Electrical Automotive Engineering MSc

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

2024-25

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 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

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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 in 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.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

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 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 2024-25 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.

Modules

Power Semiconductors and Converters - 20 credits

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.

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.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. 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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

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.

Typical entry requirements

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

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and 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).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

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 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:

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

Beautiful building surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Jaguar Centre

The 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.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

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, Student Success Coaches 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

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 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

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. 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.