Masters degrees in Automotive Engineering equip postgraduates with the skills to design, develop and manufacture mechanical systems for a range of vehicles.
Taught MSc degrees are typical for the field, though research oriented MRes and MPhil programmes may be available at some institutions. Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Mechanical Engineering.
Modern vehicles are often taken for granted and yet they represent an incredibly complex and diverse set of disciplines. The automotive electronics engineer has to bring together real-time software, safety critical constraints, sensor electronics, control algorithms, human factors, legislation and ethics into a working package that satisfies multiple stakeholders.
The Ricardo engineering consultancy helped to develop this course, ensuring MSc students come away equipped with industry-relevant skills. Their continued involvement includes offering the use of pioneering industry equipment through the Ricardo Universities IC Engines research facility. They also help to cultivate future engineering talent, both locally and internationally.
On this MSc course you'll explore a range of topics including interconnected communication networks, entertainment systems, safety critical software, diagnostics, alternative fuels and hybrid technologies.
In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE2008), our automotive engineering research group achieved an excellent rating, with 70 per cent of its research rated as internationally excellent or world leading, and 95 per cent deemed to have been internationally recognised.
Our reputation has enabled us to invest more in our facilities.
This MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a chartered engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng-accredited BEng or BSc(Hons) undergraduate degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
The course starts in September. You will study four modules each term and will take exams after your Christmas and Easter vacations.
For each taught module you will have between three and four hours' contact with the lecturer each week, alongside further self-study tutorial and laboratory exercises requiring study outside of the class contact time.
After all eight taught modules have been completed you will then begin your individual project and masters dissertation stage. This final stage is full-time, but there are no classes during this phase, which ends in early September.
It is possible to study part-time study, by taking the modules at a slower rate. This can be tailored to fit around any personal or professional commitments that you may have. Please note, however, that there is no evening teaching so if you wish to study part-time then you will need to agree on study leave with your employer in order to attend the classes. The final project phase could be conducted at your place of work in some cases.
You will study eight modules and embark on an individual project. This project will form the basis of your dissertation.
Core modules
Option modules
Individual projects have included real-time power-train modelling for software in the loop testing, a smart grid system using electric vehicles as an energy storage resource and an experimental investigation of novel fuel injection and ignition systems for a spray-guided gasoline engine.
The Division of Engineering and Product Design’s research and teaching laboratories house a number of engine test cells in which world leading research is carried out. Although these labs centre on cylinders, pistons and valves they are surrounded by complex electronic equipment to control the mechanics and to monitor pressures, temperatures, chemistry and capture high speed events on computer for real-time and post-run analysis.
MSc students often carry out projects in these labs and make their contribution to research or commercial innovation. For details of these state of the art laboratories see Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories.
Professor Stipidis and his team provide valuable state-of-the-art research into automotive communications architectures and also provide infrastructure for some of the laboratory exercises in the Automotive Communications Systems taught module.
This course serves as a training and proving ground for the next generation of researchers. It is ideal for those hoping to be employed as development or research engineers.
The MSc can also serve as the basis for further study at a doctoral level.
The nature of graduate work varies; it could be with OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover; it could be with consultants such as Ricardo, Lotus or AVL; or Tier One suppliers such as Delphi, Infineon or Denso.
Employment Prospects
Our students have secured roles including:
Potential job roles include:
Established for over 50 years with excellent industrial links and an outstanding record for the employment of its graduates, this course has been developed to provide the industry with high calibre engineers that are equipped with the necessary skills to advance vehicle technology to meet the demands of the future.
The MSc in Automotive Engineering is suitable for graduates in engineering, physics or mathematics, and will prepare you for a career in this exciting field, from engine design to hybrid and electric vehicles, chassis and braking operations, and much more.
This course aims to provide graduates with the technical qualities, transferable skills and independent learning ability to make them effective in organisations that design and develop automotive products. Our strategic links with industry ensure that all of the course material is relevant, timely and meets the needs of organisations competing within the automotive sector. This industry-led education makes Cranfield graduates some of the most desirable in the world for automotive companies to recruit.
We offer students the opportunity to study in a postgraduate only environment where Masters' graduates can go onto secure positions in full-time employment in their chosen field, or undertake academic research. You will be taught by leading academics as well as industrial practitioners, and work alongside a strong research team at Cranfield University. Industry placements are on offer during research work.
The MSc in Automotive Engineering is directed by an Industrial Advisory Panel comprising senior engineers from the automotive sector. This maintains course relevancy and ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required by leading employers. You will have the opportunity to meet this panel and present your individual research project to them at an annual event held in July. Panel members include:
The MSc is accredited by Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) & Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
This course comprises eight compulsory taught modules that are assessed via a combination of written exams and individual coursework assignments, a group project and an individual research project.
