MSc Engineering Projects & Systems Management
Many engineering companies to date operate on a global business platform, and many are constantly driven by new initiatives such as new products, projects or services to sustain their business growth. Thus engineering graduates who are equipped with both technical and management skill sets are particularly sought after. This course, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), provides an excellent opportunity to improve your current technical portfolio with a spectrum of engineering operations and project management skills. As a result, you will enhance your employment prospects and your ability to apply for senior engineering management roles.
This course examines the elements of a successful engineering business and how to find solutions to critical engineering management problems. Using management techniques and resource optimisation, you will be able to boost operations, productivity and competitiveness.
You will learn to develop and manage projects effectively and use e-commerce and It to expand a business. Activities include interactive lectures, problem-based learning, laboratory work, team building and case studies. Through an individual project, you will gain expertise in a chosen field to suit your career.
| Mode | Duration | Attendance | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | Delivered in one-week blocks | January 2023 and September 2023 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | Delivered in one-week blocks plus placement year | January 2023 and September 2023 |
| Part time | 2 years | Delivered in one-week blocks | January 2023 and September 2023 |
| Location | Roehampton Vale |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a chartered engineer. So, if you have an accredited BEng (Hons), this MSc will fulfil the overall educational base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
- Industry speakers will keep you up to date with challenges and developments in the real world.
- You will use specialist software in operation management, quality analysis, business decision modelling, supply chain management and resources simulation.
Accreditation
The MSc will meet, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng(Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.
It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.
- Further learning details are available on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
- All accredited degrees are displayed on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
Engineering council
What you will study
You will learn how to apply advanced project management and resource optimisation skills, and will be able to identify, evaluate and recommend solutions to critical engineering management problems that need improvement. You will study the important ingredients of running a successful business, and how to improve its operations, productivity and competitiveness by using different management techniques specific to engineering companies. You will be able to develop and manage new projects more effectively and within the given constraints in functions, cost and time. You will also learn how to expand your business through using the latest e-commerce and IT techniques.
Throughout the course you will have many hands-on sessions to practise what you have learned in the classroom. You will gain practical skills through using specialist software in operation management, quality analysis, business decision modelling, supply chain management and resources simulation. The project dissertation will allow you to develop a chosen field of knowledge which will complement your career ambition. Teamwork, group presentations, case studies and industrial speakers are other highlights of the course, enhancing your learning experience and employability.
Your MSc project will give you the opportunity to further specialise in a chosen field. We provide careful consultation to make sure you choose the right project topic (from a wide-ranging list) for your career ambitions. Many projects are company-oriented, which means that you have the opportunity to deal with real-world problems in your chosen subject.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Core modules
Option modules (choose one)
Core modules
Engineering Projects and Risk Management
30 credits
This module is designed to equip you with the essential project management techniques so that you can take leadership in initiating and managing new projects in engineering companies. Such projects include new products, new services, setting up international collaborations, establishing supply chains, and to name but a few. Many successful organisations use project management as a core management tool to drive their business forward and to explore new territories.
The module is skill-driven and provides a comprehensive learning platform for you to master not only the theoretical techniques of project management, but also assess their applications through a variety of structured hands-on practical sessions and discussion forums. You will study and analyse reasons of success and failure of real projects through a series of case studies, and will learn how to establish and mitigate potential risks associate with a new project. Project and risk management is a sought-after subject area by industry and this module enhances the your employability potential in a wide spectrum of national and international industrial organisations.
Industrial Operation Management and Resources Simulation
30 credits
This module explores various management techniques commonly used in industrial companies to improve operation efficiency, overall productivity and competitiveness. You will gain an in-depth understanding in operational issues related to industrial organisations worldwide. In particular the module focuses on how these techniques are to be applied appropriately in the engineering sector. The module addresses global operational issues faced by engineering companies including design and management of products, processes, services and supply chains. Issues such as acquisition, process development, and resource utilisation will also be considered and analysed.
