MEng Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems

Program Overview

---

MEng Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems

Why study this course with LJMU?

Interdisciplinary course fusing mechanical, electronic and control engineering Well-equipped electronics and computing laboratories State-of-the-art software and excellent technical support To be accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Options for sandwich with year-long industrial placement or study abroad LJMU ranked 15th university in the UK for general engineering degrees (The Times UK University Rankings 2025)

About your course

Mechatronic and autonomous systems build and run the world we live in. From the robots that built your car to fast food restaurant interactive kiosks, intelligent machines are the future. The MEng(Hons) in Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems will make sure you take an important part in that future.

This programme has been developed to answer a need in industry for engineers with the fusion of electronic and mechanical skills required to develop modern automation systems. LJMU has built a good relationship with North West engineering companies and their feedback has been a big factor in the development of this programme. We live in an information age and our graduates leave equipped with the software and hardware skills required to succeed in the exciting times ahead.

Research undertaken by the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering is based within the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre. The Centre has two key research groups the Microelectronics Research Group and the Electric Machines and Drives Research Group. These two research groups have expertise within the following key research areas:

• New materials and devices for future microelectronic industry
• New characterisation techniques for VLSI devices
• Development of advanced techniques for variables-speed electric drives
• Qualification, modelling and aging prediction
• Development of novel control techniques for power electronic converters
• Modelling, simulation and experimental characterisation of power electronic converters and variable speed drives

Research staff are encouraged to make use of their expertise during undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Course modules

Year 1

• Engineering Mathematics 1a (10 credits)
• Engineering Mathematics 1b (10 credits)
• Applied Mechanics 1 (20 credits)
• Software Development for Embedded Systems (20 credits)
• Engineering Circuit Analysis (20 credits)
• Analogue Electronics (20 credits)
• Professional Practice and the Environment (20 credits)

Year 2

• Applied Mechanics 2 (20 credits)
• Mechatronics 2 (20 credits)
• Linear Electronics Design and the Environment (10 credits)
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering (20 credits)
• Professional Practice Integrative Project (20 credits)
• Local Communications Systems and Applications (20 credits)
• Advanced Mathematics (10 credits)

Year 3

• Dynamics and Control (10 credits)
• Automation and IoT (20 credits)
• Process Control and Applications (20 credits)
• Autonomous Systems and Machine Learning (20 credits)
• Mechatronics Engineering Project (40 credits)
• Engineering Management (10 credits)

Year 4

• Professional Practice (20 credits)
• Control Engineering (20 credits)
• Digital Control (10 credits)
• Group Design Project (30 credits)

Optional modules

• Sandwich Year - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (120 credits)
• Modelling and Control of Electric Machines and Drives (20 credits)
• Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)
• Embedded Systems (20 credits)

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. We aim to seek reaccreditation, however this cannot be guaranteed at this stage. Accreditation status will be updated when new information is available. If you require any further information, please contact the University directly.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We have three modern electronics laboratories containing sixty-five workstations equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including computers with industry standard software such as Proteus, Matlab and LabVIEW. The department has two computer suites of its own, one is a sixty-seater with air conditioning, as well as access to further large computer suites. Specialist facilities include a Mechatronics lab equipped with Festo automation rigs and Siemens PLCs, an Electrical Machines lab and TV and audio recording studios.

Work-related Learning

The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering has a very high success rate in terms of its graduates finding employment within their chosen field of study. Employers recognise that, because of the department's strong focus on practical work, our graduates are able to make a useful contribution within a very short time-frame.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering is an enterprising community of 300 students and 30 staff who are dedicated to the study of electronics and electrical engineering. The department is situated in the City Campus at Byrom Street, a short walk from the city centre shops, amenities and transport links.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually

include a combination of exams and coursework.

Assessment is usually via a combination of exams and coursework, and sometimes by a portfolio of work, depending on the subject. A final year project gives you the chance to work independently and contributes considerably to your final mark. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work

Career paths

Where will my MEng in Mechatronics and Autonomous systems take me?

Quite literally anywhere in the world. All industry now uses industrial automation systems, whether the company is involved in manufacturing or process control. Modern automobile production would be impossible without the robots, CNC machines and automated test equipment that make sure the sub- assemblies the human workers bolt together, fit properly and work as intended.

Robotics and autonomous systems are a red-hot topic now, with the move toward self-driving automobiles, which will almost certainly be upon us in the next few years. This will be the biggest change in transport since the invention of the "horseless carriage".

Even service industries are now using automated systems. Fast food restaurants use automatic serving kiosks, not only to save on wages, but because they have found to their surprise that customers actually like them! Machines allow the customer to be in control and choose whatever weird meal combination they want.

