Production Engineering and Operations Management MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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If you would like to pursue a managerial role in factory operations, this MSc in Production Engineering and Operations Management could help you take that next step up.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT055

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Course overview

The overall aim of the course is to advance your abilities within the area of production engineering and operations management so you can assist manufacturing companies to meet these demands head-on – achieving competitive advantage and making an impact on profits and sustainability.

  • We will encourage you to evaluate engineering design and process choices around materials, production technologies and production processes. You will then have the opportunity to design solutions to complex production engineering and operations management problems using 3D computer solid modelling and the latest industry-standard software, interfacing with current leading production machines.
  • You will be required to study many of the more popular approaches being used to improve manufacturing processes with a view to making companies more productive and cost-efficient, namely lean and agile manufacturing.
  • We also aim to cover some of the latest industry trends around automation techniques, including various robot types, robot programming, programmable logic controllers, sensors, vision systems, motion control, safety systems, and design for manufacture. You will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in online and offline robot programming.
  • You will 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.
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Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • A distinct advantage of our course is its vocational nature. We use real-life case studies and examples from local and regional industries, including automotive, aerospace, mechanical and engineering services and their supply chain.
  • You may have opportunities to access the facilities of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), which can enable you to put your learning into practice, working on actual problems in collaboration with Unipart to find solutions to current and emerging industrial challenges4.
  • Teaching is informed by our strong portfolio of industrial research. Many of our academics come from an industrial background and are research active, engaged either in their own individual research area or as part of one of the University’s research institutes (Please note staff may be subject to change).
  • Our industry connections may enable us to deliver a programme of exciting guest speakers, which in the past have included speakers from the BSI (British Standards Institution), Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce and others from within the UK supply chain (guest speakers are subject to availability).
  • Your studies will be split between our £50m Engineering and Computing Building and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), based at Unipart’s Coventry site. You can experience the latest technology on the manufacturing front line, which includes £3m of robotic automation, forming, joining, analysis and simulation, metrology and product verification technology4.
  • You will have the chance to learn to identify opportunities for the application of new materials and processes and evaluate appropriate production control systems. At the same time, you can develop the skills to assess manufacturing issues with regard to strategic and financial implications, as well as work effectively in a team environment.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This course is currently accredited for the 2023/24 intakes by 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). Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Chartered Management Institute 

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 its quality systems.

What you'll study

The course culminates with your dissertation, which provides an opportunity to apply the theories and techniques you have learned. It may focus on one area of study or involve a combination of subjects. In the past, students have considered topics such as comparison of industry across global sectors, the introduction of ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, innovation of methods and techniques from one industry sector to another, design of automation or robotics etc.

Your project can be industry-based if you are already working or wish to gain an internship style industrial experience during the third semester2. For example, solving specific production problems experienced by a company, investigating the use of new technologies like 3D-printing, evaluating potential uses of new materials or production techniques or designing new systems or components for efficiency.

With the programme being so closely related with AME, there may also be opportunities for involvement with ongoing research projects run as part of the Institute’s normal research activities (subject to availability, application, meeting any applicable visa requirements and may incur additional costs).

Modules

  • 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.

    Compulsory

  • In the fast-moving global marketplace of today, agility enables manufacturing industry to thrive in an environment of continuous and unanticipated change. Lean operations is often seen as a collection of operational techniques focused on the elimination of waste to increase productive use of resource to make value flow. This module will review both concepts and through industrial case studies and examples will enable you to assess how these two techniques can work together, evaluating the benefits and limitations.

    Compulsory

  • This module will build on existing experience and aims to further strengthen your understanding of CAD by examining current industry standard methods and criteria and its relationship with production methods and part variation from design nominal dimensional values.

    Compulsory

  • 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.

    Compulsory

  • 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 taught techniques to map and analyse and manage engineering production operations using Operational Research techniques including Simulation to identify problems and provide solutions before actual implementation. These techniques will be used to model and optimise both deterministic and probabilistic production engineering problems.

    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 should 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 the 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 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 should learn to critically assess these advanced manufacturing areas in terms of cost, complexity of manufacture and end-of-life consequences.

    Compulsory

  • The project aims to provide you with the demonstrable competences in applying the concepts and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The project may be a solution to a practical Industry problem/requirement or focus on a research topic. The project will culminate in a comprehensive, thorough and professional report.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation in different types of organisational scenarios. You will critically assess strategies for change and change management and explore the leadership skills required to lead such successfully. 

    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 include:

  • Lectures
  • Case studies
  • Simulations
  • Tutorials
  • Individual and group exercises and projects

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time 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 significant self-directed study approximately 30 - 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Your project-based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 38 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around 1 hour per week and where appropriate workshops supporting your project which can add up to 10 additional hours across your project semester.

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 will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include coursework assignments, which could involve design, analysis and experimentation, or computer simulation. Assessment methods may also include written assessments, presentations, posters, tests, exams, oral examinations and formal reports.

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

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

To enter this course, you should have a minimum 2:2 honour's degree in an appropriate engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Automotive, Motorsport, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering. However, entry qualifications are flexible, and applications are welcomed from other technical disciplines, mature candidates and those with industrial experience for review by the course director.

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.

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

To enter this course, you should have a minimum 2:2 honour's degree in an appropriate engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Automotive, Motorsport, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering. However, entry qualifications are flexible, and applications are welcomed from other technical disciplines, mature candidates and those with industrial experience for review by the course director.

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.

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.

Factory on the floor

Faculty on the factory floor

AME brings together academia, industry, and research and development in a ‘live’ manufacturing environment. Our collaboration with Unipart gives you the opportunity to work with some of the most talented engineering professionals in the UK.
 

High performance engineering centre

High Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC)

Situated on the ground floor of our Engineering and Computing Building, the centre houses flight and driving simulators, a chassis design assembly and test facility, wind tunnels and a fleet of CNC manufacturing machines.

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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.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • The evaluation of current and emerging materials and their associated manufacturing processes and technologies.
  • The optimisation of production engineering and production operations management using appropriate mathematical, statistical and simulation methods, recognising the limitations of these methods.
  • The critical appreciation of the engineering and management challenges in global production operations including the ethical, legal, social, environmental and economic constraints.
  • The systematic understanding of digital manufacturing technologies and approaches and the impact that digital artefacts and digital data has on the competitiveness of manufacturing environments.

You will be able to:

  • Formulate innovative solutions to real-world problems and challenges with incomplete data through an ability to synthesise current and leading-edge knowledge.
  • Evaluate the limitations of current and emerging products and technologies against both technical as well as commercial constraints.
  • Design creative solutions to current and emergent problems by taking a holistic technical and non-technical perspective, including commercial and sustainability concepts.
  • Apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems within production operations management, recognising any limitations and commercial and industrial constraints.
  • Critically appraise how new knowledge is generated within production engineering and production operations management.

On successful completion of this course, you should have developed as a manufacturing engineer and increased your knowledge of the application of technology and developed your business and management skills. You could go on to pursue a successful career in manufacturing industry in roles, which typically include manufacturing engineering, process planning, production planning, quality, systems improvement, projects and operations management.

Where our graduates work

Graduates on similar courses have gone on to secure roles in production engineering and manufacturing management.

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 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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