The content covers both strategic and operational issues including plant location, supply chain management, distribution logistic, customer service process, include production scheduling and control, inventory management, quality control, productivity and performance measurement, materials handling, equipment maintenance policies, etc. The module further aims to identify the resource constraints in its operation through the use of discrete simulation modelling and other software techniques so that a company's overall performance and competitiveness can be improved. The main focus of the module is to provide you with a set of technical skills enabling you to apply your knowledge within an industrial setting, hence enhancing your employability potential.
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management
30 credits
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management is a core module for engineering students on various taught MSc programmes. The module is designed to provide the student with the research skills and techniques necessary to select and justify a research topic, plan project execution, use various resources to carry out a literature search and successfully complete the project and other module assignments on the course. It also addresses issues related to presentation of technical reports at MSc. level and for the purpose of wider publication in learned media.
The module further develops the students' knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It supports students in producing proposals for enterprise ideas such as new products or services, or innovations in existing processes or organisations. Concepts of total quality management to enhance quality of products and processes in an industrial setting are presented and application of supporting quality tools and techniques are discussed.
The module content is designed to enhance the students' employability potential in a variety of national and international industrial organisations, or career opportunities in research and development arena. It also equips students with a set of skills to set up their own business in an engineering innovation area should they wish to do so.
Engineering Individual Project
60 credits
This is a core module for MSc courses in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, forming a capstone experience for students on these courses. The module allows you to research and study an engineering topic which is of personal interest, thus allowing you to demonstrate the mastery of your subject, and develop your ability to analyse and evaluate specific areas that may not have been previously covered in-depth in the course.
The vigorous structure of the module provides you with an opportunity to identify an industry-based (or research-focused) project area, establish a feasible hypothesis, find creditable solutions, analyse results and offer recommendations. The module enables you to acquire and appraise new knowledge and apply individual judgement to solve new and often complex engineering problems using cutting-edge technology. It also allows you to demonstrate high levels of responsibility, organisational capability and effective communication with others including the supervisor, wider research community and other stake holders. The module also encourages you to recognise, question and deal with the ethical dilemmas that are likely to occur in engineering professional practice and research.
The project applications can be individually tailored to support your career plan and prepare you to tackle real industrial problems with maturity and rationality hence enhancing your employability potential.
Core modules
Green Engineering and Energy Efficiency
30 credits
This option module deals with the criteria and practice of sustainable development within engineering industries. To be able to critically assess energy sources as to usage performance of engineering systems, components and processes in order to minimise industrial waste, scrap and pollution through the use of analytical methods; leading to recommendations for the design, specification and manufacture of environmentally benign products.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Recognise the importance of National and European regulations in relation to renewable technologies in the construction and automotive industries.
- Discuss environmentally related technologies and materials that are fundamental in a range of industries including construction, structural mechanics, automotive and environmental operations.
- Discuss environmental issues related to resource provision and consumption necessary for the manufacture of engineered products, and analyse potential for the application of alternative energy sources.
- Analyse manufactured product design in relation to materials and other resource requirements and apply key concepts to redesign or design products to be recyclable, sustainable with a minimisation of waste.
- Specify and develop energy efficient and environmentally conscious products.
- Critically evaluate the life cycle assessment in incorporation of sustainability at the conceptual design stage.
Mechatronic Design and Automation
30 credits
This module provides high level view on the design of mechatronic and automation systems. Applications and types of such systems are discussed. Main components of mechatronic design are introduced, including mechanical design through specialised software, sensors and actuators, control design, and software development for real-time implementation. A strong feature of this module is the delivery by the academic staff from the Industrial Control Research Group. Theoretical material is illustrated by practical laboratory sessions on real-time design, using industrial standard, state-of-the-art equipment. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.
E-Engineering Systems
30 credits
With rapid advances in communication technology companies of all sizes have to compete not only with competitors in their own country, but also with others on a global scale. This module is especially designed for students from different engineering disciplines who want to enhance and broaden their knowledge in the applications of Information Technology and Electronic-Commerce.
