BSc (Hons) Mechatronics (top-up)
Course Overview
Interested in developing your knowledge and skills in mechatronics systems? Want to explore mechanical systems, robotics, smart machines, manufacturing automation, medical equipment, process control, and artificial intelligence in more depth? This course could be for you.This popular top-up programme takes you on a journey through mechanical and electronic engineering, control systems, computers and information systems – and how they support the design of all kinds of products, processes and systems. You’ll get to further investigate and appreciate how mechatronics combines the design of physical systems with the application of computer software.
You’ll do this through case studies, practical laboratory-based work, and problem-solving projects – and have access to our excellent mechatronic facilities and engineering laboratories. Plus, you’ll be able to use our state-of-the-art design studio and the latest software and hardware.
The course teaching staff comprise active researchers in a range of sectors, including motorsports, smart materials, biosensors and artificial intelligence, so you’ll be guided and supported by enthusiastic, hands-on subject experts. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from our close links with leading manufacturers in the field of mechatronics.
Highlights
- You’ll have access to our dedicated mechatronic facilities, engineering laboratories, and high-spec design studio with design, analysis and simulation software.
- Our experienced and mechatronics-mad teaching staff are also active researchers and respected industry figures.
- We offer a multidisciplinary and internationally renowned course that can support your progress into careers, further training or research positions associated with mechatronics and related disciplines.
- You’ll benefit from highly attentive academic support, dedicated pastoral assistance and a friendly, welcoming learning environment.
Key Features
- You’ll be able to develop and demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of mechatronics, along with the science and mathematics that underpin them.
- We’ll introduce you to the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
- You’ll also get the chance to explore some of the key social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations in engineering contexts.
- We’ll encourage and support you as you learn to apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to problem solving.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
Entry Requirements
- You’ll have successfully completed a Foundation Degree (FdEng/FdSc) in Mechatronics, or a similar mechanical, electrical, electronic or control systems engineering-related qualification comprising at least 120 credits at HE4 and 120 credits at HE5, such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
- You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
The BSc (Hons) Mechatronics (Top-up) programme integrates mechanical and electronic engineering and is a one-year course for students who already have a HND, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation Degree in a related subject.
This course is for you if you are interested in developing your knowledge and skills in the field of mechatronics systems including mechanical systems, robotics, smart machines, manufacturing automation, medical equipment, process control, and artificial intelligence. As a graduate you can use your multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in mechanical, electronic, control, computing, IT and product and system design and development. The course is also designed to help improve your critical thinking, problem solving, team work, attention to detail, research, data analysis and data evaluation skills.
You should find many opportunities available after graduation, since mechatronic products and systems are very much demanded by the highly competitive international marketplace.
What can I do with this qualification?
A Mechatronics degree also provides a platform into a range of diverse sectors such as banking, finance and accountancy, energy and utilities, engineering, environment and agriculture, IT and technology, defence, science and manufacturing and production.
After graduation you may also choose to continue your formal education in the form of a Master’s or research degree.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification to enter a range of other careers, and for some of these roles, both relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Some of these careers include:
- Financial analysis and management
- IT sales and consultancy
- Law
- Marketing
- Teaching and education
- Research and development
- Project management
- Manufacturing
- Automotive engineering
- Construction
- Utilities
- Telecommunications
- Product design
- Risk management
- Systems analysis
- Materials engineering
- Logistics and distribution
- Insurance claims and risk
Professional Recognition
As a top-up student you can apply for Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) student Affiliate membership.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.
A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:
Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BSc (Hons) Mechatronics - 27 January 2025
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Apply online: University of Bolton BSc (Hons) Mechatronics - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Bolton Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton
For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Bolton BSc (Hons) Mechatronics - 27 January 2025
-
Apply online: University of Bolton BSc (Hons) Mechatronics - 22 September 2025
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
Mechatronics is a truly diverse subject, so we’ll apply a range of teaching methods and encourage you to use a variety of learning approaches. This means you’ll have lectures, tutorials, case-study sessions, practical workshops, laboratory experiences and guided investigations, and a mix of individual and group learning.
On top of timetabled sessions, we’ll offer a range of other ways to develop your creativity and skill – for example, through an open-ended project where you’ll have the chance to put your learning into practice. To support this, we recommend you dedicate significant time to independent, self-directed study such as background reading and research – for which we’ll gladly offer guidance and support to help you get the most from this course.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Project
- Advanced Mechatronic Systems
- Computer Aided Analysis and Simulation
- Computer Aided Manufacturing
- Electronic Engineering for Mechatronics
- Management and Enterprise in Engineering
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 71% Practical exams 12% Written exams 17% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 70% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
