What you'll study

Automotive Research, Strategy and Environment Link opens in a new window(Layer 1 - Global & Customer Motivations)

The introductory module of the new ‘Sustainable Automotive Electrification’ course. Content focuses on the motivations for electrification and hybridisation in the automotive industry: global warming and pollution. The module then introduces the overarching legislative and regulatory frameworks alongside organisational and strategic approaches of manufacturers in response to the problem.

Automotive Hybridisation and ElectrificationLink opens in a new window (Layer 2 - Vehicle)

This module covers the principles and concepts behind the engineering of hybrid and electrified vehicles at the vehicle system layer. Customer requirements, such as performance feel, efficiency and sound quality, are introduced. This will be consolidated with a thorough understanding of how technical solutions, and verification methods, are delivered to ensure that the product meets customer needs and expectations. Propulsion architectures, control methods and integration issues are covered in detail and a thorough understanding of the process is gained.

Energy Storage SystemsLink opens in a new window (Layer 3 - Systems)

There are many complexities and challenges of introducing high voltage technology to passenger vehicles. This module provides a comprehensive study of energy storage systems for hybrid and electric vehicle applications in the automotive industry. You will gain hands-on experience of battery and hydrogen fuel-cell testing, which includes the wide and varying conditions of real-world applications.

Electrical DrivetrainsLink opens in a new window (Layer 3 - Systems)

Advanced propulsion technologies will lead the way for a cleaner and greener world; these technologies are especially important and appropriate for hybrid and electric vehicles and will be a core part of your learning on this module. You’ll also look at how to design, drive and control the electric machines of the future. The module includes a significant practical element where students gain hands-on experience of electric machine characterisation and testing, as well as classroom-based investigation and consolidation of the control technology employed.

Systems Engineering and Functional SafetyLink opens in a new window (All layers)

Developing complex automotive systems requires an in-depth understanding and awareness of essential processes – this includes user cases, requirements and specifications through to validation and verification of functional and safe systems. Systems Engineering is the industrial framework for developing complex systems, and functional safety ensures that any such systems are fit for their intended purpose. Starting with Systems Engineering, you’ll cover the principles and concepts of complexity and systems thinking; lean engineering; system architecture; and model-based systems engineering. On the functional safety side, you’ll learn how to incorporate the systems engineering principles through the safety lifecycle by looking at hazard and risk analysis; system development; safety and change management; confidence levels; and verification.

Modelling and Simulation of SystemsLink opens in a new window (All layers)

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding and practical experience of the modelling and simulation of physical systems within an automotive context. Developing both theoretical and practical understanding of the derivation of ordinary differential equations, applicable numerical methods and the construction of models to solve problems in both time and frequency domains.

Elective modules

Alongside your core modules, you will be required to select two elective module. Elective module options will be provided to you at the start of the academic year, but an illustrative list can be found below. These options may be subject to changes.

• Battery Electrochemistry, Design and ManufacturingLink opens in a new window (Layer 4 - Component)
• Power Electronic Converter Design and ManufacturingLink opens in a new window (Layer 4 - Component)
• Electrical Machine Design and Manufacturing Link opens in a new window(Layer 4 - Component)
• Smart Connected and Autonomous Vehicle FundamentalsLink opens in a new window (Layer 2 - Systems)

Please note that whilst the module catalogue shows the latest approved version of each module and what is currently being taught (academic year 2024), there may be minor updates to content or learning objectives year on year to reflect the evolving state of knowledge and the requirements of teaching best practise. Any such amends will be updated following the department 'module approvals process' and reflected in the module catalogue before the start of the next academic year in 2025.

Project

Your project will be worth 60 CATS (33% of the final grade) and supports you in developing your personal research skills.

The project must be based on a topical aspect of sustainable automotive electrification. Projects should be of a technical nature, or relate to strategic direction of sustainable automotive technologies.

Learning style

The taught component of the course consists of lectures, workshops, practical's, demonstrations, problem classes, syndicate exercises, and a review.

Module leaders are experts in their fields and are supported by external speakers working in industry or academia at the forefront of their fields.

