Postgraduate students confidently staring into the camera at night time

GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS WITH EVERY MASTER'S DEGREE

Course overview

You will delve into advanced engineering principles while simultaneously honing your management skills. This course integrates real-world case studies, industry projects, and practical experiences, providing you with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real challenges. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not just academically proficient but also adept at solving complex, real-world problems.

There is a global demand for business engineering managers, and this course bridges that gap by creating the future leaders of the engineering sector. Upon successful completion of this degree, you will be awarded the CMI certificate. This qualification will provide a clear pathway for progression towards the ultimate management and leadership achievement, becoming a chartered manager. Your future as a leader in the world of engineering and management begins here.

More time. More experience. More impact.

This course offers the opportunity to extend to 22 months through our Professional Practice route*. You’ll need to meet the criteria and secure a suitable placement.

Why Engineering Management at Aston University?

Professionally accredited*

Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Global Employability

Gain a global perspective through international content which will teach you about industry abroad and enhance global employability

Athena Swan Gold

Taught in conjunction with the Triple Accredited Aston Business School and Athena Swan Gold, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Professional experience

Opportunity to extend your studies and gain real-world experience through our professional practice route.

Orhoghene's story

Orhoghene talks us through why she chose to study MSc Engineering Management at Aston University.

We're serious about employability

As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants.

Gain a competitive edge

As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.

Course description

MSc Engineering Management

The MSc Engineering Management curriculum is a dynamic blend of academic insights and real-world applications, ensuring that you graduate with the practical knowledge demanded by today's competitive job market.

What we will provide
First-class teaching, in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse and wide range of academics, who are active researchers and industry experts, will bring the course content to life. You will be able to make use of world-class facilities to delve into practical lab sessions to develop your research project. The free CIM membership will allow you to access development materials and opportunities from this course's accrediting* body.

What you will provide
We are looking for students from a STEM background who have a willingness to learn, are adaptable, and can work both independently and collaboratively. It is important to have an ethical awareness, as engineers in management positions must navigate ethical dilemmas, developing and making decisions with integrity is crucial.

What skills we teach
This course will elevate your leadership capabilities through a curriculum that places a priority on strategic thinking and decision-making. From project management and entrepreneurial insights to organisational leadership and ethical business practices, you'll develop the skills needed to drive success in any engineering-related career.

Professional practice year
If you meet satisfactory academic performance and have secured a suitable professional experience, you will have the option to be transferred onto our MSc Engineering Management including Professional Practice programme.

Taking the professional practice route allows you to extend the duration of your masters to 22 months and gain valuable working experience to support your career aspirations. The placement commences after the completion of your MSc dissertation and can be paid work, study abroad exchanges or unpaid research projects or even a mix of these options. You will return to Aston the following May for an intensive period on campus to draw all your learning together and finalise the assessments.

Career prospects
Armed with a unique blend of engineering expertise and management acumen, graduates of the MSc in Engineering Management are ready to take on strategic leadership roles. From project management to executive positions, you'll be well-equipped to steer organisations toward success in today's fast-paced and competitive business environment.

Professional accreditation
*This programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

How you will learn

Teaching and learning will take place via a variety of methods. As well as traditional in-person and online lectures and seminars, you will benefit from practical lab sessions working with software packages, participate in interactive quizzes and surveys with your peers, and experience simulation workshops.

This degree has strong ties with industry, throughout the course, there will be guest seminars, lectures and workshops hosted by our partner organisations and accrediting* body. You will also get the chance to experience industry practices first-hand through on-site visits.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also be supported with your research from the beginning of the course going through practical research methods and different database sessions, whilst also having the support of your dissertation supervisor throughout.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

Throughout the master’s year, you will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and applied perspectives of engineering management and leadership. You will also have the opportunity to develop your areas of interest through a range of specialist modules and the completion of a major project. You will undertake real-life projects throughout your course with modules taught using industry-related case studies and current research in the field. We are uniquely positioned, in the heart of UK engineering and manufacturing, to be able to welcome guest speakers from leading companies to share their experiences with you. Field trips to regional businesses will give you a real insight into the industry. By the end of the programme, we aim to equip you with the specialist strategic and operational knowledge you'll need to become a future leader in engineering management.

