Program Overview

Overview of the Automotive Mechatronics MSc Program

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc program at Cranfield University is designed to equip students with the skills needed to respond to the increasing demand for advanced skills and education in the field of automotive mechatronics. This rapidly growing field involves the multidisciplinary integration of automotive mechanical and electronic systems, including sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and other components, to create intelligent and responsive systems that can adapt to changing conditions.

Program Details

• Start Date: October
• Duration: One year full-time
• Delivery: Taught component (40%), Group project (20%), Individual research project (40%)
• Qualification: MSc
• Study Type: Full-time
• Campus: Cranfield campus

Who is the Program For?

This course is designed for students with a solid engineering, mathematics, or applied science undergraduate degree, who want to acquire a skill set that combines electrical, mechanical, digital control systems, and physical system modeling.

Why Choose this Program?

Cranfield's MSc in Automotive Mechatronics is unique in its combination of engineering and mechatronics, preparing students for careers in an ever-evolving automotive industry. The program's reputation among organizations and senior players in the sector makes its graduates highly attractive and sought-after. Strategic industry links mean that students benefit from a high level of engagement with potential employers.

Course Structure

The program consists of nine taught compulsory modules, generally delivered from October to March. The first term focuses on core automotive subjects, while the second term delves into a bespoke program of study geared towards a greater understanding of physical systems, advanced control system design, and rapid prototyping.

Compulsory Modules

1. Automotive Mechatronics Induction: Introduces the program, courses, and facilities available at Cranfield, covering team working, project management, and interpersonal skills.
2. Vehicle Design, Propulsion, and Performance: Provides a deep understanding of vehicle propulsion options and driveline, supporting students in analyzing and predicting vehicle performance.
3. Automotive Control and Simulation: Equips students with the skills needed to understand, design, and assess single-variable feedback control algorithms using classical control techniques for automotive systems.
4. Vehicle Electrification and Hybridisation: Empowers students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate various technologies and integration challenges associated with Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles.
5. Vehicle Dynamics: Provides a fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics as applied to wheeled vehicles, introducing road vehicle ride and handling from requirements to analytical modeling and practical viewpoints.
6. Mechatronics Modelling for Vehicle Systems: Offers a fundamental understanding of physical modeling applied to vehicle mechatronic systems, introducing modeling techniques from basic methodology to graphical modeling and practical viewpoints.
7. Advanced Control and Optimisation: Provides knowledge of advanced control engineering theory and techniques and their application to automotive control, introducing tools and methodology associated with multivariable control design techniques.
8. Embedded Vehicle Control Systems: Critically evaluates the different technologies and methods required for the efficient vehicle implementation, validation, and verification of the automotive mechatronic system.
9. Vehicle Control Applications: Covers a range of applications of Control Theory and Artificial Intelligence techniques in different components of a modern vehicle.

Teaching Team

The course director is Dr. Efstathios Siampis, and the teaching team includes:

• Dr. Stefano Longo, Reader in Automated Vehicles
• Professor Efstathios Velenis, Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Control
• Dr. Marko Tirovic, Visiting Lecturer
• Dr. Glenn Sherwood, Lecturer
• Professor Daniel J. Auger, Professor of Electrification, Modelling and Control
• Dr. Marco Cecotti, Lecturer in Driving Automation

Accreditation

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the 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 (CEng).

Career Opportunities

This course will lead 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 vehicle electrification. Expected career paths include further research or employment within internationally leading vehicle manufacturers and engineering consultancies and tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry.

Fees and Funding

• Home (Full-time): Ł13,005
• Overseas (Full-time): Ł29,025
• Deposit: Ł1,000 for Home students, Ł3,000 for Overseas students

Entry Requirements

• Academic Background: Usually, a UK lower second-class undergraduate degree with honors, or equivalent international qualification, in engineering, mathematics, or an applied science subject.
• English Language: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall and 5.5 in all skill components, or equivalent.

Conclusion

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc program at Cranfield University offers a unique blend of engineering and mechatronics, preparing students for careers in the evolving automotive industry. With its strong industry links, accredited status, and comprehensive curriculum, this program is ideal for those seeking to advance their skills and knowledge in automotive mechatronics.