Automotive Engineering - MSc

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.

Who is it for?

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.

Why this course?

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.

Informed by Industry

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:

• Mr Rod Calvert, Automotive Management Consultant
• Mr Doug Cross, Flybrid Automotive Ltd
• Dr Jon Dixon, Ford Motor Company Ltd
• Dr Matthew Hancock, Jaguar Land Rover
• Mr Steve Liggins, Jaguar Land Rover
• Mr Paul McCarthy, JCB Power Systems
• Mr Steve Miles, Ford Motor Company Ltd
• Dr Leon Rosario, Lotus Engineering
• Mr Nuno Simoes, Multimatic Technical Centre Europe
• Mr Steve Swift, Multimatic Technical Centre Europe
• Dr John Temple, Nissan Technology Centre Europe
• Mr Malcolm Thomson, AVL.

Accreditation

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.

• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET)

Course details

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%

Your career

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:

• Jaguar Land Rover
• Lotus
• Millbrook Proving Ground
• McLaren
• Ricardo.

We also arrange company visits and career open days with key employers.

Visit the Automotive Engineering - MSc page on the Cranfield University website for more details!