University of Reading

What you'll study

This Master's combines taught modules with a substantial research or applied project. You will study a mixture of core engineering principles and optional specialist topics, allowing you to tailor the programme to your interests. Typical taught areas include:

• Advanced mechanics and materials – stress analysis, fracture and fatigue, composite materials and selection.
• Dynamics and control – vibration analysis, control theory, mechatronics and embedded systems.
• Energy and sustainability – power systems, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency and environmental impact.
• Computational methods and simulation – finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics and numerical modelling.
• Design, optimisation and manufacturing – CAD/CAE, product development, manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing.
• Professional practice and project management – engineering management, risk assessment, health and safety and innovation management.

The programme culminates in an extended individual or team project (dissertation or industrial project), supervised by academic staff and often linked to ongoing research or industry partners. Assessment typically combines examinations, design reports, coursework, laboratory work and the project thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in engineering or a closely related subject. A UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or an international equivalent is the typical requirement. Candidates with a lower second-class degree (2:2) plus relevant professional experience may also be considered.

Relevant background knowledge in mathematics, mechanics and basic computing is expected. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English; a commonly used benchmark is an academic IELTS score around 6.5 overall with a minimum in individual components, or an equivalent qualification. Professional experience, a strong portfolio, or prior research activity can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of engineering roles across industry, consultancy and research. Typical career paths include:

• Design, development and project engineer roles in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing and construction.
• Roles in simulation and analysis, including CFD and FEA specialist positions.
• Positions in renewable energy, sustainability and environmental engineering.
• Engineering management, product development and systems engineering roles.
• Further research leading to PhD study or technical roles in R&D departments.

The programme’s applied project option and Reading's links with industry help students build a professional portfolio and contacts that support recruitment into graduate schemes, technical roles and consultancy work.

Why study at University of Reading

The University of Reading offers a supportive postgraduate environment with access to laboratory facilities, computing resources and academic supervision from staff active in engineering research. The programme emphasises practical skills and industry relevance, with opportunities to work on projects aligned to local and national engineering challenges.

Students benefit from a varied campus life, careers support services and links with regional employers and research groups, helping bridge the transition from study to professional engineering practice or further research.