Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2025-11-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
2026-03-01 | - |
2026-05-01 | - |
2026-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
Automotive Engineering MSc
Course Overview
This course has a firm footing in traditional automotive technology but also looks to the future.
This course aims to:
- provide you with the ability to apply your engineering knowledge to address the rapid development of automotive technology and the requirement for cost-effective carbon reduction solutions
- equip you with the ability 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
- draw on the industrial experience of academics (staff subject to change) and research activity covering the major specialisms, such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, vehicle safety, vehicle dynamics and connected vehicles
- lead you to a career as an automotive engineering specialist in a wide range of engineering, manufacturing and service organisations.
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.
Modules
- Aerodynamics and Vehicle Dynamics – 30 credits
- This module aims to provide you with an advanced understanding of ground vehicle aerodynamics and dynamics as applied to wheeled vehicles, covering the aerodynamic forces and moments, flow behaviour and areas of ride and handling from analytical, modelling, and practical viewpoints.
- Future Automotive Technologies – 30 credits
- This module aims to give you an overview of advanced power-train layouts and vehicle propulsion systems. This module also introduces holistic and future concepts of Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) to enable an understanding of the necessity for cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary working practices to design and engineer future vehicles successfully and sustainably. You will attend research-inspired lectures, be provided with access to electric vehicle laboratory sessions and may have an opportunity to review data and be involved in developing the Coventry University FS AI vehicle.
- Generative Design – 30 credits
- Explore systems engineering methods to break down complex systems into subsystems and components, covering requirements, design, testing and validation. Expect to develop the skills to manage engineering projects and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, you will learn CAD software for design optimization, including generative and parametric design, to create and improve 3D models through simulation, verification and remodelling.
- Structural Integrity and Dynamic Behaviour - 30 credits
- You’ll be focusing on the advanced concepts of stress analysis and the dynamic behaviour of structures, essential for understanding and predicting the performance of engineering components and systems under various loading conditions. You’ll also cover the dynamic response of structures to time-dependent loads, vibrations, and impact, integrating theoretical foundations with practical case studies. Emphasis is placed on solving complex real-world engineering problems.
- Master’s with professional placement
- If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.
- Individual Project - 60 credits
- This is your opportunity to put into practice the prior and new learning that acquired from your taught modules to solve a significant engineering problem in a professional manner. The project will be typically an industrial or research-based project that is technical in nature.
How You'll Learn
Teaching and learning methods for this course may include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- presentations
- group assessments
- workshops
- practical laboratory sessions.
An Activity Led Learning (ALL) approach (student-centred) is promoted within the course, with group work introduced to develop transferable skills that help you to be industry-ready. Research-informed teaching is the norm, especially with individual projects. You will have access to an extensive list of projects directly linked with research or collaboration with industry.
Entry Requirements
Typical entry requirements:
- UK
- International
An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a mechanical, automotive or related discipline.
We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.
Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:
Africa
Americas
Central Asia
East Asia
Europe
Middle East
South Asia
South East Asia
Fees and Funding
Student | Full-time | Part-time
---|---|---
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£11,200 per year
£1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year | Not available
EU | 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary**
£1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary** | Not available
International | £18,600 per year
£1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year | Not available
Facilities
Teaching for this course is based within the Frank Whittle Building and Beatrice Shilling Building. Both locations are equipped with specialist equipment.
You will have access to the High-Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC) which houses a 20 per cent scale open jet wind tunnel commissioned by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Formula 1 team. HPEC also includes a composites lab, metrology lab, a four-pot vehicle shaker rig, rolling road and AVL engine test cell, automotive workshop, equipment for fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), motion-based vehicle driving simulator, a fully equipped model making shop, 3D printing facilities and a range of CNC machinery.
You will also have access to suite of industry-standard engineering software (including and not limited to CAD, FEA and CFD).
Careers and Opportunities
Graduates can be employed globally in engineering positions in the automotive or mechanical field with automotive manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers or engineering consultancies.
Typical jobs include:
- design engineer
- quality engineer
- vehicle dynamics simulation engineer
- manufacturing engineer
- aerodynamic design engineer
- academic in higher education
- powertrain engineer
- automotive engineer
- CAE durability engineer
- aerodynamicist
Where Our Graduates Work
Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies including:
- JLR
- Tata Group
- Gordon Murray Automotive
- Lotus
- Eaton
- Ford Motor Company
- Honda UK
- Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India
- AVL
- Multimatic
- Stellantis
- Skyships Automotive
- OX
- AWS
- Volvo Cars.
Overview:
- Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
- Received university status in 1992
- Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
- Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
- Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education
Student Life:
- Over 150 student clubs and societies
- Sports teams in various disciplines
- Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
- Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union
Academics:
- Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
- Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
- Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
- Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
- Unique academic programs include:
- Centre for Applied Science and Technology
- Centre for Business in Society
- Centre for Intelligent Systems
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
- Excellent industry connections and partnerships
- Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
- Notable alumni include:
- Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
- Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
- Sir Patrick Stewart, actor
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center
- Accommodation services
- Library with over 1 million books and resources
- Technology support
- Career development services