The module is skill-focused and provides a comprehensive learning platform for engineering students to master not only the knowledge of the essential aspects of Information Systems and E-Commerce, but also to design and to build a live web site populated with product engineering data. The end product will facilitate interactive engineering and product design activities contributed by engineers in different locations across the world via the internet. The well balanced theoretical and practical content offered in this module will allow students to truly appreciate the benefits of adequate IT deployment in the engineering sector, and to apply what they have learnt in the lecture through developing a realistic web server with specific engineering design functions. As a result of this sought after skill set the students' employability potential in a wide spectrum of national and international industrial organisations will be greatly enhanced.
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. So it is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills; and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Entry requirements
Typical offer
- A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline, and/or suitable industrial experience.
Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.
International
In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.
For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests. Please note that we do not accept Standard XII as proof of Academic English.
Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.
Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.
* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.
Country-specific information
You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.
Find your country:
- Asia
- Africa
- Americas
- Europe
- Middle East
Women in Engineering
The faculty champions the excellent work our female staff contributes across engineering and encourages women from all backgrounds into the field.
"Please go for STEM courses if they interest you. Don't step back due to gender, race or religion.
Girls' brains are equally capable of doing math, building a circuit board or repairing a broken computer, I promise!
The world needs more and more creative brains to come up with sustainable solutions and losing 50% of the population (women) won't do.
The more women engineers out there, the more this ‘all-male' system will adjust."
Ratuja Patil, MSc Engineering Projects and Systems Management
Teaching and assessment
Guided independent study (self-managed time)
When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Support for postgraduate students
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
Your workload
Type of learning and teaching
Year 1
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 230 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1270 hours
15% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity. Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
How you will be assessed
Assessment typically comprises exams (eg test or exam), practical (eg presentations, performance)and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Type of assessment
Year 1
Year 1
- Coursework: 100%
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Class sizes
You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes, therefore you may be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up to date education possible.
The Department has strong links with industry leaders, including Delphi, Lotus Engineering, MAN and Thales. Many of our innovative, hands on projects involve students as well as academics and receive national and global coverage.
Our applied approach to teaching is supported by dedicated laboratories for mechanical, automotive and motorsport engineering, including wind tunnels, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and manufacturing machinery, a fully equipped materials lab, engine test cells, an automotive diagnostics lab featuring the latest industrial software packages, and a modern electronics/robotics lab with the recent addition of a robot and electronic equipment from National Instruments.
Our courses encompass applications from all areas of engineering, providing our students with the knowledge and flexibility they need to work across many industries, both in the UK and overseas.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Dr Andy Lung
Course Director
Mr Peter Berg
Constance Gnanasagaran
Mr Esfandiar Khaleghi
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology, including:
- large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour;
- a Learjet 25, providing a real-world environment for gaining practical engineering skills;
- engine-testing facilities, plus several display engines, such as a V6 Ford Cosworth and a 3-cylinder orbital direct injection engine; and
- industry-standard test and experimental equipment for metrology, robotics, rapid prototyping, fatigue and quality control.
We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software. Computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad;
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics; and
- virtual instrumentation.
The recently enlarged library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals. The Graduate Centre, exclusively for postgraduate students, provides space for private study, meetings and socialising.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities
Fees for this course
2023/24 fees for this course
Home 2023/24
- MSc full time £9,860
- MSc part time £5,423
International 2023/24
- MSc full time £15,800
- MSc part time £8,690
2022/23 fees for this course
Home 2022/23
- MSc full time £9,620
- MSc part time £5,291
International 2022/23
- MSc full time £15,400
- MSc part time £8,470
Tuition fee information for future course years
If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.
If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.
Fees for the optional placement year
If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.
Funding and bursaries
Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:
- Annual Fund scholarship
- Postgraduate scholarships for international students
If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:
- Alumni discount
- Progression Scholarship
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Textbooks
Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.
Computer equipment
There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
Photocopying and printing
In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.
Field trips
All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.
