This document provides information about the MSc in Automotive Engineering program at Cranfield University. The 1-year program aims to provide graduates with technical skills and experience to work in the automotive industry. The course includes 10 compulsory modules covering topics like vehicle dynamics and powertrain systems. It also includes a group design project, individual research thesis project, and access to automotive testing facilities. The program prepares students for careers in areas like engine design, hybrid vehicles, and automotive research.

1. MSc in
Automotive Engineering
School of Engineering
www.cranfield.ac.uk/soe/autoeng
Full-time

2. Postgraduate study
Cranfield University
2
School of Engineering MSc in Automotive Engineering
Automotive Engineering
MSc in
The Automotive sector is ever changing, the demands on reducing vehicle
emissions whilst maintaining the performance and ride quality is providing a
challenge for the Automotive Engineer. In addition, the introduction of Hybrid and
Electric vehicles has opened up new challenges along with the CO2
reduction
technologies for piston engines like Downsizing and Downspeeding. In order
to meet the demands of these fast moving technologies the Automotive
Industry requires highly qualified engineers.
The MSc in Automotive Engineering has been developed to provide the industry
with high calibre engineers that are equipped with the necessary skills to
advance vehicle technology to meet the demands of the future.
The Msc in Automotive Engineering is suitable for graduates in engineering,
physics or mathematics, and will prepare you for a career in this exciting field,
from engine design to hybrid electric vehicles, chassis and braking operations,
and much more.
Stand out from the crowd
The one year MSc in Automotive Engineering aims to provide
graduates with the technical qualities, transferable skills
and independent learning ability to make them effective in
organisations that design and develop automotive products.
Cranfield’s strategic links with industry ensures that all of the
material on the course is relevant, timely and meets the needs
of organisations competing with the automotive sector. This
industry led education makes Cranfield graduates some of the
most desirable in the world for automotive companies to recruit.
Focus on your interests
The course is comprised of 10 compulsory taught modules, a
group design project and an individual research project.
For the first term of the academic year students will take modules
in core automotive subjects such as vehicle dynamics, powertrain
technology and vehicle light weighting. In the second term,
students will undertake a bespoke programme of study geared
towards a greater understanding in the technical aspects of
vehicle engineering.
The group project allows students to experience delivering an
automotive industry structured project. This allows students to
develop a range of skills such as project management, delivering
technical presentations and working as part of a team with wide
ranging expertise.
The individual research project provides students the opportunity
to deepen their knowledge of an area that is of particular interest.
Unique facilities
Cranfield University has a wide range of industrial scale
automotive facilities. Throughout the course students benefit
from gaining hands on experience of using the facilities
both through the applied style of MSc teaching and the
independent learning of the group project and thesis.
Students’ work is well supported by facilities including vehicles
and vehicle subsystems, instrumentation, computers and
industry standard software including Matlab, CAD and Ricardo
Wave. The automotive laboratories include dynamometers for
whole vehicle and engine testing, instrumented vehicles for
handling and performance testing, and special-purpose rigs
for assemblies and component testing.
Learning environment
Cranfield University is a wholly postgraduate institution which
offers a mature and focused learning environment. This makes
Cranfield uniquely structured to maximise its alliances with
industry, ensuring our students benefit from being involved in
extensive delivery of applied research. It has an international
student body and reputation offering a rich learning
environment for a potentially global career path.
As well as attracting top level students Cranfield also attracts
some of the most proficient academic staff which combined
with its industrial scale facilities offers an exceptional learning
experience.

