Master of Science in Engineering

This qualification includes the various specialisations. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

The purpose of the qualification is to combine the development of specialised skills and knowledge in a field such as Aeronautical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgical & Materials and Mining Engineering. This is achieved by the learner following one of three routes:

a. MSc (Eng) (by coursework) or

b. MSc (Eng) (by coursework and research report) or

c. MSc (Eng) (by dissertation).

However, in the case or routes B and C, an additional purpose of the qualification is to combine specialist skills and knowledge with research mastery, either by completing research work that comprises part (route B) or the whole (route C) of the MSc(Eng).

The qualifying MSc(Eng) graduate can apply specialised knowledge, tools and techniques in advanced design and investigation, and, in the case of routes B and C above, is competent in research. The qualifying learner has reached the educational requirements towards employment as a specialist and is capable of applying specialist knowledge and applying specialised tools and techniques to problems in the practice of engineering, or research (in the case of learners who complete research work as part of or as the whole of the MSc(Eng)).

Learning achieved by meeting the outcomes of a qualification of the University listed below (under Formally Accredited Learning) is assumed to be in place.

Formally Accredited Learning

The typical applicant has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (or a Bachelor of Science with Honours in an appropriate discipline, or a Graduate Diploma in Engineering) of the University, or other University-approved qualification, and has completed the degree such that the achievement has given the applicant a reasonable chance of reaching the specified outcomes in order to meet the requirements for registration for an MSc (Eng) - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Research mastery (NB this outcome applies in respect of Routes B and C only, i.e.

B. MSc(Eng) by coursework and research report and C. MSc(Eng) by dissertation).

The qualifying learner demonstrates ability to work independently and shows mastery in advanced study and research methods.

1. Specialist knowledge ( This outcomes applies in respect of all three routes, Routes A, B and C, i.e. A. MSc(Eng) by coursework, B. MSc(Eng) by coursework and research report and C. MSc(Eng) by dissertation)

The qualifying learner is competent to apply specialist knowledge to engineering problems.

1. High order problem-solving (This outcomes applies in respect of all three routes, Routes A, B and C, i.e. A. MSc(Eng) by coursework, B. MSc(Eng) by coursework and research report and C. MSc(Eng) by dissertation)

The qualifying learner is competent to perform high order problem solving techniques.

1. Tools and techniques (This outcomes applies in respect of all three routes, Routes A, B and C, i.e. A. MSc(Eng) by coursework, B. MSc(Eng) by coursework and research report and C. MSc(Eng) by dissertation)

The qualifying learner is competent to apply specialised engineering tools and techniques.

CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES

a) "identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made." See exit level outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

b) "working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community." See exit level outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

c) "organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively." See exit level outcomes 1 and 2.

d) "collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information." See exit level outcomes 1 and 3.

e) "communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion." See exit level outcomes 1 and 2.

f) "using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others." See exit level outcomes 1 and 4.

g) "demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation." See exit level outcomes 1 and 3.

h) "contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

i. "reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;" see exit level outcomes 1 & 3.

ii. "participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;" see exit level outcomes 1, 2 and 3; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.

iii. "being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;" see exit level outcomes 1 and 3.

iv. "exploring education and career opportunities." See exit level outcome 1 and 2.

v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities." See exit level outcomes 1 and 2.

1. The qualifying learner completes a dissertation or research report which includes ability to

• identify and formulate a research problem
• perform a critical and relevant literature survey
• execute and critically review research using an effective methodology
• assess the significance of research findings
• write the dissertation or research report in acceptable structure, style and language.

2. The qualifying learner demonstrates

• both knowledge and application of that knowledge in a specialised field
• competence as an engineer which includes
• demonstration of leadership in advanced problem-solving
• ability to work with others in a team
• showing initiative and ability to work independently with professional responsibility in a specialised field
• effective communication in any medium
• ability to engage in lifelong learning and to hold lifelong learning as a professional value.

3. The qualifying learner demonstrates

• the ability to select, apply, evaluate and/or develop the most appropriate specialised approach to the solution of problems.
• an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
• application of diverse knowledge to development of appropriate solutions of problems, recognising wide-ranging factors including financial, environmental, health and technological aspects.

4. The qualifying learner demonstrates

• the ability to select, apply, evaluate and/or develop the most appropriate specialised techniques to the solution of problems.
• use of specialist engineering tools and techniques effectively and critically.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Research reports or dissertations serve as the medium for integrated assessment. Assessment is undertaken on a continuous basis, incorporating seminar presentations and papers, coursework assignments and tasks, as well as reports on research plans and designs. Such methods assess students' progress towards the professional and academic competencies set out in the exit level outcomes listed above. The assessment instruments are designed to integrate practical, theoretical and reflexive competence. Furthermore in order to pass a course, and, finally, in order to qualify, the learner must demonstrate the specialised knowledge acquired.