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MSc in Engineering

This MSc allows you to combine modules from engineering analysis and technology to shape a qualification that suits your career aspirations. The course will help you develop a professional approach to your work and extend your engineering skills. You’ll also develop a range of transferable skills such as the ability to solve problems creatively, communicate effectively, manage projects and turn concepts into reality.

Masters degree

Course code: F46
Credits: 180
How long it takes: Minimum 3.5 years
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Find out more in Why the OU?
Course cost: Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about entry requirements.

Course details Entry requirements Careers

Course details

Modules

There are two routes through this qualification:

Route 1 for students starting their studies from November 2019 onwards.
Route 2 for students who started their studies before November 2019. If you’re following this route, you must complete your studies by 31 December 2024.

Route 1

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)

30 credits from List A:

Module	Credits	Next start
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804) T804 covers basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses as well as dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how to make components, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T881 and T884

60 credits from List B:

Module	Credits	Next start
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) M820 Calculus of Variations and Advanced Calculus covers functionals, Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, First-integral, Noether’s Theorem, Second variation/Jacobi equation and Sturm–Liouville systems. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019
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 2019
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804) T804 covers basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses as well as dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Making environmental decisions (T891) T891 ‘Making Environmental Decisions’ 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 2019
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) NEW 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 2020
Managing for sustainability (T867) This module will increase your understanding of delivering and supporting sustainability management in your workplace or support your personal interest in this subject. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812) ¹ Enables postgraduate students to take a learning approach to managing change in complex and problematic situations, using systems ideas and their own and other perspectives. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019 FINAL
Managing technological innovation (T848) This module explores the processes that underpin technological innovation an understanding of which is crucial whether you are a user or producer of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how to make components, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
Project management (M815) ² Postgraduate module for aspiring project managers and practicing project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. APM accredited. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
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 Nov 2019
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ³ 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	05 Oct 2019
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ³ 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	05 Oct 2019
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module TU811
¹TU812 will be replaced with a new module – Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) – from November 2020.
²If you intend to follow the professional route in Stage 2, don’t choose M815 in Stage 1 – you’ll study it later on.
³You may choose only one of these two modules. While 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.

30 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Team engineering (T885) ⁴ Do an engineering project as a member of a team. You’ll work together online and meet up with your team at the two residential weekends. See full description Register	30	13 Sep 2019
⁴To begin T885, you must have successfully completed 90 credits of postgraduate study towards this qualification. You may, however, enrol on T885 while still studying the last 30 of the 90 credits.

Stage 2 (60 credits) – you must complete Stage 1 first

You will choose either:

a research route
a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Research project (T802) This research module enables you to gain an MSc by building on your existing postgraduate diploma. You’ll design your own research and submit a dissertation. See full description Register	60	01 Oct 2019

Professional route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Project management (M815) Postgraduate module for aspiring project managers and practicing project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. APM accredited. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
The MSc professional project (T847) This highly intensive research based module enables you to design, conduct, analyse and report on a research project of your own choosing. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that the 60 credits from Research project (T802) must be unique to this qualification and not already counted towards any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Route 2

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1

30 credits from List A:

Module	Credits	Next start
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) Advanced mathematical methods using the algebraic computing language Maple. Perturbation expansions, accelerated convergence, Padé approximations, asymptotic expansions, eigenvalue problems, Green’s functions. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019
Analytic number theory I (M823) This entry-level pure mathematics module introduces several concepts from number theory, and culminates in a proof of Dirichlet's theorem on prime numbers in arithmetic progressions. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019
Analytic number theory II (M829) Sequel to M823, based on the second half of Apostol’s Introduction to Analytic Number Theory. Includes a proof of the prime number theorem. See full description	30	No current presentation
Applied complex variables (M828) M828 covers a range of techniques which are basic tools for applied mathematics, and which have a basis in complex variable theory. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019 FINAL
Approximation theory (M832) This module, based on M.J.D. Powell’s ‘Approximation Theory and Methods’, will develop your understanding of the mathematics behind many methods of approximating functions and data. See full description	30	No current presentation
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) M820 Calculus of Variations and Advanced Calculus covers functionals, Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, First-integral, Noether’s Theorem, Second variation/Jacobi equation and Sturm–Liouville systems. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019
Capacities for managing development (T878) This module builds the competence and confidence to manage development, local and global, more effectively, and bring about greater social equality and justice. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Coding theory (M836) This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures, with associated encoding/decoding procedures and applicability, concluding with elements of cryptography. See full description	30	No current presentation
Conflict and development (T879) Combining theoretical concepts with practical tools, this module explores the causes of conflict, the impact conflicts have on development, and actions that can help mitigate conflicts. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Data management (M816) Discover the data management principles, practices and technologies required to develop policies, procedures and systems that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of an organisation’s data asset. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Development: context and practice (T877) This module provides a conceptual framework for analysing the complex, contested contexts in which development takes place, and a critical analysis of development management practice. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Digital forensics (M812) M812 covers the history of forensics, both criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices as well as forensic readiness. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
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 2019
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804) T804 covers basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses as well as dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Fractal geometry (M835) This module deals with the geometry of fractals, sets that are often very beautiful and contain copies of themselves at many different scales. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019
Information security (M811) Explore the professional and technical skills necessary to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of your organisation's information security. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Institutional development (TU872) This module analyses institutions, identifies their significance for development, examines how to build inter-organisational relationships, and explores the skills of mapping, modelling, negotiation and brokering. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Making environmental decisions (T891) T891 ‘Making Environmental Decisions’ 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 2019
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) NEW 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 2020
Managing for sustainability (T867) This module will increase your understanding of delivering and supporting sustainability management in your workplace or support your personal interest in this subject. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812) ¹ Enables postgraduate students to take a learning approach to managing change in complex and problematic situations, using systems ideas and their own and other perspectives. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019 FINAL
Managing technological innovation (T848) This module explores the processes that underpin technological innovation an understanding of which is crucial whether you are a user or producer of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how to make components, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
Multilayer switching - CCNP 3 (T826) T826 presents the opportunity to study the Cisco Professional course CCNP-SWITCH. You will deploy and manage highly available switching technologies for internetworks using Cisco equipment. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020 FINAL
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and CCNA Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) The theory of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is introduced with emphasis on geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the determination of stability and periodicity of solutions. See full description Register	30	05 Oct 2019
Optimising networks - CCNP 4 (T827) T827 presents the opportunity to study the Cisco Professional course CCNP-TSHOOT. You will resolve issues, based around complex routing and switching scenarios using remote labs. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Project management (M815) ² Postgraduate module for aspiring project managers and practicing project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. APM accredited. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
Software development (M813) Gain the fundamental knowledge and understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills that you will need to develop software artefacts fit for a real-world organisational context. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
Software engineering (M814) Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Space science (S818) ³ This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies needed for space missions. See full description Register	60	25 Jan 2020
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 Nov 2019
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M826, M865, M873, M876, M882, M883, M885, M886, M887, M888, M889, M891, ME825, S802, S804, S809, S819, S825, SD825, SEH806, SH804, T822, T823, T824, T825, T835, T837, T839, T840, T846, T850, T851, T852, T853, T862, T863, T881, T882, T883, T884, T889, T890, T894, TD866, TU811, TU870, TU871 and TU875
¹TU812 will be replaced with a new module – Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) – from November 2020.
²If you intend to follow the professional route in Stage 2, don't choose M815 in Stage 1 – you’ll study it later on.
³ 60-credit module of which only 30 credits count towards this qualification

