Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Purpose and Rationale

• This qualification is intended for persons who will make a contribution, through research, to understanding the application and evaluation of existing knowledge in a specialized area of technology.
• They will also demonstrate a high level of overall knowledge in that area, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical or applied knowledge.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Level 7.

Research.

Complete research successfully in engineering processes, products or systems.

1. Write a research proposal.
2. Gather information on the research area.
3. Choose and justify appropriate theory and methods for research.
4. Design, perform and manage the research.
5. Analyse and evaluate information.
6. Facilitate the transfer of technological knowledge in academic institutions.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The research field and implications are sufficiently understood.
• The proposal is feasible.
• The research proposal is relevant and applicable.
• The proposed research involves the application of existing theory and practice in complex and innovative ways.
• The proposal is mostly independently formulated.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Appropriate and wide sources are located.
• Information is analysed and choices are made and justified as to relevance.
• Information is appropriately synthesized.
• Information is gathered mostly independently from supervision.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Current theory and research methods in the field are described.
• Appropriate theory and methods are chosen and described.
• The choices of methods and theories are explained and justified.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The design is translatable into practice.
• The design works in practice.
• Observations made are consistently and accurately recorded.
• The design and performance are evaluated and suggestions put forward for improvements.
• The research process is successfully managed.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Information is appropriately categorized.
• Information is translated into appropriate forms.
• Information is evaluated, and informed and innovative recommendations concerning the research are put forward.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The thesis is coherently written and laid out according to national and institutional guidelines.
• An accredited journal or conference accepts a paper to which the learner has contributed.
• Learning by peers is facilitated through oral and poster presentations and/or in house seminars.
• Learning by junior students is facilitated.

Integrated Assessment

• Thesis.
• Publications.
• Presentations.