Mechatronics (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc)

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.

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

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:

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. Learn more about the programmes available.

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

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.

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. 

This master’s course will prepare you for a career in mechatronics engineering and allow you 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: 

• aerospace  
• automotive 
• power generation 
• biomedical  
• finance  

In addition to engineering careers, many of our graduates go into other employment such as finance and consultancy, where the numeracy and communication skills you'll develop on the course are highly valued.  

You'll graduate with excellent analytical, 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:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £33,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, 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. Find out if you're eligible.

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.

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Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, 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 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.

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