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School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

MRes Mechanical Engineering

MRes Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years

The MRes Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton is a research-focused postgraduate degree designed to build advanced engineering knowledge and practical research skills. You’ll work on real-world challenges in areas such as sustainable manufacturing and emerging technologies, preparing you for careers in industry or further research.

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The MRes Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton is a research-focused postgraduate degree designed to build advanced engineering knowledge and practical research skills. You’ll work on real-world challenges in areas such as sustainable manufacturing and emerging technologies, preparing you for careers in industry or further research.

Award
MRes
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (1 year),Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus
School
School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

This engineering degree is a launchpad for innovators ready to solve global challenges.

Mechanical engineering is evolving rapidly, with breakthroughs in renewable energy, green materials, and advanced manufacturing. This course positions you at the heart of that transformation—especially within the West Midlands, a region driving the UK’s Green Innovation Corridor.

Here’s why students choose this MRes:

  • Industry-Relevant Projects. Focus on real challenges that reflect the needs of modern engineering and manufacturing sectors.
  • Career Acceleration. Develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills highly valued by employers.
  • Research-focused learning
ideal for those aiming for careers in R&D, academia, or high-level engineering roles.
  • Industry-relevant projects
work on real challenges that reflect the needs of modern engineering and manufacturing sectors.
  • Career acceleration
develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills highly valued by employers.
  • Flexible study options
study full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months), with multiple start dates.
  • Global Opportunities.
Gain transferable skills that open doors in the UK and international job markets

Whether you're an early-career engineer, a professional looking to step into leadership, or aiming for a PhD, this course gives you the tools to move forward with confidence.

What's unique about this course?

  • Research-Led, Industry-Driven: You’ll work on applied research projects that address real industrial and environmental challenges.
  • Advanced Engineering Facilities - Access specialist labs and equipment, including:
    • Additive manufacturing (metal 3D printing).
    • CNC machining and digital manufacturing suites.
    • Fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing.
    • Advanced materials and composites labs.
  • Focus on Sustainable Innovation: Be part of a university contributing to the Green Innovation Corridor, tackling global issues like climate change through engineering solutions.
  • Expert Academic & Industry Insight:
    Learn from academics with strong research backgrounds and industry professionals who bring real-world engineering experience into your learning.
  • Strong Progression Opportunities
    • Pathway to PhD and doctoral research.
    • Preparation for senior engineering and management roles.
    • Skills aligned with UK Engineering Council expectations.

  • International Appeal: Designed to attract a global cohort, creating a diverse, collaborative research environment that mirrors the modern engineering workplace.

What happens on the course?

The MRes Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton is a research-intensive postgraduate degree designed to immerse you in real-world engineering challenges. From day one, you’ll focus on developing advanced research skills while working on a substantial, industry-relevant project.

You’ll explore specialist areas such as sustainable additive manufacturing, high-speed machining, and advanced materials, supported by expert academic supervision. The course blends structured learning with independent research, giving you the freedom to investigate topics aligned with your career goals.

Your journey includes:

  • A major research dissertation (120 credits) tackling a real engineering problem.
  • Specialist taught modules in advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Training in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management.
  • Access to cutting-edge facilities including wind tunnels, composites labs, and digital manufacturing tools.
  • Delivered at our £120m Springfield site, the course offers flexible entry points throughout the year (September, January, May), with full-time and part-time study options.

By the end of the course, you won’t just understand engineering systems—you’ll be ready to reshape them.



Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Module: 7MA044
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core

Capitalising on the high proliferation of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines in modern manufacturing, this module focusses on CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing) in combination with additive manufacturing systems to exploit the best properties from near-net-shape manufacturing, advanced multi-axis machining techniques, zero-point referencing, and high-speed machining techniques to optimise performance, equipment lifespan and environmental considerations.

Module: 7MA050
Credits: 120
Period: 1
Type: Core

The MRes dissertation is a challenging opportunity for engineers to apply their knowledge, skills and critical evaluation at this advanced level of study. Running for 12 months, you will have the opportunity to explore a topic that best suits your career aspirations, through a series of sessions exploring research methods, professional skills, ethics, environmental and social responsibilities. The module will start with fundamentals on research methods delivered via our virtual learning environment that enables self-study (worksheets, videos, quizzes) and complemented with frequent supervisor meetings to reinforce understanding and guide the engineer through their project. The engineer will then tackle challenging engineering projects while working through their dissertation.

Module: 7MA043
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core

Exploiting the latest technologies in metal additive manufacturing (L-PBF), Engineers will utilise digital engineering to follow the manufacturing journey from an idea, to a digital 3D model, evaluations through to functional metal parts. This module investigates advantages and limitations of additive manufacturing for globally distributed and point-of-use manufacturing, whilst integrating with existing manufacturing systems to exploit commercial gain and significantly reduce waste for sustainability. Engineers will maximise process characteristics for single-piece production, customisability and structural optimisation with minimal material.

Potential Career Paths

Career Paths: 

  • Research & Development Engineer 
  • Mechanical Design Engineer 
  • Manufacturing or Production Engineer 
  • Sustainability / Green Technology Specialist 
  • Engineering Project Manager 
  • Data Analyst (Engineering & Manufacturing) 

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

By the end of the MRes Mechanical Engineering, you’ll have transformed from a learner into a researcher and strategic thinker capable of tackling complex engineering challenges with confidence and precision.

Knowledge & Understanding

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, particularly in manufacturing and sustainability
  • Critically evaluate current research and emerging technologies in areas such as additive manufacturing and high-speed machining
  • Understand the broader industrial, environmental, and global context of engineering innovation

Intellectual Skills

  • Design and conduct independent research projects addressing real-world engineering problems
  • Analyse and interpret complex data using appropriate research methods
  • Apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making to engineering challenges

Practical & Professional Skills

  • Plan, manage, and deliver a substantial engineering research project
  • Use advanced tools and technologies in digital and sustainable manufacturing environments
  • Communicate technical information clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

Transferable Skills

  • Project management and organisation
  • Problem-solving in uncertain and complex environments
  • Independent working alongside collaborative research
  • Adaptability across industries and global contexts

Applicants should be educated to Honours Degree level, with a minimum of a 2:2, in Mechanical Engineering, Technology or a closely related discipline. All first-degree qualifications in General Engineering and Physical Sciences (BEng and BSc) will be considered.

Applicants who do not hold a recognised degree or an ordinary degree, maybe considered based on a minimum of three year relevant work experience.

International Applicants

Your qualifications need to be deemed equivalent to the above entry requirements.

  • English Language requirements are normally IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each area (unless otherwise stated) or equivalent accepted qualification 
  • For further information relating to overseas qualification please use the following link https://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/international-academy/​

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

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Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.


You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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