Automotive mechatronics is a rapidly growing field, driven by the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and the need to improve fuel efficiency, emissions, and safety. As a life-cycle activity, it involves the multidisciplinary integration of automotive mechanical and electronic systems, including sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and other components, to create intelligent and responsive systems that can adapt to changing conditions.

During the Automotive Mechatronics MSc, you will gain skills across automotive-specific mechanics, electronics, communication, advanced control and modelling, preparing you to respond to the clear demand in the sector for graduates with advanced skills and education in this specialised field.

Overview

  • Start dateOctober
  • DurationOne year full-time
  • DeliveryTaught component (40%), Group project (20%), Individual research project (40%)
  • QualificationMSc
  • Study typeFull-time
  • CampusCranfield campus

Who is it for?

This course is designed for students with a solid engineering, mathematics or applied science undergraduate degree, who want to strive for a skill set which combines electrical, mechanical, digital control systems and physical system modelling.

Why this course?

Cranfield's MSc in Automotive Mechatronics is unique in its combination of engineering and mechatronics and prepares students for careers in an ever-evolving automotive industry. Our reputation among organisations and senior players in the sector makes our graduates highly attractive and sought-after, and our strategic industry links means that as a student you will benefit from a high level of engagement with potential employers. The very design of the course is application- and industry-focussed, and as a student you will present your project work to a panel of automotive professionals, providing you a unique opportunity to build your professional network.

Cranfield University is uniquely located in close proximity to a concentration of automotive, motorsport and technology manufacturers, and during the course you will have the opportunity to take part in group visits organised in collaboration with our industry partners. We are also well located for visiting students from all over the world, and offer a range of library and support facilities to support your studies.

Informed by Industry

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc is directed by an Industrial Advisory Panel comprising senior engineers from the automotive sector. This maintains course relevance and ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required by leading employers. You will have the opportunity to meet this panel and present your individual research project to them at an annual event held in July. Panel members include:

Rod J Calvert OBE - (Chair), Consultant Automotive Management Consultant
Steve Miles, Director of Engineering TECNIQ
Peter Stoker, Director - Vehicle Engineering Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd
Stefan Strahnz, Chief Engineer - Business Process Transformation Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Formula One
Paul McCarthy, Chief Engineer - Performance, Controls & Integration JCB Power Systems
Steve Swift, Vehicle Engineering Director Polestar Automotive UK Ltd, Managing Director Leadfoot Limited, Co-Founder Balance Batteries
Doug Cross, Managing Director Leadfoot Limited, Co-Founder Balance Batteries
Steve Henson, Business Development Director Barclays UK Retail and Business Bank
David Hudson, Head of EV Strategy ePropelled Limited
Keith Benjamin, MD Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Tobias Knichel, Managing Director Punch Flybrid Limited
William Hylton, Chief Engineer for Electrical Systems Polestar
Dr Charlie Wartnaby, Chief Engineer Applus IDIADA
Julie Stears, Chief Engineer, Engineering Quality Jaguar Landrover
Sally Leathers, Director of Software & EE Architecture McLaren Automotive

Course details

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc is made up of nine taught compulsory modules, which are generally delivered from October to March. During the first term, you will take modules in core automotive subjects, such as vehicle dynamics, design, vehicle performance, powertrain technology and vehicle structures.

In the second term, you will undertake a bespoke programme of study geared towards a greater understanding of physical systems, advanced control system design and rapid prototyping.

Course delivery

Taught component (40%), Group project (20%), Individual research project (40%)

Group project

You will undertake a substantial group project between October and March, which focuses on designing and optimising a particular vehicle system/assembly. This is designed to prepare you for the project-based working environment within the majority of the automotive industry.

Presentations are arranged to the Industrial Advisory Panel members (consisting of practising automotive engineers and managers), academic staff and fellow students, to market the product and demonstrate technical expertise. These presentations give you the opportunity to develop your presentation skills and effectively handle questions about complex issues in a professional manner.

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc Group Design Project presentations will be held on 8th March 2018. If you would like to attend please contact SASAutocourses@cranfield.ac.uk 

Individual project

After having gained an excellent understanding of methods and applications, you will work full-time (May to September) on an individual research project. This research project will allow you to delve deeper into an area of specific interest, taking the theory from the taught modules and joining it with practical experience. A list of suggested topics is provided, and includes projects proposed by staff and industry sponsors, associated with current research projects.  

