Manufacturing Management MSc

About the course

The aim of this programme is to equip you to meet the stringent demands of today's highly competitive industrial environment. The programme provides a balance of theory, practice and participation and includes visits to a range of organisations within the manufacturing sector. It provides an excellent basis for employment which has resulted in student employment rates upon graduation of over 95%. The programme is taught by staff from the School of Aerospace, Automotive and Design Engineering which was recently awarded an excellent grading in the HEFCE auditors' report. All study is assessed through continuous assessment. You have the choice of two specialised degrees within the programme. For Semester A, the modules are common to both degrees to provide a broad basis in manufacturing and management disciplines. Semester B offers the specialist modules for your chosen degree title.

Why choose this course?

• This Master's degree is for those interested in manufacturing within the business context.
• It emphasises a broad understanding of manufacturing with reference to the whole organisation.
• This is one of two specialised manufacturing degrees which share the same modules in Semester A, hence giving you the flexibility to make your final choice at the end of Semester A.

Study routes

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

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduates of this programme are employed worldwide in a wide range of technical and managerial roles, including quality engineering, supply chain and works management.

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 has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School 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).

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Financial Control

  By studying this module the students will gain an understanding of the relevance of financial and management accounting in the business world. The successful students will be able to demonstrate the relevance of financial and accounting measurements to plan, deploy, monitor and control the performance of manufacturing organisations. The module provides a learning opportunity through lectures, case studies and discussion the relevance of funds, the sources and the deployment of finance, typical financial management ratios used; such as liquidity and profitability ratios, their link to management accounting measures with typical techniques used to evaluate costs, profit vs volume analysis and financial and management risk evaluation.

• 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.

• Manufacturing Information Systems

  By studying this module the students will gain an understanding of the role of integrated information systems relevant to manufacturing organisation. Through applications of systems analysis and design techniques, the students will be able to develop skills in systems modelling techniques, project management and acquire a broad understanding of networking topologies and eCommerce with relevant applications.

• Manufacturing Strategy

  By studying this module the students will gain an understanding of the need for deployment of a successful and integrated manufacturing strategy. Through lectures, case studies and group discussion, the students will develop their knowledge and understanding of how successful manufacturing strategies for competitive advantage could be designed and deployed, taking into account; - the human resource issues, resistance to change, technology and process influences and constraints.

• Operations Management

  This module will cover the fundamentals and strategic aspects of operations management and will enable the students to develop their understanding of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems. Students will examine case studies relating to both manufacturing and service operations to support lectures and guided learning.

• 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.

• Procurement & Supply Chain Management

  By studying this module the students will be able to explore and develop an understanding of procurement & supply chain issues through case studies, group work and lectures. Key areas that will be developed include the role of procurement and supply chain management and the increased importance of managing the internal and external supply chain.

• Quality, Reliability & Maintenance

  This module explains the concepts of quality, reliability, and maintenance in a business and manufacturing environment. Students will be introduced to a range of topics including systems and reliability management and how to manage quality and maintenance in a manufacturing and operational environment. As part of this course, students will be expected to design, carry out analytical work on case studies, and utilise scenarios and simulation to support their learning.

Optional

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