Computational Engineering Design (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc) starting September 2025 for 1 year
Learn how to design using simulation software on this MSc Computational Engineering Design course. Effective modelling is vital to the automotive, aerospace and bioengineering sectors.
Our master's degrees in advanced mechanical engineering science combine the traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with interdisciplinary subjects so you can specialise in a career you want. Our international centre for research and teaching is recognised across the world.
This UK master’s degree explores the latest techniques, methods and simulation software used in computational engineering and design. We'll teach you how design ideas are created, tested and how to work with industry.
Computational modelling is important to industries such as:
On this master of science in computational engineering, you’ll learn to use simulation software tools to see how designs will work in practice. We’ll teach you to use advanced numerical methods and to apply design search and optimisation principles to solve problems.
You’ll learn from academics at the forefront of their fields, they teach the latest in technology advancements. Studying 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).
This course is led by Dr Georges Limbert, Associate Professor within Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton. Learn more by visiting Dr Limbert's staff profile.
We offer 3 other pathways on this Advanced Mechanical Engineering degree. Your other options are in:
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.
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
You must also have a 2:1 score in two modules from the following list of topics:
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
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:
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.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
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.
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
Our master’s degree in computational engineering and design runs for 12 months. The first 8 months are mainly spent studying taught modules. Your lectures will be divided into two 12-week periods, referred to as semesters one and two.
Each semester you’ll study key topics and choose specialist modules that interest you. Our optional modules cover topics like aircraft structural design and engineering design with management.
Your final 4 months are spent on your research project under the guidance of our Computational Engineering and Design Research Group.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
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.
You must study the following modules :
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...
This module introduces students to formal design search and optimization (DSO) approaches using a mixture of lectures covering theory and practice and a series of worked case studies with student participation.
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...
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...
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...
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 :
This module is aimed at providing exposure to and understanding of advanced, specialist areas of Finite Element Analysis and their underlying Solid/Structural Mechanics concepts. It then concentrates on using this knowledge for solving discipline-specifi...
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.
The module not only introduces the fundamental concepts of aircraft structural design but also provides the analytical and numerical tools to analyse complex aerospace systems within a multidisciplinary environment. Understanding and predicting the mutual...
The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...
Computational methods play an ever increasing role for the successful development of cost-effective and robust engineering solutions to address the challenges emerging from a healthcare agenda calling for prolonging independent living and the personalisat...
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...
The learning activities for this course include:
We’ll assess you through:
Your research project is run through our Computational Engineering and Design Research Group.
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 1 subject area.
You’ll need to source information, and demonstrate 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.
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.
This master’s course will prepare you for further research in computational engineering design or to work in a range of application sectors. These sectors have a reputation for offering good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.
In the UK, our graduates work across different organisations and application areas, including in the following sectors:
In addition to engineering careers, many of our graduates go into other employment such as finance and consultancy, where the numeracy and excellent communication skills developed on the programme are highly valued.
You'll graduate with excellent analytical skills as well as significant project management and leadership skills.
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Fees for a year's study:
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.
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:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
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.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
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 University of Southampton 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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
