What you'll learn

You'll be required to take the following modules as part of this MSc programme:

• Fundamentals of Automotive Research, Development, and ManagementLink opens in a new window
• Automotive Sensors and Sensor FusionLink opens in a new window
• Robust Automotive Embedded SystemsLink opens in a new window
• Networks and Communications for the Connected CarLink opens in a new window
• Machine Intelligence and Data ScienceLink opens in a new window
• Human-Technology InteractionLink opens in a new window

Elective module

Alongside your core modules, you will be required to select one 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.

• Programming and Fundamental AlgorithmsLink opens in a new window
• Automated Systems and ControlLink opens in a new window

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 is worth 33% of your final grade and supports you in developing your personal research and analytical skills.

Leveraging the close partnerships that WMG has with key organisations within the automotive sector, it is envisaged that your project will have an industrial sponsor, enabling you to work in close collaboration with an industry partner. This valuable experience will further your transferrable skills development, and expand your networking opportunities and understanding in a professional research and development environment.

Work on your project runs concurrently with your module study.

Learning style

The taught component of the course is a mixture of lectures, seminars, syndicate/group work, practical's, online learning and forum activities. Module leaders are experts in their fields and are supported by external speakers working in organisations at the forefront of their fields.

The taught component of the course is assessed primarily through written assignments, although some modules include assessed in-module exercises. There are no written exams.

MSc Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles consists of 15 CAT modules and one 30 CAT module. 15 CAT modules will be delivered over two weeks. See here for more information about the course structure.

Learning style

The taught component of the course is a mixture of lectures, seminars, syndicate/group work, practicals, online learning and forum activities. Module leaders are experts in their fields and are supported by external speakers working in organisations at the forefront of their fields.

The taught component of the course is assessed primarily through written assignments, although some modules include assessed in-module exercises. There are no written exams.

MSc Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles consists of 15 CAT modules and one 30 CAT module. 15 CAT modules will be delivered over two weeks. See here for 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 (or equivalentLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window) in an engineering or STEM subject.

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

SCAV is particularly suitable for those with a background in electronics, electrical engineering, control systems, communications engineering, physics or mathematics, who want to play a role in the development of connected and autonomous vehicles, and the Intelligent Transportation Systems Network.

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 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 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 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 additional funding opportunities and eligibility details, please visit our Funding web pageLink opens in a new window

Careers

Graduates of this MSc will understand a myriad of factors contributing towards the performance and dependability of connected and autonomous vehicles and will be well placed to continue professional work within R&D.

MSc SCAV graduates are now working for a range of national and multinational companies that develop autonomous vehicles and the technology required to operate them, including Huawei, National Instruments, ROSEN, MIRA, NEVS, TVS, wayve.ai and UISEE. Some have also taken up positions within the WMG Intelligent Vehicles research teams.

Most graduates are now working in roles such as embedded software engineer, systems engineer, research engineer and applications engineer. Some are working in more managerial positions, others are in more research-based positions and some are pursuing further study at PhD level. As part of their roles, some are helping to develop specific technological components of autonomous vehicles, such as LiDAR, while others are working on elements such as software and simulation. They are also using their in-depth knowledge to advise and consult on these technologies and their implementation.

How to apply

Application is through the University’s online form. The course code for MSc Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles is: P-H1SE

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.