Electrical Automotive Engineering MSc
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.
Year of entry
2023-24
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years sandwich
Course code
EECT007
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
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 provide 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.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why 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 participant 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 2023-24 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 as agreed with your tutor.
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.
You will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
Your project based semester will be supervisor supported, where you will be expected to undertake self-directed study in the region of 50 hours per week.
Students are expected to meet with their supervisors at least once per fortnight.
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.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
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.
Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £21,250 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) | Request fee information |
International | £21,250 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4:

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 within the library.

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.

The Hub
The Hub 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 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 and National Grid. Coventry University also runs Microcab and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) lab. They are dedicated to developing hydrogen fuel vehicles and EVs.
How to apply
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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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 applyFor 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.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
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 UK (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
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), 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.
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