, microscopy and x-ray imaging. State-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research, which have received investments totalling £19m in recent years.
State-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research, which have received investments totalling £19m in recent years.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Queen’s is ranked 24th in the UK for Engineering with 96% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education)
Our commitment to excellence is further exemplified by our recent ranking within the top 25 universities in the UK, and having 28 subjects in the top 20 in the Complete University Guide 2024 rankings. Queen's is also ranked 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Industry Links
We have strong connections with local, UK, and international companies, in industries including aerospace, turbomachinery, automotive, consumer materials, and biomedical devices.
Our Industrial Advisory Board features representatives from
heavyweights like Caterpillar, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace, Thales, Wrightbus, and BAE. They help us develop the course content – what they need from graduate engineers, we’ll teach you. External lecturers from our industrial partners come in to actively contribute to the course.
Student Experience
Students study within a vibrant international mix of students and staff from the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Our teaching environment focuses on your individual career and development needs, building your skills, enhancing your personal experience of the course and thinking of your career path, rather than just teaching you theory.
Professional Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and provides a route for you to achieve Chartered Engineer status
This degree is designed to provide apprentices with a sound foundation for a professional career in engineering and management. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory.
Students enrol on a part-time (2 years) basis only. This typically involves attending the University to study one or two modules during the Autumn and Spring semesters in both years, and then completing a dissertation/project with their company during the Summer semester in the second year.
The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete the six taught modules (120 CATS points) and the dissertation/project (60 CATS points ).
Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.
Course Details
This HLA degree consists of 120 CATS of modules from the list below, plus a dissertation/project (60 CATS). There are no optional modules.
Indicative Number of Modules per Semester
Autumn and Spring Semesters – both years: 6 modules, totalling 60 CATS per year.
Computer-Aided Engineering (20 CATS)
Manufacturing Technology (20 CATS)
Sustainable Energy Systems (20 CATS)
Engineering Systems and Management (20 CATS)
Business Management and Enterprise (20 CATS)
Research and Data Analytics (20 CATS)
Project and Dissertation (60 CATS)
Contact teaching time is typically scheduled on-campus throughout the working week (mornings, afternoons or evenings, Monday through Friday).
Learning and Teaching
Each year the apprentices will attend scheduled classes during the Autumn and Spring semesters. Each of these semesters involves 12 weeks of classes. The scheduled classes involve 1-day per week, 2-days per week or 1 day and 2 evenings per week, depending on the semester.
Additional Teaching Information
The taught module content will be supplemented by guest seminars from industrial experts in the fields of mechanical engineering and business management. These modules are assessed through a combination of practical sessions, independent coursework, and small group projects. A major individual project focuses on applying these taught skills to a relevant real-world industrial problem. A dissertation is required for this individual project. The project will be taken at the company in the Summer semester at the end of the second year.
Project and dissertation work involves regular meetings with an academic supervisor, with the remaining time devoted to project management, practical, design or computer work, and preparation for written and oral reporting.
Feedback
Apprentices will receive general and specific feedback on their learning from a variety of sources. These include lecturers, course co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. Apprentices will be encouraged to reflect on this and take the initiative in continuously improving the quality of their learning. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work as an individual or as part of a group.
• Face to face feedback from lecturers or supervisors to help address specific queries.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or email comments.
• Assignment/project advice regarding standards, common errors, model answers or exemplars to review.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical sessions.
• Comments and guidance from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
Apprentices will be encouraged to use all feedback to improve their learning experience and therefore the quality of their work.
Assessment
The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Assessments associated with the programme are outlined below:
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Business organization and structures, Business modelling, strategy, PESTLE. Market research,. Management accounting, costs and revenues, break-even analysis, budgeting, financing. Law and ethics for engineers, professional negligence, and ethical principles for professional engineers. Leadership, motivation, and communication styles . Current trends and perspectives on business and enterprise with guest lectures.
