Mechatronic Engineering is an integrated course that covers mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering, so if you want to work across these industries this multidisciplinary approach could be the course for you. This STEM course is designed so you will become equally skilled with both mechanical and electrical engineering principles and practice, which is useful in industry due to the variety of projects engineers work across.

There is an increasing demand to design smart products and a move towards electrification across industries. With more sophisticated automated processes, learning skills from each area will prepare you for the increasing range of demands engineers face.

In your first year you will learn the fundamentals, so you have a thorough grounding in the principles. Then in your second and final year you will learn to design, create and maintain smart automation systems. As well as learning how to tackle complex engineering challenges in a variety of industries, such as:

• Air
• Marine
• Automotive
• Railway
• Energy production
• Transmission and utilisation.

Throughout the course there is a continuous focus on industrial automation including robotic and mechatronic systems, which will prepare you for life after graduation, where engineers are working with complex automated systems.

During your studies you have the chance to take a placement after your second year. You could work in the industry and put what you’ve learnt into practice. We’ll also give you the opportunity to take part in national competitions like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student,Railway Challenge and UAS (or comparable design and build team projects).

In addition, our Institute of Railway Research (IRR) within our Department of Engineering have been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for ‘innovative research in railway engineering to improve safety and efficiency through technological developments'. This is one of the most coveted distinctions in UK Higher Education.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. A placement year helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly. The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies.

You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. You can find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

As a graduate of this course, you may consider employment in a wide range of sectors including the automotive, construction, manufacturing, design, medical and electronics industries. You could consider roles such as software engineer, design and test engineer and lead engineer to name a few.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could also go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study which may interest you.

* Percentage of graduates from these subjects who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).