3D printing
It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be sup
Many engineering companies to date operate on a global business platform, and many are constantly driven by new initiatives such as new products, projects or services to sustain their business growth. Thus engineering graduates who are equipped with both technical and management skill sets are particularly sought after. This course, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), provides an excellent opportunity to improve your current technical portfolio with a spectrum of engineering operations and project management skills. As a result, you will enhance your employment prospects and your ability to apply for senior engineering management roles.
This course examines the elements of a successful engineering business and how to find solutions to critical engineering management problems. Using management techniques and resource optimisation, you will be able to boost operations, productivity and competitiveness.
You will learn to develop and manage projects effectively and use e-commerce and It to expand a business. Activities include interactive lectures, problem-based learning, laboratory work, team building and case studies. Through an individual project, you will gain expertise in a chosen field to suit your career.
| Mode | Duration | Attendance | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | Delivered in one-week blocks | January 2023 and September 2023 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | Delivered in one-week blocks plus placement year | January 2023 and September 2023 |
| Part time | 2 years | Delivered in one-week blocks | January 2023 and September 2023 |
| Location | Roehampton Vale |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a chartered engineer. So, if you have an accredited BEng (Hons), this MSc will fulfil the overall educational base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
- Industry speakers will keep you up to date with challenges and developments in the real world.
- You will use specialist software in operation management, quality analysis, business decision modelling, supply chain management and resources simulation.
Accreditation
The MSc will meet, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng(Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.
It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.
- Further learning details are available on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
- All accredited degrees are displayed on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
Engineering council
What you will study
You will learn how to apply advanced project management and resource optimisation skills, and will be able to identify, evaluate and recommend solutions to critical engineering management problems that need improvement. You will study the important ingredients of running a successful business, and how to improve its operations, productivity and competitiveness by using different management techniques specific to engineering companies. You will be able to develop and manage new projects more effectively and within the given constraints in functions, cost and time. You will also learn how to expand your business through using the latest e-commerce and IT techniques.
Throughout the course you will have many hands-on sessions to practise what you have learned in the classroom. You will gain practical skills through using specialist software in operation management, quality analysis, business decision modelling, supply chain management and resources simulation. The project dissertation will allow you to develop a chosen field of knowledge which will complement your career ambition. Teamwork, group presentations, case studies and industrial speakers are other highlights of the course, enhancing your learning experience and employability.
Your MSc project will give you the opportunity to further specialise in a chosen field. We provide careful consultation to make sure you choose the right project topic (from a wide-ranging list) for your career ambitions. Many projects are company-oriented, which means that you have the opportunity to deal with real-world problems in your chosen subject.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Core modules
Option modules (choose one)
Core modules
Engineering Projects and Risk Management
30 credits
This module is designed to equip you with the essential project management techniques so that you can take leadership in initiating and managing new projects in engineering companies. Such projects include new products, new services, setting up international collaborations, establishing supply chains, and to name but a few. Many successful organisations use project management as a core management tool to drive their business forward and to explore new territories.
The module is skill-driven and provides a comprehensive learning platform for you to master not only the theoretical techniques of project management, but also assess their applications through a variety of structured hands-on practical sessions and discussion forums. You will study and analyse reasons of success and failure of real projects through a series of case studies, and will learn how to establish and mitigate potential risks associate with a new project. Project and risk management is a sought-after subject area by industry and this module enhances the your employability potential in a wide spectrum of national and international industrial organisations.
Industrial Operation Management and Resources Simulation
30 credits
This module explores various management techniques commonly used in industrial companies to improve operation efficiency, overall productivity and competitiveness. You will gain an in-depth understanding in operational issues related to industrial organisations worldwide. In particular the module focuses on how these techniques are to be applied appropriately in the engineering sector. The module addresses global operational issues faced by engineering companies including design and management of products, processes, services and supply chains. Issues such as acquisition, process development, and resource utilisation will also be considered and analysed.
The content covers both strategic and operational issues including plant location, supply chain management, distribution logistic, customer service process, include production scheduling and control, inventory management, quality control, productivity and performance measurement, materials handling, equipment maintenance policies, etc. The module further aims to identify the resource constraints in its operation through the use of discrete simulation modelling and other software techniques so that a company's overall performance and competitiveness can be improved. The main focus of the module is to provide you with a set of technical skills enabling you to apply your knowledge within an industrial setting, hence enhancing your employability potential.
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management
30 credits
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management is a core module for engineering students on various taught MSc programmes. The module is designed to provide the student with the research skills and techniques necessary to select and justify a research topic, plan project execution, use various resources to carry out a literature search and successfully complete the project and other module assignments on the course. It also addresses issues related to presentation of technical reports at MSc. level and for the purpose of wider publication in learned media.
The module further develops the students' knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It supports students in producing proposals for enterprise ideas such as new products or services, or innovations in existing processes or organisations. Concepts of total quality management to enhance quality of products and processes in an industrial setting are presented and application of supporting quality tools and techniques are discussed.
The module content is designed to enhance the students' employability potential in a variety of national and international industrial organisations, or career opportunities in research and development arena. It also equips students with a set of skills to set up their own business in an engineering innovation area should they wish to do so.
Engineering Individual Project
60 credits
This is a core module for MSc courses in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, forming a capstone experience for students on these courses. The module allows you to research and study an engineering topic which is of personal interest, thus allowing you to demonstrate the mastery of your subject, and develop your ability to analyse and evaluate specific areas that may not have been previously covered in-depth in the course.
The vigorous structure of the module provides you with an opportunity to identify an industry-based (or research-focused) project area, establish a feasible hypothesis, find creditable solutions, analyse results and offer recommendations. The module enables you to acquire and appraise new knowledge and apply individual judgement to solve new and often complex engineering problems using cutting-edge technology. It also allows you to demonstrate high levels of responsibility, organisational capability and effective communication with others including the supervisor, wider research community and other stake holders. The module also encourages you to recognise, question and deal with the ethical dilemmas that are likely to occur in engineering professional practice and research.
The project applications can be individually tailored to support your career plan and prepare you to tackle real industrial problems with maturity and rationality hence enhancing your employability potential.
Core modules
Green Engineering and Energy Efficiency
30 credits
This option module deals with the criteria and practice of sustainable development within engineering industries. To be able to critically assess energy sources as to usage performance of engineering systems, components and processes in order to minimise industrial waste, scrap and pollution through the use of analytical methods; leading to recommendations for the design, specification and manufacture of environmentally benign products.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Recognise the importance of National and European regulations in relation to renewable technologies in the construction and automotive industries.
- Discuss environmentally related technologies and materials that are fundamental in a range of industries including construction, structural mechanics, automotive and environmental operations.
- Discuss environmental issues related to resource provision and consumption necessary for the manufacture of engineered products, and analyse potential for the application of alternative energy sources.
- Analyse manufactured product design in relation to materials and other resource requirements and apply key concepts to redesign or design products to be recyclable, sustainable with a minimisation of waste.
- Specify and develop energy efficient and environmentally conscious products.
- Critically evaluate the life cycle assessment in incorporation of sustainability at the conceptual design stage.
Mechatronic Design and Automation
30 credits
This module provides high level view on the design of mechatronic and automation systems. Applications and types of such systems are discussed. Main components of mechatronic design are introduced, including mechanical design through specialised software, sensors and actuators, control design, and software development for real-time implementation. A strong feature of this module is the delivery by the academic staff from the Industrial Control Research Group. Theoretical material is illustrated by practical laboratory sessions on real-time design, using industrial standard, state-of-the-art equipment. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.
E-Engineering Systems
30 credits
With rapid advances in communication technology companies of all sizes have to compete not only with competitors in their own country, but also with others on a global scale. This module is especially designed for students from different engineering disciplines who want to enhance and broaden their knowledge in the applications of Information Technology and Electronic-Commerce.
