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Master of Engineering

This page describes the course under normal circumstances. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we may replace residential schools with directed practical work and activities that you’ll carry out at home and online.

Our MEng is an integrated masters degree that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study, fulfilling the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status. Engineering is a creative and analytical subject. You’ll develop the skills, techniques, and knowledge that professional engineers need and learn the underpinned science and mathematics. The course has a common core with a choice of routes to suit your area of interest. You’ll work on real-life projects to create innovative solutions to challenging problems, teaming up with other students and working on your own projects.

Course Summary

+Shortlist Course

Integrated masters

Course code: M04

Credits

480

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding Careers

Course details

This integrated masters has four stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules – the last includes a compulsory one-week residential school.
Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit core engineering modules, and a 30-credit module in your choice of engineering specialism. You’ll complete Stage 2 with another core 30-credit module that includes the one-week residential school.
Next, in Stage 3, you’ll study another 90 credits in your chosen specialism, followed by a 30-credit postgraduate module.
Finally, in Stage 4, you’ll begin with a 30-credit individual-project module, study two further 30-credit postgraduate modules in your chosen specialism and conclude your degree with a 30-credit postgraduate team-project module (which includes two compulsory weekend residential schools).

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll complete the first three 30-credit modules in order – studying the extraordinary breadth of contemporary engineering; exploring design, materials, mechanics and engineering practice, including case studies. In the final 30-credit module, you’ll work on practical activities and develop a personal development plan towards professional engineering status. You must study Stage 1 part-time.


Modules	Credits
You'll study all four of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)	30
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)	30
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194)	30
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1 (T176)	30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2 you’ll deepen your understanding of how engineers find solutions for technical problems, with two 30-credit core engineering modules. You’ll also study your first 30-credit module from a choice of engineering routes. You’ll complete Stage 2 with another core 30-credit module (which includes another one-week residential school) that will further develop the skills you need to achieve professional status.

Core engineering modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Core engineering A (T271)	30
Core engineering B (T272)	30

Routes
**Choose one of seven routes:**
Modules	Credits
Energy and sustainability
You'll study the following:
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environmental technologies
You'll study the following:
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30
Engineering management
You'll choose one from:
Design for engineers (T218)	30
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30
Materials and design
You'll study the following:
Design for engineers (T218)	30
Mechanical engineering
You'll study the following:
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229)	30
Modelling and applications
You'll study the following:
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30
Broad route
You'll choose one from:
Design for engineers (T218)	30
Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212)	30
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229)	30

Core engineering module
**You’ll finish Stage 2 with another core engineering module, which includes a one-week residential school:**
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 2 (T276)	30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3 you’ll deepen your understanding of engineering and extend your knowledge and skills for your chosen engineering route. You’ll conclude the stage with one of two postgraduate modules that explore the processes that underpin technological innovation, or a multi-layered practical approach to the strategic management of technical innovation.

Undergraduate modules
**You’ll study a further 90 credits from your chosen route:**
Modules	Credits
Energy and sustainability
You'll study all three of the following:
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30
Renewable energy (T313)	30
Environmental technologies
You'll study both of the following:
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60
Environmental management 2 (T319)	30
Engineering management
You'll study the following:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)	30
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Communications technology (TM355)	30
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60
Materials and design
You'll study both of the following:
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30
Mechanical engineering
You'll study all three of the following:
Mechanical engineering: computer aided engineering (T329)	30
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30
Modelling and applications
You'll choose two from:
Optimization (M373)	30
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30
You'll study the following:
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30
Broad route
You'll choose 90 credits from:
Communications technology (TM355)	30
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)	30
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)	30
Graphs, networks and design (MT365)	30
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30
Mechanical engineering: computer aided engineering (T329)	30
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30
Optimization (M373)	30
Renewable energy (T313)	30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)	30

Postgraduate modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from:
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)	30
Technology and innovation management (TB801)	30

Stage 4 (120 credits)

You’ll begin Stage 4 with an individual project in which you’ll engage in a research scenario of your choice. Next, you’ll continue your study of engineering at postgraduate level and further extend your knowledge. You’ll conclude this stage with a team project – this module is about working collaboratively and is based around two residential-school weekends.

