The MSc is a milestone to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You’ll develop a professional approach to your work and extend your engineering expertise, while gaining transferable skills, such as creative problem-solving, effective communication, project management and concept realisation. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies by choosing an option module in applied mathematics, environmental management, innovation management or systems thinking. Working as part of a small project team, including at a UK-based residential weekend, you’ll design and present a solution to a real-world engineering problem, before concluding with an in-depth investigation of a topic of your choice.
Code
F46
Course type
Masters Degree
Level
Postgraduate
Credits
180
Length
Part-time – 3 years
Start dates
May 2027
November 2027
Study method
Distance learning
This course is accredited by a number of professional bodies:
Develop your planning, organising, data collecting, analysing and writing skills
Extend your knowledge of recent research
Progress to professional qualifications
Prepare for a research degree
The first two-thirds of this MSc are the same as our Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering (E22).
Code
F46
Course type
Masters Degree
Level
Postgraduate
Credits
180
Length
Part-time – 3 years
Start dates
May 2027
November 2027
Study method
Distance learning
Modules (180 credits)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits.
Stage 1
You'll study two 30-credit engineering modules and choose 30 credits from a range of option modules, followed by a 30-credit team engineering module.
Modules
Credits
Next start
You'll study both of the following:
Manufacture materials design (T805)
This module introduces materials processing from a design engineer's perspective, exploring the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
30
01 May 2027
Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808)
Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
30
01 Nov 2027
You'll choose one from:
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)
This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory.
Next start date: 02 Oct 2027
See full description
30
02 Oct 2027
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)
This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3.
Next start date: No current presentation
See full description
30
No current presentation
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)
Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems.
Next start date: No current presentation
See full description
30
No current presentation
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
Draw on theoretical perspectives from strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical approach to technological innovation management.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
30
01 May 2027
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)
This module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and waste pollution.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
30
01 Nov 2027
Making environmental decisions (T891)
This module teaches a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
30
01 Nov 2027
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892)
This module provides the background knowledge and practical skill set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
30
01 May 2027
Technology and innovation management (TB801)
Examine innovation from a management perspective, and develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
30
01 May 2027
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
Build your capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
30
01 May 2027
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
30
01 Nov 2027
Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.
While the credits you achieve from the undergraduate modules MS327 or MST326 will contribute to the credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to your overall classification.
You'll study the following:
Team engineering (T885)
This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team.
Next start date: 22 Jan 2027
See full description
30
22 Jan 2027
Stage 2
You'll study a 30-credit project management module and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
Modules
Credits
Next start
You'll study the following:
Project management (M815)
This APM-accredited module is for aspiring and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in managing technological projects.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
30
01 May 2027
MSc project: researching in context (T803)
T803 is the capstone module of multiple masters qualifications, during which you’ll complete a small research project.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
30
01 Nov 2027
Subject to regulations, if you begin the 60-credit Research project (T802) by October 2028, you may count this instead of T803 and M815. You may still study M815 in place of one of the option modules.
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module T847, you may count this instead of T803.
What you'll learn and the skills you'll gain
By studying the MSc in Engineering, you’ll:
Develop advanced engineering capability – Deepen your understanding of scientific principles, mathematical methods and engineering practice across specialist areas.
Analyse and solve complex engineering problems – Apply rigorous approaches to create innovative, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose solutions that meet user requirements.
Build strong professional competence – Lead projects responsibly, work ethically and address environmental, legal and safety considerations in contemporary engineering contexts.
Strengthen transferable skills – Communicate effectively, collaborate in teams and manage significant independent work at a senior professional level.
You’ll study through guided online learning with tutor support and practical, project-based activities.
Awarded qualification
You’ll be awarded a Master of Science in Engineering upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MSc (Eng) (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
International recognition
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
MSc in Engineering
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the MSc in Engineering part-time, completing 60 credits per year over a three-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week.
The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.