The module is skill-focused and provides a comprehensive learning platform for engineering students to master not only the knowledge of the essential aspects of Information Systems and E-Commerce, but also to design and to build a live web site populated with product engineering data. The end product will facilitate interactive engineering and product design activities contributed by engineers in different locations across the world via the internet. The well balanced theoretical and practical content offered in this module will allow students to truly appreciate the benefits of adequate IT deployment in the engineering sector, and to apply what they have learnt in the lecture through developing a realistic web server with specific engineering design functions. As a result of this sought after skill set the students' employability potential in a wide spectrum of national and international industrial organisations will be greatly enhanced.
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. So it is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills; and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Entry requirements
Typical offer
- A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline, and/or suitable industrial experience.
Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.
International
In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.
For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests. Please note that we do not accept Standard XII as proof of Academic English.
Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.
Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.
* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.
Country-specific information
You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.
Find your country:
- Asia
- Africa
- Americas
- Europe
- Middle East
Women in Engineering
The faculty champions the excellent work our female staff contributes across engineering and encourages women from all backgrounds into the field.
"Please go for STEM courses if they interest you. Don't step back due to gender, race or religion.
Girls' brains are equally capable of doing math, building a circuit board or repairing a broken computer, I promise!
The world needs more and more creative brains to come up with sustainable solutions and losing 50% of the population (women) won't do.
The more women engineers out there, the more this ‘all-male' system will adjust."
Ratuja Patil, MSc Engineering Projects and Systems Management
Teaching and assessment
Guided independent study (self-managed time)
When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Support for postgraduate students
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
Your workload
Type of learning and teaching
Year 1
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 230 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1270 hours
15% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity. Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
How you will be assessed
Assessment typically comprises exams (eg test or exam), practical (eg presentations, performance)and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Type of assessment
Year 1
Year 1
- Coursework: 100%
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Class sizes
You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes, therefore you may be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up to date education possible.
The Department has strong links with industry leaders, including Delphi, Lotus Engineering, MAN and Thales. Many of our innovative, hands on projects involve students as well as academics and receive national and global coverage.
Our applied approach to teaching is supported by dedicated laboratories for mechanical, automotive and motorsport engineering, including wind tunnels, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and manufacturing machinery, a fully equipped materials lab, engine test cells, an automotive diagnostics lab featuring the latest industrial software packages, and a modern electronics/robotics lab with the recent addition of a robot and electronic equipment from National Instruments.
Our courses encompass applications from all areas of engineering, providing our students with the knowledge and flexibility they need to work across many industries, both in the UK and overseas.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Dr Andy Lung
Course Director
Mr Peter Berg
Constance Gnanasagaran
Mr Esfandiar Khaleghi
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology, including:
- large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour;
- a Learjet 25, providing a real-world environment for gaining practical engineering skills;
- engine-testing facilities, plus several display engines, such as a V6 Ford Cosworth and a 3-cylinder orbital direct injection engine; and
- industry-standard test and experimental equipment for metrology, robotics, rapid prototyping, fatigue and quality control.
We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software. Computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad;
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics; and
- virtual instrumentation.
The recently enlarged library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals. The Graduate Centre, exclusively for postgraduate students, provides space for private study, meetings and socialising.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities
Fees for this course
2023/24 fees for this course
Home 2023/24
- MSc full time £9,860
- MSc part time £5,423
International 2023/24
- MSc full time £15,800
- MSc part time £8,690
2022/23 fees for this course
Home 2022/23
- MSc full time £9,620
- MSc part time £5,291
International 2022/23
- MSc full time £15,400
- MSc part time £8,470
Tuition fee information for future course years
If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.
If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.
Fees for the optional placement year
If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.
Funding and bursaries
Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:
- Annual Fund scholarship
- Postgraduate scholarships for international students
If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:
- Alumni discount
- Progression Scholarship
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Textbooks
Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.
Computer equipment
There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
Photocopying and printing
In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.
Field trips
All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.
3D printing
It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be sup