Group project
You will undertake a substantial group project between October and March, which focuses on designing and optimising a particular vehicle system/assembly. This is designed to prepare you for the project-based working environment within the majority of the automotive industry.
As a group, you will be required to present your findings, market the product and demonstrate technical expertise in the form of a written submission and a presentation to the Industrial Advisory Board, academic staff and fellow students. This presentation provides the opportunity to develop presentation skills and effectively handle questions about complex issues in a professional manner.
View details of the 2017 Group Project - Design of an autonomous (self driving) electric vehicle
Individual project
The individual research project is the largest single component of the course taking place between April and August. It allows you to develop specialist skills in an area of your choice by taking the theory from the taught modules and joining it with practical application, usually involving a design feasibility assessment, systems analysis or facility development. Most of the projects are initiated by industrial contacts or associated with current research programmes.
In recent years, some industry sponsors have given students the opportunity to be based on site. Thesis topics will often become the basis of an employment opportunity or PhD research topic.
Assessment
Taught modules 50%, Group project 10%, Individual research project 40%
Our postgraduate Automotive Engineering course provides you with the necessary skills for a career in the automotive industry. Cranfield’s automotive graduates have an excellent employment record and currently occupy positions of high responsibility in industry, such as managers of research establishments, chief engineers, engine and vehicle programme managers. Some of our graduates decide to continue their education through PhD studies with Cranfield University.
Companies that have recruited graduates of this course include:
We also arrange company visits and career open days with key employers.
Created in partnership with companies such as the Ford Motor Company and Jaguar Land Rover, the programme is also aimed at existing or prospective product development engineers and those working in manufacturing, particularly those working alongside product design personnel in the context of cross-functional teams and simultaneous working practice.
Students study three compulsory modules and a further three modules from a choice of five. In addition, full-time students undertake a university-based project and part-time students undertake an industry-based project.
An online study support system provides additional information and materials to facilitate student discussion.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (towards Chartered status).
This course is aimed at engineers working in the automotive industry who wish to extend and deepen their skills and understanding of the field, as well as recent graduates who intend to start a career in the industry.
Though primarily aimed at product development engineers, the course offers significant value to those working in the manufacturing side of the industry and those who work alongside colleagues from product design in the context of cross-functional teams. Individual modules of this MSc can be studied as short courses.
The programme is very much one of technical engineering content, sitting in a systems engineering framework.
See the website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/aero-auto/automotive-systems-engineering/
Students study three compulsory modules, three optional taught modules and carry out an individual project. In total the course comprises 180 modular credits, made up from 6 taught modules valued at 20 credits each, plus the project which is valued at 60 credits.
The course is mostly delivered as a series of block taught modules. An online study support system provides additional information and materials to facilitate learning and discussion. Full time students undertake a University based project and part time students undertake an industry based project.
Assessment: Examination, coursework assignments and project dissertation.
- Incorporates a systems thinking framework, referring to product lifecycle, target setting, requirements capture and cascade, plus elements of business-related drivers for engineering practice.
- Provides clear links between design and manufacture, for example presenting examples where manufacturing capabilities have a large impact on design and system robustness.
- Develops advanced and specialist themes via the optional modules.
- Expertise provided from industry-based specialists.
- Individual modules can be studied as short courses.
- The MSc course was originally developed in partnership with Ford Motor Company, and we continue to work closely with the automotive industry in designing, developing and delivering our courses.
- Manufacturing Systems and Integrated Design
- Vehicle and Powertrain Functional Performance
- Vehicle Systems Analysis
- Project
- Body Engineering
- Powertrain Calibration Optimisation
- Sustainable Vehicle Powertrains
- Vehicle Dynamics and Control (for full time programme only)
- Vehicle Electrical Systems Integration
Graduates work primarily in product design and development groups and are sought after by a wide range of automotive companies. Students that wish to pursue other careers are well-equipped to work in a wide range of sectors within the vehicle industry.
Loughborough University offers five merit based competitive scholarships to the value of 10% of the programme tuition fee for international students applying for the MSc in Automotive Systems Engineering. All students applying for the course will be considered for the scholarship.
The Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering is a specialist centre within one of the UK’s largest engineering universities.
The Department has 37 academic staff and nearly 150 postgraduate students on taught and research programmes. In the Government’s External Subject Review, the Department was awarded an excellent score (23/24) for the quality of its teaching.In the most recent Research Excellence Framework our subject areas featured in the top ten nationally.
- Facilities
The Department has extensive laboratories and facilities including: wind tunnels; anechoic chamber; indoor UAV testing; structures testing facilities; gas-turbine engines; eight purpose-built engine test cells; Hawk aircraft; 6-axis simulator (road and aircraft); chassis dynamometer and numerous instrumented test vehicles.
The Department hosts the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Combustion Aerodynamics and the Caterpillar Innovation and Research Centre (IRC) in engine systems.
- Research
The Department has four major research groups working across the technologies of automotive and aeronautical engineering. Each group works on a variety of research topics, ranging from the development of new low emissions combustion systems for gas turbine engines, through to fundamental investigations into the operation of hydrogen powered fuel cells.
- Career prospects
Over 90% (DLHE, 2016) of our graduates were in employment and/or further study six months after graduating. The Department has particularly close links with BAE Systems, Bentley, British Airways, Ford Motor Company, Group Lotus, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, MIRA, Perkins Caterpillar, Rolls-Royce and many tier one automotive suppliers
Find out how to apply here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/postgraduate/apply/
Automotive Mechatronics is a life-cycle activity that involves the multidisciplinary integration of automotive mechanical and electronic systems. You will gain skills across automotive-specific mechanics, electronics, communication, advanced control and modelling.
The MSc in Automotive Mechatronics is a recently established course, developed to respond to the clear demand in the sector for graduates with advanced skills and education in the specialised field. The significant increase in the application of mechatronics has created an industry need for this Masters degree. This course is designed for students with a solid engineering, mathematics or applied science undergraduate degree who want to strive for a skill set which combines electrical, mechanical, digital control systems and physical system modelling.
We have extensive strategic links with the automotive industry and key players in the forefront of automotive research and development. This high level of engagement with industry through short courses, consultancy and research makes our graduates some of the most desirable in the UK and abroad for companies to recruit.
We are well located for visiting students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies.
The MSc in Automotive Mechantronics is directed by an Industrial Advisory Panel comprising senior engineers from the automotive sector. This maintains course relevancy and ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required by leading employers. You will have the opportunity to meet this panel and present your individual research project to them at an annual event held in July.
This MSc degree is accredited by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and The Insitution of Engineering & Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
This course is made up of ten taught compulsory modules, which are generally delivered from October to March. During the first term you will take modules in core automotive subjects, such as vehicle dynamics, design, vehicle performance, powertrain technology and vehicle structures.
In the second term, you will undertake a bespoke programme of study geared towards a greater understanding of physical systems, advanced control system design and rapid prototyping.
Group project
You will undertake a substantial group project between October and March, which focuses on designing and optimising a particular vehicle system/assembly. This is designed to prepare you for the project-based working environment within the majority of the automotive industry.
Presentations are arranged to the Industrial Advisory Panel members (consisting of practising automotive engineers and managers), academic staff and fellow students, to market the product and demonstrate technical expertise. These presentations give you the opportunity to develop your presentation skills and effectively handle questions about complex issues in a professional manner.
The Automotive Mechatronics MSc Group Design Project presentations will be held on 8th March 2018. If you would like to attend please contact [email protected]
View our Automotive programme 2017
Individual project
After having gained an excellent understanding of methods and applications, you will work full-time (May to September) on an individual research project. This research project will allow you to delve deeper into an area of specific interest, taking the theory from the taught modules and joining it with practical experience. A list of suggested topics is provided, and includes projects proposed by staff and industry sponsors, associated with current research projects.
It is clear that the modern design engineer cannot be divorced from the commercial world. In order to provide practice in this matter, a poster presentation and written report will be required from all students, and the research findings presented to the academic staff as well as the Industrial Advisory Panel members.
Assessment
Taught component (50%), Group project (10%), Individual research project (40%)
This course will take you on to an excellent career as a qualified engineer of the highest standard in the field of Automotive Mechatronics, capable of contributing significantly to the increased demand for experts in the field of vehicle electrification. The broad application of automotive mechatronics opens a wide range of career opportunities within the automotive sector.
Expected careers paths for graduates who have successfully completed the MSc in Automotive Mechatronics include further research or employment within internationally leading vehicle manufacturers and engineering consultancies and tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry.
Wrexham Glyndwr University has a proven track of success in Automotive Engineering and Motorsport. The course contains modules covering the essential aspects of the automotive engineering field, providing a solid background for a career in the automotive engineering and motorsport sector.
Lecturers and supporting staff have the required industrial experience and are practitioners (track racing, car building. etc.).
The laboratories at Wrexham Glyndwr University are equipped with up-to-date specialist equipment and vehicles.
The programme provides the opportunity to combine practical aspects as well as simulation based projects. The university operates a computer lab with industry relevant software, e.g. CATIA, ANSYS (Mechanical and CFD)
An open and friendly atmosphere enhances the students’ learning experience. Strong links to local, national and international companies ensure the standard of teaching is industry relevant and they provide students’ with the best possible starting point into their professional career paths.
FULL-TIME STUDY (SEPTEMBER INTAKE)
The taught element, Part One, of the programmes will be delivered in two 12 week trimesters and each trimester has a loading of 60 credits.
You will cover six taught modules which include lectures, tutorials and practical work on a weekly basis. The expected timetable per module will be a total of 200 hours, which includes 40 hours of scheduled learning and teaching hours and 160 independent study hours.
Part Two will then take a further 15 weeks having a notional study time of 600 hours. During this time the student will be responsible for managing his/her time in consultation with an academic supervisor.
FULL-TIME MODE (JANUARY INTAKE)
For the January intake, students will study the three specialist modules first during the second trimester from January to May. The three core modules will be studied in the first trimester of the next academic year from September to January.
On successful completion of the taught element of the programme the students will progress to Part Two, MSc dissertation to be submitted in April/May.
PART-TIME MODE
The taught element, part one, of the programmes will be delivered over two academic teaching years. 80 credits or equivalent worth of modules will be delivered in the first year and 40 credits or equivalent in the second year. The part time students would join the full time delivery with lectures and tutorials/practical work during one day on a weekly basis.
The dissertation element will start in trimester 2 taking a further 30 weeks having a total notional study time of 600 hours. During this time the student will be responsible for managing his/her time in consultation with an academic supervisor.
AREAS OF STUDY INCLUDE:
Engineering Research Methods & Postgraduate Studies
Engineering Design & Innovation
Engineering Systems Modelling & Simulation
Advanced & Composite Materials
Structural Integrity & Optimisation
Advanced Automotive Chassis, Engines, Powertrain & Control
Dissertation
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
The course equips you with a thorough knowledge and skills in engineering at the forefront of new and emerging technologies. Graduates will be well placed to become subject specialists within industry or to pursue research careers within academia.
Mechanical engineering applies human and material resources to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of machines to move people, goods and materials, generate energy, produce goods and services, control pollution and dispose of wastes.
Mechanical engineers turn energy into power and motion, focusing on the generation, conversion and use of energy, as well as the design, construction and operation of devices and systems.
You will learn from world leaders in fluid mechanics, turbulence and biomechanics. Opportunities to consolidate theory with practice will come from group activities, site visits and industry projects. You will have access to well-equipped laboratories for materials testing, engine/turbine testing, wind tunnel investigations, simulation and metal forming processes. A heavy engineering workshop is available for the manufacture of testing facilities and research apparatus, as well as extensive computer facilities.
The Master of Engineering (Mechanical with Business) leads to a formal qualification in mechanical engineering at the Masters level.
The Master of Engineering (with Business) is designed to provide students with a formal qualification in engineering at the masters level, with a business specialisation that recognises the need for engineers to understand the management and workings of modern professional organisations.
Students who undertake the Master of Engineering (with Business) replace five advanced technical electives with five business subjects that have been tailored specifically for engineering students and co-developed with Melbourne Business School.
Graduates will have a grounding in financial, marketing and economic principles enabling them to work efficiently in any organisation, as well as the ability to apply the technical knowledge, creativity and team work skills learnt in their engineering training. This combination of knowledge and skills will be a powerful asset in the workplace.
Mechanical Engineering Career Pathways [PDF]
Mechanical engineering not only interacts with all other disciplines of engineering, but increasingly with other disciplines such as medicine and biology, supported by sophisticated computer technology. You will develop a breadth of skills and depth of fundamental knowledge, which will open up a wide variety of possible career directions.
Career opportunities exist in a diverse range of industries from aeronautics, automotive, biomedical, manufacturing, construction and building to robotics and the environment. Emerging technologies in bioengineering, materials science, and nanotechnology will create further opportunities.
Our graduates are employed by companies such as AECOM, Alcoa, BP Australia, ExxonMobil, Orica Limited, Origin Energy, Bosch, Shell, Jacobs and OZ Minerals.
This Master of Engineering (with Business) degree is professionally recognised under two major accreditation frameworks — EUR-ACE® and the Washington Accord (through Engineers Australia). Graduates can work as chartered professional engineers throughout Europe, and as professional engineers in the 17 countries of the Washington Accord.
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