Rather than exams, each module is assessed through in-module assignments (IMA) and a post module assignment (PMA) based on the learning objectives of the module. Your PMA should take around 60 hours of work and consolidate the knowledge you have gained during the module week. Automotive modules include several industry speakers and real-world case studies.

Each module usually lasts one week. See here for more information about the course structureLink opens in a new window.

Entry requirements

In order to meet our academic entry requirement, you should have obtained the minimum of a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or STEM subject, and you should have an interest in automotive innovation.

Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.

The course is ideally suited to those aspiring to become research managers and technology leaders within the strategically important areas of vehicle electrification and sustainability.

English language

If you are a non-native English speaker, we need to confirm that your English language competency is sufficiently good for you to get the most out of your Master's study. You therefore require you to take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) and submit your results as one of your academic requirements. If you are taking an IELTS test, we require a score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any one component). Please view our web page here for a full list of accepted tests, together with the grades required.

Tuition fees

For 2025 entry, the tuition fees are as follows:

• Home students: £12,300
• Overseas students: £35,340

If you are successful in receiving an offer, a deposit payment is required in order to secure your place on the course. Please note that sponsored students can apply for a deposit waiver. For further information, please see our tuition fee deposits pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

Your remaining tuition fee is then payable at the start of the academic year, or in three instalments. For information about how to pay your tuition fees, please review the University's finance web pagesLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

WMG Excellence Scholarships

At WMG, we invest more than £1.5 million per year into supporting our talented students and creating a diverse and inspiring learning environment.
Our funding opportunities range from the competitive merit-based WMG Excellence Scholarship open to all offer-holders, through to guaranteed bursaries for specific countries and partnership awards with third-party funders.

WMG Excellence Scholarships are merit-based awards, available on a competitive basis. Awards range from £5,000 to £15,000 tuition fee discount.

Applications will be judged on past academic achievement, professional experience, reasons for study, and your vision for the future. View our WMG Excellence Scholarship pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for full details on how to apply for this award.

Additional Scholarship opportunities

You might also be eligible to apply for other scholarships from the University of Warwick, such as the Warwick Taught Masters Scholarship Scheme; as well as awards from external funding bodies, including Chevening Scholarships.

For further information about funding opportunities and how to apply, please see our Scholarships and Funding pagesLink opens in a new window.

Careers

As an SAE graduate, you will have gained in-depth technical knowledge of the design lifecycle of a low-environmental-impact vehicle, from motivation, legislation, and customer needs through to modelling, safety, energy storage and propulsion.

As a result, after graduating from this course, you will be able to access roles as a research and development engineer or become a technology leader within key sectors of vehicle electrification and sustainability. Our graduates have secured these roles in areas such as electric drive systems, battery packs, battery modelling, electrical distribution systems and control systems.

You can expect to take on such a position with an automotive manufacturer or a specialist supplier of vehicle electrification technologies. Below are some examples of the companies that past SAE graduates have gone on to work for:

• Ashok Leyland Ltd
• Continental Engineering Services
• Geely
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Lotus
• Ricardo PLC
• Tata Consultancy Services
• Tesla
• TVS Motor Company

In addition, our SAE graduates have also moved into broader research and development positions within the vehicle electrification sector, as well as taking on consultancy roles and academic research at doctoral level.

How to apply

Application is through the University’s online form and is currently open. The course code for MSc Sustainable Automotive Electrification is P-H1SG

What to include with your application:

• A completed application form and £75 application fee.

• A Personal Statement which can be included in the online application.
• A scan of your transcript (marksheet). If you are still studying, please send us your transcripts to date. NB: if you are made an offer, we will then require you to upload your degree transcripts and certificate in order to clear your conditions.
• English language test result (if applicable) - this can be submitted after you have an offer.
• One reference. If you completed studies less than 2 years ago, this should be an academic reference. If you graduated more than 2 years ago, we will require a professional reference. We contact your referee directly, so please include their valid professional email address on your application form.
• Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

You can read more about the application process, and access a link to the application form, on our how to apply web page

Application Deadline

Our official application deadline is 2 August 2025, however please note that this course will close early if capacity is reached ahead of that deadline. We strongly recommend you apply as soon as you are ready in order to avoid disappointment.