Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  This Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc programme has been developed to meet the needs of companies and industry in the UK and overseas. It is specifically designed to increase the employability of its learners in a design and manufacturing context by identifying new service, strategy and product opportunities, and conducting projects in collaboration with industrial partners. This manufacturing design programme covers areas such as digital manufacturing and industry 4.0, 3D printing and artificial intelligence.

  Optional Placement

  There is a one-year optional placement for applicants starting in both the September and January in-takes. On completion of the design and manufacturing programme, graduates will have obtained skills and knowledge to work in manufacturing industries, design consultancies, and research and development organisations.

  Help and Support

  Help and support is embedded within the infrastructure of this advanced manufacturing msc programme both with regard to facilitated sessions and self-study materials – which are provided through dedicated online learning support sites.

  All 20 credit modules will provide students with 12 weeks of face-to-face teaching with one revision week. The 60 credits ‘Dissertation Project’ module will run over a two-term period. Online drop-in sessions will be offered over the term by each individual module leader to support students to prepare for the assignments or should students need any extra help. The students will engage with face to face teaching and activities one day per week, so students will be able to balance their study with work and life commitments.

  Awards

  To be eligible for the award of Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc, you must successfully complete 120 credit modules and the 60-credit Dissertation.

  To be eligible for the award of PG Dip Advanced Design and Manufacturing, you must successfully complete 120 credit modules.

  Modules

  To view the modules on Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc you can visit the Award Maps for the Placement and Non-Placement routes:

  Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc – Placement (Modules)

  Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc – Non-Placement (Modules)

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Mathematical Modelling (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENGM001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with thorough and comprehensive knowledge of principles and techniques of deterministic, stochastic, and differential equation based mathematical modelling. Real problems will be used to teach students how to develop and illustrate these techniques and derive a mathematical model. The students will be taught how to combine rigorous mathematical approaches/approximation, engineering estimates, and data analysis. In this module, a variety of physical phenomena and engineering applications will be considered. The use of methods of applied analysis, probability, statistics and stochastic processes will be described.
    • Computer-Aided Analysis and Visualization of Mechanical Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENGM004

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an opportunity to learn advanced numerical algorithms for computer-aided analysis of moving mechanical systems with emphasis on the kinematic and dynamic analysis of mechanisms. These are illustrated with practical examples and case studies with technical computing and visualization implemented in MATLAB / Simulink and Simscape Multibody toolbox.
    • Individual Engineering Project (60 Credits)
      Module code: ENGM005

      Status: Compulsory
      This module gives students the opportunity exercise independent learning and demonstrate originality in application of engineering knowledge and in addressing problems. Students will gain experience ranging from describing and commenting on current and advanced research, to solving problems using ideas and techniques at the forefront of the discipline.
    • Professional Practice for Technologists (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENGM009

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an in depth study of key areas relating to the professional practice within a technological context. Looking particularly at; the role of project management; the impact of the individual and organisation within technological environments; the role of ethical principles and the value of sound research methodologies. The module aims to create a dymnamic, engaging environment to discuss and debate the key topics contained within the module.
    • Product Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENGM010

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables the student to develop knowledge and skills using 3D CAD. The work undertaken will encourage students to create and evaluate virtual models of design projects in relation to technical, aesthetic and detailed design considerations and continue the process to manufacturing stage.
    • Digital Manufacturing (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENGM011

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with knowledge and understanding of the key concepts for Digital Manufacturing, current practices, tools and processes, and possible future development. This includes areas such as development in terms of research and technology innovation, product development, supplier management, maintenance, remanufacture and business plan development and management aspects. Exploration of new challenges and technologies in Industry 4.0, Smart Products, and Internet of Things are also considered.
    • Sustainable Manufacture (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENVM072

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is intended to provide an introduction to how the design and manufacture of products can best be managed to ensure a sustainable approach to the use and management of resources.

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• Accreditation

  IMechE accreditation

  This msc manufacturing degree has been accredited by IMechE under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

  

  Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).  An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).  Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc?

  Full Time Study

  If you choose to study full-time, the course duration will be one year, split into three semesters. (You have the option to choose the programme with one-year placement.)

  Part Time Study

  If you choose to study part-time, the course duration will be two years. In the first year, you will study four modules. In the second year, you will study two modules plus the dissertation.

  How will I be assessed?

  The assessment methods used within the design and manufacturing masters programme varies from a module to another. The main assessment methods used within the programme are Assignment (Report, Critical reflection/Journal, etc.), Essay, Presentation (Oral or Poster). However, some modules may expect to take tests, exams or hands-on activity. Students on the MSc programme will have to submit a dissertation as part of their Business Research Project Module.

  Are there any specialist facilities and features on the Design and Manufacturing MSc?

  • We enrol small cohorts onto our master’s courses to ensure you receive personalised support and guidance throughout your programme.
  • You will benefit from industry workshops, innovative laboratories and computer-aided design suites.
  • Collaboration between The University of Northampton and local engineering companies (NETP), who provide paid placements opportunities for University students

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