Automotive Engineering MSc

UCAS code

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Our Automotive Engineering MSc will give you an in-depth insight into the key technological ideas that are driving automotive design and their practical application. 

The course has been designed with industry partners. You’ll learn using the latest computer-based analysis and design techniques in the automotive industry. You’ll gain knowledge of a range of industry standard software and hardware.

Your understanding of the theoretical aspects of automotive engineering will be enhanced by practical application whether by virtual simulation or by working on real vehicles in our advanced automotive workshop.

Research Excellence Frame work 2021 (REF 2021)

We’re extremely proud of the results for our Engineering research submissions:

75% of research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding”

87% of research outputs are rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading”

The course has been designed with industry partners. You’ll learn using the latest computer-based analysis and design techniques in the automotive industry. You’ll gain knowledge of a range of industry standard software and hardware.

The course has been designed with industry partners. You’ll learn using the latest computer-based analysis and design techniques in the automotive industry. You’ll gain knowledge of a range of industry standard software and hardware.

Your understanding of the theoretical aspects of automotive engineering will be enhanced by practical application whether by virtual simulation or by working on real vehicles in our advanced automotive workshop.

Research Excellence Frame work 2021 (REF 2021)

We’re extremely proud of the results for our Engineering research submissions:

75% of research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding”

87% of research outputs are rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading”

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Automotive Engineering

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Automotive Engineering

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Automotive Engineering

Course content

You’ll take eight taught modules covering aspects of vehicle design, finite element analysis, advanced engine design, vehicle handling and aerodynamics. 

You’ll choose a major personal project for the submission of a written thesis. The subject area can meet your career aspirations and interest. 

You’ll take eight taught modules covering aspects of vehicle design, finite element analysis, advanced engine design, vehicle handling and aerodynamics. 

You’ll choose a major personal project for the submission of a written thesis. The subject area can meet your career aspirations and interest. 

Academic year

You’ll take eight taught modules covering aspects of vehicle design, finite element analysis, advanced engine design, vehicle handling and aerodynamics. 

You’ll choose a major personal project for the submission of a written thesis. The subject area can meet your career aspirations and interest. 

Academic year

Professional body accreditation

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.

IET Accredited Programme Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Accredited Programme

Professional body accreditation

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.

IET Accredited Programme Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Accredited Programme

Professional body accreditation

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.

IET Accredited Programme Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Accredited Programme

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Msc Individual Project 60 credits
Show 1 optional module

Entry requirements

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering. Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering. Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering. Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.
Watch video View virtual tour

Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

Watch video View virtual tour

Reverse Engineering Laboratory

Our Laboratory contains 3 Dimensional scanning capability, Additive Manufacturing machines featuring PolyJet, FDM, 3DP processes, as well as Laser Engraving ability.

Careers

After completing the Automotive Engineering MSc, you’ll be equipped to work in the following areas:

  • Vehicle manufacturing
  • Research and development
  • Design and test laboratories
  • Automotive component suppliers
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Fuel and oil companies
  • Motorsports teams
  • Engineering consultancies
  • Maintenance   

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion with a good performance, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.   

For this course, you'll:   

  • Work with others on group work   
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently   

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.   

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project. 

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.   

For this course, you'll:   

  • Work with others on group work   
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently   

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.   

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project. 

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.   

For this course, you'll:   

  • Work with others on group work   
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently   

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.   

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.  You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios. 

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.  You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios. 

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.  You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios. 

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.   

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.   

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.   

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books 
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group 
  • Researching in the library 
  • Preparing coursework 
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University. 

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books 
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group 
  • Researching in the library 
  • Preparing coursework 
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University. 

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books 
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group 
  • Researching in the library 
  • Preparing coursework 
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University. 

Staff

The Engineering team have expertise in many areas of engineering including renewables, plastic electronics, biofuels, manufacturing & prototyping and smart technologies.

Dr Abdul Waheed Awan

Senior Lecturer

Currently I am Senior Lecturer in Mechanical & Automotive Engineering and Award Leader for MSc Automotive Engineering within School of Creative Arts and Engineering.

Abdul Waheed's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,609 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,609 per course £16,750 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

I strongly feel that the course at Staffs Uni has a highly structured program because it provides the right balance between theory and research. It gave me ample opportunities to apply my knowledge in research-related platforms and test it on real-world problems. 

Aniruddh Jayan

MSc Automotive Engineering

Apply

Applications are not currently available for this course.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021