It is clear that the modern design engineer cannot be divorced from the commercial world. In order to provide practice in this matter, a poster presentation and written report will be required from all students, and the research findings presented to the academic staff as well as the Industrial Advisory Panel members.

Modules

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.


Course modules

Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

Automotive Mechatronics Induction

Aim
    To introduce the programme and the courses and the facilities available at Cranfield.
Syllabus
    • Team working
    • Project management
    • Various interpersonal skills: report writing and presentation skills 
    • Various MS Office training packages
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will:

  • Have an appreciation of the Automotive Mechatronics Masters programme and course philosophy, structure, content, teaching methods, staff and administration.
  • Be familiar with key facilities (internal and external to Cranfield) and resources such as the library, computer network and careers service.
  • Have essential, fundamental knowledge prior to the study including a range of computing-related skills.
  • Have experienced team building and other interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication skills.
  • Appreciate the importance of time/project management throughout the study.
  • Appreciate the importance of health and safety at workplace.

Automotive Control and Simulation

Aim

    • To equip you with the skills needed to understand, design and assess single-variable feedback control algorithms using classical control techniques for use in automotive systems.
    • To introduce you to MATLAB and Simulink, industry-standard CAD tools for control system design.

Syllabus

    The module will provide knowledge in advanced control design tools and techniques and advance analytical methods in designing multivariable controllers with applications in the automotive engineering area. The theory of the multivariable controls will be introduced and then their use will be illustrated and developed by example applications. The theory and applications will be interleaved with selected associated topics (listed below) as appropriate through the module.

    The material will be addressed theoretically and practically: all lecture-based teaching will be supported by practical exercises using MATLAB and Simulink.
    • Revision of key concepts (covered only in outline)
    o Representing mechanical and electrical systems using differential equations
    o Use of Laplace methods
    o Transfer functions, poles and transmission zeros, and frequency responses
    o Convolution and time-domain responses

    • Creating computer models in MATLAB and Simulink
    o Introduction to MATLAB programming
    o Introduction to modelling and simulation in Simulink
    o Linear system analysis in MATLAB
    o Finding operating points and linear models using MATLAB and Simulink

    • Classical control concepts
    o Key feedback concepts: stability, tracking performance, noise/disturbance rejection
    o Relationships between closed-loop functions S(s), T(s) and loop-gain L(s)
    o Nyquist stability criterion for stable systems, gain/phase margin and Bode diagram

    • Classical control design
    o Frequency-domain loop-shaping
    o PID design and its relationship to frequency-domain loop-shaping
    o Introduction to prefilter design and ‘feed-forward’
    o Actuator saturation, noise and integrator wind-up

    • Estimator (state observer) design
    o Introduction to linear state-space representations
    o Estimator design using pole-placement methods



Intended learning outcomes
  • On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
    1. Evaluate an automotive system (in terms of its performance, robustness, and sensitivity to noise and disturbances) using classical control concepts and methods.
    2. Design feedback control algorithms to meet specified performance requirements using frequency-domain ‘loop-shaping’ methods and PID techniques, and to understand trade-offs and limitations on what can be achieved.
    3. Create Simulink simulations of multi-domain automotive systems suitable for performance analysis and control system design, and assess control systems with these models.
    4. Evaluate operating points and construct linearized state-space and transfer function modules using MATLAB and Simulink.
    5. Construct a linear observer (state estimator) using pole-placement methods, and inspect its behaviour using MATLAB and Simulink.

Vehicle Dynamics

Aim
    • To provide a fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics as applied to wheeled vehicles.

    • To introduce students to road vehicle ride and handling, from requirements to analytical modelling and practical viewpoints.

    • To link understanding of vehicle dynamics, ride and handling to the practical implications for suspension and steering system design.

Syllabus

    The module will provide knowledge in vehicle dynamics ride and handling from subjective and objective requirements to analytical methods in developing passive ride and handling models. 

