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Postgraduate Automotive Engineering Programs

Find postgraduate programs in AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

Automotive EngineeringThe automotive industry is what keeps the society surging forward on its wheels! With the ever changing market and sophisticated technology, the demand for skilled automotive engineers is on the rise.

Postgraduate automotive engineering programs are for graduate engineers who wish to become thorough professionals in the worldwide automotive sector. The course aims to empower students with emerging technologies, utilise modern methodologies, and use their imagination and creativity to rise up to the challenge of constant innovation and competition.

Completion of MSc Automotive Engineering or Masters in Automotive Engineering opens up lucrative career prospects in the global automotive sector, which also includes autosports. Furthermore, being accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), Automotive and Motorsport Engineering provides a UK-based chartered engineer status to its candidates. A postgraduate in automotive engineering can also pursue a doctorate in leading international universities.

How long is a postgraduate Automotive Engineering program?

An MSc Automotive Engineering course or a Masters in Automotive Engineering in the UK takes 12 months full time or 24 months to complete on a part-time basis. Some universities also provide PG Dip in Automotive Engineering, which is of 9 month full-time or 12 month part-time duration. The entire postgraduate course is divided into specialist modules, and culminates in a project or dissertation; the course usually commences in September.

Entry qualifications for an MSc Automotive Engineering program

A first or second class honours degree holder in automotive, mechanical or autosports engineering or any related discipline such as mathematics, physics or applied science can apply for a postgraduate automotive engineering program in the UK. Some universities also consider applicants with relevant professional experience and academic qualifications, which will be usually assessed on an individual basis.

Basic English language knowledge is almost a prerequisite for the course. For international students who do not have English as their first language, proofs of a minimum IELTS score of 6or an Internet-based TOEFL score of 80 must be furnished. The following link provides some check points for applying for a masters degree in the UK – see out page on English language requirements for further advice.

What does studying an MSc Automotive Engineering course involve?

An MSc Automotive Engineering course provides an in-depth study of automotive engineering technologies, and the latest trends in engineering subsystems. This is achieved through exposure to diverse interdisciplinary skills such as design, mechanic, electronic, electric, safety and software engineering, as applied to the manufacture and operating systems of vehicles. A student is usually exposed to academic input, laboratory practice, research expertise and hands-on industrial experience during the program. Good universities in the UK are linked up with automotive giants, such as Jaguar Landrover and Ford.

Modules
In most universities, the course is split into compulsory modules, dealing with the core aspects of automotive engineering and a further range of optional modules to choose from, based on personal interest and area of excellence. Design, Aerodynamics, Advanced Chassis Engineering, Sustainability, Reliability, Performance and Advanced Engineering Management are some of the core themes of the course. Optional modules will probably include Vehicle Crash Engineering, Advanced Vehicle Aerodynamics, Advanced Materials Engineering and Advanced Powertrain Engineering. There could also be a module specialising in CAD/ CAM develops skills in using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing software.

Project/dissertation
The course culminates in an MSc project which is designed to consolidate the knowledge acquired from the modules, and provides an opportunity for developing on-the-job skills such as issues of management, resourcing, planning, scheduling, documentation and communication. This important aspect of the course demands individual responsibility, critical awareness and creative thinking.

Assessment
A range of methods, including examinations, laboratory tests, reports and essays, are used to assess performance throughout the course. The MSc project is assessed based on an interim report, a presentation and a dissertation.

Automotive Engineer graduate case study

With a booming automotive industry and looming environmental challenges for the sector, an automotive engineer can expect a dynamic and rewarding career. Dan Thompson, a chassis design engineer, says that people are often wrong when they envisage engineers as people who are usually working on a production line, or are blokes clad in oily boiler suits with a spanner in hand. He says, “My dream job was to become a design engineer for a proper automotive manufacturer. At Nissan Cranfield, that is exactly what I do now, working for an organisation that makes real changes in the world."

Funding your Masters in Automotive Engineering

Students will generally be required to finance their Masters in Automotive Engineering themselves, however most universities offer scholarships, awards and other financial support to the deserving. Some offer bursaries to help students fund their studies. Organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering offer several opportunities through bursaries and awards. We also offer some great funding advice.

Automotive Engineering salaries

Automotive engineers are involved in the entire production cycle of vehicles, right from initial conceptualisation to final delivery. Typical starting automotive engineering salaries range from £23,000 to £30,000, depending on the employer and the class of degree. With experience and expertise, one can expect to earn £35,000 - £45,000, and can further rise to £65,000 plus for senior positions.

Find postgraduate programs in AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

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