Computational Engineering Design (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

Program Overview

---

About this course

Learn how to design using simulation software on this MSc Computational Engineering Design course. Effective modelling is vital to the automotive, aerospace and bioengineering sectors.

Our master's degrees in advanced mechanical engineering science combine the traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with interdisciplinary subjects so you can specialise in a career you want. Our international centre for research and teaching is recognised across the world.

This UK master’s degree explores the latest techniques, methods and simulation software used in computational engineering and design. We'll teach you how design ideas are created, tested and how to work with industry.

Computational modelling is important to industries such as:

• automotive
• aerospace
• bioengineering

On this master of science in computational engineering, you’ll learn to use simulation software tools to see how designs will work in practice. We’ll teach you to use advanced numerical methods and to apply design search and optimisation principles to solve problems.

You’ll learn from academics at the forefront of their fields, they teach the latest in technology advancements. Studying at Southampton gives you access to a global network of companies, shared facilities and specialist expertise to enhance your learning.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

This course is led by Dr Joseph Lifton, Lecturer in Mechatronics at the University of Southampton. Learn more by visiting Dr Lifton’s staff profile.

Related pathways

We offer 3 other pathways on this Advanced Mechanical Engineering degree. Your other options are in:

• Engineering Materials
• Mechatronics
• Propulsion and Systems Engineering

Accreditations

This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Learn more about this subject area

Mechanical engineering

Gain the theory, practical knowledge and problem-solving skills to design and build mechanical systems. Learn how to develop next-generation sustainable technologies across a range of industries.

Facilities

Engineering laboratories

You'll use the National Infrastructure Laboratory to test the strength and endurance of materials, structures and their components.

Engineering design studios and workshops

Bring your engineering concepts to life, with expert support, in our extensive design and manufacturing facilities.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

• Download

ODT

Download Course Description Document

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:

• civil engineering
• engineering design
• mechanical engineering
• aerospace engineering
• automotive engineering

You must also have a 2:1 score in two modules from the following list of topics:

• mathematics
• computing
• finite element analysis (FEA)
• computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score

6.5

reading

6.0

writing

6.0

speaking

6.0

listening

6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Course structure

Our master’s degree in computational engineering and design runs for 12 months. The first 8 months are mainly spent studying taught modules. Your lectures will be divided into two 12-week periods, referred to as semesters one and two.

Each semester you’ll study key topics and choose specialist modules that interest you. Our optional modules cover topics like aircraft structural design and engineering design with management.

Your final 4 months are spent on your research project under the guidance of our Computational Engineering and Design Research Group.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

We don't have module information for this course yet. Please check again later.

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• practical work
• individual and group planning exercises
• knowledge share
• one-to-one tutorials

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• written exams
• oral presentations
• coursework in the form of:
  • Problem-solving exercises
  • lab reports
  • design exercises
  • essays
  • individual and group projects
• research project

Dissertation

Your research project is run through our Computational Engineering and Design Research Group.

Your research project and dissertation can be based on any area taught as part of this course. It should bring together the skills you’ve learned and demonstrate your knowledge of at least 1 subject area.

You’ll need to source information, and demonstrate critical analysis, evaluation and presentation skills. The project must contain your own original ideas and explore a problem that requires the application of new research.

Academic Support

You’ll have your own personal academic tutor and access to our team of administrators, who are a key point of contact for advice and information.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.

The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Related courses

Computational Engineering Design (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc) is a course in the Mechanical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

e

MSc

Engineering Materials (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

m

MSc

Mechatronics (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

p

MSc

Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

Program Outline

---

Careers:

This master’s course will prepare you for further research in computational engineering design or to work in a range of application sectors. These sectors have a reputation for offering good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities. In the UK, our graduates work across different organisations and application areas, including in the following sectors: aerospace automotive power generation biomedical finance In addition to engineering careers, many of our graduates go into other employment such as finance and consultancy, where the numeracy and excellent communication skills developed on the programme are highly valued. You'll graduate with excellent analytical skills as well as significant project management and leadership skills.