Advanced Mechanical Engineering

Course aims to provide advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering over a range of specialist subjects, with an in-depth study via a research led project in a chosen area. To promote awareness of the context in which a professional mechanical engineer must operate in industry, in terms of safety, environmental, social and economic aspects of their decision making roles.

The course will provide the opportunity for graduate mechanical engineers to enhance their knowledge across a spectrum of important topics. It will allow participants to further their understanding of traditional mechanical engineering subjects whilst expanding the boundaries of their expertise into areas that reflect Cardiff School of Engineerings specialist research interests.

The first two semesters comprise predominantly taught material at Masters level, taking students from typical graduate standard at entry, to a contemporary research base level. The third session involves students undertaking a research project and completing a dissertation in the field of Advanced Mechanical Engineering. Areas that are covered by this course include:

* Tribology
* Control engineering
* Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
* Energy Management
* Quality and Reliability engineering
* Nano-mechanics
* Robotics
* Artificial Intelligence
* Risk and Hazard Management
* Condition Monitoring

All students complete an integrated case study and project that allows an in-depth exploration of a chosen topic related to the course. The aim is to provide individually tailored programmes to meet the needs of participants in a flexible yet focussed manner, with the project seen as being the key opportunity to acquire and exercise leading edge mechanical engineering knowledge. Students will be guided and encouraged to show originality in applying the knowledge they acquire, and will develop an appreciation of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be trained to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and will be given the opportunity and encouragement to demonstrate initiative and innovation in solving challenging problems and in designing new components and systems.

A close involvement with industry ensures that research has both relevance and meaning, working with some of the worlds most renowned engineering companies. Partners include Airbus, BAe Systems, Bosch, Tata Steel, Daimler, EADS, Fiat, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Messier-Dowty, Mitutoyo, Network Rail TWI, Parametric Technology, Physical Acoustics, Renault, Rolls-Royce, SAP, Siemens, Silicon Graphics, Stile Bertone, The Highways Agency, TRL, Microchip, and WS Atkins.

The programme will prepare students for entry into a research-based or engineering-based career. In addition to technical skills, students will acquire professional skills such as how to effectively communicate to technical, management and non-technical audiences, project planning, evaluation and prioritisation.

Course Structure:Compulsory or Optional * RISK AND HAZARD MANAGEMENT IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
* CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEMS MODELLING & FORECASTING
* ENERGY MANAGEMENT
* TRIBOLOGY
* MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
* ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
* ADVANCED MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CASE STUDY
* FUNDAMENTALS OF NANO MECHANICS
* INDUSTRIAL COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS
* MANAGEMENT IN INDUSTRY
* THERMODYNAMICS AND HEAT TRANSFER 2
* ADVANCED ROBOTICS
* CONTROL
* QUALITY AND RELIABILITY
* ADVANCED MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROJECT

Skills AcquiredUpon completion of the Programme a typical student will be expected to be able to:
Acquire, manipulate, present and report data in a variety of ways.Manage resources and time.Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written, and physical or practical means.Make effective use of information technology and communications (ITC) tools.Work effectively in a group context towards achieving specific goals and targets.

Entry RequirementsThe normal minimum requirement will be an upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) BEng in Mechanical Engineering or related subject areas from a British or recognised overseas university. Other applicants with relevant industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis. For overseas students, the minimum requirements for English language are an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT of 90. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL iBT® test: 90 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Funding options
* Funding for your postgraduate degree is available from a variety of sources.

Research Council fundingThe Research Councils provide government funding for postgraduate study and are a major source of funding for Cardiff postgraduate students. Each Funding Council supports a different area of study and may have differing application and awarding procedures.
We are the lead partner in the Economic and Social Research (ESRC) Wales Doctoral Training Centre, and hold block grants from the following Research Councils:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Medical Research Council (MRC)Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)Science Technology Facilities Council (STFC).Charities, trusts and other external bodiesOur 4 year PhD in Integrative Neuroscience is supported by the Wellcome Trust, the UK's largest provider of non governmental funding for scientific research.
In addition, there are numerous organisations offering alternative sources of funding for postgraduate courses. These awards are unlikely to cover full expenses but offer help towards overall costs.
The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding, a free eBook available to current Cardiff University students, applicants and prospective students, provides guidance and advice on writing funding applications and contains links to over 300 alternative funding bodies.
In addition, Cardiff University subscribes to ResearchProfessional providing access to their research funding and news service for current students of Cardiff University.
Part-time employmentMany postgraduates take paid employment while pursuing their studies.
Professional and career development loansA Professional and Career Development Loan is a deferred repayment bank loan between £300 and £10,000, available for Masters or professional qualifications. Banks usually take between six and 12 weeks to process your application so apply well in advance.
Cardiff University's Learning Provider Number is 8655.
Funding for study and research abroadA range of organisations provide funding to promote cultural exchange and international mobility in research and teaching. These funding opportunities are generally for doctoral students wishing to conduct part of their studies or research abroad.