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Research Masters Degree in Engineering Mechanical or Mechatronic: MEng Research (Mechanical) or MEng Research (Mechatronic)

Admission requirements – MEng Research:

Students holding one of the following qualifications may be admitted to the MEng Research programme:

1. BEng

2. HonsBSc

3. Applicable

4-year B degree

4. PDE

To obtain admission to the MEng Research programme, the student must normally have completed his/her undergraduate qualification within the prescribed minimum number of years with an average of at least 60 %, calculated over the whole period, as well as an average of at least 60 % in the final year. However, due to the many different grading schemes used internationally, a grade of 60 % from universities other than Stellenbosch will not necessarily imply acceptance.

Approval is also subject to the discretion of the Department.

In exceptional cases the Faculty Council may, on the recommendation of the Departmental Chairman, grant admission to the MEng Research to a prospective student who does not comply with the above requirements, but who has demonstrated in another way that he/she has achieved an equivalent level of competence.

The MEng Research programme is normally not available for part-time students.

Scope – MEng Research:

The MEng Research is a demanding programme and usually takes two (2) academic years of full-time study to complete. For the MEng Research (Mechanical) and MEng Research (Mechatronic) a student must normally complete:

• five (5) supplementary 800-level modules (16 SAQA credits each), followed by

• a research thesis of 1 800 hours in Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering.

The modules must include at least one (1) postgraduate Mathematics or Applied Mathematics module, and at least two (2) advanced engineering modules (typically chosen from Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Dynamics, Solid Mechanics, Design and Control). The remaining modules may be focused on the thesis topic. Students must select their modules in consultation with their supervisor. At most one (1) of the 800-level modules may be done on a self-study basis if the necessary theory for the thesis is not offered in the available modules.

Students may apply to have modules from other departments and institutions recognized. A summary of the course content, with a clear indication of the level and scope, must be submitted for consideration at time of application.

The nature of the thesis must be that of a work of research. The thesis will be examined by the supervisor, an internal and (an) external examiner(s). Candidates who wish to graduate in December, must submit their theses before or on ± 10 September. The corresponding submission date for the March graduation ceremony is ± 20 November (refer to the M and PhD study guide on the “General information” page for the correct dates).

In addition to the thesis, students must also write at least one (1) research paper on their research work, judged by the Postgraduate Committee to be suitable for presentation at an international conference.

For more information relevant to International students, please visit the web site of our International Office.