Electrical Automotive Engineering MSc (2023/24)

Course overview

Study level: Postgraduate

Our postgraduate course in electrical automotive engineering aims to provide the expertise required to meet the modern transportation market demands. Carefully planned, it consists of a balanced mix between electric power, electronics and communications. Our vision is to create experienced and specialised engineers who will be highly sought after by the electrical automotive engineering market.

The overall aims of the course are to:

Provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of the current electric/hybrid electric vehicles technology, concepts and challenges.
Develop academic and practical skills in electric power related areas such as electrical machines and drives, power electronics and batteries, covering all aspects of the vehicle’s powertrain.
Develop a solid background on vehicle electronics, signal processing and communications needs and challenges.
Educate graduates, typically from a mechanical/automotive engineering background, in the modern area of electrical automotive engineering and provides a valuable qualification for this growing and expanding market.

You will also have the option to apply for a ‘professional work placement’ opportunity², designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

human silhouette teaching in front of blackboard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles constitute a modern and timely area in engineering, one expected to expand very quickly in the next few years.
Electric vehicles minimise pollution whilst increasing power efficiency. Moreover, areas such as autonomous vehicles and smart transportation grids are beginning to become reality.
Coventry has a long history in the automotive and transport industries. Coventry University plays a significant role in shaping the future of modern transportation and has been a valuable partner in various projects and collaborations with industry and academia in the area of transportation, with significant experience and technical know-how. Furthermore, the Institute for Future Transport and Cities research centre has been established by Coventry University to organise and promote research activities in the technological field of clean transportation.
The delivery of this course will consist of a balance between theory, simulations and laboratory testing, creating an ideal teaching and learning environment. The aim is to cultivate not only a strong foundation in electrical automotive engineering, but also critical and original thinking.
You will have the opportunity to benefit from our modern teaching environment and infrastructure⁴, practical hands on laboratory equipment and specialised modern simulation tools adopted by industry. The teaching activities are partially industry and research focused with the aim of motivating and promoting engineering development and originality among our students.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2022-23 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.

What you'll study

Half of your study will focus on electrical machines, power semiconductors, automotive sensors and automotive electronics. The other half concentrates on automotive cybersecurity, automotive networking, energy storage and entrepreneurship.

Ultimately you will be asked to perform a detailed research project or design study in a technical aspect of the course with the help of an experienced supervisor. You may choose a project topic to suit your interests and career aspirations.

Modules

Power Semiconductors and Converters - 20 credits

This module aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of power semiconductor devices and converters in the context of automotive applications. Emphasis is given on semiconductor materials, and devices, their properties and characteristics.

Compulsory
Advanced Control Engineering and Instrumentation - 15 credits

The Control Engineering segment is aimed to provide you with exposure to the underlying classical linear control theory and design tools with extensive applications in industrial practice. Additionally, the Instrumentation segment is aimed to impart the knowledge and skills necessary to work in areas involving design, testing and selection of sensors and development of advanced measurement systems.

Compulsory
Automotive Electronics and Embedded Systems - 15 credits

This module aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills of electronics and embedded systems necessary for students to work in the automotive industry. The module will provide a holistic view of automotive electronics and embedded systems which should help you to develop the ability to analyse, simulate, design and verify various electronic systems in automobiles.

Compulsory
Automotive Cybersecurity - 15 credits

This module aims to develop your critical knowledge in the field of automotive cybersecurity, which poses a major challenge to connected and autonomous vehicles. The module addresses the wider challenge of increasing digital and software components on connected platforms and focuses specifically on threat intelligence and engineering aspects of automotive systems. Issues of policy and personal data are also explored.

Compulsory
Automotive Networking and Signal Processing - 15 credits

This module will first introduce the basics of digital signal processing (DSP) by analysing the discrete time signal, conversion from analogue to digital signals, study of discrete time system etc. The focus will then be to design a digital filter to remove the noise of a system in automotive environment. This will then lead to the analysis of automotive network to understand the signals and system used in automotive communication.

Compulsory
Energy Storage and High Voltage Systems - 15 credits

This module examines the challenges and complexities of introducing high voltage systems to vehicles and provides a comprehensive study of various energy storage technologies and the associated control systems for hybrid and electric vehicle applications in the automotive industry.

Compulsory
Electrical Machines - 15 credits

This module aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of electrical machines with emphasis on automotive applications. Key areas to be covered are design of various DC and AC machines, electromagnetic analysis, vibrations and noise, faults and condition monitoring. Several machine types are covered such as DC, induction, permanent magnet radial and axial flux machines.

Compulsory
Individual Project - 60 credits

The project is intended to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your competence in applying the concepts and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The project may be a solution to a practical problem or focus on a research topic. The project serves the dual purpose of providing a means of integrating previous learning and facilitating the acquisition of valuable professional experience.

Compulsory
Entrepreneurial Practice - 10 credits

The aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to critically assess the relationship between entrepreneurship and other domains of management, such as strategy and leadership. You should gain an understanding how entrepreneurial thinking can enhance organisational performance and leadership through the application of a more enterprising mind-set.

Compulsory

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity² enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules will incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of the Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include:

Lectures
Laboratory hands-on exercises
Simulated laboratory exercises

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 30 hours per 15 credit module. Your project-based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 50 hours per week as well as students are expected to meet with their supervisors at least once per fortnight.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include coursework and examinations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Internationalisation is an important aspect of this course, mainly due to the international interest and focus of the worldwide market on electrical vehicles.

This course has historically attracted students from across the globe. There may be opportunities for students to work collaboratively during practical hands-on laboratory testing activities. This could offer you the opportunity to develop the international character of your team working and collaboration skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants would normally be expected to possess a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a mechanical or automotive engineering subject, but applications from graduates in electrical and electronic engineering, computer hardware and software engineering and other related technical subjects such as mathematics or physics, would also be considered.

Applicants without these formal qualifications, but with several years of experience in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate from the above subjects who could evidence being able to benefit from the course will also be considered.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Applicants would normally be expected to possess a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a mechanical or automotive engineering subject, but applications from graduates in electrical and electronic engineering, computer hardware and software engineering and other related technical subjects such as mathematics or physics, would also be considered.

Applicants without these formal qualifications, but with several years of experience in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate from the above subjects who could evidence being able to benefit from the course will also be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 Tuition fees

Student	Full time	Part time
UK	£21,250 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year	Request fee information
International	£21,250 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities⁴:

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The Library

The Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

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Jaguar Centre

Our refurbished Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students including: social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

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TheHub

TheHub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to: The Health and Wellbeing Centre, The Spirituality and Faith Centre, The Tank Studio, The Careers and Add+vantage Office and the Enterprise Hub.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

Develop learn and apply new theories, concepts and methods.
Critically evaluate, model and test the operation of electrical systems and components for automotive applications.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of electrical power conversion and power flow.
Analyse the degradation mechanisms and ageing process of the automotive electrical and electronics systems.
Gain an awareness of current standard and specifications of the on-board electronics and networking system to design and assess systems and components.
Develop extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of computer modelling and simulation software.
Conduct rigorous and ethical research / formal enquiry into related issues that require familiarity with a range of research sources and appropriate methodologies.
Demonstrate awareness and ability to critically evaluate risks, including health and safety when conducting design and tests.

Electrification of transportation is one of the most rapidly expanding markets, while manufacturers are seeking appropriately educated engineers to cover the needs in all aspects of electrical and electronic engineering focusing on electric vehicles.

Specialisation in this particular area could significantly enhance your career prospects and may provide excellent opportunities for a challenging, well paid and interesting job.

We currently have strong links with local industry collaborators including JLR, HORIBA MIRA Ltd, FEV UK, ZF, BOSCH, Ford Motor, Schneider Electric Systems UK limited, Industratech Limited & National Grid. Coventry University also runs Micro cab and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) lab. They are dedicated to developing hydrogen fuel vehicles and EV’s.

How to apply

UK Students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.
International Students

Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to apply
For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

generalenquiries.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Electrical Automotive Engineering MSc