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Overview
Drive your engineering career further with a Master's that works with your professional practice. You'll advance your understanding of core mechanical engineering disciplines, from structural integrity to control systems, and design your own project around your career needs.
On this MSc Mechanical Engineering, you'll apply current professional methodologies, assess the requirements of mechanical engineering applications, and find the optimal materials and methods to deliver your projects.
You'll plan and produce a personal research project, supported by staff expertise, that ties into the job you have - or the job you want. Previous projects have investigated the structural integrity of aerodynamic elements, the performance of natural bulletproof materials, and the effects of complex structures on fluid dynamics.
You can begin this course in September (full-time or part-time) or January (full-time only).
Number 2 in the UK for student satisfaction
We're ranked second in the UK for student satisfaction in production and manufacturing engineering in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU and international students.
Please note, if you're applying for this course as an international student, you'll need to have clearance under the Academic Tech Approval Scheme (ATAS). This is an extra security check made by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Course highlights
- Experiment with advanced materials (alloys, polymers, ceramics and composites) and energy engineering systems in dedicated mechanical engineering labs
- Use advanced simulation and modelling software such as Abaqus, MATLAB, Simulink and CCM+
- Connect with your lecturers' industry partners, in the UK and abroad, and have the opportunity to investigate real-life industrial problems
- Tie-in your individual project with one of our research groups, and benefit from the expertise of our experienced research staff
- Research topics including aerospace materials, design engineering, polymers and composites, and energy engineering
Accredited by:
This course is awarded the EUR-ACE (European Accredited Engineer) label and is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for meeting the further learning requirement for Chartered Engineer registration.
MSc Mechanical Engineering
Hear from Israk, a graduate of the course, about his experience of studying with us at Portsmouth.
My name is Israk Ali.
I am a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin.
The thing that appealed to me most about the University of Portsmouth is going along to the open day, I quite liked a lot of the lab facilities and it seemed like a good balance of practical and theoretical work.
I got on with a few of the lecturers as well and it seemed like a course I'd really enjoy doing over the next few years.
When I joined University of Portsmouth, I also joined the MMA Society and the Islamic Society as well.
Alongside my studies, I tutored GCSE Maths, English and Science.
I thought it was a good way for me to use some of my academic experience and stuff I was learning in university to help children at the same time.
You realise that all the things you are learning has those real world applications.
By using the Careers and Employability Service and doing interview prep and preparing early, I was able to get my job secured at Lockheed Martin so I could do my masters year.
Then as soon as I graduated, I could start working straight away.
I initially started Lockheed Martin as part of a graduate scheme, so that covered two years where I'd rotate between different areas.
I've covered a lot of things like marine engineering, air space, mechanical hands-on work and working on the training facilities.
There was one time when I was out at sea for two weeks and I was able to work on developing a radar system and test that while we were out at sea.
It's really satisfying feeling for me, knowing that I've been able to work on designing a system and then having that actually being used in real life.
It gives me a massive sense of pride just to see what I've been working on all this time and also how other people would be able to use it as well.
The University of Portsmouth has really helped me to realise my potential.
As part of the Lockheed Martin Outreach Scheme, they do a lot of work in the local communities with schools and one of the challenges we had was to work with a school, help them build an electric go kart.
I helped out with that, help them get more into engineering and see what it takes to build a go kart.
I went down to Whale Island at the end of the session and they raced against all the other kids from the other schools and it gave me a big sense of pride actually, to show the kids that they can achieve things like building a go kart.
The thing that drives me most is being able to create and develop things that will progress the field of engineering that has immediate impacts, but also in the future can be further developed and push the realms of what we can actually do and and achieve.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU and international students.
Please note, if you're applying for this course as an international student, you'll need to have clearance under the Academic Tech Approval Scheme (ATAS). This is an extra security check made by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time: £10,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,470 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
- Full-time: £10,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,470 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
These figures both include the Transition Scholarship for EU students.
International students
- Full-time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
These figures both include the Transition Scholarship for EU students.
International students
- Full-time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: If you choose to study on-campus, accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
Core modules
All modules on this MSc Mechanical Engineering are core.
You'll use numerical and analytical methods to evaluate advanced alloys, ceramics and composites, and to assess their suitability for design purposes. As you learn to apply scientific and mathematical principles to your understanding of these materials, you'll be building expertise underpinning materials science for roles across quality, design and R&D.
In this module you'll learn to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to model and analyse complex fluid flow situations. You'll appraise the CFD currently being used by researchers in the field, understanding its potential and its limitations, as you develop your appreciation of the numerical methods used in CFD studies.
In this module, you'll apply in-depth knowledge of control systems to analyse complex design specifications, then propose and test your solutions. You'll use computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages to simulate systems, and solve industrial control issues.
In this module, you'll model and analyse heat transfer modes, evaluating the effect of operation and design variables on performance. You'll consider fuel types and their environmental effects as you learn to employ LMTD and NTU methods for heat exchanger sizing. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate technical competency twinned with societal awareness.
You'll summarise and present the design of a mechanical component, and use static, modal and eigen buckling analyses to critically assess the viability of finite element models for analysing engineering components. You'll build robust and accurate models to simulate components, evaluate them, and suggest improvements.
In this module, you'll focus on fracture mechanics, fatigue, and other threats to integrity in engineering structures. You'll examine methods to predict damage tolerance and likely lifespan of components, and to assess engineering designs for failure modes.
You'll apply your technical skills to identify problems and create engineering solutions, and be assessed orally and in writing.
Part-time
Core modules
All modules on this MSc Mechanical Engineering are core.
You'll use numerical and analytical methods to evaluate advanced alloys, ceramics and composites, and to assess their suitability for design purposes. As you learn to apply scientific and mathematical principles to your understanding of these materials, you'll be building expertise underpinning materials science for roles across quality, design and R&D.
In this module you'll learn to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to model and analyse complex fluid flow situations. You'll appraise the CFD currently being used by researchers in the field, understanding its potential and its limitations, as you develop your appreciation of the numerical methods used in CFD studies.
In this module, you'll model and analyse heat transfer modes, evaluating the effect of operation and design variables on performance. You'll consider fuel types and their environmental effects as you learn to employ LMTD and NTU methods for heat exchanger sizing. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate technical competency twinned with societal awareness.
Core modules
All modules on this MSc Mechanical Engineering are core.
In this module, you'll apply in-depth knowledge of control systems to analyse complex design specifications, then propose and test your solutions. You'll use computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages to simulate systems, and solve industrial control issues.
You'll summarise and present the design of a mechanical component, and use static, modal and eigen buckling analyses to critically assess the viability of finite element models for analysing engineering components. You'll build robust and accurate models to simulate components, evaluate them, and suggest improvements.
In this module, you'll focus on fracture mechanics, fatigue, and other threats to integrity in engineering structures. You'll examine methods to predict damage tolerance and likely lifespan of components, and to assess engineering designs for failure modes.
Core modules
All modules on this MSc Mechanical Engineering are core.
You'll apply your technical skills to identify problems and create engineering solutions, and be assessed orally and in writing.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities and clinics
Manufacturing equipment
Use our computer aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping suite, including various 3D printing systems for the creation of models for aesthetic, ergonomic and functional testing, including the assembly and integration of working prototypes.
Energy Systems Laboratory
Our energy systems lab includes heat pumps, two wind tunnels, solar thermal collector and several engines, student project test rigs and our Formula Student design and development area.
Stress Analysis Laboratory
An area to learn about the mechanical behaviour of materials, including the ability to perform tensile and impact tests, measure hardness and use microscopes.
Metrology Laboratory
Put the science of measurement into practice with manual metrology equipment and a suite of Mitutoyo measuring machines including coordinate measuring machines, a contour and surface roughness measuring machine and 3D laser scanners.
Future Technology Centre meeting space
Room to model and build prototypes using additive manufacturing machines, and test them out in our advanced testing and imaging facility. Equipment includes a laser sintering machine, 3D printers, 3D scanning microscopy and a Micro CT scanner.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 3 years (part time study)
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full time study, January start)
You can expect:
- 10 hours of teaching time every week (pro rata for part time students). We do our best to keep all teaching within three days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 20 hours of independent study each week (pro rata for part time students)
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory sessions
- project work
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- written exams
- coursework
- laboratory-based project work
- a project dissertation
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
As a successful graduate of this course, you'll have an accredited postgraduate mechanical engineering qualification on your CV, proving your expertise in the sector. This sets you up for work as a mechanical engineer in fields including design, research and development, manufacturing or the Armed Forces.
Alternatively, you could choose to work in a small business within the mechanical engineering sector, or start your own specialist company. You could also progress to PhD study in mechanical engineering.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Mechanical engineer
- Project engineer
- Wireless operations engineer
- Logistics administrator
- Precision engineer
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on-campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
When you're ready to begin your application, choose your start date.
Start this course in January 2025
Apply now (Full-time)
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.