Recent LJMU engineering graduates are now working at Sellafield, Jaguar Landrover, Aston Martin and IBM.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Full-time per year: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,830

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

• ABB-AAB (128-136)
• GCSEs and equivalents: Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy
• A levels: ABB-AAB, Minimum Number of A Levels: 2, Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20, Subject requirements: Grade B from Maths and a Grade B from one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Further Maths, Electronics or Engineering
• BTECs: Extended Diploma: DDM in Engineering discipline + Distinction in Further Engineering Maths
• Access awards: Not accepted on MEng-students studying Access can be considered for Beng programme
• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications including minimum score of 6 in HL Mathematics and 6 in HL Physics
• OCR Cambridge Technical: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject that includes Maths
• Irish awards: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications from a minimum of 5 subjects including appropriate Maths and Physics
• T levels: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Program Outline

It aims to equip students with the skills needed to develop modern automation systems, a growing field in various industries. The program is designed to meet the industry demand for engineers with a combined skillset in electronics and mechanics.

---

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mechatronics and autonomous systems.
• To develop students' practical skills in designing, building, and testing mechatronic systems.
• To prepare students for careers in the field of mechatronics and autonomous systems.

---

Description:

The MEng(Hons) in Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems is a four-year full-time program, with the option of a five-year program including a year-long industrial placement. The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

---

Outline:

---

Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Engineering Mathematics 1b (10 credits) - Continuation of Engineering Mathematics 1a.
• Applied Mechanics 1 (20 credits) - Introduces essential principles of applied mechanics.
• Engineering Circuit Analysis (20 credits) - Enhances understanding of electrical and electronic engineering mathematics and circuit analysis techniques.
• Analogue Electronics (20 credits) - Introduces diodes, transistors, small-signal equivalent circuits, and operational amplifiers.
• Professional Practice and the Environment (20 credits) - Develops practical skills in electronic circuit design, prototyping, PCB design, and manufacture.

---

Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Local Communications Systems and Applications (20 credits) - Reviews communication options for interconnecting hardware elements.
• Applied Mechanics 2 (20 credits) - Covers principles of mechanics for rigid and deformable solid bodies.
• Mechatronics 2 (20 credits) - Develops practical understanding of sensors, actuators, and embedded systems for controlling mechanical systems.
• Linear Electronics Design and the Environment (10 credits) - Broadens knowledge of linear electronic circuit design and practical skills for processing environmental signals.
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering (20 credits) - Develops understanding of control systems, design and analysis techniques, and control applications.
• Professional Practice Integrative Project (20 credits) - Develops professional engineering skills through designing, building, and testing an electronic product.
• Optional Modules:
• Sandwich Year - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (120 credits) - Provides a year-long industrial placement.
• Study Year Abroad - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (120 credits) - Provides a year of study at an approved overseas partner institution.

---

Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Automation and IoT (20 credits) - Develops knowledge and practical understanding of automation and IoT for industrial processes.
• Dynamics and Control (10 credits) - Covers analytic and simulative methods for modeling and control design of engineering systems.
• Process Control and Applications (20 credits) - Addresses problems associated with closed-loop control of process systems.
• Autonomous Systems and Machine Learning (20 credits) - Studies fundamentals of computational intelligence and its applications in robotics.
• Mechatronics Engineering Project (40 credits) - Provides a supervised individual engineering project.
• Engineering Management (10 credits) - Develops core management techniques for modern industry.

---

Level 7:

• Core Modules:
• Professional Practice (20 credits) - Develops critical thinking skills around ethics, risk, security, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Control Engineering (20 credits) - Enhances knowledge of state space control methods for dynamic system modeling, control, analysis, and simulation.
• Digital Control (10 credits) - Extends digital control theory into system identification, controller design, and self-tuning control techniques.
• Group Design Project (30 credits) - Provides an authentic design project in conjunction with a client group or company.
• Optional Modules:
• Modelling and Control of Electric Machines and Drives (20 credits) - Develops understanding of principles and mathematical modeling of electrical machines.
• Artificial Intelligence (20 credits) - Provides theoretical and practical skills for designing and implementing AI systems.
• Embedded Systems (20 credits) - Provides theoretical and practical skills in designing and developing advanced embedded systems.

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework. Some modules may also include portfolio assessments. A final year project contributes significantly to the final mark. Feedback is provided through Canvas, face-to-face, or in writing.

---

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and project work.
• Faculty: The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering has a dedicated team of staff committed to high standards of teaching and learning.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes practical work and provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and software in well-equipped laboratories.

---

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of industries, including:

• Manufacturing: Automation systems, robotics, and process control.
• Automotive: Self-driving vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, and automated production lines.
• Service Industries: Interactive kiosks, automated systems, and customer service applications.
• Research and Development: Development of new mechatronic and autonomous systems.

---

Other:

• The program is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU's City Campus, which includes high-quality lecture theaters, meeting and seminar rooms, social spaces, and a large café.
• The Avril Robarts Library is located nearby on Tithebarn Street.
• The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering has a high success rate in terms of graduates finding employment in their chosen field.
• the Careers section is based on general industry trends and the program's focus on developing skills relevant to those industries.

---

• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• International full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.