Individual project
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
The MEng individual project (T460)	30

Specialist postgraduate modules
**You’ll study a further 60 credits in the route you chose at Stage 2:**
Modules	Credits
Energy and sustainability
You'll study the following:
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) – planned for May 2023	30
You'll choose one from:
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)	30
Making environmental decisions (T891)	30
Environmental technologies
You'll study both of the following:
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) – planned for May 2023	30
Making environmental decisions (T891)	30
Engineering management
You'll study the following:
Project management (M815)	30
You'll choose one from:
Manufacture materials design (T805)	30
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) – planned for May 2023	30
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)	30
Making environmental decisions (T891)	30
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)	30
Technology and innovation management (TB801)	30
Materials and design
You'll study both of the following:
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804)	30
Manufacture materials design (T805)	30
Mechanical engineering
You'll study both of the following:
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804)	30
Manufacture materials design (T805)	30
Modelling and applications
You'll study both of the following:
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804)	30
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)	30
Broad route
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)	30
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)	30
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804)	30
Making environmental decisions (T891)	30
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)	30
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)	30
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) – planned for May 2023	30
Manufacture materials design (T805)	30
Project management (M815)	30
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)	30
Technology and innovation management (TB801)	30

Team project
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Team engineering (T885)	30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 15 March 2022.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Master of Engineering uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
some modules may require you to attend a residential school
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
working in a group with other students
using and producing diagrams and screenshots
undertaking practical work
working with specialist reading material such as journal articles and technical documents
finding external/third party material online
some modules require you to use specialist software
continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Master of Engineering (MEng).

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 3 and 4.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

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Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.

Check you have the necessary skills at students.open.ac.uk/openmark/engineering.ayrf¹

¹This diagnostic will work best on your desktop. Some features are not compatible with mobile/tablet devices.

How much time do I need?

This qualification consists of four stages, normally studied over nine years. Study intensity will vary across the qualification, with some modules being studied consecutively and others overlapping or being studied in parallel.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

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How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won’t have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
Our current fee for 30 credits at undergraduate level is £1,614* and for 60 credits it’s £3,228*.
Our current fee for 30 credits at postgraduate level is between £1,125* and £2,000*.
At current prices, the total cost of your qualification starts from £25,503*.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University’s strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a computer and internet access. If your income is not more than £25,000 or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Residential schools

This qualification has two compulsory modules (T176 and T276) that each have a residential school you must attend. For each school you must pay £313 for accommodation and meals. You’ll pay when you book the residential school, after you’ve enrolled on the module. You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.

This qualification also has a compulsory module (T885) that has two residential schools you must attend. There’s no additional cost, but you must pay for your travel to and from the venue.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we may replace face-to-face events with online alternatives. Read the module descriptions for further information.

Ways to pay for your qualification

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable. Options include Part-Time Tuition Fee Loans (also known as student loans), monthly payment plans and employer sponsorship.

Visit our Fees and funding page for a summary of the funding options available.

Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and therefore the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you.

Skills for career development

The areas of knowledge, competence and skills that this degree develops include: the ability to use specialist knowledge to solve problems creatively; collaborative working and communication skills; project management skills; the ability to turn concepts into reality.

Your study will give the skills in providing solutions to engineering problems. These could involve using existing or developing new technologies and designs; refining production systems; or developing new services. It will give you the confidence to be accountable for complex systems with significant levels of risk.

Career relevance

Our MEng is a general engineering qualification that provides an entry into a wide range of more specialist engineering roles. Examples include:

mechanical engineer
electronic engineer
structural engineer

production engineer
biomedical engineer
environmental engineer

materials engineer
other roles within engineering management
manufacturing engineer.

Accreditation

This degree has been accredited by the professional institution(s) below under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

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.

Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Accredited¹ 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 a Chartered Engineer.

¹IMechE accreditation applies to the following routes only: Materials and design; Mechanical engineering; Modelling and applications.

Other careers

Qualified engineers are much in demand for their rigorous approach to problem solving and high level of numeracy. These skills open up a wide range of other career opportunities – for example, in management or finance – as well as in engineering itself. Opportunities exist in research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work. With appropriate experience and qualifications it’s also possible to be a self-employed consultant. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2022 - Registration closes 08/09/2022
Apr 2023 - Registration closes 09/03/2023

Credit transfer: apply by 11/08/2022

Credit transfer: apply by 09/02/2023

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