The modules provide the opportunity for students to develop both a deep and broad understanding of advanced manufacturing through the integration of core subjects and state-of-the-art facilities. In each module, we aim to provide a balance between theoretical and practical knowledge, which enables our students to apply their newly acquired skills to solve real world problems.

The MSc programme is structured into modules comprising of 4 week blocks. You will generally engage in all learning and teaching on campus during one full week (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm) during the block. Afterward, full time students will submit all assessments by the end of the block. Part time students will have slightly longer to complete assessments.

For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.

Compulsory modules

Core Professional Skills for Research and Employability (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the study, employability and research skills to meet the complex learning and professional requirements of postgraduate study. The module which is delivered through a blended approach brings together three discrete elements of study, employability and research skills. Learning content will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching provision.

Key aims include:

  • To deliver a series of high quality, interactive study skills and blended learning activities to provide students with a broad foundation to support their development within their chosen field.
  • To provide a series of skills to support students within their employability profiles.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills for engineering and business, including data gathering and analysis skills and ethical awareness.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills for engineering and business, including skills synthesise complex scientific data to engineering and non-engineering audiences.

Lean and Agile Manufacture (15 credits)

This module enables students to gain an in-depth understanding of lean and agile concepts in the manufacturing business, including its supply chains and distribution networks.

Industry 5.0 and Robotic Challenges (15 credits)

This module equips students from diverse engineering and technical backgrounds with the conceptual and analytical foundations to understand, evaluate, and reason about intelligent automation in the context of Industry 5.0.

Beginning with digital transformation and the connected, data-driven systems of Industry 4.0, the module establishes the technical and organisational landscape from which Industry 5.0 emerges. Students will develop a critical understanding of why human-centricity is not an ethical preference but a systemic necessity, and why the complexity this introduces particularly in robotic and collaborative systems defines the real challenges of deployment. Resilience and sustainability are treated as properties of well-designed sociotechnical systems rather than independent objectives.

The module develops the ability to analyse deployment contexts and make justified, evidence-based recommendations about whether, and how, intelligent automation serves genuine need.

Sustainability Engineering (15 credits)

This module aims to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of sustainable engineering practices, and develop cognitive skills to enable students to both assess, and suggest approaches to reduce the environmental impacts of engineering products, processes and systems.

People, Organisation and Leadership (15 credits)

This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of effective people management, organisational behaviour, and leadership. The focus is on both strategic and operational aspects of managing people within organisations. Students will explore key concepts such as organisational culture, motivation, team dynamics, and leadership styles. Additionally, the module will delve into strategic human resource management, including talent acquisition, performance management, and employee development.

Regarding organisational behaviour, students will consider how organisational structures and processes influence behaviour and performance and relate these to the factors affecting the efficient running, survival, and growth of an organisation in a competitive market. By the end of this module, students will be able to critically analyse leadership theories and practices, develop strategies for effective team management and organisational change, and understand the ethical and social implications of leadership in a global context. In addition, they will be able to describe and critically evaluate strategies for the effective management and planning of human resources within an organisation.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Manufacturing Methods and Applications (15 credits)

The aim of the module is for students to understand the concepts and state-of-the-art on a range of manufacturing techniques available to the current and future manufacturing engineer.

Core Professional Skills for Research and Employability (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the study, employability and research skills to meet the complex learning and professional requirements of postgraduate study. The module which is delivered through a blended approach brings together three discrete elements of study, employability and research skills. Learning content will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching provision.

Key aims include:

  • To deliver a series of high quality, interactive study skills and blended learning activities to provide students with a broad foundation to support their development within their chosen field.
  • To provide a series of skills to support students within their employability profiles.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills for engineering and business, including data gathering and analysis skills and ethical awareness.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills for engineering and business, including skills synthesise complex scientific data to engineering and non-engineering audiences.

MSc Individual Project (60 credits)

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
  • To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
  • To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.

Optional modules (choose two)

Digital and Data Engineering (15 credits)

This module aims to equip students with a robust understanding and hands-on experience of how digital and data engineering principles can transform engineering processes across the entire systems engineering lifecycle - from requirements and concept through design, development, verification, operation, and end-of-life.

Students will develop an appreciation of the organisational, cultural, and strategic dimensions of digital transformation, understanding how robust governance and data-driven practices underpin responsible engineering outcomes, particularly in data-intensive systems.

Project Management for Engineers (15 credits)

The module is designed to equip engineering managers with the core competencies for delivering technical engineering projects.

Machine Learning - Principles and Applications for Engineers (15 credits)

The core aim of this module is to ensure students are able to take advantage of Machine Learning (ML) techniques to solve practical engineering problems. The module aims to:

  • Provide a base understanding of Machine Learning (ML) in the wider context of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Establish ML approaches and algorithms.
  • Provide development tools to deploy ML applications.
  • Explore ML techniques in practical engineering contexts.
  • Establish the challenges with ML in engineering.

Biomanufacturing (15 credits)

The aims of this module is to introduce students from mechanical and manufacturing engineering backgrounds to both the opportunities and constraints of the manufacturing practice when using a biological production system or input material. The module focuses on clinically used products and their applicable regulations, manufacturing process design and quality control, with particular reference to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Compulsory modules

MSc Individual Project (60 credits)

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
  • To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
  • To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.