Accessibility statement

Ask a question Ask a question Register nowRegister Request ProspectusProspectus

Course type: Masters degree
Credits: 180

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes: 3 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

MSc in Engineering

: Course code: F46

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 school, 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.

This course is accredited by a number of professional bodies:

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
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. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026

Option modules	Credits	Next start
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. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹ 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. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹ Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Making environmental decisions (T891) This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
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. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
¹While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 180 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.
Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
Team engineering (T885) This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team. See full description Register	30	11 Sep 2026
You must complete all other Stage 1 modules before starting T885.

Modules	Credits	Next start
Project management (M815) This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
MSc project: researching in context (T803) T803 is the capstone module of multiple masters qualifications, during which you’ll complete a small research project. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module T842 or T847, or you complete T802 before April 2028, you may count one of these instead.

Core option modules	Credits	Next start
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
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. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T804, T881 and T884.

MSc in Engineering

Modules

Route 1

Route 2

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Computing requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Accreditation

Request your prospectus

The Open University

Explore

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Policy