    Core topics:

    1. Vehicle ride, ride modelling and terrain modelling 
    2. Vehicle handling, steady-state and transient handling
    3. Tyre characteristics and tyre modelling 
    4. Suspension system types, typical designs and practical implications
    5. Kinematics, wheel motion control, instantaneous centres of rotation
    6. Steering system, steering kinematics and compliance.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of vehicle dynamics models, including first principles, associated assumptions and implications to numerical simulations.
  2. Critically evaluate vehicle ride and handling performance and the role of tyre and suspension characteristics.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals and practical issues of vehicle suspension and steering systems and their influence on ride and handling. 
  4. Critically evaluate suspension and steering designs, including layout, geometry and materials.
 

 

Vehicle Powertrain and Performance

Aim

    This module aims to:

    • Provide students with an understanding of vehicle concepts and designs, including major systems, assemblies and components.
    • Enable students to establish approaches and procedures to analysing and predicting vehicle performance.
    • Enable students to critically evaluate the integration of different alternative powertrain options
     
Syllabus
    • Basic vehicle characteristics: Vehicle concepts, static and dynamic loads and weight distributions, front, rear and all-wheel drive.  Adhesion coefficient and influencing factors. Traction, braking and resistance to motion. 
    • Legislation: Introduction to regulations.
    • Internal Combustion Engines: Types and characteristics: torque, power and fuel consumption. Emissions. Drive Cycles.
    • Vehicle performance:  Maximum speed, hill start and climbing. Fixed and variable gear ratios: number and distribution of gear ratios.
    • Braking performance: Brake force distribution. Calculation of required braking characteristics. Brake and braking system designs and characteristics.
    • Driveline: manual and automatic transmissions.
    • Vehicle as a complex system: Understanding conceptual and compatibility issues regarding vehicle structure, engine, transmission, suspension, packaging and influence on vehicle performance.  
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  1. Assess the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of various vehicle concepts and various vehicle, system and assembly designs using valid criteria. 
  2. Propose quantified high-level powertrain designs to meet specified requirements with appropriate use and sizing of internal combustion engines and transmission components.
  3. Contrast common vehicle architectures taking into account their performance characteristics and underpinning technologies.
  4. Estimate resistances to motion, assess powertrain system characteristics, and calculate fundamental vehicle performance (max. speed, acceleration, gradient, fuel economy, battery capacity / driving range, etc.). 
 

Mechatronics Modelling for Vehicle Systems

Aim
    • To provide a fundamental understanding of physical modelling applied to vehicles mechatronic systems.
    • To introduce you to modelling techniques, from basic methodology to graphical modelling and practical viewpoints.
    • To illustrate the role of first principle and data-driven modelling.
Syllabus

    Course content includes:
    • Introduction to mathematical modelling
    • Modelling from first principle
    • Newtonian and Lagrangian modelling
    • Electric circuits and networks
    • Modelling from data and system identification
    • Modelling of delays
    • Block diagram reduction
    • Powertrain backward and forward modelling
    • Modelling for vehicle dynamics and tyre-surface interaction
    • Modelling with Matlab/Simulink

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Compare and criticise the different analogies that can be made between all system dynamics.
2. Experiment with fundamental concepts of mechatronics systems to design simplified system dynamics models.
3. Evaluate and construct mechatronics models using state-space models derived from system identification, Newtonian equation and Lagrangian equations.
4. Construct state-space equations for the purpose of control system design.
5. Appraise mechatronics models and the simulations results obtained within the context of practical automotive design concepts, performance and constraints.

Advanced Control and Optimisation

Aim
    • To provide knowledge of advanced control engineering theory and techniques and their application to automotive control.
    • To introduce students to the tools and methodology associated with multivariable control design techniques.
    • To provide students with practical experience in designing and simulating advanced modern controllers within the context of multi-domain automotive systems.
Syllabus

    The module will provide knowledge in advanced control design tools and techniques and advance analytical methods in designing multivariable controllers with applications in the automotive engineering area. The theory of the multivariable controls will be introduced and then their use will be illustrated and developed by example applications. The theory and applications will be interleaved with selected associated topics (listed below) as appropriate through the module.

    The material will be addressed theoretically and practically: all lecture-based teaching will be supported by practical exercises using MATLAB and Simulink.

    Prior to the start of the module, you are expected to have reached a high standard of expertise in advanced classical control and the use of MATLAB and Simulink for control system design. As a guideline, you should have met the intended learning outcomes for the module ‘Automotive Control and Simulation’ before commencing this course.  

