Program Overview

Mechatronic Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Overview

Mechatronic Engineering is a multidisciplinary field combining electronic, mechanical, computer and control engineering.

Revalidation

The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. In addition, it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant. This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

Summary

Mechatronics unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to develop simpler, more economical and reliable systems.

This BEng Hons course has been designed with employers to prepare students for a wide range of industrial electronic and mechanical roles.

Using a connected programme of study, which will allow you to build on the knowledge you gain in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within industry.

About this course

About

This course will allow you to develop an understanding of electronic and mechanical engineering from programming and embedded systems to mechanics and control. Utilising a connected programme of study, allowing you to build upon your knowledge gained in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within the electronic and mechanical industry.

Mechatronic Engineering graduates have career opportunities within a wide range of sectors, including semiconductors, power, renewable energy, software, hardware design, embedded systems, control, automation, manufacturing, product design and development.

Attendance

• Duration and Mode of Attendance: The duration of the course is in the range of four to seven years, depending on exemption from Level 4 and 5 modules (Years 1 and 2 of equivalent full-time course) and the rate of study. On average students complete study at half the rate of a full-time student, completing 60 credits out of the 120 credits which make up each year of the equivalent full-time course. The maximum study load is 40 credits per semester.
• Attendance: Attendance is part-time, day-time and typically requires at least one full day or two half days per week for 12 teaching weeks each semester. The attendance requirements will generally vary from semester to semester.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

• Teaching Methods and Assessment: Formal lectures are supplemented by tutorials and laboratory investigations, as appropriate. Practical ‘hands on’ laboratory sessions are an integral part of many modules throughout all years. Case studies and group mini-project work are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.
• Assessment: Generally, a combination of continuous assessment and examination is employed in each module. Continuous assessment includes class tests, library and laboratory based assignments, and individual and group project work. Some modules across all years are continuously assessed.

Modules

Year one

• Engineering Mathematics: This module provides an understanding of the language and terminology of mathematics, together with the mathematical techniques from algebra, calculus and statistics that are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.
• The Global Engineer: This module will introduce students to working in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world problem and present their solution to an audience of their tutors and peers.
• Fundamentals of Engineering and Technology: This module will introduce students to studying an Engineering Programme at Ulster University and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programme.

Year two

• Introductory Software Development: Students will be introduced to the basic aspects of software development through the use of the Python programming language. An emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of the types of programming used in Engineering and beyond, rather than depth in each specific area. Students will learn about objects, modules and code re-usability and self-documentation. They will be encouraged to take a platform independent approach to development and choose their own tools. They should complete the module with a basic knowledge of the development landscape in terms of tools and techniques.
• Analogue and Digital Electronics 1: This module will provide an introduction to semiconductor devices and their application in electronic circuits such as power supplies, voltage regulators and simple amplifier circuits. It will also introduce the field of digital electronics, with combinational logic circuit analysis and simplification.
• Mechanical Systems & Analysis 1: Analysis of statics and dynamics systems are a key foundation for mechanical and mechatronic engineers. This module provides fundamental concepts and principles in order to solve static and dynamics problems, and gives a solid methodology and framework in order to tackle new and unfamiliar problems.

Year three

• Analogue and Digital Electronics 2: This module focuses on advanced component and system-level analysis and design of analogue and digital electronic circuits, with applications in fields such as computing, communications, signal processing, and instrumentation.
• Engineering Programming: This module is designed to introduce engineering students to the basic principles of algorithmic programming, and the solution of engineering problems using MATLAB and Simulink.
• Mechanical Systems and Analysis 2: This module provides an extension of the fundamental principles of Dynamics and Statics/Strength of Materials in relation to mechanical engineering and provides a methodology for their practical application.

Year four

• Mechatronics 1: This module offers a comprehensive introduction to mechatronic systems, focusing on the principles and applications of instrumentation, actuators, sensors, feedback control components, and PLC systems. Theoretical concepts are reinforced through the use of relevant PC-based analysis and design tools.
• Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers: This module will equip students with necessary knowledge and hardware-software design skills needed to design/implement microcontroller based embedded systems.
• Control Theory & Applications: This module provides an understanding of the theoretical concepts and use of feedback-control systems. Theoretical studies are supported by the use of appropriate PC-based analysis and design simulation packages.

Year five

• Mechatronics 2: This module provides a final-year course in Mechatronics. Topics include examples of mechatronic systems, modelling of mechatronic systems, programmable logic controllers, design of digital frequency and time measurement systems, and the analysis and design of feedback and modern control systems.
• Signal Processing and Data Analysis: The module provides a knowledge of digital signal processing by simple discrete system operators or digital filters design; with application to basic signals generated by electronic, mechatronic and biological systems.
• Nanotechnology: This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
• Object Oriented Programming: This module extends the students understanding of the design and creation of software structures using an object-oriented paradigm. The programming language is C++ which is of particular relevance to engineering students.
• Communications circuit design: This module enables the student to undertake complete analogue communications circuit design problems.
• ASICs and digital design: This module will introduce the building blocks of the digital circuits and approaches to analyse, synthesis, verify and test the digital circuits using EDA tools and relating hardware (e.g. FPGA).

Year six

• Embedded Systems: This module will provide knowledge relating to embedded systems from programming to interfacing and relating IoT based applications. More importantly, the focus will be to increase skills of students to develop a design from a paper to a prototype level.
• Research Methods and Management: The Research Methods and Management module provides students with a structured and scaffolded learning experience, focusing on key engineering management topics relevant to modern professional practice. These include cyber-security and its mitigation, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in engineering environments, and effective project management tools and techniques.
• BEng Final Year Project: Each student enrolled in this module will undertake an individual project on a topic relevant to their degree programme. Students are expected to design the project in collaboration with an assigned supervisor. They will be responsible for executing the project and presenting their findings in a final written report.

Standard entry conditions

• A level: You will normally be in full-time employment in an engineering capacity regarded as satisfying the industrial training requirements of the equivalent full-time programme. You will be required to satisfy the Course Committee that you have the support of your employer for release to attend the courses.
• GCSE: GCSE profile of Grade C in English Language and Mathematics or above (or equivalent).
• English Language Requirements: The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Careers & opportunities

• Career options: Job prospects in a wide range of engineering industries are excellent with the majority of graduates finding employment within four months of graduation. Graduates with BEng Hons, first class or upper second class award all satisfy the requirements for a wide range of postgraduate research posts and scholarships in, electronic, mechanical, mechatronic, and biomedical engineering.
• Work placement / study abroad: Since candidates are normally in employment in an engineering capacity, there is no industrial placement opportunity.

Professional Recognition

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE): Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): 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 an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Fees and funding

• Module Pricing: The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
• Annual Increase Disclaimer: Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.
• Additional mandatory costs: It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.