Course summary

There is strong industrial demand for skilled engineers able to span the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. This degree gives you the fundamental knowledge and tools to satisfy this demand in a unique way. During this course, you will study units from the mechanical and electrical disciplines along the following themes: design and integration of electro-mechanical systems; energy conversion and actuation systems; embedded systems and control; power electronics and electric drives; and energy management. Years one and two offer a grounding in mathematics, thermal management, dynamics and control, computing, electrical energy technologies, and analogue and digital electronics. Laboratory work and case studies will draw together these interdisciplinary foundations. In the third year, as well as the classroom-based subjects, you will engage in a significant individual research project that requires you to bring the various elements of subjects that you have learnt in the course together. You can indicate a preference when selecting your project that allows you to focus on anything from actuation and sensor systems for robotics and intelligent adaptable power systems to efficient, clean propulsion technologies. Mechanical and electrical engineering graduates will be able to innovate technologies in a range of areas. These might include:

• the power flow of renewable energy microgrids, from the wind to the electric generator and the power network to the user in the home;

• robotics used in healthcare and manufacturing, by exploring the integration of mechanical and electrical elements to deliver new capabilities;

• the complete power train of future electric vehicles, from the energy storage system, through to the electric motors, to the mechanical drivetrain and traction system;

• battery-free technology that harvests background energy, allowing sensors to operate in previously inaccessible and far-reaching locations.