The Automotive Engineering MSc at Cranfield University prepares engineers to design, analyse and optimise complete vehicle systems that are safer, more energy-efficient and more sustainable. This advanced degree programme provides comprehensive knowledge of vehicle architecture, propulsion and driveline systems, vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, structures, and electrical and electronic control systems. Students learn how mechanical and electrical subsystems interact within modern passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and specialised vehicles while covering electrification, energy management strategies, and emerging vehicle technologies with strong emphasis on whole-vehicle performance and systems integration.
The automotive sector is undergoing unprecedented technological transformation, and modern engineers must work confidently across a blend of propulsion technologies — from established combustion systems to hybrid architectures and fully electrified powertrains. Building on Cranfield’s established expertise and strong links with the automotive industry, this MSc develops both analytical capability and practical engineering competence. Students evaluate alternative propulsion and electrification strategies within real-world engineering constraints and assess sustainable vehicle solutions aligned with industry priorities. Graduates develop the technical depth and systems-level understanding required for roles in vehicle development, propulsion and electrification, vehicle integration, chassis engineering, and automotive research.
Course Overview at a Glance
- Start Date: October
- Duration: One year full-time
- Delivery: Taught modules 40%, Group project 20%, Individual research project 40%
- Qualification: MSc
- Study Type: Full-time
- Campus: Cranfield campus
Who Is This Automotive Engineering Programme For?
This course is ideal for graduates who want a broad, high-level grounding in automotive engineering:
- Mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and manufacturing engineers seeking to develop strong vehicle-systems expertise
- Science graduates (physics, mathematics, or applied sciences) looking for a structured pathway into automotive engineering with modelling support
- MEng/BEng graduates wanting to enhance technical capabilities across propulsion, structures, dynamics, integration, and emerging technologies
Cranfield also offers specialised courses in automotive mechatronics, automated driving/ADAS, and motorsport engineering for those seeking focused expertise in these areas.
Why Choose This Automotive Engineering MSc?
Balanced, future-focused curriculum — The programme covers conventional and alternative propulsion systems, hybrid and electrified powertrains, vehicle dynamics, structures, aerodynamics, and manufacturing, providing complete understanding of modern vehicle engineering.
Strong industry relevance — Course content and assessments are shaped through regular dialogue with employers, ensuring graduates gain skills aligned to the sector’s needs.
Practical, project-centred learning — The combination of taught modules (40%), a major group design project (20%), and an individual research project (40%) mirrors real engineering practice. Many project topics come directly from industry.
Postgraduate-only environment — Learn from leading academics and experienced industry practitioners in an environment tailored to advanced study.
Professional accreditation — The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), providing recognised further learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Informed by Industry
The course is guided by an Industrial Advisory Panel featuring senior engineers and technical leaders from organisations such as Polestar Automotive UK, AVL, Jaguar Land Rover, Williams Advanced Engineering, Tata Motors, and others. Students present their group project work to the panel each year, gaining direct feedback and valuable professional connections.
Automotive Engineering Course Details
The programme comprises eight compulsory taught modules assessed via written exams and individual coursework assignments, plus a group project and an individual research project.
Course Delivery Structure
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Taught Modules | 40% |
| Group Project | 20% |
| Individual Research Project | 40% |
Group Design Project (October – March)
You will undertake a substantial group project focused on designing and optimising a particular vehicle system or assembly. This experience prepares you for the project-based working environment common throughout the automotive industry.
As a group, you will present your findings, market the product, and demonstrate technical expertise through a written submission and presentation to the Industrial Advisory Board, academic staff, and fellow students. This develops presentation skills and the ability to handle complex questions professionally.
Individual Research Project (April – August)
The individual research project is the largest single component of the course. It allows you to develop specialist skills in an area of your choice by applying theory from taught modules to practical applications — typically involving design feasibility assessment, systems analysis, or facility development. Most projects are initiated by industrial contacts or associated with current research programmes.
In recent years, industry sponsors have offered students the opportunity to be based on-site. Thesis topics often become the basis for employment opportunities or PhD research.
Compulsory Modules
1. Introduction to Automotive Engineering
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Introduce the programme, courses, and facilities available at Cranfield |
| Syllabus | Team working, project management, report writing and presentation skills, MS Office training, library sessions covering referencing and ethics, careers sessions including CV writing and interview techniques |
| Learning Outcomes | Appreciate programme philosophy and structure;熟悉 key facilities; demonstrate team building and communication skills; understand time/project management and health and safety; grasp fundamentals of engineering ethics |
2. Propulsion and Driveline Systems
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Provide deep understanding of vehicle propulsion options and driveline systems to analyse and predict vehicle performance |
| Syllabus | Basic vehicle characteristics (centre of gravity, static/dynamic loads, weight distributions, adhesion coefficients); fuel consumption and engine characteristics; off-road vehicle design; autonomous driving technologies; braking performance and ECE 13 legislation; safety systems and restraints; driveline components (clutches, final drives, differentials including e-Diff); manual and automatic transmissions; hybrid and electric vehicle architectures; brakes and braking systems; vehicle refinement and NVH |
| Learning Outcomes | Interpret and apply legislative requirements; predict resistances to motion and calculate vehicle performance; revise vehicle concepts for propulsion systems; assess vehicle systems interdependency |
3. Control System Design for Automotive Applications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Equip students with skills to understand, design, and assess feedback control algorithms using classical and multivariable control techniques |
| Syllabus | MATLAB and Simulink modelling; classical control concepts (stability, tracking performance, disturbance rejection); Nyquist stability criterion, gain/phase margin, Bode diagrams; frequency-domain loop-shaping; PID design; prefilter design and feed-forward; actuator saturation and integrator wind-up; state-space representations; estimator (observer) design using pole-placement |
| Learning Outcomes | Evaluate automotive systems using classical control methods; design feedback control algorithms to meet performance requirements; create Simulink simulations; construct linearized models; design linear observers |
4. Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Empower students to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate technologies and integration challenges for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles |
| Syllabus | EV/HEV powertrain architectures; energy storage systems (battery technologies, chemistries, management systems, charging infrastructure); hydrogen fuel cells in hybrid vehicles; flywheels and ultracapacitors; electric machines and power electronics (traction motors, converters, inverters); internal combustion engines in hybrids; energy management systems for CO2 reduction; high-voltage electrical architectures; regenerative braking; modelling and simulation; component sizing; case studies of commercial EVs/HEVs; practical workshops including motor control |
| Learning Outcomes | Evaluate hybrid and electric powertrain architecture options; assess energy storage and management technologies; design and size EV/HEV subsystems within usage, weight, packaging, and range constraints |
5. Vehicle Dynamics, Ride and Handling
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Provide fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics for wheeled vehicles, covering ride and handling from requirements to analytical modelling |
| Syllabus | Vehicle ride modelling and terrain modelling; steady-state and transient handling; tyre characteristics and tyre modelling; suspension and steering system types and designs; suspension kinematics and instantaneous centres of rotation |
| Learning Outcomes | Compose vehicle dynamics models from first principles; evaluate ride and handling performance and the role of tyre/suspension characteristics; critically assess suspension and steering designs |
6. Engine and Powertrain Simulation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Provide understanding of wave action mechanics in engines and the impact of engine simulation on powertrain systems and global emissions |
| Syllabus | Systems view of powertrain simulation; performance and emissions targets; role of engine simulation; driveline and performance; ignition and ignition timing; engine breathing; fuel injection systems |
| Learning Outcomes | Identify and assess different engines for automotive applications; assess factors causing global emissions; evaluate global automotive emissions legislation; assess emissions abatement methods; evaluate engine performance simulation packages |
7. Vehicle Aerodynamics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Enable understanding of basic aerodynamic principles for vehicles, including wind tunnel testing techniques |
| Syllabus | Basic flow concepts and governing equations; aerodynamic characteristics of streamlined and bluff bodies; aerodynamic design principles for vehicle body design; controlling aerodynamic lift and drag; cooling and ventilation flows; wheel aerodynamics |
