Mechatronics BEng (Hons)
About the course
This course provides the opportunity to become a professional engineer with sound analytical proficiency in embedded systems, digital electronics, dynamics and control complemented by the 3D-design and management skills necessary to work in modern industry.
Mechatronics is the generally accepted term for the synergistic integration of mechanical, electronic and computing sub-systems to realise a complete system, which may be a product, machine or process. Any industry where safety is critical will have mechatronic controls to give a level of automatic control unheard of by previous generations. Most modern homes contain devices such as ovens, washing machines, DVD recorders, CD players, digital cameras, mobile phones and security systems which are all controlled by microprocessors. Industrial equipment contains many more systems which are vital for the safe control of processing equipment in industries such as food, medical, pharmaceutical, chemical and oil.
This course addresses theoretical and practical aspects of digital electronics, embedded systems, programming and dynamic systems, giving you the mathematical knowledge to analyse these using both manual calculations and computer aided methods. You will use industry standard software such as ProEngineer, MatLab, OrCAD and Algor FEA Analysis and have access to computer and experimental laboratory facilities throughout the course.
Key facts
UCAS course code: HH36
Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement or six years part-time studying one day per week.
Institution code: D26
Entry and admission criteria
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Normally 260 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent, plus five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
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Typical A Level offers: At least one B and one C with additional qualifications contributing towards the points score such as a third A level or AS Levels.
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International Baccalaureate: 28+ points.
If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.
We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.
Non-UK Entry and Admissions Criteria|
If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.
Teaching and assessment
A variety of techniques are used throughout the course with an emphasis on lectures, supporting tutorials and laboratory classes. Student-centred learning takes place through the research and presentation of findings, report writing, individual and group assignments and practical workbased exercises for the development of skills and understanding.
You will normally attend around 12–16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 14–16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.
Course modules
First Year
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Engineering Mathematics
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Electrical and Electronic Principles
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Mechanical Principles
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Principles of Design and Manufacture
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Computer Aided Engineering
Second Year
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Applied Electronics
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Embedded Systems and Drives
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Engineering Science II
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Digital System Applications
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Project Management
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Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Final Year
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Individual Project
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Power Electronics
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Advanced Mechatronics
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Dynamics and Control
Industry links and professional accreditation
This degree has been accredited by IET under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, un derstanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
The BEng Mechatronics course is accepted by the Institution of Mechanical 
Engineers (IMechE) for membership at Incorporated Engineer Level.
Work experience and placements
Engineering students have taken part in work experience placements at a vast number of local, national and international companies including BMW AG, Airbus UK and Siemens.
Graduate careers
Multidisciplinary engineers are sought, and expect significantly enhanced job prospects worldwide. You could work in industries including aerospace, defence and energy as well as manufacturing industrial and domestic products, pharmaceuticals, furniture and foods. Recent graduates are now working for companies such as DB Sander.
Technology graduates earn an average salary of £21,852 just six months after graduating (DLHE 2008/09).
Facilities
Electrical and Electronic experimental facilities are divided into five main areas: general electronics and assembly, digital electronics and microprocessor engineering, power electronics, control systems and communications engineering. Each facility is equipped with state of the art experimental equipment appropriate to the corresponding areas of study and research. An additional CAD design suite shared with the Mechanical and Design programmes provides access to computing facilities with specialist electronics CAD tools including Microsoft Office, OrCAD and PSpice.
A specialized area incorporating a spacious radio frequency reverberation chamber and Faraday cage allows for experimentation in radio frequency engineering and electromagnetics, while our digital design suite is equipped with the latest 8 and 32-bit embedded microprocessor platforms together with high speed programmable logic development environments. Power generation and conversion, industrial process control and embedded drives is provided for while our communications laboratory is additionally equipped for r.f. engineering.
The main mechanical lab is a large open-plan space designed to accommodate the study of Thermo-Fluids, Solid Mechanics and Dynamics. It also has an area with machine tools for manufacture of student designs.
There is a purpose built engine testing facility with full instrumentation to measure engine performance and emissions. This facility is normally used by our final year engineering and research students. Typical student projects include running the engine with alternative fuels such as bio-fuels and water-in-diesel emulsified fuels to improve performance and emission characteristics.
How to apply
Home/EU
Applications for undergraduate courses from UK/EU applicants must go through UCAS, you can fill out an application form through their website ucas.ac.uk|. If you do not have regular access to the internet or find it difficult to fill out applications online you can request an alternative format from UCAS either through their website ucas.ac.uk or via the contact details below.
Customer Service Unit
UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ, UK
T: 0871 468 0 468
International
International students can apply directly| to the university.
Contact details
Technology Admissions
Queens Building 1.25
De Montfort University
Leicester
LE1 9BH, UK
T: +44 (0) 116 257 7456
E: technology@dmu.ac.uk|
F: +44 (0) 116 257 7693
Some people may be having issues sending emails to or receiving email from technology@dmu.ac.uk, please call us on the details above and we will advise on alternate contact details.