This programme aims to augment the undergraduate education of those who have completed it, through a combination of advanced scientific knowledge, interpersonal and practical capabilities, with a specific focus on tackling industrially relevant engineering challenges. The curriculum will improve employability by developing the postgraduate skills required for a successful transition to industry or a research role in academia.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for this course received after 30th June for entry in the same calendar year may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Applications for this course received after 30th June for entry in the same calendar year may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Mechanical Engineering 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.
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
Teaching and research activities 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 Rolls Royce. They feed into the course content – what they need from graduate engineers, we’ll teach you. External lecturers from our industrial partners come in to teach on the course
Student Experience
Students study within a vibrant international mix of students and staff from the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Students may enrol on a part-time (1 years) basis. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester, completing a total of three modules over the academic year.
Course Details
The degree will consist of 60 CATS of modules from the list below.
Indicative Number of Modules per Semester
The 3 modules will be taught over the autumn and spring semesters, with approx. 30 CATS of taught material per semester.
Modules
Computer-Aided Engineering (20 CATS)
Manufacturing Technology (20 CATS)
Sustainable Energy Systems (20 CATS)
Contact teaching time is typically scheduled on campus during normal working hours throughout the working week (mornings or afternoons, Monday through Friday). One module will be delivered across two evenings in Sem 1.
Learning and Teaching
Additional Teaching Information
The taught module content will be supplemented by guest seminars from industrial experts in the fields of mechanical and manufacturing engineering. These modules are assessed through a combination of practical workshop sessions, independent coursework, and group projects.
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester
Feedback associated with this course is outlined below:
Students will receive feedback on all assessed work, with written and oral feedback provided on an individual basis.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course 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.
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
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.
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.
Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
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.
Professionally relevant transferrable skills, such as oral and written communication, problem-solving, data analysis, self-direction, and team work are developed throughout the course.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Graduate Plus 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.
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.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
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.