    • Modelling multivariable systems
    o Describing multivariable systems using state-space representations
    o Using norms to describe the sizes and behaviours of signals and systems
    o Modelling uncertainty, noise and nonlinearities
    o The Nyquist stability criterion and robustness

    • Using optimisation in multivariable control
    o Representing feedback using state-space techniques
    o Pole-placement techniques
    o Optimal control using the Linear-Quadratic Regulator (LQR)
    o Introduction to Model-Predictive Control (MPC)

    • Estimator design
    o Multivariable estimator design using pole-placement techniques
    o Optimal estimator design for linear systems using the Kalman Filter
    o Introduction to optimal control using Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) techniques
    o Introduction to nonlinear Kalman filtering techniques

    • Neoclassical control
    o SISO design using the Youla parameter technique
    o Direct shaping of S(s) and T(s) and the associated stability criteria

    • Robust control
    o H∞ control methods: ‘mixed sensitivity’ and ‘H∞ loop-shaping’
    o Estimating robust performance using the v-gap metric

    • Reference conditioning using prefilters and two degree-of-freedom compensators (covered in outline only)

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Create theoretical and computer models of multivariable automotive systems suitable for use in control design.
2. Apply different advanced control techniques to automotive control problems.
3. Design control algorithms for automotive systems using MATLAB and Simulink (commercial software packages).
4. Design state estimators for multivariable automotive control systems using established techniques.
5. Judge the suitability of a given control technique to a particular application in the context of automotive control.

Vehicle Control Applications

Aim

    ​​The aim of this module is to cover a range of applications of Control Theory and Artificial Intelligence techniques in different components of a modern vehicle including engines, electric motors, energy storage, steering, chassis, suspensions, advanced driver-assistance systems, etc.

Syllabus
    • Motor control
    • Engine control
    • Battery state estimation and control
    • Electric and hybrid-electric powertrain control systems
    • Vehicle steering control
    • Vehicle suspensions and chassis control
    • An introduction to automated driving and autonomous land vehicles
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. ​​Critically evaluate the physical configuration of a vehicle sub-system and be able to formulate new control design solutions appropriate for integration within a vehicle.
  2. ​Appraise a set of vehicle performance targets for higher levels of automation and safety, more energy conservation and less environmental impacts and be able to select the most appropriate control methods and design techniques to meet the vehicle specification.
  3. ​Analyse and evaluate different simulation models including vehicle control architectures.

Embedded Vehicle Control Systems

Aim

    Within the context of modern automotive control system, the aim of this module is for you to critically evaluate the different technologies and methods required for the efficient vehicle implementation, validation and verification of the automotive mechatronic system.

Syllabus

    Course content includes:

    • A review of modern automotive control hardware requirements and architectures.
    • The evaluation of current and future vehicle networking technologies including, CAN, LIN, MOST and Flex-ray.
    • The evaluation of control rapid prototyping techniques to design and calibrate the control algorithm.
    • The use of modern validation and verification methods, such as software-in-the-loop, and hardware-in-the-loop techniques.
    • The role of Functional Safety and ISO26262 within the overall control system life-cycle.
    • The evaluation of the interdependency between software engineering and control system design within the automotive industry including the use of software auto-coding techniques for production and the use of advanced test methods for the validation of safety-critical systems.


Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Analyse the components of an automotive control systems and its implementation.

2. Design and implement a digital controller.

3. Evaluate the effect of sampling times, communication delays and quantization errors in a feedback loop.

4. Construct efficient Matlab code for data coding/decoding and control algorithm implementation.

5.  Appraise the purpose of the ISO26262 functional safety standard and the AUTOSAR standardized automotive software design.

Vehicle Electrification and Hybridisation

Aim

    The aim of this module is to empower the students with the capability to analysis, synthesis, and evaluate various technologies and integration challenges associated with the electric and hybrid vehicles. The module is structured to provide an in-depth knowledge and expertise for design and development of the main systems, components, architectures of the Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. The module includes case-studies of commercially available Hybrid and Electric vehicles and current research projects.

