Program Overview
The Master's (Master's Degree) in Advanced Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Heriot-Watt University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in engineering, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in engineering.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Heriot-Watt University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Engineering.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Advanced Mechanical Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in engineering value. Common career destinations include:
- Project Engineer: Manage technical projects from conception to delivery.
- Design Engineer: Develop and prototype innovative engineering solutions.
- R&D Engineer: Conduct applied research to advance engineering technology.
- Process Engineer: Optimise manufacturing and production processes.
- Consultant Engineer: Provide specialist engineering advice to industry clients.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Course content
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering provides those of you with a bachelor-levels graduate in Mechanical Engineering to build upon your existing knowledge and skills in the area. For those of you from a different Engineering background, the programme offers you the opportunity to develop key Mechanical Engineering knowledge and skills required for your professional development. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the core engineering and science underpinning the Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing sector. The industry-relevant degree will provide you with an accredited route to become a Chartered Engineer.
During the master’s programme, you’ll gain a broad knowledge of the core components in Mechanical Engineering Sciences and practices, whilst developing an extensive, detailed, and critical knowledge and understanding of at least one specialist area within the subject. The flexible degree structure allows you to focus in on your specific interests within Advanced Mechanical Engineering. You’ll have the opportunity to choose courses from an extensive list, including engineering design, fluids, dynamics, renewable energy technologies, heat exchangers and heat transfer, robotic mechanical systems, and advanced thermodynamic applications.
The career-focused master’s programme will develop your technical, scientific, and managerial abilities, and provide you with a specialist education to set you up to become a professional Mechanical Engineer. Upon completion, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a wide range of technical and managerial careers across the sector, including roles in process and plant design, construction, commissioning, operation, management to specialist consultancy, and advanced research and development.
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active mechanical engineers and academics.
96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.
Our MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) research institute which focuses on promoting excellence across four main research themes:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Digital Engineering
- Energy Harvesting and Conversion
- Multiphase Flow
The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain innovative and industry focused.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A minimum of honours degree at 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject. Degree must contain a minimum of both 3 mathematics modules and 3 physics or engineering modules at 50% or above. Relevant degrees can include Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Physics.
Modules that we hope to see in an undergraduate degree would include materials, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, dynamics and structures, whereas unsuitable degrees for entry would have substantial focus on manufacturing.
Work experience in conjunction with a relevant lower Second Class Honours Degree will be considered.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 17570
Fees and funding
UK students Full time £12,744; Part Time: £6,372 International students Full time £28,952; Part Time: £14,476i
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
UK students Full time £12,744; Part Time: £6,372 International students Full time £28,952; Part Time: £14,476i
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Heriot-Watt University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months