60 credits from List B:

Module	Credits	Next start
Capacities for managing development (T878) This module builds the competence and confidence to manage development, local and global, more effectively, and bring about greater social equality and justice. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Conflict and development (T879) Combining theoretical concepts with practical tools, this module explores the causes of conflict, the impact conflicts have on development, and actions that can help mitigate conflicts. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Development: context and practice (T877) This module provides a conceptual framework for analysing the complex, contested contexts in which development takes place, and a critical analysis of development management practice. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
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 2019
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804) T804 covers basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses as well as dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Institutional development (TU872) This module analyses institutions, identifies their significance for development, examines how to build inter-organisational relationships, and explores the skills of mapping, modelling, negotiation and brokering. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Making environmental decisions (T891) T891 ‘Making Environmental Decisions’ 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 2019
Managing for sustainability (T867) This module will increase your understanding of delivering and supporting sustainability management in your workplace or support your personal interest in this subject. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) NEW 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 2020
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812) ¹ Enables postgraduate students to take a learning approach to managing change in complex and problematic situations, using systems ideas and their own and other perspectives. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019 FINAL
Managing technological innovation (T848) This module explores the processes that underpin technological innovation an understanding of which is crucial whether you are a user or producer of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how to make components, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
Multilayer switching - CCNP 3 (T826) T826 presents the opportunity to study the Cisco Professional course CCNP-SWITCH. You will deploy and manage highly available switching technologies for internetworks using Cisco equipment. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020 FINAL
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and CCNA Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
Optimising networks - CCNP 4 (T827) T827 presents the opportunity to study the Cisco Professional course CCNP-TSHOOT. You will resolve issues, based around complex routing and switching scenarios using remote labs. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019
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 Nov 2019
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T822, T823, T824, T825, T835, T837, T838, T839, T840, T846, T850, T851, T852, T853, T862, T863, T881, T882, T883, T884, T889, T890, T894, TD866, TU811, TU870, TU871 and TU875
¹TU812 will be replaced with a new module – Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) – from November 2020.

30 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Team engineering (T885) Do an engineering project as a member of a team. You’ll work together online and meet up with your team at the two residential weekends. See full description Register	30	13 Sep 2019
⁴To begin T885, you must have successfully completed 90 credits of postgraduate study towards this qualification. You may, however, enrol on T885 while still studying the last 30 of the 90 credits.

Stage 2 (60 credits) – you must complete Stage 1 first

You will choose either:

a research route
a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Research project (T802) This research module enables you to gain an MSc by building on your existing postgraduate diploma. You’ll design your own research and submit a dissertation. See full description Register	60	01 Oct 2019

Professional route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Project management (M815) Postgraduate module for aspiring project managers and practicing project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. APM accredited. See full description Register	30	01 May 2020
The MSc professional project (T847) This highly intensive research based module enables you to design, conduct, analyse and report on a research project of your own choosing. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2019

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 20th March 2019.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded an MSc in Engineering entitling you to use the letters MSc (Eng) (Open) after your name.

You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

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

Entry requirements

For Stage 1, you should normally hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject with a high mathematics content. If you don’t have an honours degree, you may still be able to study this qualification by demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level – contact us.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.

Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, will introduce you to the nature of Master's level study. It offers essential preparation for pursuing your learning at this level – and is free.

How long it takes

The minimum time to complete this qualification is three years and six months. The maximum time to complete is eight years.

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 are highly prized by employers in a variety of other sectors, where your logical thinking, numeracy skills, and team working abilities will be in demand.

Accreditation

Combining an accredited honours degree with our MSc in Engineering will fulfil the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status. We have accreditations with:

Visit the Engineering Council’s website for details of current accreditation, including qualification specialism requirements and time limits.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

MSc in Engineering

Masters degree

Course details

Modules

Route 1

Route 2

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Accreditation

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Course details

Modules

Route 1

Route 2

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Accreditation

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