Automotive Engineering MSc

About the course

This MSc in Automotive Engineering is specifically designed to enhance the employment and promotional opportunities of graduates in mechanical and automotive engineering. The programme considers in depth key areas of automotive technology. Its integrated design covers both the technological and management aspects of the motor industry. The programme aims to:

• equip you with the theory and the practice of relevant materials, technologies and analytical tools to provide solutions for automotive design and manufacturing problems
• provide the opportunity for you to use creativity and innovation in the application of technology to the development of the automobile
• focus on the links between vehicle programmes and the supporting skills of project management
• develop your skills and application experience through case studies and project work
• enhance your prospects of professional employment within the industry

Why choose this course?

• The University has been running automotive degree courses for almost forty years and is very well-established within the automotive industry;
• The University of Hertfordshire is one of the top 5 UK universities whose automotive engineering degree programmes have been recognised in 2002 by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the trade association representing the UK automotive industry;
• We have some 250 undergraduate and postgraduate students reading automotive engineering so are one of the largest providers of automotive engineering degree courses in the UK;
• We have excellent facilities in automotive engineering technology including a new automotive centre with engine test facilities

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years
• Part Time, 3 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

This programme is specifically designed to enhance the employment and promotional opportunities of graduates in mechanical and automotive engineering. It offers you an overview of the automotive industry which will be invaluable in job applications and will help to fast-track your career in the new product introduction phase of the industry.

Teaching methods

The School of Engineering and Technology has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning, where nearly all MSc modules are delivered through a combination of traditional face-to-face teaching and backup tutorial's using the University's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic teaching and learning resources, and conduct electronic discussion's with staff and other students. A heavy emphasis is placed on theory and practice, and the School of Engineering and Technology has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School of Engineering and Technology also operate an open access laboratory, and computer policy, that will help students complete coursework and assignments, at a scheduled pace and on time.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Advanced Engines & Power Systems

  This module introduces new developments in engine technology and alternative power systems. It examines these developments and assesses their impact on the vehicle's overall performance and on the environment. Future developments in engine fuel system design, combustion control strategies, and exhaust gases treatment are amply covered. The development of hybrid, fuel cell, hydrogen, gas turbine and other types of vehicles are investigated. A variety of emission legislations, cycles, measurement techniques and environmental effects are introduced.

• Automotive Dynamics & Safety

  This module aims to enable students to (i) appreciate the theory and analytical techniques employed in the field of vehicle dynamics, and (ii) experience advanced computer simulation and experimental methods in vehicle dynamics. The module covers ride, handling, vibration & crashworthiness. The student is provided with an in-depth analysis of steady state and transient vehicle handling characteristics, noise and vibration application to vehicles, ride quality, passive and active suspension systems, vehicle performance, structural stiffness and occupants crash dynamics. The module also provides the student with advanced simulation and analytical tools.

• Automotive Electrical Systems

  The module introduces various electrical and electronic systems necessary for modern vehicle functions, including power train management, safety systems, power and energy storage systems, communication systems, and future development and trends.

• Automotive Materials & Manufacture

  This module aims to enable students to make appropriate choices of the materials and processes as part of the automotive design process. It covers the materials and processes used to manufacture vehicles. Apart from the conventional sheet steel monocoque design for high volume vehicle body manufacture, both low volume and future scenarios are considered (aluminium and polymer-composite designs, steel structures using recent processes such as tailored blanks, hydroforming, etc.). It also considers a number of materials and processes for powertrain applications.

• CFD Techniques

  This module develops the student's knowledge of aerodynamic applications of CFD. It comprehensively reviews the governing equations of fluid flow and their area of application. The major numerical methods of solution are introduced, together with turbulence modelling. Meshing procedures are introduced, including physical measures of adequate meshing, solution adaptive meshing, multi-block and multi-grid methods.

• FEA & Applications

  This module aims to enable students to: (i) construct computer simulation models for a range of mechanical engineering requirements from industrial complex models to models requiring sophisticated numerical solutions using CAD surface/solid information; (ii) examine the effect of mesh density, domain size, boundary conditions, physical approximation technique, material properties and appropriate numerical schemes on the accuracy of results, using an FEA package; (iii) validate and correlate the results against benchmark solutions or analytical approximations. The students will also consider a range of modelling techniques in solving fundamental problems in mechanical engineering. A part of the module covers the advanced numerical methods within FEA method as well as the governing equations relevant to nonlinear analysis and dynamic analysis. Convergence and monitoring of solutions is considered together with post-processing issues. The students will also consider a wide range of modelling techniques for applications in mechanical engineering, including linear and nonlinear engineering problems.

• Integrated Product Engineering

  To achieve and maintain market position, manufacturing industry must develop profitable and competitive products in time, to quality and within budget. This requires all operational functions of the company to be organised to achieve common objectives. This module examines the organisational aspects of product development from corporate aims and product strategy through design, manufacturing engineering and into production. The module comprises product portfolios management, development strategy, development planning and the process of product development. Aspects of management practice and the application of tools and techniques are taught.

• MSc Projects

  The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.

• Operations Research

  What makes the difference between a good decision and a bad decision? A 'good' decision is one that uses analytical decision making, and is based on logic and considers all available data and possible alternatives. Engineers and managers are decision makers, thus to achieve their goals, they must understand how decisions are made and know of which decision-making tools to use. To a great extent the success or failure of human resources and management depends on the quality of their decisions. Therefore, this module determines that with the use and implementation of good operations research decision-making tools, then the process of decision making should be made easier.

Optional

• MSc Projects

  The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £11,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply