MSc Engineering Management

Study level: Postgraduate
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The Engineering Management MSc seeks to prepare you to be a successful senior manager for engineering companies operating in highly competitive international environments.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT069

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

The MSc can provide you with a route into senior management in a broad range of careers in the manufacturing and service sectors, as well as start-up companies in functions such as operations management supply chain management, R&D and project management.

  • The course incorporates three alternative pathways, allowing you to select a route that is clearly focused on your anticipated or current career path in a manufacturing company in terms of a business, technical or operations focus .
  • The course incorporates the critical perspectives of entrepreneurship and wealth generation and addresses key areas of engineering and business management theory within an international context, grounding these in real-life practice through research, case studies and applied work.
  • The course provides you with an opportunity to apply for a variety of roles in manufacturing companies.
  • You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

The key benefits of this course are that:

  • The course provides you with a career-focussed learning experience
  • The syllabus includes an industrially relevant module dealing with Industry 4.0 and the engineering digital environment and addresses key areas of engineering and business management theory within an international context, grounding these in real-life practice through research, case studies and applied work.
  • There is an emphasis on planning, directing, and coordinating international operations in the engineering sector.
  • In addition to management content, the course has a strong engineering focus, and you will benefit from the industrial experience of academics who have worked as senior executives, operations managers, project managers or supply chain managers in such companies as General Electric, Ford and Rolls Royce, and who truly understand engineering management issues. (staff may be subject to change).
  • You will have the opportunity to study in our modern £50m Engineering and Computing building4, with access to extensive facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre.
  • We aim to organize expert guest lectures, (subject to availability) which have previously covered topics such as Skype lectures on VHDL from industrialists abroad, and seminars from professional bodies on a variety of current topics, from electrical vehicles, to cybersecurity2.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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. Whilst Coventry University anticipates that these reviews will continue to be successful, if they were to be unsuccessful, the relevant module in this course would no longer be accredited and we would notify applicants and students of this change as soon as possible.

What you'll study

At the beginning of your course, you will be asked to select one of three pathways (Engineering Business Management, Technical, or Operations) that are in addition to the core mandatory modules. This key benefit adds specific and valuable career-focused content to your course and is based on your anticipated or current career path in a manufacturing company.

Your degree course culminates with a master’s dissertation, supported by a research methods topic. Past dissertation topic examples have included: The Introduction of a Product Development Process; Industry 4.0 and its impact on AB Volvo, and Change Management Strategies to be Used by Engineering Companies Undertaking Mergers and Acquisitions.

Modules

  • This module provides you with the opportunity to critically examine key financial concepts, and then to evaluate the outcomes of the application of these in the pursuit of helping deliver a financially sound manufacturing company. The module will also help you appraise your own business financial decision making in the context of successfully supporting a manufacturing company's long term strategic development.

    Compulsory

  • This module prepares you for managing organisational change through projects. It focuses on projects involving major changes, including projects related to new products, new plant and equipment and new operating systems, which will affect the lives of people both within and outside the organisation. The module takes a high level, critical and evaluative view of project management, emphasising managerial and strategic use of the tools and techniques of project management.

    Compulsory

  • This strategy-level module adopts a global perspective, focusing on facilitating the achievement of long-term profitability within manufacturing companies. The process of developing corporate and company objectives and strategies is followed by consideration of new product introduction from a strategic and process perspective, followed by an analysis in more detail of the design of strategies for the Manufacturing function.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with knowledge of the key components of Industry 4.0 and how they can add value to engineering management and business performance. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the capability of emerging digital engineering tools, and the current readiness of industry to embrace and adopt Industry 4.0 concepts.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce the key concepts involved in research to enable you to carry out taught master’s projects. The module will develop your understanding of key research techniques and methodologies and will give you the opportunity to consider examples of relevant research methods. You will be engaged in practical exercises to develop your knowledge and choice of research skills and methods.

    Compulsory

  • The Master’s Dissertation aims to evidence your competences in applying the concepts and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. You should apply a level of intellectual rigor which is commensurate with master’s level study. The project may be a solution to a practical Industry problem/requirement or focus on a research topic.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way. You will explore, for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, the principles of entrepreneurial practice and understand the different contexts in which entrepreneurship can flourish, as well as the characteristics of entrepreneurial leadership within different types of organisational scenarios. The question key to this module is: What are the effective strategies that I can utilise in an inclusive and creative way to promote an entrepreneurial culture and practices within and outside organisations to enable an organisation to flourish? 

    Compulsory

  • Engineering Business Management Pathway

    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation for engineers – 15 credits

    This module aims to provide you with a firm understanding of the theory, practices, and importance of Entrepreneurship in both the small to medium enterprise across to larger multinational organisations. It is intended to introduce you to the current academic research and theories of ‘entrepreneurship’ including related concepts such as the ‘Techno entrepreneur’, the ‘Serial Entrepreneur’ and more.

    • Supply Chain Management – 15 credits

    This module aims to equip you with an understanding of the importance of Supply Chain Management from both a customer and supplier perspective and aims to prepare you for starting a managerial role within an industrial or commercial supply organisation. This module takes a high level, critical and evaluative view of supply chain management, emphasising managerial and strategic use of theories, concepts, and analytical tools of supply chain management.

    • Sustainability and the Environment – 15 credits

    This module is designed to provide you with the ability to develop and implement business models/strategies within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability. Aspects of sustainability (economic, social, environment) sustainable operations and sustainability challenges will be studied.

    Technical Pathway

    • Design Principles and Practice – 15 credits

    This module develops your understanding of a systematic approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving. Design as a process will be applied via a series of principles to assist the progression of a project to reach a suitable solution and evaluating that against the initial brief.

    • Future and Advanced Manufacturing Materials and Technologies – 15 credits

    The aim of this module is to investigate the introduction and use of leading-edge technologies, methods and materials currently used in advanced and high value manufacturing environments. You will learn to critically assess these advanced manufacturing areas in terms of cost, complexity of manufacture and end-of-life consequences (for example remanufacture and recycling).

    • Automation and Robotics – 15 credits

    The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the application of automation techniques and mechatronics in manufacturing. Topics covered in the lectures include the types of robots, robot programming, programmable logic controllers, sensors, vision systems, motion control, safety systems, and design for manufacture.

    Operations Pathway

    • Global Lean and Agile – 15 credits

    The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the application of automation techniques and mechatronics in manufacturing. Topics covered in the lectures include the types of robots, robot programming, programmable logic controllers, sensors, vision systems, motion control, safety systems, and design for manufacture.

    • Management of Quality – 15 credits

    The intention of this module is to convey the importance of quality as a strategy for continuous improvement in business performance. Accordingly, the module evolves through strategies for competitive quality, quality in design and manufacture and the customer supply chain to the concept of Total Quality.

    • Optimisation and Simulation – 15 credits

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with a broad understanding and knowledge of several production engineering and operations management concepts. You will be able to map and analyse and manage engineering production operations using Operational Research techniques including Simulation to identify problems and provide solutions before actual implementation.

    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 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 our 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

Course content has been guided by our close links with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, UNIPART, SAIC, Prodrive, Airbus, Tata, GKN, Ricardo, and MIRA.

You may use 3D solid modelling in Design Principles and Practice, video material in Supply Chain Management, company visits in Project Management and international case studies in Global Engineering Strategy. These examples form part of the content delivered in the modules referred to.

The Faculty has a strong portfolio of industry-related research around sustainable manufacturing, composite material research and low carbon vehicles. Teaching is underpinned by the latest research and industry trends, helping you to stay abreast of current and emerging engineering management issues and the management principles that underpin effective strategies and outcomes. For instance, specific and relevant research at PhD level is covering such areas as global account management, lean and agile manufacturing, sustainable supply chain management and business performance improvement.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake approximately 35 self-directed study hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

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 2023/24 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 include formal examinations, coursework, tests, essays, practical or project work, group work and presentations.

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

International experience opportunities

The University is committed to providing a global educational experience, which is reflected throughout the teaching experience. The course has previously recruited diverse international graduates and promotes multicultural experience.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

An applicant for the programme will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following:

  • A minimum of a second-class honour’s degree in any engineering related subject or management studies.
  • A relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level.
  • A lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant experience at a professional level.
  • Satisfactory, independent evidence of working for several years in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate, in a relevant area, which would lead to gaining benefit from the course.

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:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

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 or International Pre-Master's - Engineering Management 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.

An applicant for the programme will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following:

  • A minimum of a second-class honour’s degree in any engineering related subject or management studies.
  • A relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level.
  • A lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant experience at a professional level.
  • Satisfactory, independent evidence of working for several years in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate, in a relevant area, which would lead to gaining benefit from the course.

Students who do not fit with the above entry requirements are invited to apply and their degrees and experience will be assessed for appropriate content by the course director. Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

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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 £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)   Not available
International £20,050 | £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).

  • 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:

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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. Many of the resources available to students are accessible online.

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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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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

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Critically appraise the social, political, economic, and environmental impact of a manufacturing company in the context of ethical and responsible management practices
  • Discriminate between different leadership practices and the associated alternatives for effective communication and team management approaches, to enable a culturally sensitive approach towards a manufacturing company’s stakeholders.
  • Critically evaluate the role of managers in their task of ensuring that a manufacturing company creates sustainable value through their ability to think strategically and explore potential solutions to complex and ambiguous management, technical or operations problems.
  • Explore, critically evaluate, and apply a range of sector/pathway-specific models and concepts within a practical setting.
  • Develop the necessary study and research skills to support the analytical, critical, and reflective requirements of the written, oral and group working aspects of assignments, and of the individual dissertation, thereby addressing academic requirements as well as enhancing employability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of entrepreneurship and wealth generation.

This master’s course can provide you with a route into senior management in a broad range of careers in the manufacturing, service, and government sectors, as well as start-up companies in functions such as operations management, logistics and supply chain management, engineering research and development and project management.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone to work for companies including Tata, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent Water, and Volvo.

How to apply

  • 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 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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