Automotive Engineering MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
A man in a grey t shirt working on an engine.

In the modern world of vehicle design and manufacture, companies require engineers who are highly qualified and possess specialised skills.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT041

Start date

September 2024
January 2025


Course overview

If you have an interest in road vehicles and a mechanical or automotive background, this course could provide you with technical and managerial skills and expertise that are highly sought after by the automotive industry.

This highly focused course has been developed in consultation with our current impressive network of industry partners, including Jaguar Land Rover (industry partners are subject to change). It also draws on the industrial experience of academics and research activity covering the major specialisms, such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, vehicle safety, vehicle dynamics and connected vehicles.

We aim to equip you with the know-how to design and test vehicles that are more fuel-efficient, refined and safe, by studying the design, performance and operation of automotive powertrains and vehicle systems, examining individual components and entire vehicles. This could lead to a career as an automotive engineering specialist in a wide range of engineering, manufacturing, and service organisations.

You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

  • The course is designed to further your knowledge of the key aspects related to the automotive sector, from managing projects to design, analysis and the introduction and implementation of new technologies within the sector.
  • It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of design processes and the ability to generate innovative designs for products, systems, components, or processes. You will have the chance to develop, learn and apply new theories, concepts and methods in novel and challenging situations, analysing emerging technologies, analytical techniques and assessing their limitations. We aim to equip you with the skills and knowledge to analyse and assess commercial risks, management and business practices associated with the introduction of innovation in new situations and environments. 
  • Coventry University has a long and prestigious automotive, transport and engineering heritage. A number of our graduates are employed by automotive vehicle and system manufacturers and design professionals all over the world.
  • Our course aims to prepare you for a career in the fast-growing automotive sector and you will have the chance to enhance your experimental and computer simulation skills using equipment and software. You will be required to study all the major engineering focus areas in the automotive sector including design and metrology, structural analysis, vehicle aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, propulsion systems (electric, hybrid and ICE), connected vehicles and engineering management.
  • To complete your MSc, you will undertake a research project linked with current university research and/or on real-world situations proposed by industry partners. Such industry-related projects are hugely popular. You will be mentored by an academic to make and test components and analyse and present your findings. Recent projects in vehicle systems, combustion, stress and dynamics, finite element analysis, automation, computational fluid dynamics have included collaborations with Microcab, Unipart, JLR, Aston Martin and GKN.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) up to and including the 2025 intakes under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in industry.

The accredited MSc will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, that do not also have an appropriately accredited Honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their qualifications individually assessed through the Individual Case Procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.


Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the  Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI  Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice  at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.


IMechE Membership Partner

We are a Membership Partner with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Working in collaboration with the IMechE we aim to ensure our engineers and technical teams meet industry-recognised standards of engineering excellence.

We are committed to the professional development of everyone within our organisation and recognise that professional registration and recognition are crucial in helping our employees and business grow and excel.


Memberships

Students on this course will be able to apply for student membership of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) at no additional cost. Affiliate Membership of CMI on enrolment onto this course.


Rhitankar's experience of our extended master's programme


What you'll study

There is a strong component of Computer Aided Engineering across the modules studied, from Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Multibody Simulations (MBS). You will have the opportunity to use or improve your existing knowledge of engineering simulation software currently in use in the automotive sector. You will get the chance to apply mathematical and computer-based models for solving problems in untried areas and environments.

The course culminates with your individual project, which provides an opportunity to apply the theories and techniques you have learned during your studies. It may focus on one area of study or involve a combination of subjects.

Modules

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity2 enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules will incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of the Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

As an Assistant Lecturer teaching advanced structural analysis concepts, I have found Coventry University's rich academic environment has allowed me to provide high-quality teaching that directly relates to leading research and industry knowledge. As a former Coventry University student myself, I believe the breadth and depth of engineering modules prepared me to become the confident engineer I am today.

Maninder Sehmi, Assistant Lecturer in Automotive Engineering, 2022
Maninder Sehmi sat on a bench indoors

How you'll learn

Teaching methods include:

  • Lectures
  • Web-based learning
  • Seminars and discussions
  • Tutorials
  • Laboratory testing
  • Computer laboratory sessions
  • Case studies

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Your project-based semester will be supervisor-supported, self-directed study in the region of 45 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around 0.5 hours per week and optional workshops supporting your project which can add up to 10 additional hours across your project semester.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include reports, tests, exams, practical coursework and presentations as part of individual assignments or group work elements.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

To apply to this course, you should have a minimum 2:2 honours degree in an appropriate engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Automotive, Motorsport, or Aerospace Engineering. However, entry qualifications are flexible, and applications are welcomed from other technical disciplines, mature candidates, and those with industrial experience. Such applications will be reviewed by the course director.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year Request fee information
EU £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

Cruden F1 simulator

Cruden F1 simulator

The simulator provides a realistic experience of working for a race team in a high pressured and realistic environment. The simulator includes the same software and calculations used by professional racing teams.

Metals Workshop

Metals Workshop

Participate in technical work in a hands-on way. The workshop includes lathes, milling machines, fabrication equipment for sheet metal work, CNC machines, work benches, welding lines and a fitting assembly area.

Wind Tunnel

Wind Tunnel

Built and tested by the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One team, our open jet single return wind tunnel has been designed to accommodate 20% scale open-wheel racing car models with a maximum air velocity of 45 m/s.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you should be able to:

  • Apply and demonstrate understanding of the basic theoretical principles and practical techniques used in the solution of engineering problems related to propulsion systems, aerodynamics, connected vehicles, vehicle dynamics and vehicle systems.
  • Apply computer-based material and manufacturing process selection packages to determine the optimum materials for specific applications and conditions.
  • Apply engineering management and design tools in the automotive product development process.
  • Design, assess and analyse vehicle structure components and assemblies using both experimental and numerical methods and redesign components, systems or entire vehicle systems in line with legislation and safety test procedures for vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
  • Assess the business case for a project, analysing the benefits, uncertainties and risks, including an analysis of stakeholder needs, expectations and their associated impact on the project.
  • Critically analyse the engineering results from a problem associated with stress analysis, aerodynamics, dynamics, noise and vibrations.
  • Differentiate between material and process capabilities for component manufacture, as well as proposing material/process combinations for cost-efficient and optimum manufacture.
  • Critically assess and evaluate how to incorporate new technologies within existing vehicles to increase performance and efficiency.
  • Plan and implement a strategy, using selected computer tools, for the modelling, simulation and analysis of typical vehicle performance tests ensuring an efficient and effective contribution to the vehicle design process.
  • Understand the requirements of a project, develop work plans and ensure all the deliverables are met at set deadlines and the project is kept on track from start to finish.

This course has a strong focus on the current demands of the automotive industry and will provide you with an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required to help you to start making a positive contribution to the company you work for from day one.

Industry-related projects should give you a feel of what the demands and expectations are likely to be at your future workplace, as well as enabling you to practice and apply your skills to real engineering projects. You can also gain practical, hands-on experience in preparing, running, and analysing results from experimental testing and numerical analysis.

The school currently enjoys close links with employers in the performance engineering industry, including Red Bull Racing, the Auto-Cycle Union, Lotus Cars, Penske Racing and Triumph Motorcycles, as well as global manufacturers Jaguar Land Rover, Prodrive, MIRA, Whale Tankers and BAE Systems (close links may be subject to change).

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Successful completion of this course may provide you with a route into many careers within the global automotive engineering industry. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for JLR, Honda, Bentley, Lotus, TATA technology, Geely, Unipart, Aston Martin Lagonda and many OEMs. Other graduates have continued to PHD studies and moved into research.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply