Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme covers the core engineering and systems-level topics needed to design, develop and integrate electric vehicles. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, hands-on laboratories and project work. Typical taught modules include:

• Electric and Hybrid Powertrain Technologies — principles of electric motors, inverters, transmission choices and hybrid architectures.
• Battery Systems and Energy Storage — electrochemistry fundamentals, cell and pack design, state-of-charge/state-of-health estimation and battery management systems.
• Vehicle Dynamics and Control — dynamic modelling of EVs, regenerative braking, torque vectoring and advanced vehicle control strategies.
• Motor Drives and Power Electronics — converter and inverter topologies, motor control methods and thermal management of power electronics.
• Thermal and Energy Management — cooling strategies for batteries and power electronics, HVAC considerations for electric vehicles and energy optimisation.
• Modelling, Simulation and Data Analysis — use of simulation tools (for example MATLAB/Simulink and industry-standard packages) for system design and testing; data-driven methods for diagnostics.
• Manufacturing, Materials and Systems Integration — design for manufacture, lightweight materials, safety and regulatory considerations specific to EVs.
• Group Design Project — a collaborative, multidisciplinary design or build challenge that reflects industry practice and problem-solving under time and resource constraints.

The programme culminates in an independent MSc project or dissertation where students undertake focused research or a practical engineering development task related to electric vehicles, supported by academic supervisors and access to laboratory facilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (equivalent to a UK 2:1) in engineering, automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic/electrical engineering, or a closely related science subject. Candidates with a lower second class degree plus relevant professional experience may be considered. Practical experience in industry, motorsport or vehicle-related projects is advantageous.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English proficiency. Typical requirements include a recognised qualification such as IELTS or an equivalent test at a level that demonstrates the ability to study at postgraduate level.

All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis; applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement, references and, where relevant, examples of previous project work. International applicants should check specific qualification equivalencies and visa requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to technical and leadership roles across the automotive and mobility sectors. Common career paths include:

• Electric vehicle powertrain engineer (motor, inverter and transmission integration)
• Battery systems engineer or battery test and validation specialist
• Control systems engineer for vehicle dynamics and energy management
• Systems integration engineer working for OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers
• R&D engineer in companies developing charging infrastructure, energy storage or power electronics
• Consultant or technical specialist in low-emission vehicle programmes and fleet electrification
• Further study or research roles, including PhD opportunities in automotive electrification and sustainable transport

Graduates are well-placed for roles in vehicle manufacturers, supplier companies, independent engineering consultancies, testing and certification laboratories, and electric mobility start-ups.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes has a long-established reputation in vehicle and motorsport engineering education and strong links with industry across the UK. The university combines academic expertise with applied teaching, offering students access to specialist laboratories, vehicle test facilities and simulation resources that support hands-on learning.

Students benefit from close engagement with real-world projects, opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and enterprise. The course team includes staff with research and consultancy experience in automotive electrification, and students can draw on the university's networks to secure placement opportunities, industry projects and professional contacts within the automotive and mobility sectors.