13 Best Masters in Automotive Engineering | Schools, Requirements, Cost

Earning a master’s degree in automotive engineering provides you with advanced knowledge and skills in the field. Although one can start a career in the field with a bachelor’s degree, you would need a master’s degree to advance in the field.

But before you go for a master’s degree, you will need to know some things about the program, and we will give you basic information on masters in automotive engineering degree programs and the best schools in the world to earn them.

Automotive engineering is one of the most technologically interesting and compelling specialty areas in engineering. It requires expertise in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Although it has been in existence for 100 years, the way automobiles and highways have been integrated into various global cultures has led to this sector’s popularity.

In fact, automotive is one engineering field that is constantly changing and adapting to the requirements of users and the environment. So experts in automotive engineering are poised to develop innovations that will change society and also, address global problems.

To keep up with these changes and advancement, there is a need to continue education to get advanced knowledge and skills.

In this article, you’ll get detailed information on the best schools for a master’s in an automotive engineering degree program. You also get to know the necessary requirements for enrolling in one.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

What Is Automotive Engineering?

Automotive engineering deals with the design, manufacture, and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems.

It is basically a branch of mechanical engineering. It is also a branch of vehicle engineering just like aerospace engineering and naval architecture.

The automotive engineering field covers the production, development, and manufacturing of automobiles by incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering.

To become an automotive engineer, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. Currently, very few universities offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering. However, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from a school that has a concentration in automotive engineering.

After this, you can now pursue a master’s degree program in automotive engineering. Stay with me for detailed information on this program.

Read more: 13 Best Automotive Engineering Schools In The World for a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Why Pursue a Masters In Automotive Engineering Degree Program?

Unlike a bachelor’s degree, a master’s program offers students an opportunity to focus on a particular aspect of automotive engineering. Common specialization tracks are manufacturing processes, electrical and computer systems, mechanical systems, and materials science.

Also, masters in automotive engineering students get specialized automotive engineering knowledge and skills.

This is because the Master of Science in Automotive Engineering program provides them with knowledge of the corresponding new technologies as well as technical and organizational processes. It also enables them to actively participate in and develop concepts and innovations in professional fields of vehicle and vehicle component development.

In addition, just like other master’s degree programs, masters in automotive engineering offer research opportunities for students.

Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering Coursework

A typical master’s degree in automotive engineering program covers the following courses:

In order to complete the degree, students must present a final project or thesis paper. It takes about two years to complete a master’s degree program in automotive engineering.

What Are the Requirements For A Masters In Automotive Engineering Degree Program?

The major requirement you need to enroll for a master’s program in this field is a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering or another related discipline.

Other requirements may vary among programs, schools, and countries. Nevertheless, below is a list of common requirements for a masters in an automotive engineering degree program:

What Is The Cost For A Masters In Automotive Engineering Degree Program?

The tuition fee for a master’s in automotive engineering varies among programs, schools, and countries. You are therefore advised to visit the financial page of your chosen school for the exact cost.

How Long Does It Take To A Masters In Automotive Engineering Degree Program?

It takes about 2 years to complete a master’s in the automotive engineering degree program. However, some can be completed in a shorter period let’s say one year while others (especially part-time programs) take a longer time.

Which Universities offer the Best Masters In Automotive Engineering Degree Program?

Several schools offer a master’s degree in automotive engineering programs all over the world. However, to effectively rank these universities, we used some factors.

Here are the ranking factors.

For your degree to count, you have to earn it form an accredited institution. Hence, the need to ascertain the accreditation status of the automotive engineering program before applying.

Here we take cognizance of the accreditation status of the automotive engineering master’s degree programs.

Institutions that have a good number of dedicated facilities for research in a certain program rank higher than those with little or n dedicated facilities for the program as they would tend to be at the forefront of academic advancement for the discipline.

For your degree to count, you have to earn it form an accredited institution. Hence, the need to ascertain the accreditation status of the automotive engineering program before applying.

Here we take cognizance of the accreditation status of the automotive engineering master’s degree programs.