| Learning Outcomes | Distinguish essential concepts of incompressible flows; critique aerodynamic effects on vehicle design and operation; appraise wind tunnel techniques; assess low-speed aerodynamic characteristics using wind tunnel data |
8. Vehicle Structures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Introduce design and analysis of vehicle structures with emphasis on materials, stress analysis, and performance |
| Syllabus | Review and analysis of vehicle structure types; load paths and interaction with other vehicle systems; structural response and stiffness analyses; design of safety and crash structures; finite element modelling and simulations |
| Learning Outcomes | Critically evaluate metallic and non-metallic material properties; design components and subsystems; construct and validate finite element models; assess active/passive safety and crashworthiness |
9. Manufacturing and Materials for Automotive Structures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aim | Introduce selection and processing of materials for vehicle structures with emphasis on manufacturing and assembly technology |
| Syllabus | Physical properties and material models (high-strength steels, stainless steels, metal matrix composites, aluminium and titanium alloys, rubbers, elastomers, plastics, honeycomb, polymer composites); manufacturing technology; joining techniques; damage tolerance and failure mechanisms under static/dynamic loads; case studies of mechanical failures |
| Learning Outcomes | Evaluate material selection and performance; assess design, manufacturing, and assembly of composite components; critically evaluate innovative materials; apply failure analysis methodologies |
Teaching Team
The course director for this programme is Dr Efstathios Velenis.
Accreditation
The Automotive Engineering MSc is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Student Testimonials
“The best part of the course is meeting lots of different people in different environments, and doing the Group Design Project. To be here with people from the automotive industry – they know more than us for sure, so we can learn a lot and it is a great opportunity.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Automotive Engineering MSc. I was very interested in the engine modules and simulation performance. Vehicle dynamics and powertrain performance was also a very interesting module. We’ve had guest lecturers – diesel emissions experts from Ford and VCA talking about legislation and vehicle regulations testing.”
“I am currently working as an Analysis Performance Engineer at Michelin Motorsport in France. My key responsibilities are to analyse tyre data from simulations, tracks or test rigs, and develop vehicle/tyre models. Every part of the job is interesting and challenging. My degree at Cranfield helped me collaborate with Aston Martin as part of my MSc thesis which helped secure my current position.”
“Having spent a year working in the automotive industry I knew that a degree from Cranfield would greatly increase both my theoretical knowledge and career potential. I have recently been promoted to Powertrain Cooling Systems Manager at Aston Martin. I believe that a degree from Cranfield improves initial employability and starts a candidate off with a strong advantage.”
“I have managed to secure a job at Williams Advanced Engineering as a Graduate Controls Engineer. Cranfield University has helped me prepare the foundations that I needed to launch my career and supported me in preparing my CV, cover letter and everything I needed to get the job.”
Your Career in Automotive Engineering
Graduates of the Automotive Programme at Cranfield University progress into engineering and technical leadership roles across the global automotive industry. Cranfield automotive graduates have a strong employment record and occupy positions of responsibility including engineering management, advanced product development, and research and development roles. Some graduates also progress to PhD study at Cranfield University.
Typical Roles Secured by Graduates
- ADAS Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Design and Development Engineer
- Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
- Powertrain Design Engineer
- Performance Engineer
- Simulation Engineer
- R&D Engineer
Recent Employers
Global automotive OEMs, motorsport organisations, and Tier 1 suppliers including:
- Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
- Bentley Motors
- Jaguar Land Rover
- McLaren Automotive Ltd
- Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
- Nissan Motor Corporation
- Red Bull Powertrains
- Tata Motors Limited
- Toyota Motor Europe
- Volvo Trucks
- Williams Advanced Engineering
Career Support
Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, hundreds of job opportunities via the Symplicity platform, and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at careers fairs. The university arranges company visits and career open days with key employers. Support continues after graduation — as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
Application Information
Click the ‘Apply now’ button on the Cranfield University website to start your online application. See the Application Guide for information on the application process and entry requirements.
This guide provides comprehensive information about the Automotive Engineering MSc at Cranfield University. For the most current information regarding module availability, entry requirements, and fees, please consult the official Cranfield University website.