Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics with Industrial Placement Year

Mechanical engineering and mechatronics addresses one of the most exciting frontiers in engineering: the design of intelligent machines that combine mechanical, electrical, and computational systems. Where traditional mechanical engineering focused on the design and manufacture of physical components and machines, mechatronics integrates electronics, software, and control systems to create products that sense, process information, and respond to their environment. From autonomous robots and self-driving vehicles to smart manufacturing systems and medical devices, the products that define modern engineering increasingly require this combined expertise.

At the University of Southampton, this five-year, full-time MEng programme prepares you to work at that intersection. You will develop a thorough grounding in mechanical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and materials science, alongside the electrical, electronic, and software skills that underpin modern mechatronic systems. The programme includes an industrial placement year, during which you will work with an engineering employer and apply your knowledge in a professional setting.

Southampton is one of the UK's leading engineering research universities, and the programme benefits from that environment of innovation and applied research. The typical entry tariff of 168 points reflects strong academic expectations for a demanding master's-level programme.

Graduates of mechanical engineering and mechatronics programmes work in some of the most innovative sectors of the economy. Automotive, aerospace, robotics, defence, renewable energy, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing all employ graduates with this combined skill set. Roles include design engineer, systems engineer, robotics engineer, and technical project manager.

The MEng qualification provides a strong foundation for progression to chartered engineer status with further professional development. Some graduates also pursue doctoral research in robotics, control engineering, autonomous systems, or related fields, contributing to the technological advances that are reshaping industry and society.