Engineering Projects & Systems Management MSc
Subject and course type
- Engineering, Electronics and Robotics
- Postgraduate
Our Engineering Projects & Systems Management MSc meets, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a chartered engineer. So if you have an accredited BEng (Hons), this MSc will fulfil the overall educational base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
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Learn and apply project and resources management skills to real-world scenarios
This course, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), provides the key skills you need to apply the principles of project and resources management within an engineering field.
Throughout this course, you will have the chance to:
- visit sponsoring engineering companies and attend industrial exhibitions
- listen to outside speakers who will keep you informed of the latest developments in industry
- work on industrially-oriented case studies and projects, so you can learn from real-world examples
- develop your business, management and entrepreneurial skills
At our Roehampton Vale campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology, including:
- large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour
- engine-testing facilities, plus several display engines, such as a V6 Ford Cosworth and a 3-cylinder orbital direct injection engine
- industry-standard test and experimental equipment for metrology, robotics, rapid prototyping, fatigue and quality control
We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software. Computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics
- virtual instrumentation
The recently enlarged-library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals. The Graduate Centre, exclusively for postgraduate students, provides space for private study, meetings and socialising.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.
The course offers the latest techniques used globally. The modules help to enhance your skills in terms of project management, and prepare you for a project manager role in the industrial market.
Why choose this course
Our Industrial Advisory Board, including industry leaders such as National Instruments, Thales and industrial bodies such as The IET, SEMTA and the IMechE, ensures that the course content reflects the changing needs of industry and provides support in terms of course content and equipment.
We also continually develop excellent industrial links throughout many countries. Some industrial partners we have worked with in the past are:
- Matra-Marconi Space Ltd
- Ericsson
- Balfour Beatty
- The National Health Service
- British Gas
Throughout the course, you will learn how to identify, evaluate and propose solutions to critical engineering systems management areas that need improvement. You will examine the elements of a successful engineering business and explore how to find solutions to critical engineering management problems.
Using management techniques and resource optimisation, you will develop the skills you need to boost operations, productivity and competitiveness. For example, through learning about how to implement appropriate hardware and software systems. You will also gain an understanding of business efficiency and international marketing appropriate to engineering fields.
Activities include interactive lectures, problem-based learning, laboratory work, team building and case studies. There will also be plenty of opportunities to engage in hands-on software workshops and group activities.
Through an individual project, you will gain expertise in a chosen field to suit your career. Your project allows you to build on your academic knowledge and extend your in-depth knowledge in your area of specialisation.
As a result, you will improve your current technical portfolio with a spectrum of engineering operations and project management skills. Thereby enhancing your ability to apply for senior engineering management roles.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
The MSc will meet, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng(Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.
It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.
- Further learning details are available on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
- All accredited degrees are displayed on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
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). 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.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
Course content
You will learn how to apply advanced project management and resource optimisation skills, and will be able to identify, evaluate and recommend solutions to critical engineering management problems that need improvement. You will study the important ingredients of running a successful business, and how to improve its operations, productivity and competitiveness by using different management techniques specific to engineering companies. You will be able to develop and manage new projects more effectively and within the given constraints in functions, cost and time. You will also learn how to expand your business through using the latest e-commerce and IT techniques.
Throughout the course you will have many hands-on sessions to practise what you have learned in the classroom. You will gain practical skills through using specialist software in operation management, quality analysis, business decision modelling, supply chain management and resources simulation. The project dissertation will allow you to develop a chosen field of knowledge which will complement your career ambition. Teamwork, group presentations, case studies and industrial speakers are other highlights of the course, enhancing your learning experience and employability.
Your MSc project will give you the opportunity to further specialise in a chosen field. We provide careful consultation to make sure you choose the right project topic (from a wide-ranging list) for your career ambitions. Many projects are company-oriented, which means that you have the opportunity to deal with real-world problems in your chosen subject.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Please note: Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
Core modules
15 credits
This module explores the various management techniques commonly used in the industrial sector to improve its operational efficiency, overall productivity, and global competitiveness. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how these operational challenges are being tackled and managed by engineering companies worldwide, and case studies will be used to gain further insight of how advanced operations management techniques are implemented by these companies in order to improve their overall business performances.
The module content covers both strategic and operational issues including plant location, supply chain management, distribution logistic, customer service process, production capacity planning and control, inventory management, quality control, productivity and performance measurement, materials handling, and equipment maintenance policies.
30 credits
Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge required to select and justify a research topic and then to plan and execute that research project. Research is a broad topic covers a variety of activities that range from undertaking a project as part of an academic programme, through research and development in the commercial environment, to acquiring information to inform projects undertaken as part of routine business practice. This module introduces research in these contexts and allows you to develop your own research plan. As part of the module, you will consider setting research questions and determining hypotheses, acquire relevant information and data, apply suitable analytical techniques, and evaluate the significance and potential applications of their research findings. You will also develop your innovation skills through a combination of workshops and team working, resulting in submission of an innovation proposal aimed to address UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The module covers many practical aspects surrounding research in the commercial environment including intellectual property and professionalism, and sustainability is embedded throughout the module both in course content and via development of the innovation proposal.
60 credits
Drawing on previous knowledge and experience, the dissertation module allows you to study an area of interest within your chosen field in significant depth. In undertaking the dissertation, you will develop not only a deeper understanding of your subject area but will also be able to demonstrate a high level of autonomy in terms of project dissertation planning and management. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and, through your own efforts, apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The main output from the module is a final report but the option is available for you to prepare their work in the format of an article suitable for submission to a relevant conference or journal.