Institutions that have a good number of dedicated facilities for research in a certain program rank higher than those with little or n dedicated facilities for the program as they would tend to be at the forefront of academic advancement for the discipline.

Here are the top universities where you can study the best masters in automotive engineering degree programs:

#1 Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands (TU/e) 

Combining scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality, Eindhoven University of Technology, a top-ranking Dutch university offers one of the best masters programs in automotive technology and engineering.

The TU/e campus is in the center of one of the most powerful technology hubs in the world: Brainport Eindhoven. 

Based on a systems approach, TU/e MSc program Automotive Technology provides multidisciplinary knowledge for today’s high-tech automotive industry.

In this Master of Automotive Technology program, you will learn how to view the car as a system. The program offers in-depth knowledge about essential parts of a vehicle, and about vehicle-to-vehicle communication and control. 

The system approach used here is also demonstrated by the program being a joint initiative of five departments.

With no other comparable programs in Europe, the TU/e Master of Automotive Technology program offers you an outstanding starting point for a successful career in the automotive industry. 

#2 University of Leeds, United Kingdom

The Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng) at the University of Leeds will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to meet the needs of the automotive industry in the advanced areas of analysis, design, and manufacture. It will also prepare you to work in a range of different settings.

The core modules will develop your knowledge of key fields like chassis and driveline engineering, and human factors in automotive. The knowledge gotten here is then used during the design and build project. 

During the course of the program, particular emphasis is also laid on computational methods and software packages in automotive engineering analysis, design and manufacture. Depending on the modules, you could use Matlab, Fusion360, Abaqus finite element code, Fluent CFD, SolidWorks CAE and LabView.

Furthermore, students at the University of Leeds benefit from working in world-class specialist facilities for different aspects of automotive engineering. These include

Basic Entry Requirement: A bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in a relevant engineering discipline.

#3 RWTH Aachen University, Germany

RWTH Aachen University is the biggest university of technology in Germany and also one of the leading institutions in Europe for science and research. It is one of the top universities for masters degree programs in automotive engineering.

Taught both in German and English languages, students in the Automotive Engineering M.Sc. program learn about the technological basics and in-depth knowledge in the conception and the development of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and optionally of motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. 

Course modules here cover all of the vehicle’s main domains such as chassis, body, drivetrain, safety, driver assistance systems, and others.

On completion, graduates will be proficient in relevant technological areas like vehicle dynamics, energy efficiency, acoustics, mechatronics, structural fatigue, and durability.

Reason being that the program provides in-depth knowledge of industrial design approaches and research topics with regard to real-world vehicle requirements, market developments, and legislative constraints.

Graduates of this master’s program have an underlining excellent prospects following the school’s outstanding reputation.

Basic Entry Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering (minimum 7 semesters).

#4 RMIT University, Australia

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology(RMIT) is a leader in the automotive engineering field. RMIT provides a wide range of courses and large research centers that allows students to share expertise and resources. It is currently one of the best universities that offer masters in automotive engineering degree programs.

Here, students gain the skills to be a technological leader capable of managing innovation in both automotive design and manufacturing settings.

The program is basically designed to meet the needs of the global automotive industry. The focus is on sustainable design and manufacturing practices based on the entire life cycle (from ‘cradle to grave’) of vehicles.

So as a student, you’ll develop the skills to take a leading role in automotive engineering design, manufacturing, and testing using contemporary engineering methods and computational and experimental tools.

You also have the flexibility to specialize in either advanced automotive design and development or automotive manufacturing.

RMIT automotive engineering masters students use advanced computer-aided engineering software such as LS-DYNA and Abaqus and gain hands-on experience in several state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including the full-scale Vehicle Wind Tunnel, Green Engines Research Laboratory, and Vehicle NVH Laboratory.

Graduates of this program have the opportunity to do work experience with multinational companies, enhancing their employment opportunities in the global job market. Also, there are exchange opportunities between RMIT and universities worldwide, including opportunities for dual masters’ awards.

Basic Entry Requirement: Successful completion of an Australian bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Sustainable Systems, or Automotive Engineering with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

#5 University of Michigan, USA

Ranked #1 in the best masters in automotive engineering programs in the USA, the University of Michigan offers the program both on-campus and online.

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)  in Automotive Engineering at the University of Michigan is an advanced professional degree program that is designed specifically for today’s engineering world.

With an emphasis on recent advances in engineering fundamentals and practice, this degree program prepares students to be innovators who can address global problems in this technologically dynamic and compelling field. 

The automotive curriculum features courses on state-of-the-art engineering competencies such as:

Furthermore, students who graduate from this program have strengths in modern automotive systems, engineering fundamentals, enhanced interdisciplinary skills, and the teamwork skills necessary to guide product and process development in this rapidly evolving field.

Basic Entry Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering or a relevant engineering field.

#6 University of Hertfordshire, UK

The University of Hertfordshire has been running automotive degree courses for almost forty years and is very well-established within the automotive industry.

The aim of the MSc in Automotive Engineering is to equip students with the theory and the practice of relevant materials, technologies, and analytical tools to provide solutions for automotive design and manufacturing problems.

It also aims to provide students with the opportunity to use creativity and innovation in the application of technology to the development of the automobile.

In line with the above, the MSc in Automotive Engineering has been specifically designed to enhance the employment and promotional opportunities of graduates in mechanical and automotive engineering. The program considers in-depth key areas of automotive technology.

In fact, its integrated design covers both the technological and management aspects of the motor industry.

The University of Hertfordshire has excellent facilities in automotive engineering technology including:

Furthermore, graduates’ employment prospects are excellent. As a graduate, you can expect to be employed in design, manufacturing, or testing in one of the major automotive companies in the UK or internationally.

Basic Entry Requirement: An honors degree (at least 2:2 or above) in mechanical or automotive engineering. Note that other disciplines may be considered.

#7 TH Koln University of Applied Sciences, Germany

The Master of Science in Automotive Engineering at TH Koln University of Applied Sciences builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor’s degree program.

The course contents of this degree program are geared towards the ability to absorb and implement engineering innovations for automotive development throughout one’s lifetime.

In this three-semester Master’s program, the students deepen their expertise in the field of automotive engineering. Also, content on new developments in vehicle manufacturing is taught.

In addition, the close practical orientation of the lecturers to the automotive industry and the wide range of modern vehicle development laboratories ensure that you will be able to acquire excellent practical knowledge during your studies.

The program concludes with the Master thesis, in which an engineering topic from the automotive engineering field is independently worked on.

Interestingly, you can either sign up for this Master of Science (M. Sc.) in the automotive engineering program in the summer or winter semester.

Basic Entry Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering or a relevant engineering field.

#8 TU Dortmund University

The M.Sc. Automation and Robotics Program at  TU Dortmund University is interdisciplinary and covers all relevant areas which contribute to this field.

This Masters in Automation and Robotics program is an English-language degree program. It is aligned with in­ter­na­tio­nal benchmarks, offering very good teaching, well-equipped modern laboratories, and opportunities for application-oriented research.

Also, interdisciplinarity is built into its structure, with active participation by the faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Computer Science, Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, and Mathematics as well as the Robotics Research Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Logistics.

Furthermore, graduates of the program can work in research and development as well as design and production in many industries including, for example, the automobile, chemical, and aerospace industries.

Basic Entry Requirement: A relevant Bachelor’s degree with a good grade (2.5) in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Information and Communications Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering from TU Dort­mund University or a comparable degree.

#9 University of South Wales

The University of South Wales has a strong reputation in automotive research and development. It is currently among the top schools that offer one of the best masters programs in automotive engineering in the world.

The Automotive Engineering degrees available here will provide you with the knowledge and skills required in the modern automotive industry, with a focus on autonomous vehicle technology. 

However,  the four-year Master of Engineering course is designed to give you a higher technical knowledge, and is the highest award for undergraduate study in engineering. 

In terms of research, the Centre for Automotive and Power Systems Engineering (CAPSE) undertakes research and consultancy for some of the top car manufacturing companies. In fact, the University of South Wales has strong links with the automotive sector and we place considerable emphasis on student’s projects.