Syllabus
    Course content includes:
    • Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles systems and powertrain architectures.
    • Introduction to Electric Motors, Power Electronics and Electric Drives, and Motor Control.
    • High voltage electrical architectures and the integration of power electronics systems
    • Automotive energy storage systems:
      o Batteries, ultracapacitors, flywheels and hydraulic accumulators
      o System design, integration and energy management
    • The integration of electrical machines and their electric drive systems
      o Technology options
      o System design and sizing
    • The mechanical integration of the hybrid propulsion system including the use of split-path transmissions
    • Energy Management and supervisory control for CO2 reduction, fuel saving, vehicle performance and driveability
    • The role of energy recovery systems including regenerative brake strategies and vehicle integration challenges
    • Modelling, simulation and analysis of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles and its sub-systems, using model based approach, including Mil, SiL, and HiL
    • Recent Electric and Hybrid vehicle technologies case studies

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Evaluate the different Hybrid & Electric powertrain architecture options and be able to propose appropriate solutions within realistic performance, fuel economy, emission and commercial constraints.
2. Evaluate energy storage and energy management technology options for a hybrid or electric vehicle and be able to judge between different technologies relative to a given vehicle application and overall system design.
3. Demonstrate an ability to design and/or size different Hybrid and Electric Vehicle sub-systems, within the context of vehicle usage, weight, packaging, and range constraints.

Accreditation

The Automotive Mechatronics MSc is accredited by:

  • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Institution of Mechanical Engineers logo

Institute of Engineering logo

 

I believe Cranfield was the best choice for me because automotive mechatronics is the future of the automotive industry. We work in different principles like electrified vehicles, autonomous vehicles and lots more that cover all automotive aspects. I have really enjoyed all of the modules, and am looking forward to writing my thesis – it’s really important that Cranfield provides a company-based thesis for our future.

Cranfield’s industry links are very useful because we have the ability to network staff in different companies, inside the automotive industry. Through this networking, we can use this knowledge to go further.
The industry links and the amount of external people that have come to the university to teach us for specific topics of the applied study. For example, we had someone come in for vehicle dynamics – just to cover tyre dynamics. Then we had other people just covering suspension, and people from specific fields which was very, very interesting – and how we apply it at laboratories in the assignments that we do.
I chose Automotive Mechatronics due to my interest in control/mechatronics and because the automotive field is an exciting industry to go into, especially with the ongoing transition to electric vehicles. The lecturers are all very knowledgeable and have a lot of experience in their fields, which shows in their lectures.

The course has provided me with an MSc in the kind of field I want to go into. I have learned many invaluable skills and tools which I’m sure I will use in my future career. I’d recommend the course to anyone who wants to pursue a career in control/mechatronic systems within the automotive or motorsport industry.
The automotive world always attracted me, and after I was granted an Erasmus scholarship to Cranfield, I took the chance to specialise in the field. In particular, the focus on mechatronics and up-to-date studies was key for my career and future development in the automotive sector.

I have been a development engineer in the Porsche engineering service since November 2017. I am in charge of simulation in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) projects, I supervise a bachelor thesis and enrolled in a project with international partners, which includes concept development and series production.

Your career

This course will take you on to an excellent career as a qualified engineer of the highest standard in the field of Automotive Mechatronics, capable of contributing significantly to the increased demand for experts in the field of vehicle electrification. The broad application of automotive mechatronics opens a wide range of career opportunities within the automotive sector. 

Expected careers paths for graduates who have successfully completed the MSc in Automotive Mechatronics include further research or employment within internationally leading vehicle manufacturers and engineering consultancies and tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry.

Job roles that students have gone into include:

  • Senior Electrical & Electronic Design Engineer
  • Research And Development Engineer
  • Automotive Consultant Engineer
  • System Validation Engineer
  • R&D Engineer
  • eMobility Senior Systems Engineer
  • Senior Analysis Engineer
  • Vehicle Simulation Engineer
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Senior Test Engineer
  • Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Lead Functional Safety & Systems Engineering
  • Automation and Systems Engineer

Companies that have recruited graduates of this course include:

  • Airbus
  • Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
  • Bosch Engineering GmbH
  • Cosworth Ltd
  • Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Limited
  • Nissan Motor Corporation
  • Red Bull Powertrains
  • Tata Technologies
  • Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.

How to apply

Click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to start your online application.

See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.