ÃÛÌÒTV this course
This Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science master’s in mechatronics combines electrical, mechanical and computer engineering. You’ll learn to design and build using advanced electrical systems.
Our master’s courses combine traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with specialisms from other areas, so you can adapt your study to your career plans. Our international centre for research and teaching has a global reputation.
Our MSc Mechatronics master’s degree is for you if you studied engineering, maths or physical sciences, and want to specialise in mechatronics.
On this course you’ll learn the fundamental science, methods, analysis and engineering applications to start a career in mechatronic engineering. You’ll have the opportunity to design robots and build machines as part of your study.
You’ll learn about mechanical engineering, electrical systems and control. As part of this MSc in mechatronics, you’ll select optional modules on topics like robotics and automotive propulsion.
We’ll teach you to use advanced electrical systems and understand the impact and use of control systems, instrumentation and sensors.
You’ll learn from academics at the forefront of their fields, they teach the latest in technology advancements. You’ll also receive guidance and support from our Electro-Mechanical Engineering Research Group. ÃÛÌÒTVing at Southampton gives you access to a global network of companies, shared facilities and specialist expertise to enhance your learning.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
This course is led by Dr Georges Limbert, Associate Professor within Engineering and Physical Sciences at the ÃÛÌÒTV. Learn more by visiting Dr Limbert's staff profile.
Related pathways
We offer 3 other pathways on this Advanced Mechanical Engineering degree. Your other options are in:
Accreditations
This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the ÃÛÌÒTV.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
- mechatronics
- electrical or electronics engineering
- aerospace engineering
- mechanical engineering
- automotive engineering
You must also have a 2:1 score in two modules from the following list of topics:
- mechatronics
- electronics
- control
- instrumentation
- robotics
- computing
- programming
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Information for students who have studied in China
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. .
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This master’s degree in engineering materials runs for 12 months. The first 8 months are mainly spent studying taught modules. Your lectures will be divided into two 12-week periods (semesters 1 and 2).
You'll study a mix of compulsory modules and modules that we'll ask you to choose from a list of options. Exams take place at the end of each semester
Your final 4 months are spent on your research project. You will start your preparation in semester 2.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Active Control of Sound and Vibration
This aim of this module is to build an understanding of the physics of active control. Active control is a method for realising control through the use of secondary sources or actuation, whose outputs are designed to modify the response of a system. Techn...
Advanced Electrical Systems
To provide an introduction to power system analysis and power electronics, and an in-depth coverage of electrical machine operation and design in the context of applications from the fields of renewable energy, marine propulsion, robotics and electric veh...
Control and Instrumentation
This module covers topics in classical and modern control analysis and design with a focus on linear time invariant systems. Fundamental design and analysis in the time and frequency domain are reviewed and developed. The properties of discrete-time syste...
Introduction to Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science (AMES)
This module consists core mechanical engineering topics to cover the six themes in Advanced Mechanical Engineering Sciences (AMES) MSc program, i.e. Engineering Materials, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computational design, Propulsion and Engine S...
MSc Research Project
Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...
Research Planning and Management
This module is designed for MSc AMES students across all themes of the programme to supplement their technical modules and, more particularly, the core module FEEG6012 – MSc Research Project to prepare them for professional research planning and managemen...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Advanced Computational Methods I
The module is focussed around advanced computational methods incorporating C and compiled languages, computational modelling and software engineering techniques for science and engineering. It builds on lower level courses such as FEEG1001 and FEEG2001 an...
Advanced Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells and Batteries
This module aims to provide the understanding of solar cell operation, relevant optical structures, photovoltaic systems and advanced concepts for high efficiency and low cost. Charge carrier statistics and transport are discussed in detail with applicati...
Advanced Sensors and Condition Monitoring
This module explores from traditional conditioning monitoring of machinery to biomechanical systems (i.e. sensors to monitor body forces and motions). It covers condition monitoring strategies, including international standards, monitoring procedures and...
Applications of Renewable Energy, Storage and Nuclear Energy
This module covers applications of renewable energy, storage and nuclear power. The module is split equally across the three aspects of renewable energy, storage and nuclear power.
Automotive Propulsion
Motorised transport has transformed many aspects of human life over the past 120 years. Today’s automotive engineers, however, face the unresolved challenge of continuing that transformation in a sustainable manner. Therefore this module develops the stud...
Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics
Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...
Numerical Methods
Often in mathematics, it is possible to prove the existence of a solution to a given problem, but it is not possible to "find it". For example, there are general theorems to prove the existence and uniqueness of an initial value problem for an ordinary di...
Principles of Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells and Batteries
This module covers the aspects of design and operation of modern fuels cells and photovoltaic systems. It discusses the fundamentals, structure, materials and operation of these systems. Students attending this module are expected to have understood th...
Robotic Systems
Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...
Tribology for Future Mobility
Tribological interactions are ubiquitous and have profound impact across all areas of engineering and everyday life. This module places emphasis on the future application of tribological engineering to address the contact mechanics, friction, wear, lubri...
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- practical work
- individual and group planning exercises
- knowledge share
- one-to-one tutorials
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- written exams
- oral presentations
- coursework in the form of:
- problem-solving exercises
- lab reports
- design exercises
- essays
- individual and group projects
- research project
Dissertation
To complete you research project and dissertation, you'll conduct practical experiments and apply computer simulations.
Your research project and dissertation can be based on any area taught as part of this course. It should bring together the skills you’ve learned and demonstrate your knowledge of at least one subject area.
You’ll need to source information and show critical analysis, evaluation and presentation skills. The project must contain your own original ideas and explore a problem that requires the application of new research.
Academic Support
You’ll have your own personal academic tutor and access to our team of administrators, who are a key point of contact for advice and information.
Careers and employability
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £33,900.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the ÃÛÌÒTV, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. .
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
- International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
- International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
- UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former ÃÛÌÒTV student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.
The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000