Students here also have access to facilities which include Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and analysis software, automotive engine testbeds, a gas turbine plant, laser scanning arm, and wind tunnel.

Furthermore, as part of your studies as a student, you will have the chance to be involved in the development of a formula student racing car.

Note that studying on the MEng Automotive Engineering course will remove the need to source further funding to study a Masters-level qualification.

#10 Loughborough University

Loughborough University offers one of the best masters in automotive engineering degree programs in the world. 

Basically, the Automotive Engineering MSc program at Loughborough University aims to provide those of you with an interest in the automotive industry, with knowledge and technical expertise in a wide range of automotive disciplines.

It was created with industry partners, including Ford Motor Company and Jaguar Land Rover, and will provide students with the knowledge and technical expertise in a wide range of automotive disciplines.

The department also has a strong and growing research program with world-class research activities and facilities.

Interestingly, a key element of the MSc Automotive Systems Engineering program is the opportunity for students to access the vehicle proving ground facilities at Horiba MIRA Ltd near Nuneaton. This forms part of Europe’s largest transport technology research and development cluster.

Furthermore, graduates from here work primarily in product design and development groups, and are sought after by a wide range of automotive companies.

Basic Entry Requirement: A bachelor’s degree (2:1 or above) in automotive engineering or a relevant engineering field.

#11 Birmingham City University

The MSc Automotive Engineering course at Birmingham City University will teach you the skills you need to become a highly-skilled engineer, capable of undertaking related tasks within and across different organizations.

Basically, the program encourages creative thinking and the development of engineering leadership skills, as well as teaches students how to solve problems through research.

Students here also engage in independent study, advancing their understanding and developing new skills.

The state-of-the-art laboratories at Birmingham City University help enhance students’ educational experience by providing a bridge between theoretical learning and hands-on teaching to prepare them for a career in industry.

Basic Entry Requirement: A Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.

#12 Clemson University

Master’s in Automotive Engineering at Clemson blends intense technical study and strong science-based skill-building with an emphasis on leadership and other business acumen needed to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.

The hands-on, holistic approach ensures that graduates move seamlessly into employment within the automotive industry or academia.

Classes take place at Clemson’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina.

#13 Vilnius Gediminas Technical University

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, the leader in technological sciences in Lithuania offers one of the best masters programs in automotive engineering. On completion of the automotive engineering program receive a Master of Engineering Sciences degree.

Basically, the aim of the master’s degree in Automotive Engineering at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University is to produce well-trained students who will be future professionals and respond to the needs of this industrial sector.

It also aims to provide graduates with a wide range of technical skills and independent learning ability to make them effective in organizations that design and develop automotive products.

So graduates of this program are employed in the automotive industry, which comprises a range of businesses, institutes and agencies active in the research, development, manufacturing, validating, maintaining and selling of products associated with vehicles and transport system.

Basic Entry Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Transport Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics. 

FAQs On 13 Best Masters In Automotive Engineering | Schools, Requirements, Cost

Automotive engineering deals with the design, manufacture, and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems.

1. Recognized Bachelor Degree.
2. Proof of Language Proficiency.
3. Relevant Professional Job Experience.
4. Letter of Motivation.
5. Letter of Reference.

It takes about 2 years to complete a master’s in the automotive engineering degree program. However, some can be completed in a shorter period let’s say one year while others (especially part-time programs) take a longer time.

Here are the top universities where you can study the best masters in automotive engineering degree programs:

1. Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
2. University of Leeds, United Kingdom
3. RWTH Aachen University, Germany
4. RMIT University, Australia
5. University of Michigan
6. University of Hertfordshire
7. TH Koln University of Applied Sciences.
8. TU Dortmund University.
9. University of South Wales
10. Loughborough University
11. Birmingham City University
12. Clemson University
13. Vilnius Gediminas Technical University

Conclusion

To move with the continuous changes in the automotive engineering word, there is a need for continuing education. With a masters in automotive engineering degree, you wouldn’t only get specialized automotive engineering knowledge, you’ll also develop new skills

The article above provides you with vital information on the top universities that offer masters in automotive engineering degree programs in the world.

I hope this helps you in your decision making process.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

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