Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science (Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering) (MSc) 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Southampton |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Mechanical

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Master's

Study Mode

On Campus

Course summary
What makes a jet engine more efficient? How do you improve the performance of a rocket motor or design propulsion systems for a future shaped by electric and hybrid technologies?
If you want to understand how engines and propulsion systems are designed, analysed and improved, MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science (Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering) is for you.
This specialist pathway explores the performance and reliability of rocket motors, jet engines and compressors. You’ll develop your understanding of the design, monitoring and analysis of propulsion and engine systems while building advanced mechanical and electrical engineering expertise.
Explore technologies across different forms of propulsion. You’ll study gas turbines, internal combustion engines, and electrical and hybrid propulsion, while learning how to analyse and design advanced electrical systems. You can also use optional modules to investigate areas including spacecraft propulsion, condition monitoring, batteries, fuel cells, noise control and environmental aspects of engineering.
Here, you’ll move between engineering theory and practical problem-solving. Through lectures, tutorials, practical work, design exercises and individual and group projects, you’ll develop the analytical skills to understand complex propulsion challenges and explore how different technologies perform in practice.
You’ll also complete an independent research project, giving you the opportunity to investigate an area such as engine materials, combustion modelling, electrical motors or engine noise control and develop your own original ideas.
Key features of this course
**Explore propulsion from different angles.** Develop your understanding of aircraft, automotive, electrical and hybrid propulsion and examine the engineering principles behind different engine technologies.
**Understand what drives performance.** Investigate the design, monitoring, analysis and reliability of propulsion and engine systems, building the technical knowledge to evaluate complex engineering challenges.
**Build advanced electrical engineering skills.** Learn to analyse and design electrical systems and explore electrical machines and power electronics in applications including propulsion and electric vehicles.
**Shape your studies around your interests.** Choose specialist areas including spacecraft propulsion, condition monitoring, computational fluid dynamics, renewable energy and storage, fuel cells, acoustics and tribology.
**Learn by solving engineering problems.** Combine lectures and tutorials with practical work, problem-solving, design exercises and individual and group projects, helping you put advanced engineering ideas into practice.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Spend the final part of the programme completing an independent research project. You’ll source and evaluate information, apply critical analysis and communicate your methods, findings and original ideas through your dissertation.
Your future career
Propulsion engineering is changing as engineers respond to new performance, efficiency and technology challenges.
You’ll graduate with advanced knowledge of propulsion and engine systems alongside skills in analysis, design, research, problem-solving and technical communication.
Your understanding of technologies including gas turbines, internal combustion engines, electrical systems and hybrid propulsion can support careers involving the design, analysis, monitoring and development of advanced engine and propulsion systems.
Whatever direction you choose, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to understand how propulsion technologies work, challenge existing designs and investigate what could make them perform better.
Further information
This is a one-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus. The first eight months focus mainly on taught modules, followed by four months dedicated to your independent research project.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer registration. Full CEng registration requirements also depend on your undergraduate qualification.
The course is designed for graduates with a relevant engineering background who want to develop advanced expertise in propulsion and engine systems.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Mechanical

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Master's

Study Mode

On Campus

Course summary
What makes a jet engine more efficient? How do you improve the performance of a rocket motor or design propulsion systems for a future shaped by electric and hybrid technologies?
If you want to understand how engines and propulsion systems are designed, analysed and improved, MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science (Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering) is for you.
This specialist pathway explores the performance and reliability of rocket motors, jet engines and compressors. You’ll develop your understanding of the design, monitoring and analysis of propulsion and engine systems while building advanced mechanical and electrical engineering expertise.
Explore technologies across different forms of propulsion. You’ll study gas turbines, internal combustion engines, and electrical and hybrid propulsion, while learning how to analyse and design advanced electrical systems. You can also use optional modules to investigate areas including spacecraft propulsion, condition monitoring, batteries, fuel cells, noise control and environmental aspects of engineering.
Here, you’ll move between engineering theory and practical problem-solving. Through lectures, tutorials, practical work, design exercises and individual and group projects, you’ll develop the analytical skills to understand complex propulsion challenges and explore how different technologies perform in practice.
You’ll also complete an independent research project, giving you the opportunity to investigate an area such as engine materials, combustion modelling, electrical motors or engine noise control and develop your own original ideas.
Key features of this course
**Explore propulsion from different angles.** Develop your understanding of aircraft, automotive, electrical and hybrid propulsion and examine the engineering principles behind different engine technologies.
**Understand what drives performance.** Investigate the design, monitoring, analysis and reliability of propulsion and engine systems, building the technical knowledge to evaluate complex engineering challenges.
**Build advanced electrical engineering skills.** Learn to analyse and design electrical systems and explore electrical machines and power electronics in applications including propulsion and electric vehicles.
**Shape your studies around your interests.** Choose specialist areas including spacecraft propulsion, condition monitoring, computational fluid dynamics, renewable energy and storage, fuel cells, acoustics and tribology.
**Learn by solving engineering problems.** Combine lectures and tutorials with practical work, problem-solving, design exercises and individual and group projects, helping you put advanced engineering ideas into practice.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Spend the final part of the programme completing an independent research project. You’ll source and evaluate information, apply critical analysis and communicate your methods, findings and original ideas through your dissertation.
Your future career
Propulsion engineering is changing as engineers respond to new performance, efficiency and technology challenges.
You’ll graduate with advanced knowledge of propulsion and engine systems alongside skills in analysis, design, research, problem-solving and technical communication.
Your understanding of technologies including gas turbines, internal combustion engines, electrical systems and hybrid propulsion can support careers involving the design, analysis, monitoring and development of advanced engine and propulsion systems.
Whatever direction you choose, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to understand how propulsion technologies work, challenge existing designs and investigate what could make them perform better.
Further information
This is a one-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus. The first eight months focus mainly on taught modules, followed by four months dedicated to your independent research project.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer registration. Full CEng registration requirements also depend on your undergraduate qualification.
The course is designed for graduates with a relevant engineering background who want to develop advanced expertise in propulsion and engine systems.

Admission Requirements

120+
92+
3.2+
6.5+
67+
176+
You'll need a 2.1 degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, electromechanical transmission and control or vehicle engineering There are also specific module requirements needed, please check the website for details.

28 Jul 2027
1 Year
Sep

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