You must complete the MSc in Engineering within eight years.
Supporting you every step of the way
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Manage your studies on the module website
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
a weekly study planner, along with course materials like readings, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module discussion forums and collaborative activities to connect with other learners
a clear overview of assignments and due dates
tools to book tutorials, access online tutorial rooms, and contact your tutor.
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Dedicated tutor support
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
Live online tutorials
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
How your learning is assessed
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Computer-Marked Assignments – often multiple-choice questions completed online.
Tutor-Marked Assignments – tasks like essays, questions, experiments, or other activities. You’ll submit them by a set deadline and receive detailed feedback from your tutor.
End-of-Module Assessments – These are the final marked assignments for most modules. Modules with an end-of-module assessment usually don’t have an exam.
Exams – Some modules have exams you will sit remotely. However, we regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination methods used in this qualification to include in-person exams or online invigilated exams.
If you have a disability or additional need
The Open University provides advice and guidance to help students who have disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties or mental health difficulties.
We can offer information about accessibility and ways to help you engage with your studies.
Some study materials and activities may present particular accessibility challenges, depending on your needs.
Support options vary, and in some cases, you may be eligible to apply for the UK Government’s Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) for additional help.
Contact us as early as possible for advice about what support may be available.
For more information, visit our Disability support page.
Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.
Other support and resources
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
access to the OU’s extensive online library, filled with study resources
the ability to use other university libraries across the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, offering study tips and support
free access to Microsoft Office 365 software
IT support through our Computing Helpdesk
the chance to connect with the OU community.
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
Entry requirements for this course
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
However, some option modules do have entry requirements. We’ll ask you to prove you meet them when you register for any of these modules:
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)
Mathematical methods and fluid dynamics (MST326)
Although this qualification has no entry requirements, we recommend you have:
A UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject with a high mathematics content.
Minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores of:
Reading: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Listening: 5.5
Overall: 6.0.
Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.
Have you studied before?
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2026/27 academic year.
Modules starting in the 2027/28 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.
We’ll publish updated 2027/28 fees and funding information in March 2027.
Tuition fee in England
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. Since module fees can vary, the total cost of the qualification will depend on the modules you choose. The fee for each module is listed in its description.
Total fee for qualification at current prices
£11,490–£11,984*
What's included?
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
You’ll need your own computer and internet access.
The compulsory module T885 includes two UK-based residential weekends. You'll need to cover travel to and from the venue.
The option module M820 offers an optional study weekend (in person and online) at an additional cost. If you attend in person, you’ll also need to cover your travel and, if required, accommodation costs.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
What are my funding options?
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Postgraduate loans in England
Get a non-means-tested maintenance loan of up to £13,206, paid directly to you.
Your first instalment is paid after you’ve started studying an eligible postgraduate qualification.
Repayments only start when you earn over the current income threshold of £21,000 a year.
Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA)
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Card payments
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
Employer sponsorship
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Bank transfers and mixed payments
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
Additional support
You may be eligible for:
help with funding a postgraduate qualification if you're an OU honours graduate looking to build on your first degree
help with study-related costs like set books and internet access
a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit
support from our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund for a full Open University qualification if your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service.
Career relevance
The knowledge and practical experience you gain during your postgraduate studies mean you’ll be well placed to take advantage of the many senior engineering and technology employment opportunities available in the UK and abroad. At the same time, you’ll be developing capabilities that employers highly prize in a variety of other sectors, where your logical thinking, numeracy skills, and teamwork abilities will be in demand.
Accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the professional institution(s) below under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer when combined with an accredited honours degree like our own Bachelor of Engineering (Q65).
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer when combined with an accredited honours degree like our own Bachelor of Engineering (Q65).
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer when combined with an accredited honours degree like our own Bachelor of Engineering (Q65).
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer when combined with an accredited honours degree like our own Bachelor of Engineering (Q65).
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, a website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
How to apply
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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How to apply
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
