MSc Systems Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering Management
Course Overview
This programme is a collaboration between the University of Bolton and South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Germany. It allows you to spend one of your three semesters of study in Germany and receive two awards, one from each University.Almost every business or organisation has a system to keep things working efficiently and productively. This system might keep information moving securely and efficiently or ensure product distribution or service availability. A systems engineer is the all-important link between complex programming and technology and its users, customers and stakeholders. So, you'll need a firm knowledge and understanding of both sides, along with the ability to take a joined-up approach to ensure systems meet a wide range of needs reliably, efficiently, and in a user-friendly fashion.
That might sound like a tall order, but it's a hugely rewarding career path. This double-award MSc Systems Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering Management master's degree is an excellent opportunity to develop a unique blend of practical engineering and management-orientated learning. By studying for your postgraduate degree with the University of Bolton, you can extend your knowledge of systems engineering and engineering management while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus in the heart of the North West of England.
Our expert team will support you in building your specialist systems engineering knowledge and skills, focusing on mechanical engineering. Completing this course successfully should make you highly employable in a range of sectors and settings. In addition, we'll support you in developing lifelong learning skills that will help you take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.
The course meets professional institution standards in the UK and Europe and addresses various contemporary engineering and engineering management issues. This course could be ideal if you're looking to take a systems-based approach to engineering management.
Highlights
- We'll support you in developing a systematic knowledge and understanding of how to apply advanced engineering concepts and design methodologies to mechanical equipment design.
- We'll encourage you to develop a mastery of digital signal processing in control applications.
- You'll have the chance to explore advanced artificial intelligence techniques used in designing and controlling automated machinery.
- We'll help you gain a detailed understanding of how 'total quality management' applies to design, manufacture and project management.
- You'll have the opportunity to learn about the commercial side of project management, including contract negotiation, stakeholder management, quotations, procurement, and other financial and legal matters.
Key Features
- The course is designed to meet professional institution standards in the UK and Europe.
- We'll encourage you to undertake a work placement and/or an industry-based project.
- You can also choose from two alternative pathways: Mechatronics or Electronics Systems Engineering. Please see the related courses section of this page for details.
- You can select common systems modules, whichever pathway you take.
- For this three-semester programme, you'll typically study semester one at the University of Bolton, UK and semester two at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest, Germany. The third semester, which is primarily devoted to project work, is usually undertaken at the University of Bolton.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
Entry Requirements
- Normally, you should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2) in an engineering-related subject, and appropriate work experience.
- We'll be happy to consider your application if you have alternative equivalent qualifications with extensive relevant work experience.
- We welcome your application if you hold a degree awarded by an overseas institution. The University will assess the equivalence of your qualifications.
- We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- We're more than happy to have an informal chat with you about this course, either over the phone or in person. If you wish to meet in person, please contact the Programme Leader to arrange a mutually convenient time. (While we reserve the right to interview it's not our usual practice for this course.)
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
This double-award master's degree addresses contemporary engineering and engineering management issues. In addition to helping develop your technical knowledge and experience, this postgraduate programme can give you greater confidence in your transferable and personal skills. These can include communication and teamwork, problem-solving, logical thinking and analytical skills, all of which will be invaluable for your career success. Engineers are an integral part of our society and are often sought after for their analytical, computing and managerial abilities.
A special feature of this programme is the collaboration between the University of Bolton and South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Germany. We offer you the opportunity to study one of your semesters in Germany and receive two awards, one from each University. This can demonstrate your ability to work internationally, strengthening your employability.
What can I do with this qualification?
You may find career opportunities in project management, engineering design, materials and mechanics, dynamics and control and systems analysis. You'll be able to seek work in a wide variety of organisations and industries, such as engineering consultancies and design practices, oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, food and drink, water and energy, research organisations and academic institutions.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. For some of these roles, relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Some of these careers include:
- Manufacturing
- Mining and drilling
- Production management
- Technical sales
- Water engineering
- IT
- Research and development
- Teaching and education
- Consultancy
- Civil engineering
- Supply chain
- Building services
- Telecommunications
- Waste management
- Quality management
Fees & Funding
Please note the total course fee for a Home student starting this course in 2023/24 will be £7,920. As this is an 18-month course, the fees are £5,280 for the first year and £2,640 for the final semester.
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Bursaries
Click here for more information on our Master's Bursaries.
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
International Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Partner Organisation Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Teaching & Assessment
We use a blended learning and teaching style, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate. You can expect case studies, discussions, lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and computer-aided learning sessions. You'll need to be relatively autonomous and self-directed in your studies, but of course, we'll offer you plenty of encouragement and support along the way. The project aspect of the programme is your chance to integrate and demonstrate the practical and theoretical aspects of the course. The project carries a third of the total marks for this qualification and is assessed jointly by the course supervisor and an external supervisor.
Each module of the programme involves several formal assessments. The obvious and primary function of these is to evaluate your achievement. However, assessment also helps you organise and develop your learning. We'll provide feedback to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Assessments fall into two general categories: formative and summative. Formative assessments don't contribute to your overall module grade. However, they are integral to a module's learning strategy, so you must complete them. They will be marked, and you'll receive feedback on your level of achievement. Summative assessments, on the other hand, are activities for which the marks will contribute to your overall module grade. You'll also receive feedback on these assessments so you can see what you've done well and where you can improve.
We employ various forms of assessment. Typically, we'll expect you to complete project or design reports, examinations, portfolios, and presentations (including demonstrations, oral and poster presentations and viva voce).
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Masters Project
- Intelligent Systems
- Business in Engineering
- Technical Publications and Presentations
- Advanced Control Technology
- Project Management
- Monitoring of Mechanical Systems
- Advanced Production Engineering
- Integrated Management Systems
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 68% Practical exams 18% Written exams 14% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 73% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 27% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