Learning Outcomes
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Skills
Apply their skills in communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities
Participate effectively in the operation of a team and collaborate effectively with members of the team
Deliver a report and presentation that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively
Fundamental principles, applications, and potential of key mature sustainable and renewable power sources used globally including: 1) wind power, 2) hydro power, 3) biomass, 4) solar power, and 5) nuclear energy. Other non-mature and/or less widely utilised technologies including a) wave and tidal, b) compressed air energy storage, c) geothermal, and d) energy storage will be introduced at a higher level. Current trends and perspectives on development and application of sustainable energy systems with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Skills
Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems
Analyse data using appropriate techniques
Support previously identified areas by using appropriate IT resources
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader
The project will involve a significant piece of technical work that is undertaken independently by the student, with guidance from the academic supervisor. The project will typically involve elements of literature research, design, experimentation, numerical modelling and analysis, although not necessarily all of these elements.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used
Skills
Analyse data using appropriate techniques
Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills
Produce a piece of work that demonstrates grasp of subject vocabulary and deploys a range of skills of written expression appropriate to the subject
Deliver a paper or presentation that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader
Technical research skills, including use of databases and repositories (journals, patents, standards), literature and technology searches, critical literature reviews, citation techniques, copyright and plagiarism. Quantitative & qualitative research methods, data collection techniques, sampling theory and survey methods, research integrity and ethics. Mathematical fundamentals, data handling, processing, analysis and statistical techniques, process optimization and decision-making (design of experiments), with implementation in relevant software packages and programming environments. Technical communication and dissemination.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used
Skills
Complete an information search using a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
Deliver a paper or presentation that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively
Manage time effectively in order to achieve intended goals
Formulate effective strategies for achieving goals when working with others
Apply skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities
Engineering project planning and management techniques, including project scheduling tools (PERT, Gantt charts, phase–gate analysis), techniques for reducing project duration and cost, mitigating delays and risks, and managing teams. Concepts and techniques for managing engineering systems, including systems structures, systems management and risk, decision analysis and support, systems design (requirements analysis, functional analysis and design, component design, validation). Concepts and techniques for operations, production, and supply-chain management, including labour schedules, forecasting demand, ensuring quality, maintaining inventory, and transporting products and materials. Lean and quality management, value stream mapping, advanced quality planning, lean teams and tools, lean and the supply chain, standardized working. Current trends and perspectives on engineering management with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits. Advance readings containing case studies will precede each of these major topics, and will form the basis for discussion and content delivery. Follow-on assignments will require application of the content in the context of the case studies (e.g. develop a plan for scheduling an engineering project, analyse an engineering system and propose an alternative system design, plan the supply chain and operations for a process). Group project integrating analysis and planning of multi-part systems.
Learning Outcomes
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity
Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Structure and properties of engineering materials, laser manufacturing processes, as well as joining and assembling processes (welding, brazing, adhesive bonding, mechanical assembly). Control, automation, and metrology assisted automation, standards for quality control. Principles of design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA), techniques for product simplification and cost reduction. Current trends and perspectives on manufacturing technology with guest lectures from industry and research, and practical sessions in School/other manufacturing facilities. Advance readings containing case studies will precede each of these major topics, and will form the basis for discussion and content delivery. Follow-on assignments will require application of this content in the context of the case studies and implementation in manufacturing facilities. Knowledge in laser manufacturing will be accessed by class test.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some/Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used
Skills
Apply skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities.
The main focus of this module is on the application of Computer-Aided Engineering in the design and analysis of structural components, especially aerospace structures. The main topics covered in this module include CAD design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Optimisation. You will be taught static, modal, and dynamic (fatigue) finite element analysis (ANSYS) on satellite structures using satellite launcher vibrations and quasi-static loading. The second part of the module is focused on design optimisation. The lectures and computer sessions cover a number of the most important analytical and numerical methods currently available to optimise structural components.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
Part/Assembly conceptual design using Solidworks
Mechanical preliminary design using Solidworks and Finite Element Method (ANSYS).
Mechanical detailed design using Finite Element Method.
Aerospace Structures mechanical and thermal(maybe, depending on module progress) environment.
Skills
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Space environment mechanical loads.
Using CAD and Finite Element method to design CubSat structures.
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a suitable engineering discipline, including substantial Mathematics and engineering content at 2.2 Honours level or equivalent standard, acceptable to the School.
Applicants holding a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a suitable engineering discipline with performance in key modules below 2.2 Honours standard may be considered on an individual basis. Such applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum of two years professional experience.
A 2.1 Honours degree in Mathematics or Physics or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University will be considered. Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Students wishing to apply for this Higher-Level Apprenticeship should also upload their CV and a letter of support from their employer (combined in one file). The employer’s letter of support must state that the employer supports their application, that they are prepared to release them from work for one or two days per week to attend the course, and that, if they are an existing employee, they need this qualification for a new role. The new role can be a change of title/role within the company.
This Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is fully funded by the DfE therefore it is not open to international applicants. Further information on eligibility criteria for Higher Level Apprenticeships can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships.
Please note this course is subject to renewal of funding by the Department for the Economy and applicants must be working for a company with a base in Northern Ireland.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This Masters degree programme offers a range of modules that can be combined to suit particular career aspirations, and graduates will have the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in mechanical engineering, technical management, research and other related fields.
The complementary business and management skills developed through the programme are highly sought after by employers keen to recruit engineering graduates with a solid appreciation of the broader commercial industrial environment. Professionally relevant transferrable skills, such as oral and written communication, problem-solving, data analysis, self-direction, and teamwork are also developed throughout the course.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Future Ready bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
No tuition fees are payable by students for the degree apprenticeship as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Higher Level Apprenticeship programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships for further information.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.