3. 3
www.cranfield.ac.uk/soe/autoeng
Postgraduate study
Cranfield University
Research at Cranfield University
The Department of Automotive Engineering has a broad portfolio
of research activities funded by the Engineering and Physical
Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), European Union and industry,
in the UK and abroad.
Some areas of specialisation include:
• Powertrain Systems
• Brake Design and Optimisation
• Vehicle Electrifications.
Recent projects include:
• Quiet Brake Design
• Redeploying Second Life Batteries
• Developing fundamental understanding of technologies
for ultra-reduced emission vehicles.
MSc Group Design Project
Students undertake substantial group work in designing and
optimising a particular vehicle system/assembly. Presentations
are arranged to the Industrial Advisory Panel members (consisting
of practising automotive engineers and managers), academic
staff and fellow students, to market the product and demonstrate
technical expertise. These presentations give students the
opportunity to develop presentation skills and effectively handle
questions about complex issues in a professional manner.
Projects have included:
• Saloon Hybrid Vehicle Design
• Hybrid London Taxi
• 1.6L Turbo Charged Gasoline Engine
MSc Research Thesis Project
After gaining an excellent understanding of methods and
applications the students will work full time (May – September)
on an individual research project. This allows students to delve
deeper into an area of specific interest, taking the theory from
the taught modules and joining it with practical experience. A list
of suggested topics is provided, and includes projects proposed
by staff and industry.
Recent thesis topics have included:
• Real-time control of a Plug-in Hybrid vehicle:
Optimal CO2
emissions and driveability
• Commercial Vehicle Brake Temperature Prediction:
Thermal Route Simulation
• Load Path and Torsional Stiffness Study of Composite Vehicle Structure
Your career
The MSc in Automotive Engineering is specifically tailored to
provide graduates with the skills required by the automotive
industry. As a result, our graduates are regularly recruited by
organisations including Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Millbrook
Proving Ground, McLaren and Ricardo. We also arrange
company visits and career open days with key employers.
If your interests lie in research, many former students have gone
on to pursue PhDs either in Cranfield or elsewhere.
Research and Careers
“I applied to Cranfield due to the University’s
reputation as one of the best in the world for
Automotive Engineering. I thoroughly enjoyed
earning my Master’s degree, finding it both
challenging and very rewarding and securing
employment before completing the course. The
knowledge and experience I gained was well
worth the hard work!”
Malcolm Thomson MSc BEng(Hons) AMIMechE,
Gasoline Calibration Engineer, AVL Powertrain UK
“Studying Automotive Engineering at Cranfield
has allowed me to experience a stimulating
international academic environment. My interests
in the automotive domain have been alimented
constantly by extremely competent professors.
The course has offered those academic and
cultural challenges which I require to work at
a multinational company.”
Lorenzo Romagnoli, Intenational Graduate Programme
Member, Graduate Engineer, GKN plc.

4. Postgraduate study
Cranfield University
4
School of Engineering MSc in Automotive Engineering
ÔÔ Vehicle Concepts and PerformanceÔ
To provide a fundamental understanding of vehicle
concepts, typical designs and interactions between
vehicle structure, powertrain, suspension, steering and
braking systems and establish approaches to analysing
and predicting vehicle performance
ÔÔ Powertrain SystemsÔ
Equip students with the necessary skills to understand
the mechanics of powertrain systems for automotive
applications and evaluate the impact of powertrain
systems on global emissions
ÔÔ Automotive Control and SimulationÔ
Equip students with the necessary skills to evaluate and
propose new designs of classical and neo-classical
control algorithms that are appropriate for deployment
within a vehicle.
Structure
The course runs from October to September, with the key activities in the period up to April being taught lecture modules and the
Group Design Project. From April to the end of August students work full-time on their individual thesis project.
The course is constructed of 10 compulsory modules that are assessed via a combination of written exams and individual
coursework assignments, a group project and an individual research thesis.
Core modules
Course information
Key facts
Entry requirements
1st or 2nd class (or equivalent) UK honours degree in engineering,
mathematics or an applied science. Applicants who do not fulfil
the standard entry requirements can apply for the Pre-Master’s
programme, successful completion of which will qualify them for entry
to this course for a second year of study
Duration
1 year full time
Contact
SoE Admissions
T: +44 (0)1234 754708
E: soe_auto@cranfield.ac.uk
www.cranfield.ac.uk/soe/autoeng
SoE1331
ÔÔ Introduction to Integral Vehicle StructuresÔ
The aim of this module is to provide a first principles
approach for assessing load paths in integral vehicle
structures, and to understand the key design implications
for static stiffness compliance.
ÔÔ Vehicle Dynamics, Ride and HandlingÔ
To provide an understanding of vehicle dynamics as
applied to wheeled vehicles and to introduce students
to the ride and handling, from requirements (subjective
and objective) to analytical modelling and practical
viewpoints. Students will be provided with the skills and
knowledge to tackle dynamic aspects of vehicle design,
development and testing including the impact of active
chassis and driveline systems.
ÔÔ Vehicle Instrumentation and Data ManagementÔ
To equip students with the necessary knowledge and
skills to allow them to design and evaluate the use of
instrumentation and data management methods within
the context of a vehicle, or component, development
programme.
ÔÔ Vehicle Design and AnalysisÔ
To provide detailed understanding of design synthesis
and analyses related to vehicle systems, assemblies and
components and to establish approaches to predicting
critical loading cases and dimensioning of vehicle systems.
ÔÔ Engines Technology and CombustionÔ
To evaluate the physical processes during the mixing
of fuel and air and its subsequent combustion, provide
knowledge of combustion chemistry and understand role
of engine simulation and development.
Specialised modules
ÔÔ Vehicle Dynamics and Suspension DesignÔ
To provide an understanding of ride and handling, from
analytical, modelling and practical viewpoints. To link
understanding of vehicle dynamics, ride and handling
to the practical implications for suspension and steering
systems design.
ÔÔ Vehicle Technology for DecarbonisationÔ
To generate an understanding of the methods and
technologies available that aid in the global
decarbonisation of the automotive sector.
Start date
October
Methods of study
Full time