Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology MSc (Eng)

Program Overview

This MSc (Eng) in Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology equips students with industry-ready skills through a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing technology, management, and systems. Accredited by the IMechE, the program prepares graduates for careers in manufacturing, research, and engineering consultancies, with access to modern facilities and a strong emphasis on practical applications.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc (Eng) in Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology is designed for engineers and physical scientists seeking to specialize in advanced manufacturing systems and technology. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become industry-ready engineers with advanced knowledge of manufacturing technology, management, and systems. The program provides a comprehensive overview of materials, processes, technologies, and systems in manufacturing. Students will encounter real-world challenges and discover the opportunities offered by this growing industry worldwide.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced knowledge of manufacturing technology, management, and systems.
• Gain insights into manufacturing systems of different scales and examine how they function at each level.
• Understand material manufacturing and processing technologies, including key factors in the selection of materials.
• Learn the latest 3D tools and techniques in computer-aided design and robotics.
• Discover how to design, build, and operate industrial robotic systems.
• Explore the role of additive manufacturing in new product development.
• Understand advanced manufacturing techniques using lasers.
• Develop entrepreneurial concepts, activities, and challenges.
• Enhance problem-solving, critical analysis, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Understand the critical role of supply chain management in modern organizations.

Outline:

Structure:

The program is a full-time, 12-month program with two intakes per year: September and January. Both intakes cover the same course content.

Course Schedule:

• Semester One:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Manufacturing Systems (MNFG401) - 15 credits
• Computer Aided Design (MNFG604) - 7.5 credits
• Materials Processing and Selection (MATS520) - 15 credits
• Additive Manufacturing (MNFG610) - 7.5 credits
• Technical Writing for Engineers (ENGG596) - 7.5 credits (Exempt for UK students and some international students)
• Optional Modules:
• Laser Materials Processing (MECH605) - 15 credits
• Advanced Engineering Materials (MATS301) - 7.5 credits
• Supply Chain Operations Management (EBUS506) - 15 credits
• Operations Modelling and Simulation (EBUS504) - 15 credits
• Finite Element Analysis (MECH452) - 7.5 credits
• Semester Two:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Enterprise Studies (MNGT414) - 7.5 credits
• Advanced Manufacturing with Lasers (MECH607) - 15 credits
• Industrial Robotics and Automated Assembly (MNFG409) - 15 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Design for Environment, Manufacture and Assembly (MNFG413) - 7.5 credits
• Management of Design (MNGT413) - 7.5 credits
• Smart Materials (MATS515) - 7.5 credits
• Final Project:
• Compulsory Module:
• MSc(Eng) Project (60 Credits) (ENGG660) - 60 credits (Summer)

Module Descriptions:

• Manufacturing Systems (MNFG401): Investigates how manufacturing systems function, considering interactions with external and internal constraints.
Emphasizes the use of Computer Integrated Manufacturing in manufacturing systems. Provides a holistic view of how manufacturing systems function at all levels and how the levels interact.
• Computer Aided Design (MNFG604): Introduces students to the latest 3D tools and techniques used by designers.
Develops knowledge and understanding of integrated systems design. Stimulates an appreciation of modern design and development methodologies.
• Materials Processing and Selection (MATS520): Introduces the relationships between materials properties and the influence of processing on them.
Considers a range of manufacturing processes for ceramics, polymers, metals, and composites. Uses Granta – Cambridge Engineering Selector software to inform the selection of materials processing and the inter-relationships with design.
• Additive Manufacturing (MNFG610): Provides an overview of the role of additive manufacturing in new product development.
Develops a generic understanding of the principles and the complete process chain of additive manufacturing processes. Provides awareness of recent developments in additive manufacturing and associated technologies.
• Technical Writing for Engineers (ENGG596): Develops technical writing skills for engineers.
• Laser Materials Processing (MECH605): Covers how lasers work, key beam properties of high-power lasers, beam deployment and delivery to the process/workpiece, safety in laser materials processing, and the working principles and industry practice for a range of laser processes.
Covers the processing, heat treatment, microstructure, and properties of Al, Ti, and Ni alloys. Introduces constituent materials, manufacturing methods, test methods, and mechanical response of composite materials.
• Supply Chain Operations Management (EBUS506): Provides a study of the key principles, systems, and techniques used to assure effective supply chain management.
• Operations Modelling and Simulation (EBUS504): Gives students an understanding of the role of modelling and simulation in the development and improvement of business processes in a commercial environment.
Includes analytical techniques of systems, statistical aspects of modelling, and system dynamics. Uses commercially available modelling and simulation tools such as Matlab and Witness.
• Finite Element Analysis (MECH452): Provides a basic understanding of the Finite Element method and teaches students to use Abaqus Finite Element software.
Uses the software to analyze various problems relevant to mechanical and civil engineers.
• Enterprise Studies (MNGT414): Teaches the concepts of Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, Company Infrastructure, and Investment Proposals.
Uses lectures, class questions, case studies, and a comprehensive coursework assignment.
• Advanced Manufacturing with Lasers (MECH607): Provides an understanding of the principles of advanced manufacturing techniques using lasers and how these are being explored through current/recent research and adopted by industry.
• Industrial Robotics and Automated Assembly (MNFG409): Investigates how industrial robots and other equipment are used and integrated into more complex automated systems.
Emphasizes the application and use of these systems, with less emphasis on the underlying theoretical mechanisms. Based on the concept of learning through doing, with content presented as videos and contact time used in practical sessions using industrial robots and in the development of robotic systems using industrial simulation software.
• Design for Environment, Manufacture and Assembly (MNFG413): Provides an introduction to the tools and methods of Eco-design, Design for Manufacture, and Assembly using real, everyday products as examples.
• Management of Design (MNGT413): Enables students to develop a general understanding of a wide range of aspects of the design function in a manufacturing company and its management, and in particular a comprehensive understanding of the Design Process.
• Smart Materials (MATS515): Introduces students to the facilitating world of ‘Smart Materials’.
• MSc(Eng) Project (60 Credits) (ENGG660): Provides students with the opportunity to plan, carry out, and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
Students report findings both orally and in writing.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of written exams, class tests, and coursework. Coursework-based assignments include essays, reports, oral presentations, mini-project work, key skills exercises, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

Students are taught through a combination of traditional lectures and practical classes, benefitting from research-led teaching and active learning methods. There is a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, demonstrations, problem-solving exercises, group projects, and independent study.

Careers:

Graduates from this MSc (Eng) are prepared for a variety of opportunities in the UK and abroad, including:

• Manufacturing industries
• Industrial research and development laboratories
• Government laboratories
• Engineering consultancies
Potential career destinations include working for:
• Agusta Westland
• National Health Service
• BAE Systems
• Ford
• Jaguar
• Unilever
• Armed Forces
• QinetiQ
• National and international bodies such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the European Commission.
Graduates are also well-placed to pursue PhD study.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the professional body for mechanical engineers in the UK.
Successful completion of the program puts graduates on track to gain Chartered Engineer (CEng) status in the UK.
• Students have access to modern, world-class teaching and learning facilities, including the Active Learning Laboratories, which feature lab space, manufacturing robots, and prototyping facilities.
• Students also have access to high-spec workstations featuring industry-standard engineering software.

• Tuition Fees:
• UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
• Full-time place, per year: £12,400
• International fees
• Full-time place, per year: £28,000
• Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.
• Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
• You can pay your tuition fees in installments.
• All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
• International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.