15 credits
Risk management is crucial in engineering projects as it anticipates potential uncertainties, allowing proactive planning and resource allocation. It enhances decision-making, maintains project schedules, and prevents budget overruns. Effective risk management instils stakeholder confidence and ensures project quality. By addressing risks early, teams can implement mitigation strategies, optimise resource use, and improve long-term project viability.
This module comprehensively addresses the process of engineering project management and risk analysis. You will gain insight into project lifecycle stages, risk identification and assessment, mitigation strategies, communication, stakeholder management, project monitoring, reporting, and technological integration for effective risk management. Upon completion, you should be well-equipped to lead successful engineering projects while proactively managing potential risks.
30 credits
This module is practical and project-oriented. It allows you to work in a group in a stimulating and creative environment, and to make use of the learning and competencies you have developed throughout your studies. Its objective is to enable you to participate in an independent research/review on a chosen topic within your subject area that suits your learning purpose and need. You are also expected to implement the project under the guidance of your supervisors to ensure you develop experiences in integrating the different knowledge and skills which you acquired from various subjects in the programme for the purpose of advancing your professional scholarship and competence in the related fields of practice.
Through successful completion of this module, you will deliver a tangible project outcome and simultaneously secure deeper conceptual and practical understanding, as well as develop your applied competencies at the intersection of operations, business, and project management knowledge, thus enhancing your employability.
15 credits
This module focuses on using advanced management techniques, including simulation and business modelling, in an engineering company to maximise the utilisation of its finite resources in order to become more competitive. These techniques include discrete event simulation, business modelling, linear programming, and human resources optimisation, with the main aim to improve the company's overall operational efficiency, competitiveness and profit.
The intended module topics cover both local and global horizons of running a successful business by teaching companies they may benefit from using simulation techniques in streamlining their operations and resource deployment through a benchmarking process. Through extensive hands-on practical, you will learn how to use sophisticated simulation software to improve resources utilisation in different business scenarios.
Throughout the module, you will learn not only the theoretical techniques of management skills, but also to apply the knowledge you gain and evaluate the results through developing complex business simulation models, therefore enhancing your employability potentials.
Optional modules
15 credits
This module is structured in a way to develop an in-depth understanding of computer-aided design techniques such as solid and surface modelling that can support the development of engineering products. This module also aims to help you develop a fundamental understanding of the role of these technologies within a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
15 credits
To ensure that products and services have the quality they have been designed for, a quality strategy throughout the organisation is required. This approach to the management of quality throughout the entire organisation has evolved to what is generally known as Quality Management Systems (QMS). The focus of this module is to inform students about the fundamental principles of QMS and its implementation using various tools and techniques.
This module will start off with an overview of QMS with an emphasis on ISO 9000 series, which is a key building block in an organisation's approach to total quality management (TQM) and strategic process improvement (SPI). This will lead to the next topic which is the selection of tools and techniques, and the typical problems found in their use and applications. The final part of this module will cover key concepts of specific quality management techniques such as quality function deployment (QFD), design of experiments (DoE), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), statistical process control (SPC), benchmarking, business process re-engineering (BPR), value stream mapping (VSM) and Six Sigma. All these will be vital in enhancing your employability skills, especially if you're interested in working in quality management sectors.
Professional Placement
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
As an engineering graduate, with both technical and management skills, you will be highly sought after and well prepared for senior positions.
The market for graduates of the MSc Engineering Projects & Systems Management is continually growing. This programme, with its balanced diet of theoretical and practical contents, will prepare graduates well for the senior technical and management positions in a range of industry such as:
- oil and gas resources management
- avionics logistics management
- project management
- supply chain and logistics management
- changed management
- factory and plant operation management
- public sector and education
- manufacturing management
- production control and inventory management
- transportation systems design
- warehouse and logistics simulation
- resources management and simulation
- software development
Graduates roles include:
- Project leaders and managers
- Manufacturing plant engineers/managers
- Operation managers
- Business IT consultants
- Quality managers
- Profession in higher education
- Research and development engineers
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
The MSc will meet, in part, the academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng(Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.
It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, who do not also have an appropriately accredited honours degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their first qualification individually assessed through the individual case procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.
- Further learning details are available on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
- All accredited degrees are displayed on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers website
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). 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.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
This course, like many postgraduate courses at Kingston University, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 17% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
- Year 1: Coursework 100%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Engineering Projects & Systems Management MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat, hard hat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range between £25 and £100. You may also need to purchase equipment, such as safety gloves, when going on site visits. This may cost up to £50.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to interview, they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
I chose my course at Kingston because it perfectly aligns my background in engineering with my desire for a management degree. This fusion of fields reflects my career aspirations and opens doors to diverse opportunities. The strong reputation of Kingston's program, coupled with its exceptional faculty and resources, made it the ideal choice to propel my career forward.
Please go for STEM courses if they interest you. Don't step back due to gender, race or religion. Girls' brains are equally capable of doing math, building a circuit board or repairing a broken computer, I promise!
The world needs more and more creative brains to come up with sustainable solutions and losing 50% of the population (women) won't do. The more women engineers out there, the more this ‘all-male' system will adjust.
