Mechatronic Engineering

UCAS code: HHH6

Here's what Lancaster University says about its Mechatronic Engineering course.

This multidisciplinary, professionally accredited programme will allow you to benefit from hands-on experience and gain specialist knowledge in product design and integrated systems. Studying at an advanced level, you will begin your journey to becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Mechatronic engineering is the study of systems that require a combination of mechanical, electronic and computer engineering, such as robotics, digitally controlled engines and self-driving cars. Our programme was the first of its kind in 1984 and continues to be so well regarded that many of our graduates go on to coordinate teams of engineers or move upwards into engineering management.

Your degree will begin with a common first year, where you will be taught a series of modules that are taken by all first-year engineering students. We will introduce you to many of the key features of engineering, equipping you with a well-rounded understanding and skill set and an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of the subject.

Following the first year, the Mechatronics programme never loses the interdisciplinary focus that modern engineering has become. You will continue with specialist modules in the areas of mechanical and electronic engineering, as well as subjects such as control. You will also have the freedom to pick modules most appropriate to your areas of interest.

During year two, you will gain experience in project management and complete a team project to design, build and test a small mobile robot, aimed at following a guided pathway while completing a set task. Previous examples have included transporting hazardous liquid waste, and dribbling a ball and scoring a goal.

On this programme, you may decide to spend a year in industry, gaining valuable experience and enhancing your employability. We have extensive links built through our leadership in research and have students undergoing placements with multinational corporate companies through to smaller specialist SMEs. Our degree programme is flexible as to when this occurs, but we would recommend the best opportunity is once you have gained a reasonable amount of engineering knowledge. Therefore, the most appropriate time would be at the end of second or third year.

As you progress into third year, the programme will begin to focus on more advanced technical material. Taught modules provide insight and understanding from some of the leading research we undertake, while the dissertation project will refine your analytical and technical skills. This will also provide you with an opportunity to practise programming and design, and gain valuable hands-on experience of the discipline. You will also benefit from our Engineering Management module, which will examine the role of management and its relevance to engineers today. This experience will be essential in preparing you for a graduate career.

Your fourth year of study provides you with a solid grasp of engineering in the real-world and experience of the profession through two short industry linked projects, building your confidence further and preparing you for the world of work. You will also be expected to apply all of the professional and technical skills you have developed over the course to complete an extensive group project. This will cement your study and ensure you are in the strongest possible position to begin your engineering career and work your way towards receiving Chartered status.

The MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. The degree is also professionally accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). You will gain hands-on experience with access to cutting-edge facilities and an array of high-quality equipment in our state-of-the-art Engineering Building.