You will have the opportunity to join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals through course-relevant societies including:

Partnering with Seven Trent, get involved in their innovative challenge Wavemakers where you will work as part of a team to find a solution to one of the key issues facing the water industry.
Apply your course knowledge by participating in industry-related conferences, getting the chance to present your research.
Expand your professional network by networking at CIM events, workshops, and conferences

Course objectives

Develops the management and leadership skills of practising engineers. Particular emphasis is placed on taking a strategic view of business and how, most effectively, to work with and lead a diverse range of people who represent the business stakeholders
Enables you to define better their roles in an engineering business, particularly in the areas of manufacturing and new product development, and to make an effective transition from being a technical specialist to becoming a managerial leader
Provides where possible, an opportunity for you to link the taught modules to industrial practice through a dissertation linked to industry
Enhances lifelong learning skills and personal development to enable you to work independently and contribute to business and society

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Strategic Management and Finance in Engineering	15
Engineering Project Management	15
Human Resources and Change Management in Engineering	15
Aston Global Advantage	15
Product Induction Processes	15
Management in an Engineering Enterprise	15
Total	90

You will choose one of the following streams:*

Engineering Management Stream	Credits
Customer Engagement in Engineering Enterprise	15
Operational Effectiveness, Lean and Agile Manufacturing	15

Sustainable Engineering Stream	Credits
Environmental Regulations and Impact Assessment	15
Pathways to Net Zero	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Apply a comprehensive knowledge-base of management, social science, and financial modelling techniques and apply them effectively to advanced management questions within engineering enterprises.
Integrate knowledge from a wide range of core management areas (e.g. strategic corporate finance, customer/client engagement, human resources, change management, new product development and introduction, lean and agile operational effectiveness, project management, and methods of research) and apply that knowledge within engineering enterprises.
Reflect critically on current professional practice and analyse fruitfully problems in the discipline of engineering management.
Describe and explain the management principles and techniques underpinning the solutions to management problems and processes within engineering enterprises, including an evaluation of their limitations
Identify and characterise the managerial aspects and performance of engineering enterprises.
Following the extraction and collation of data, integrate and apply advanced analytical methods, technical knowledge, and modelling techniques in the development of creative and effective practical solutions to management problems arising within engineering enterprises.
Evaluate engineering management practices and processes identifying sources of risk and mitigation strategies in relation to areas such as environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, health and safety, recycling, and ethical recruitment.
Conduct an independent piece of scholarly research into engineering management utilising a range of theoretical skills, knowledge, and understanding.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Facilities

Immerse yourself in a learning environment that leverages cutting-edge technology and resources. Aston University invests in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that you have access to the tools, software, and infrastructure necessary for hands-on exploration and experimentation. From computer labs to student study spaces for individual and collaborative work, you'll have access to the resources necessary to delve into the world of engineering management.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent with some quantitative content (e.g., engineering or science) or evidence of quantitative ability (e.g., A Level Mathematics)
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,800

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including course work, individual and group assignments, video creation, presentations, on campus and online exams including open and closed book and final your major project, which will account for a third of the total credits required to complete the course successfully.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

Career prospects

Engineers and engineering skills are in very high demand across a range of sectors around the world. Our Engineering Management masters course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to develop an exciting career in advanced technology.

Graduates from our Engineering Management masters course have moved on to build successful careers internationally across energy, utility, manufacturing and other technology-based businesses. They have taken on a range of roles with many working as part of multidisciplinary teams including in product design, procurement, supply chain and quality activities.

Beyond the classroom, our Careers and Placement team are committed to your career success. Benefit from career development services, workshops, and placement opportunities that empower you to navigate the competitive job market and secure positions in top-tier companies.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Engineering Management MSc at Aston University?

This course will give you the knowledge, skills and experience you need to move into senior management roles in the engineering or manufacturing sectors.

Does the accreditation matter?

Yes. Gaining an accredited masters will give you the experience and skills you need to develop a successful career, potentially at the highest levels in the industry.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What is the Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme?

Aston’s Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme means you get more than a degree; you will graduate with an industry internship and the experience and skills employers around the world are looking for.

We guarantee an internship to all full-time students studying a taught master’s programme at either our Birmingham or London campus, including MA and MSc programmes, for students joining Aston in the 25/26 or 26/27 academic year.

It is open to both international and UK students, and there is no charge to register or participate in the scheme.

Our multi award-winning Careers and Placements Team will work with you to secure your industry internship which you will complete part-time, taking no more than 20 hours per week. The precise hours and timing will depend on each employer’s requirement, but will fit around your study timetable.

The duration of the internship will usually be around two months, but could range from around one month up to six months.

Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme