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Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG MSc

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 year
    Part Time: 2 years

  • Starting

    September, February

    SEP, FEB

Updated 23/04/2025

Open Days

Updated 23/04/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The University of Northampton’s Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc addresses the complete life cycle of a product or process, from conception through to design and manufacture to disposal. This highly applied programme develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning engineering in the field of design and manufacturing, and of the accompanying legal, ethical and professional considerations. There is a strong focus on integrating current research and developments into learning and teaching.

This advanced design and manufacturing course is available to study on placement and non-placement routes. To apply for the non-placement route, please click on Apply Now button above; to apply for the placement route, please see below.

Apply for Placement route

Highlights

  • The Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc offers the opportunity to examine emerging concepts such as Digital Manufacturing and industry 4.0
  • Course accredited by IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers)
  • Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in real engineering problem
  • Advanced product design and 3D printing mini-project
  • Develop a wider perspective to technology management
  • Optional one-year placement for September intake students
  • Participative and interactive activities designed to consolidate and develop your understanding.
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Entry Requirements

Applicants for MSc Advanced Design and Manufacturing will normally hold a recognised first or second class honours degree from a UK university or international equivalent in a relevant subject area. We expect that you will have a knowledge of Engineering from almost any discipline (e.g. Mechanical, Design, Electrical, Manufacturing) and are interested in developing your engineering skills in the area of modelling, control and sustainability.

For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent)
      for study at master’s level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • This Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc programme has been developed to meet the needs of companies and industry in the UK and overseas. It is specifically designed to increase the employability of its learners in a design and manufacturing context by identifying new service, strategy and product opportunities, and conducting projects in collaboration with industrial partners. This manufacturing design programme covers areas such as digital manufacturing and industry 4.0, 3D printing and artificial intelligence.

    Optional Placement

    There is a one-year optional placement for applicants starting in both the September and January in-takes. On completion of the design and manufacturing programme, graduates will have obtained skills and knowledge to work in manufacturing industries, design consultancies, and research and development organisations.

    Help and Support

    Help and support is embedded within the infrastructure of this advanced manufacturing msc programme both with regard to facilitated sessions and self-study materials – which are provided through dedicated online learning support sites.

    All 20 credit modules will provide students with 12 weeks of face-to-face teaching with one revision week. The 60 credits ‘Dissertation Project’ module will run over a two-term period. Online drop-in sessions will be offered over the term by each individual module leader to support students to prepare for the assignments or should students need any extra help. The students will engage with face to face teaching and activities one day per week, so students will be able to balance their study with work and life commitments.

    Awards

    To be eligible for the award of Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc, you must successfully complete 120 credit modules and the 60-credit Dissertation.

    To be eligible for the award of PG Dip Advanced Design and Manufacturing, you must successfully complete 120 credit modules.

    Modules

    To view the modules on Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc you can visit the Award Maps for the Placement and Non-Placement routes:

    Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc – Placement (Modules)

    Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc – Non-Placement (Modules)

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

      • Module code: ENGM001
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with thorough and comprehensive knowledge of principles and techniques of deterministic, stochastic, and differential equation based mathematical modelling. Real problems will be used to teach students how to develop and illustrate these techniques and derive a mathematical model. The students will be taught how to combine rigorous mathematical approaches/approximation, engineering estimates, and data analysis. In this module, a variety of physical phenomena and engineering applications will be considered. The use of methods of applied analysis, probability, statistics and stochastic processes will be described.
      • Module code: ENGM004
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides an opportunity to learn advanced numerical algorithms for computer-aided analysis of moving mechanical systems with emphasis on the kinematic and dynamic analysis of mechanisms. These are illustrated with practical examples and case studies with technical computing and visualization implemented in MATLAB / Simulink and Simscape Multibody toolbox.
      • Module code: ENGM005
        Status: Compulsory
        This module gives students the opportunity exercise independent learning and demonstrate originality in application of engineering knowledge and in addressing problems. Students will gain experience ranging from describing and commenting on current and advanced research, to solving problems using ideas and techniques at the forefront of the discipline.
      • Module code: ENGM009
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides an in depth study of key areas relating to the professional practice within a technological context. Looking particularly at; the role of project management; the impact of the individual and organisation within technological environments; the role of ethical principles and the value of sound research methodologies. The module aims to create a dymnamic, engaging environment to discuss and debate the key topics contained within the module.
      • Module code: ENGM010
        Status: Compulsory
        This module enables the student to develop knowledge and skills using 3D CAD. The work undertaken will encourage students to create and evaluate virtual models of design projects in relation to technical, aesthetic and detailed design considerations and continue the process to manufacturing stage.
      • Module code: ENGM011
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides students with knowledge and understanding of the key concepts for Digital Manufacturing, current practices, tools and processes, and possible future development. This includes areas such as development in terms of research and technology innovation, product development, supplier management, maintenance, remanufacture and business plan development and management aspects. Exploration of new challenges and technologies in Industry 4.0, Smart Products, and Internet of Things are also considered.
      • Module code: ENVM072
        Status: Compulsory
        This module is intended to provide an introduction to how the design and manufacture of products can best be managed to ensure a sustainable approach to the use and management of resources.
  • IMechE accreditation

    This msc manufacturing degree has been accredited by IMechE under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

    Engineering Accredited Logo

    Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc 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.

  • How will I be taught on Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc?

    Full Time Study

    If you choose to study full-time, the course duration will be one year, split into three semesters. (You have the option to choose the programme with one-year placement.)

    Part Time Study

    If you choose to study part-time, the course duration will be two years. In the first year, you will study four modules. In the second year, you will study two modules plus the dissertation.

    How will I be assessed?

    The assessment methods used within the design and manufacturing masters programme varies from a module to another. The main assessment methods used within the programme are Assignment (Report, Critical reflection/Journal, etc.), Essay, Presentation (Oral or Poster). However, some modules may expect to take tests, exams or hands-on activity. Students on the MSc programme will have to submit a dissertation as part of their Business Research Project Module.

    Are there any specialist facilities and features on the Design and Manufacturing MSc?
    • We enrol small cohorts onto our master’s courses to ensure you receive personalised support and guidance throughout your programme.
    • You will benefit from industry workshops, innovative laboratories and computer-aided design suites.
    • Collaboration between The University of Northampton and local engineering companies (NETP), who provide paid placements opportunities for University students

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years*.

  • UK – Full Time: £8,500
  • UK – Part Time: £4,725 (Year one 100 Credits) £3,780* (Year two 80 Credits)
  • International – Full Time: £17,495
  • Year 2 Placement fee: £1,000*

*Year two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 26/27. The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

  • There are no additional costs for the Advanced Design and Manufacturing course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

    If you are starting a master’s course in 2024/25 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a master’s loan through Student Finance England.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years*.

    • UK – Full Time: £8,250
    • UK – Part Time: £4,600 (Year one 100 Credits) £3,680 (Year two 80 Credits)
    • International – Full Time: £16,995
    • Year 2 Placement fee: £1,000*

    *Year two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 25/26. The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

Careers and Employability

This Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc course will be suitable for recent graduates of Engineering related degrees. It will also be appropriate for professionals employed in engineering and technology sectors who wish to progress in their current roles.

Offering the optional one-year placement gives all students the opportunity to gain skills specific to their subject as well as the employability skills required for work. It also increases their knowledge of industries and sectors in the UK, allowing them to make better informed decisions about future career choices.

In addition, intensive one-day per week face to face teaching gives the mature and full-time employed students the chance to balance their study and life commitments and progress their career.

Is this course for you?

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