Course Overview
Lancaster's Mechatronics degree programme was the first of its kind in the UK, set up in 1984 in response to employers' needs. A quarter of a century later and we continue to lead the field.
Accredited by both the Institution of Engineering Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, our three-year BEng and four-year MEng Mechatronics degrees are so well regarded that our graduates often go on to coordinate teams of engineers or move upwards into engineering management.
Your course takes a multi-disciplinary approach and focuses on product design and systems integration using embedded microcontrollers, computers and actuators. You will learn to master the software that drives this technology and use your new skills on individual and group projects such as equipping mobile robots with satellite navigation systems.
On graduation, you will be capable of applying new technologies, promoting advanced design and introducing new and more efficient production techniques or processes.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Engineering department.
Year 1
- Strength and materials
- The World of Manufacture
- Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals
- Sensing and Signals
- Computers and Control
- The Digital Domain
- Transport technology
- Energy, Technology and Sustainability
- Design, Innovation and 3-D Thinking
- Electronic Information Systems Design
- Algebra, Graphs and Elementary Complex Numbers
- Determinants, Vectors and Further Complex Numbers
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Further Calculus and Numerical Techniques
Year 2
- Engineering Analysis
- Instrumentation and Control
- Power and Heat
- Engineering Projects
- Business Development Project
- Mechanics and Vibrations
- Materials & Design
- Electrical Circuits and Power Systems
- Digital Electronics
- Mechanical Systems A
- Electronic Systems A
- Electronic Systems C
Year 3
- Final Year Project
- Engineering Management
- Electrical and Fluid Drives and Actuators
- Programmable Systems
- Mechanics
- Engineering Materials
- Machine Elements
- Leadership in Technology
Year 4
- System design and modelling
- Advanced Embedded Systems
- Mechanics and Actuators
- Interfacing and Integration
- Intelligent System Control
- Group Project
- Introduction module
- Engineering year in industry
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Engineering department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAA inc. Maths; to also include a Physical Science A-level, i.e. Phys, Chem, Design Tech, Electronics etc. We normally expect three A-levels.
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 grades if 4 A-levels are presented
Applied A-levels: Accepted (max of 12 units) in conjunction with 2 AS-levels, to include Maths and a Physical Science.
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: AAABB. Advanced Higher in Maths is helpful.
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 36 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses, inc. Maths at higher level
BTEC: Overall grades of DDD including further Maths modules
New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information
Direct entry to second year: Appropriate qualifications include a good Higher National Diploma or Certificate in relevant subjects, or a Higher Diploma from polytechnics in Hong Kong and Singapore. Candidates with other qualifications of comparable standing should write to enquire.
IELTS: 6.0
Careers
Many of our graduates go on to work with the companies we have strong links with, often starting on salaries in excess of £26,000 per annum. Recent Engineering graduates have embarked upon careers as electronic, mechanical, applications, design and nuclear systems engineers.
As well as specific technical knowledge, your Engineering degree teaches you skills of logical analysis, communication, problem solving and project management. They are used by our graduates for work in design, project engineering and management, research, contracts, sales and marketing and data analysis. Our graduates also choose to continue their studies to MSc and PhD level.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
