MSc Autonomous and Electrified Vehicle Technology

What you'll learn

The programme consists of 120 credits of taught material delivered through eight core modules, followed by a 60-credit dissertation project.

The course combines a shared core curriculum with the opportunity to specialise, giving you both a broad understanding of future vehicle technologies and deep expertise in your chosen area.

Core modules (all students):

• Sustainable Automotive Research
• Systems Engineering and Functional Safety
• Modelling and Control of Automotive Systems
• Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems

You will then choose one of two specialist pathways, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career ambitions. Each pathway includes a focused set of modules designed to develop advanced technical expertise in your chosen area.

Automotive Electrification

• Electric Propulsion Systems
• Energy Storage Systems
• Electrical Machine Design and Manufacturing
• Power Electronic Converter Design and Manufacturing

Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

• Fundamentals of Future Vehicle Communication Systems
• Intelligent Vehicle Sensors
• Intelligent Navigation and Control
• Human Technology Interaction

Project

In addition to the taught modules, you will complete a dissertation project which is worth a third of your final Master's grade (60 credits). This substantial individual project is designed to strengthen your academic and research skills, while allowing you to explore a specific area of automotive technology that reflects your interests and career goals. The project will be presented as a written dissertation, submitted at the end of the academic year.

You are expected to devote an appropriate portion of your time and intellectual effort to the project during the course i.e. approximately 600 hours over the course of the academic year.

Learning style and assessment

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two-thirds of your time and effort, and a research component (dissertation) accounting for one-third.

For the taught component, we blend lectures with seminars, syndicate exercises, simulations, and case studies. The majority of modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction. Others practice larger-scale lectures, which are then supported by small class seminars and group projects. Our module leaders have extensive academic and industry experience; industry experts currently working at the forefront of their fields also contribute regularly to the content and delivery of the course, bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.

Typical contact hours

Module delivery patterns vary, but most will be delivered in a short learning block of up to 4 weeks, allowing your focus to be on one module at a time. Each module nominally accounts for 150 hours, which includes scheduled classroom time and online activities as well as your independent study and assessments.

As a Master's student, you are expected to manage your own time appropriately. On average, you are expected to commit 38-40 hours of study each week, in order to successfully achieve your MSc qualification.

Assessment

Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written assignments, but assessment can also be in other formats. In addition to the main assessment, you may have assessed presentations, online tests, self-reflection, and a range of other assessment methods during each module.

Your project will be assessed by your Project Supervisor plus an independent assessor. As part of the assessment, you may be required to present your research project and answer questions at a poster session.

Read more information about the course structure.

Entry requirements

In order to meet our academic entry requirement, you should have obtained the minimum of a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree from STEM or Engineering background.

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.

Careers

The MSc in Autonomous and Electrified Vehicle Technology provides graduates with the advanced technical knowledge and practical skills required to pursue careers in the rapidly evolving automotive and mobility industries. The course develops expertise in areas such as electric and hybrid powertrains, battery technology, vehicle control systems, autonomous driving, embedded systems, sensors, and vehicle communication technologies. Through practical projects, laboratory work, simulation, and industry-focused problem solving, students develop strong analytical, programming, engineering design, and project-management skills.

These capabilities can lead to a wide range of roles, which could include:

• Automotive Engineer
• Electric Vehicle Engineer
• Battery Systems Engineer
• Vehicle Control Engineer
• Autonomous Systems Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Test and Validation Engineer
• Research and Development Engineer

The programme also provides a strong foundation for careers in automotive manufacturers, electric vehicle companies, autonomous mobility, motorsport, engineering consultancies, and emerging sustainable transportation technologies.