The University of Bath is to start a Masters degree course that combines mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering.

Bath said it has established the course as a result of pressure from industry. Course sponsors include Qinetiq, Siemens, Rolls-Royce, BMT Defence Systems and BAe Systems.

Professor Alan Bramley from the University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering said: “The concept is to bind the two disciplines together as soon as possible in the degree.

“Teaching engineering as a whole to students is something that is done on the continent, but not here in Britain – here they are either taught the different areas of engineering completely separately or, where there are joint courses, these just mix modules from the various engineering degrees."

During years three and four of the MEng course, electrical and mechanical engineering are taught at the same time, he said, "which breaks down the barriers in the way that students think".

Real-world projects that will be studied include hybrid electric and petrol system for cars, robotics and medical and biological systems.

University of Bath