Mechatronic Systems Engineering MSc
Developed through industry connections with companies like Siemens and Festo, this course will prepare you for exciting careers in fields including systems integration, automation and robotics
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Viewing course details for 2024 year of entry
- Code
- PGH730
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2024
- Fees
- £11,000 (UK) * £17,300 (INT) *
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Mehmet Karamanoglu
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Placement year
- Yes
- School / Department
- Design Engineering and Mathematics
Why choose Mechatronic Systems Engineering MSc at Middlesex?
This course is for you if you want to practice in high-tech industries such as automotive, robotics, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
The course is supported by long-term industry partners such as Siemens, Festo, National Instruments and Altium.
The department also benefits from membership of the following organisations:
- The Connected Curriculum Board managed by Siemens and Festo, which brings industry practices and technologies to academic courses
- GAMBICA – a trade organisation representing 250+ companies in Instrumentation, Automation, Control and Lab technology sectors
- SEFI – European Society for Engineering Education
- EPC Engineering Professors Council
- WES Women's Engineering Society
We are one of the first in the UK to setup a Smart Factory using Cyber Physical technologies, and our key partners for the course include Siemens and Festo, both who are leading the revolution around digitalisation and Smart Factories.
What you will gain
You'll graduate with valuable practical skills and advanced knowledge of mechatronic system design including advanced robotics, system integration and optimisation. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to work with the latest technologies currently used by the industry.
Other benefits of the course include:
- Excellent employment prospects with high-tech organisations working in established as well as emerging technologies
- Close links with industry, which means you'll have access to the latest industry practices, equipment and training material provided by our industry partners
- The interdisciplinary nature of the course means you'll have opportunities in a variety of employment sectors
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
The course is made up of three academic terms, each lasting 12 weeks. Term one will be devoted to drives, sensors and controllers, robotic applications and their programming techniques, software modelling of mechatronic systems and additive manufacturing technologies along with AR and VR applications.
Term two will feature a group project where the knowledge and skills developed in term one will be applied to a systems integration project. You'll also study machine learning and AI applications in robotics. There will also be further input into PLM solutions and how organisations can use these to manage their products and services. We'll also introduce you to the technologies that make up Industry 4.0 and their applications.
Term three will be an individual project which you can propose yourself or select from a choice of projects offered by our research centres or industry partners.
About your course
Here is a brief overview of the modules you will study on your course.
This module will cover latest techniques in digital product modelling applied to manufacturing systems. The module also will also cover modelling of components, assemblies and systems including their physical behaviour in virtual space. There will also be visualisation techniques (VR, AR etc.) of such systems as well as design strategies for digital manufacture, including additive manufacturing.
This module equips students with knowledge of fundamental concepts of robot manipulators, such as coordinate systems, transformations, kinematics, motion planning. Students will put the knowledge of these principles into practice by modelling, simulating, programming and operating robot arms. They will gain experience of specialised software frameworks for robotic manipulation.
This module focuses on methods for controlling sensors and actuators in robotic and related systems, exploring different control techniques and their relevance to the development of robotic/mechatronic devices and their integration with their environment. The module also introduces the student to tasks and skills related to academic research techniques and writing at graduate level.
This module introduces a systems approach to designing and integrating mechatronic systems. The module will explore mechatronic applications in various contexts and look at approaches to designing and implementing such integrated solutions, which will include various sub-systems. In doing so, the module will expose the student to a number of different technologies making up complex mechatronic systems.
This module is designed to familiarise students with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques that are widely used in robotics and similar systems. The module will cover different types of autonomous robots and devices. Students will learn about machine learning methods and algorithms, and how these are applied to real-life robotic applications and autonomous systems. The students will make use of their own development of AI/ML systems in robots and will explore theoretical issues in AI and robotics.
The module will introduce Product Lifecycle Management and how this can be implemented in a product based organisation to add value to the business. The module will also cover Industry 4.0 technologies and how these relate to an organisation’s PLM environment.
This module consolidates the knowledge and advanced skills gained in the preceding part of the programme, and provides students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate mastery in undertaking projects on their own. Students will be required to use a systematic, effective and efficient research and development processes employing formal project management techniques in executing a practical project to prepare them for their future employment. The module aims to develop advanced skills and practical experience in research methods, project planning, problem solving, written and oral communication on projects within the scope of the programme.
To find out more about this course, please download the Mechatronic Systems Engineering MSc specification (PDF).
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
The course is designed to be taught using practice-led teaching and learning approaches and is intended to replicate the current practice in the industry. The sessions are delivered in labs and workshops supplemented by weekly guest lectures led by industry speakers. The labs and workshops are in blocks of three-hour sessions, providing plenty of opportunities to gain practical skills in the subject’s natural environment. You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
Typical weekly breakdown
A typical week looks like this:
| Learning | Hours per week |
|---|---|
| On-campus | 12 |
| Online | 1 |
| Independent study | 28 |
Learning terms
On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.
Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like MS Teams or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.
Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.
Part-time study
You can also study this course part-time.
