Automotive Electronic Engineering
MSc (PGCert PGDip)
-
Course summary and entry requirements
Course duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
About the course
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.
Typical entry requirements
Individual offers may vary.
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.For equivalent international qualifications
We can help you meet our English language entry requirements
For help meeting English language requirements contact our
Language Institute.We can help you meet our academic entry requirements
For help meeting academic entry requirements contact our
International College.If you cannot find your country listed, please email admissions@brighton.ac.uk
-
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
-
Fees and costs
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.
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.
What's included in the fee?
When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.
You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.
Our website www.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 -
Location
Location
Moulsecoomb Located to the north of Brighton city centre, the Moulsecoomb campus offers students an excellent learning environment and a wide range of facilities. It is the largest of our five campuses with over 8,000 students.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Brighton
Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.
Social scene
Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Arts
The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.
Sports
Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.
-
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.
-
More...
Find out more01273 642428
Email cemadmissions@brighton.ac.uk
Visit the school that delivers this course