This course will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding of Mechanical Engineering in three ways. Firstly, high-quality taught modules will introduce advanced Mechanical Engineering topics such as turbomachinery design, non-linear stress analysis, fluid mechanics, contact and friction. Secondly, a substantial group design element will equip students with the ability to carry out advanced design in multinational teams using appropriate design standards and sophisticated engineering analysis tools. Finally, a major research and development project allows the student to demonstrate the ability to work independently on a complex topic and demonstrate initiative in the solution of engineering challenges.
Durham University has many researchers tackling problems relevant to industry and society. These are organised into three research challenges: sustainable infrastructure, future energy systems and next generation materials and microsystems. These are broad interdisciplinary challenges and will form the topics of many of the substantial projects that student will undertake. Durham students are uniquely placed to take advantage of a broad range of expertise in a general engineering department.
Course structure
The course consists of five core modules to provide an advanced engineering education in Advanced Mechanical technologies alongside an optional module that allows students to increase their understanding in an area suited to their interests and needs. In addition to these taught modules you will also complete a group design project and a major, individual research and development project working closely with an academic in your chosen subject area.
Core taught content:
Non-linear Solid Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Turbomachinery and Propulsion
Renewable Energy Technologies
Future Vehicles
Examples of optional taught content:
You can select one optional module from the following topics:
This is a 12-month full-time course beginning at the start of the academic year and finishing with you submitting a report and completing an oral examination on your chosen research and development project. The course consists of four core modules to provide a solid education in a broad range of Advanced Mechanical Engineering technologies. A choice of one from two optional modules allows you to choose a study course most suited to your interests and needs. The modules include lecture courses, a group design project and an individual research and development project.
You will select one of two optional modules. These modules typically include 38 hours of lectures in addition to coursework and laboratory experiments, allowing you to develop research skills in parallel with lectures. The modules are designed to increase your understanding of either fluid dynamics and thermodynamics or applied mechanics. You are advised to select the module which you feel would best support your learning needs.
The core lecture modules typically involve 38 hours of lectures and cover topics such as computational stress analysis, fluid mechanics and turbomachinery design.
The third core module is a group design project focused on a realistic application of mechanical engineering technology. You will gain experience in teamwork, presentation skills and project management, as well as the technical aspects of engineering design. You also benefit from this opportunity to develop your research skills in preparation for your individual research and development project.
A major individual research and development project completes the core modules. This provides an open-ended challenge to each individual student, in collaboration with a staff supervisor. Regular meetings are held with your supervisor to discuss project progress and planning issues. A mid-term assessment is carried out to ensure the project is on track. At the end of the project, you are required to submit a final report on your work, in the style of a research paper. You are also required to prepare and present a poster to encourage further development of your ability to present your work to staff and peers. An oral examination is held to allow detailed questions to be put to you regarding the technical aspects of your project. You should expect to have up to 15 hours of contact time with your supervisor plus over 500 hours of research work and preparation, supported by the School’s technicians and other research workers, over the course of your research projects
Entry requirements
To be admitted to the MSc course in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, you need the equivalent of a UK Honours degree to at least an upper second class standard (2:1). This should normally be in an appropriate Engineering or Engineering-related subject including modules in Applied Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists. Although in some instances we can consider industrial or other relevant experience if you have a different first degree.
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
For further information on career options and employability, student and employer testimonials and details of work experience and study abroad opportunities, please visit our employability web pages.
Department information
Engineering
The Department of Engineering offers postgraduate courses that are challenging and technologically relevant. Durham engineering postgraduates, both taught and research, will be making a vital contribution to our challenge areas: future energy systems; next generation materials and microsystems; and sustainable infrastructure. A broad range of specialist research clusters support our activities in these areas. You will also have access to extensive and diverse research facilities to support your learning.
The Department of Engineering features a number of dedicated teaching laboratories including the newly refurbished Electrical laboratory. Students use these facilities to gain practical experience to complement theory learned in lectures.
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