You will be based at our north London campus, using dedicated facilities in Ritterman and Hatchroft Buildings.
We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.
Coursework and assessments
This course is based on a practice-led approach, which means that there are no exams, but your project work, demonstrations and presentations will be assessed.
Some coursework elements will include technical report writing as well as multimedia content such as blogs and video recordings. We'll encourage you to develop a repository of online content, as this will also help with employment opportunities.
Feedback
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.
Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Course facilities
Our dedicated Festo mechatronics facility is equipped with the latest industrial automation equipment and an integrated flexible manufacturing.
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Facilities
The course benefits from having specialist facilities to support its educational aims. These are provided by our industry partners which are identical to their facilities offered to their own customers.
These include a dedicated suite of automation equipment comprising 18 stations of electro-pneumatic workstations with HMIs and PLCs, approximately 15 modular production systems, several bespoke IoT workstations and a 6-station Cyber Security Lab with a dedicated logistics devise. The automation equipment is supported by a suite of high end computers allowing full product simulation and commissioning as well as optimisation for designing Digital Twin technologies.
In addition, there is an extensive range of robotics equipment in the recently refurbished and enlarged robotics lab.
It is also worth noting that the department is the sole organiser for WorldSkills UK National Competitions in Automation and Mechatronics, which ensures that right expertise and equipment are readily available and are at world standards.
Careers
How can the Mechatronic Systems Engineering MSc support your career?
The global manufacturing industry is being transformed by the recent advances in technology and their integration driven by the fourth Industrial Revolution. This has led to the need to develop new types of engineers who are able to integrate such technologies. Much of this relies on a high level of skills in discrete technologies, but what makes them more useful is their integration.
Mechatronics is one of these disciplines where several core engineering disciplines are blended together using a systems engineering approach. This approach defines the MSc Mechatronic Systems Engineering course and prepares graduates for the wealth of opportunities available in industries that rely on smart technologies on a global stage.
The interdisciplinary nature of mechatronics leads to a variety of career options in areas such as automotive, advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation, systems integration, aerospace, bio-engineering and healthcare, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.
Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career. 95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022).
Career paths
After graduating from the course, you'll be able to progress into a career in a wide range of automation industries in roles such as:
- Automation engineers
- Systems Integration Engineer
- Robotics applications engineers
- Security engineers for cyber-physical applications
- Specialist practitioner in the internet of things (IoT) industry
You'll also be equipped to work in the emerging areas of smart factories and smart cities, utilising Industry 4.0 technologies.
Some of the roles our graduates have gone on to work in include Jaguar Land Rover, Festo, Ford Motor Company, while others are working with new start-up companies such as OW Smell Made Digital and Domino Printing Sciences, exploring new technologies.
MDXworks
MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:
- The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
- A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023
Start-Up accelerator programme
We can help you bring your business idea to life with our MDXcelerator programme which includes masterclasses with high-profile entrepreneurs, workshops, mentoring opportunities and competitions to secure seed funding.
Global alumni network
You’ll be studying with students from 184 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.
Entry Requirements
We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above in engineering or another related subject.
- Experience in a high-level programming language such as Python, C++ or similar.
We also encourage applications from experienced engineers or graduates from wider engineering disciplines.
Candidates with other degrees are welcome to apply provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant experience.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Career support to get you where you want to go after university
- Global alumni network and connections.
Qualifications
Here are the qualifications relevant for this course:
- A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in a discipline with substantial mathematical content
- Or three years of relevant work experience and the ability to study at a postgraduate level
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
English language
You'll need good English language skills to study with us. Find out more about our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.
International students can apply for a student visa to train to teach in England if they are undertaking an unsalaried initial teacher training (ITT) course and:
- they have an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsoring institution
- they can financially support themselves in the UK and pay for their course
- they meet the English language requirements for the student visa/
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm. Our recruitment processes adhere to the principles of safer recruitment — we implement robust and safe recruitment practices which support the identification and rejection of any applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people. We will respond to any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process.
Part-time study
Changes to the Immigration Rules introduced in January 2018 now allows international applicants to apply for Student route (formerly tier 4) visas for part-time postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).
Student route visa students studying part-time are subject to certain restrictions:
- No work (paid or unpaid)
- No work placements as part of the programme
- No dependants
- No extending under Student route visa in the UK. This includes Student route visa applications to work as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer or for the Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
- Not eligible for the Student route visa Doctorate Extension Scheme.
*Please note that, if the course of your choice involves work experience, unpaid work, placements or internships, we will be unable to sponsor you to study a part-time course under the Student route (formerly tier 4) visa.
Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as your ability to be forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview.
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time students: £11,000
Part-time students: £73 per credit
Part-time students: £37 per dissertation credit
International students2
Full-time students: £17,300
Part-time students: £117 per credit
Part-time students: £59 per dissertation credit
Additional costs
We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies, such as:
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
With regard to the individual project at the end of the course, we'll do our best to provide the materials and components needed for you to complete the work however, in circumstances where the project is self-proposed, you may need to cover some or all of the cost of this yourself.
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees.
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
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Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.