Automotive Electronic Engineering MSc (PGCert PGDip)
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Overview
Modern cars contain dozens of microprocessors, several interconnected communication networks, entertainment systems, safety critical software, diagnostics and much more. The amount of electronic and software innovation within a modern car arguably outstripped mechanical innovation some time ago. This places automotive electronics at the cutting edge of technology and makes the design of electronic systems very challenging and rewarding. Furthermore, alternative fuel and hybrid technologies have much to contribute to minimising carbon footprint and harmful emissions.
Our long record of automotive engine combustion research for top car manufacturers and consultancies has provided us with leading edge expertise and infrastructure. We have created a unique masters degree that will provide underpinning knowledge coupled with both technical and practical know-how to enable you to pursue a rewarding career in the fast-growing automotive electronics industry or a PhD within our active research teams or elsewhere.
Our world-leading industrial partners also provide lectures making this degree absolutely up-to-date. The year-long course consists of autumn and spring terms in which you will study subjects such as automotive control, sustainable power-train technology, engine control unit design, communications, automotive sensors and actuators, power electronics, EMC and real-time software. Then, over the summer term, you will undertake an individual project in which you can focus on an area of interest in the domain of automotive electronics.
Course duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
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Course content
Course structure
The course consists of 180 credits; eight 15-credit modules taught between September and April, and a 60 credit project that may be either industry or research-based.
Examples of previous projects can be seen by clicking on the More about this course link.
Areas of study
Automotive Control Systems introduces you to control strategies and their use within the automobile and road network.
Power Train Engineering examines the forms of power plant used in automotive applications in cars, commercial vehicles and for high performance. Methods of improving engine performance, efficiency and emissions control are reviewed. Developments in existing engine forms (direct gasoline injection etc) are evaluated.
Sustainable Automotive Power Technology provides you with the understanding, knowledge and expertise in relation to modern and future power units necessary for the development of an environmentally and economically sustainable transport system. It takes a look at hybrids and alternative fuels, energy storage and infrastructure as well as legislative drivers and social impacts.
Automotive Communication Systems will provide knowledge and understanding of in-car networks such as FlexRay and CAN and other infrastructure technologies such as TCP/IP and GPS. Issues such as safety criticality and reliability are examined as well as the growing area of infotainment. Part of this module is taught within the Vetronics Research Centre.
Embedded Processor Systems is provided as preparation for advanced microcontroller work and will benefit those applicants with little or no knowledge of microcontrollers and little programming experience. C programming for real-time embedded applications is taught in a hands-on environment and by the end of the course you will have implemented low-complexity spark-ignition engine control software.
Engine Control Unit Design builds on Embedded Processor Systems by using advanced microcontrollers to investigate critical issues of real-time implementation using the application area of engine control. Time-criticality, multiple interrupts, data representation and manipulation, diagnostics, software development and testing and the use of sophisticated peripheral devices are also covered.
Sensors and Interfacing examines the range of sensors used in today?s vehicles and how these would be interfaced to microcontrollers. Examples of sensors that feature in this module would be temperature, pressure, position, distance, velocity, torque and flow. As part of this module you will design and build analogue interfaces and also perform experiments on the sensor system of an engine in one of our engine test bays.
Power Electronics and Actuators looks in detail at the power electronic topologies and devices needed to control high power. Given the increasing use of hybrid technology the course looks at dc-dc converters, battery charging as well as EMC. This module includes the design and testing of power interfaces.
Syllabus
Automotive Control Systems
Power Train Engineering
Sustainable Automotive Power Technology
Automotive Communication Systems
Embedded Processor Systems
Engine Control Unit Design
Sensors and Interfacing
Power Electronic and Actuators
Dissertation/project
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Entry requirements
Typical entry requirements
individual offers may varyFor non-native speakers of English:
IELTS minimum 6.0 overall and 6.0 in writing, or equivalent qualification.Degree and/or experience:
Normally a 2.2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in an electronic engineering or mechanical engineering discipline. Prior qualifications and/or experience may count towards certain modules. -
Location
Location
Moulsecoomb -
Career opportunities
This unique masters degree equips graduates with essential knowledge coupled with both technical and practical know-how enabling them to pursue a rewarding career in the fast-growing automotive electronics industry or a PhD within our active research teams or elsewhere.
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Fees and costs
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.
To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.
Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
Automotive Electronic Engineering (MSc) (Full time) [P1BH015] UK/EU (Full Time) 4,500 GBP Island Students (Full Time) 9,450 GBP International (Full Time) 13,500 GBP -
More details
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Apply online
You should not apply unless you can meet all the entry requirements for this course. Please contact the course team before applying if you are unsure about any of the specific entry requirements.
Entry requirements
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS minimum 6.0 overall and 6.0 in writing, or equivalent qualification.Degree and/or experience:
Normally a 2.2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in an electronic engineering or mechanical engineering discipline. Prior qualifications and/or experience may count towards certain modules.