Advanced Engineering Design - 2012 entry

Course content

The course is structured around three periods: Semester 1 runs from September to December, Semester 2 from January to May, and the summer period completes the year until the beginning of September.

To qualify for a master's degree you must pass the compulsory modules, two optional modules and the Dissertation together with Research and Study Methods.

Compulsory modules:

• Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design consolidates and refines your ability to tackle advanced and complex interdisciplinary design projects. You are expected to progress with minimum guidance using your initiative and making use of your existing extensive knowledge learnt at degree level. You will work in small groups, and lecturers will act as the senior management of a hypothetical company.

• Advanced Strength of Components is concerned with the prediction of the load-carrying capacity and life of mechanical engineering components by an analysis of factors such as inelastic behaviour, residual stress, stability, cracks, and fatigue and contact loading.

• Advanced Engineering Management provides you with an understanding of the management skills and knowledge that are important in engineering industries.

Optional modules:

• Computation and Modelling presents finite element modelling of structures containing composite materials, advanced simulation techniques using ADAMS and an introduction to MATLAB.

• CAD/CAM is a master's level module that develops skills in using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing software.

• Advanced Materials Engineering and Joining Technology takes further the detailed processing and design of advanced materials for engineering products. The significance of the properties and composition of materials is explored in relation to the selection of joining processes and optimising joint design, for the manufacture of high-performance engineering products and structures.

• Sustainable Vehicle Engineering presents the concepts of sustainability and applies them to issues facing vehicle engineering and transport, such as the manufacturing processes, carbon foot-printing, materials of construction and choice of powertrain.

• Noise, Vibration and Harshness looks at the analysis, quantification, characterization and diagnosis of the noise, vibration and harshness of automotive components and assemblies.

• Vehicle Crash Engineering will give you an understanding of material, component and structural behaviour when subjected to medium-to-high-impact events. This includes the design, testing and modelling of motorsport and automotive vehicles with regard to crash worthiness.

• Engineering Reliability and Risk Management covers the principles and techniques for improving the reliability of engineering components and systems, predicting their life and managing technical risk.

You will also take:

• Research and Study Methods underpins work carried out for the Dissertation. The module, delivered in a seminar style, will provide you with research skills, planning techniques, progress management and review, and the ability to use ICT support materials. You will be given guidance on the analysis and technical presentation of research material.
• The Dissertation is an individual research and development work on a topic relevant to motorsport engineering and related to your chosen course of study. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation.

As programmes are reviewed regularly, the choice of modules available may differ from those described above.

Faculty

Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Course length

Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years

Teaching location

Wheatley Campus

Start date

September 2012

UKPASS code

P032923

Entry requirements

You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British lower second-class bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline. Applicants with relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Scholarships and funding

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Why Oxford is a great place to study Advanced Engineering Design

As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning and career opportunities.

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Departmental research highlights

The emphasis in our research groups is producing high-quality research for the real world. Staff have close links with industry through research projects and consultancies. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 80% of our engineering research output was judged to be of internationally excellent or world-leading quality.