Automotive Engineering (Taught)

The Automotive Engineering MSc at Cranfield University prepares engineers to design, analyse and optimise complete vehicle systems that are safer, more energy-efficient and more sustainable. This course provides advanced knowledge of vehicle architecture, propulsion and driveline systems, vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, structures, and electrical and electronic control systems, enabling you to understand how mechanical and electrical subsystems interact within modern passenger, commercial and specialised vehicles. The programme covers electrification, energy management strategies and emerging vehicle technologies while maintaining a strong emphasis on whole-vehicle performance, systems integration and real-world engineering constraints.

Established for over 60 years with excellent industrial links and an outstanding record for the employment of its graduates, the MSc in Automotive Engineering has been developed to provide the industry with high calibre engineers that are equipped with the necessary skills to advance vehicle technology to meet the demands of the future.

Who is it for?
This course is ideal for graduates who want a broad, high-level grounding in automotive engineering:

• Engineers from mechanical, electrical, aerospace, manufacturing and similar backgrounds who want to develop strong vehicle-systems expertise.

• Science graduates (physics, mathematics or applied sciences) seeking a structured pathway into automotive engineering with support in modelling.

• MEng/BEng graduates wanting to enhance their technical capabilities across propulsion, structures, dynamics, integration and emerging technologies.

Why this course?
Balanced, future-focused curriculum — covers conventional and alternative propulsion systems, hybrid and electrified powertrains, vehicle dynamics, structures, aerodynamics and manufacturing, giving you a complete understanding of modern vehicle engineering.
Strong industry relevance — the course content and assessments are shaped through regular dialogue with employers, ensuring graduates gain skills aligned to the sector’s needs.
Practical, project-centred learning — the combination of taught modules (40%), a major group design project (20%) and an individual research project (40%) mirrors real engineering practice and builds your technical portfolio. Many project topics come directly from industry.
Postgraduate-only environment and respected teaching team — learn from leading academics and experienced industry practitioners in an environment tailored to advanced study.
Accredited by IMechE and IET — providing recognised further learning towards Chartered Engineer status..

Informed by Industry
The course is guided by an Industrial Advisory Panel featuring senior engineers and technical leaders from organisations such as Polestar Automotive UK, AVL, Jaguar Land Rover, Williams Advanced Engineering, Tata Motors and others. Students present their group project work to the panel each year, gaining direct feedback and valuable professional connections.

Accreditation
The Automotive Engineering MSc is accredited by:

• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

• Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET)

Your career
Graduates of the Automotive Programme at Cranfield University progress into engineering and technical leadership roles across the automotive industry.
Cranfield Automotive Programme graduates have a strong employment record and occupy positions of responsibility in industry, including engineering management, advanced product development, and research and development roles. Some graduates also progress to PhD study at Cranfield University.

Taught modules: 40%, Group projects: 20%, Individual project: 40%

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS